Child-birth or, The happy deliuerie of vvomen VVherein is set downe the gouernment of women. In the time of their breeding childe: of their trauaile, both naturall, and contrary to nature: and of their lying in. Together with the diseases, which happen to women in those times, and the meanes to helpe them. To which is added, a treatise of the diseases of infants, and young children: with the cure of them. Written in French by Iames Guillimeau the French Kings chirurgion.

THE HAPPY DELIVERIE OF WOMEN .

Wherein is set downe the Gouernment of Women .

In the time Of their breeding Childe : Of their Trauaile , both Naturall , and contrary to Nature : And Of their lying in .

Together with the diseases , which happen to Women in those times , and the meanes to helpe them .

To which is added , a Treatise of the diseases of Infant and young Children : with the Cure of them .

Written in French by IAMES GVILLIMEAV the French Kings Chirurgion .

LONDON Printed by A. HATFIELD . 1612.

Ad Authorem . TErgeminam meritò laudem sibi vendicet Author Cui Matris curae est , cui Puerique salus . Faem● Laudabit te iure Puerpera ; grates Vir quoque pro saluâ coniuge , Letus aget . Inque tuum primos Infans formabit honorem Risus , cum tumidi carceris exit onus . Infans , Vir , Mulier , pro vitâ vota rependant : Chara tibi coniux , pignora chara ferao .

THE AVTHORS Epistle Introductory to the Reader .

ALthough that man be the most perfect & absolute of all other cretures , neuerthelesse , so weake is he by Nature , & so subiect to infinite infirmities , that Diuine Hippocrates hath urged him , to be euen sicknes it selfe from his very birth : He is not fit ( saith he ) to bee imployed in any businesse while be sucketh : because h●e wholly depends vpon the helpe of another : afterward when he comes to more yeares , hee grows stubborne , and vnruly , and wants a M●ster to giue him instruction : Againe , when he is growne to the prime of his age , hee becomes audacious and proud . At last in his declining time , he falls into misery , hauing nothing left him , but the remembrance of his labours ill bestowed .

Pliny noteth , and experience shews it to be true that the ill sent only of a Candle new put foorth , is enough to destroy a child in the mothers wombe , so that shee may be forced to fall in trauaile , and be deliuered before her time , vnlesse her strength be the greater to resist the offence . And although the child stay the full time that nature hath prefixed him : yet commonly he is not able to get foorth , or come safely into the Worlde ( yea though the birth be naturall ) without the helpe not onely of the Mother , and himselfe : but also of the Mid-wife and other women about her ready to receiue and cherish him : And which is worst of all ; if he be placed awry , or else be weake and faint , or else if the midwife be at the farthest of her skill ; then if they will saue the child , and so consequently the mother from death : they must call a Chirurgion to deliuer her , and bring the child into the world : which ( that I may touch it by the way without taxing any ) is commonly done too late eyther through the wilfulnesse of the kinsfolks , or obstinacy of the Midwiues .

But grant that the childe comes into the world of it selfe , without the helpe either of Chirurgion or Midwife : yet ( as it is commonly said ) he drawes his death after him : the which may be plainely perceiued by the cryes and laments which he maketh as soone as he seeth the light , as if hce craued for helpe and succour . For if he should continue in that case that hee comes from his mothers wombe , clogged with his bed or after-birth , without doubt this bedde being putrified , would infect the child , and at length kill it . Besides , oftentimes if there were not helpe to make a free passage , in the fundament , yard , or other naturall places , that are sometimes closed vp , there could neither sustenance be receiued , nor excrements expelled , which would cause the child to be stifled , and choked vp .

Many times also the head , and other parts of the bodie , ( as the bones and legges ) happen to be ill shapen , yea broken and out of ioint , which would neuer come of themselues , into their proper and naturall place . There , then is it necessary that the Chirurgion vse his helpfull and skilfull hand : So that euery man may plainly see the necessity and Antiquity of this worke : since that the first practise in Chirurgery , that euer was done in the world , was the Omphalotomia , or cutting of the Nauell , which Adam and Eue practised on their first child .

These therefore are the Motiues that haue induced me to publish this discourse , and therin to treat of such diseases as happen to women with child .

And heerein I haue endeuoured to helpe them both in their naturall , and extraordinary trauaile : and to ease them in all such accidents , as may happen vnto them in their childbed : being the rather incited thereunto , by reading the complaints of Women , related by Soranus . O malè occupatum virorum genus ! occidimur nos non morimur : & ab illis qui inter vos peritissimi existimantur perperam curatae . Vos de qualibet leuissimâ vestratum affectionum , libros ex libris facientes , bibliothecas Voluminibus oneratis ; de nostris intereà diris et difficillimis cruciatibus nullâ vel exiguâ mentione facta .

O men , how ill doe you bestow your time , and paines ! Alas , wee women die not , but are tormented euen to death : For those that are accounted the most expert and skilfull among you , take not that care of vs which they should : you fill whole Libraries with large volumes & writings of euerie light and triuiall disease of your owne making little or no mention at all , of our cruell and insupportable torments .

I had purposed aboue fifteene yeares since , to haue written somwhat concerning this subiect in my books of Chirurgery : but hauing more maturely considered thereof , I thought it fitter to write a Treatise of it by it selfe : which it deserueth both for the difficultie of the subiect , and for the variety of the matter which I was desirous to obserue therein : And indeede this worke excelleth all other , which are practised vppon the body of man : whether ye respect the Antiquity , Necessi●y , or dexterity thereof .

For the Antiquitie : without doubt the first worke in Chirurgery , that euer was in the worlde , was the cutting of the Nauell which , ( as is saide before ) Adam practised vppon his first borne .

Concerning the necessity : some perhaps may obiect , that the bringing a bed of women , is not so necessary a worke as these following :

To stay the fluxe of bloud , whether it bee in veine or Arterie ; to vse the Trepan ; to open the Empyema , or suppuration in the breast ; to cut one that hath the Dropsie ; or to let bloud skilfullie : For the fluxe of bloud it may bee further saide , that vnlesse it bee stopped by leesing the bloud , the life also is endangered . But we must consider , that the bloud oftentimes staying of it selfe , and experience euidently shews , that nature , which is wise and prouident doth commonly restraine , and stop it . I haue beene present in many skirmishes , ( yet farre enough out of gunshot , where I haue dressed many that were wounded , who haue had the great vessels in many parts of their bodies cut , and bruised , hauing lost much bloud vppon the hurt , and yet it hath stopped and stayed of it selfe . Some wil say , that he who hath his scull cl●ft by a wound is in danger of death , if the bloud that is shed vpon the Membrane , be not taken foorth by the meanes of the Trepan ; For this bloud would be wholly putrified , and withall , corrupt the braine , the chiefe instrument of life , and whose vse is more then necessary . Notwithstanding wee see , that in many , the filth and ma●ter comes foorth by the Nose , Eares , and mouth , without being trepanned , yea , that it passeth euen through their bones . Wee may say the like of such which haue the Dropsie , or Empyema , the breast of the one is full of Corruption , & the others belly full of water : they both choake and stifle , vnlesse the Chirurgion make incision : in the one making a Paracentosis , in the other opening the Pleura .

Yet neuerthelesse we see , that he which hath an Empyema or suppuration doth oftentimes expell the matter , and filth , by the mouth or vrine ( the waies beeing manifest , by which nature doth vnburthen her selfe ) and he that hath the Dropsie auoideth the water , eyther by vrine , or stoole , yea , and by sweat , or by some little vent which Nature makes in some part of the body , as in the Nauell or legges : which we obserue by daily experience in many men : and therefore wee may perceiue , that these practises are not alwaies , so necessary , and requisite .

For letting bloud ; you will say , that hee hazards his life , ( and that sodainely ) who beeing oppressed , and troubled with a great paine of his head or side , is not speedily let bloud ? because the bloud that boyleth in his veines , striueth onely to come foorth ; I will answere : that Nature very often sends it foorth by the Nose , Mouth , Eies , and Eares : by stoole also , and other parts , disburthening her selfe to the sicke Mans ease and profit : But It is not so in the deliuery of women ; for if the entrance of the wombe be closed , ( as it is seene in diuers ) whether it be naturally , by reason of a strong and thicke membrane , which shutteth vp the passage : or other wise , because some scarre happening there , hath hardned , and shrunke vp the sides of the necke of the said wombe : it would be impossible that nature should euer be able to separate , and breake through th●se impediments : for as for the one , it is hard for a penne or quill to passe there , and for the other , you cannot put in a small probe through the little hole which is in the middest of the membrane . And yet I haue had the experience thereof in two women , which were neuer the lesse with child , as I will shew more at large heereafter . So that either the Chirurgions helpe must bee vsed , or else both the Mother and the child would die miserablie .

Some may obiect vnto mee , that the Mother might open the passage her selfe by tearing the parts so bound by the scarre , & breaking through the said membrane ? But what will you answere me , for her which hath her child turned awry and lies double in her wombe , and falleth into a Convulsion , or fluxe of bloud , or both together . The Mother not being able eyther to turne it , or pull it foorth , especially if the head of it bee intangled and fastned betweene the bones of os Pubis , so that it is impossible to turne it , safe and sound , except the Chirurgion vse his industry and skill .

Now for the dexteritie : there is no comparison betweene this and other practises ; for there be no workes to be done in Chirurgery ; where it is not necessary , to haue the benefit either of daylight or candle light , and the part which is to be handled , and dressed must be apparent and laid open to the eye .

Whereas contrariwise in this worke as well by reason of the company present , as also , least the woman should be afraid , the very entrance , whereby hee should put in his hand , they are constrained to hide : and then his hand being there , he must search for the child ) howsoeuer it be placed ) not being able to see it . And if there be found two , three , or foure Children , yea , sometime fiue ( as Albertus Magnus reporteth , hee saw in Germanie , a Woman that brought foorth to the number of threescore and fiue children , beeing deliuered euerie yeare of fiue ) then ( I say ) I leaue you to iudge what skill and dexteritie the Chirurgion ought to vse in seeking them one after another if they come amisse .

On the other side , as often as a woman is well deliuered by the helpe and hand of the Chirurgion , there life is giuen to two , to wit : to the Mother and the childe . And therfore as this worthy man saith , In partu inuocatur dei auxilium : quaeritur enim & parturientis & nascentis salus . When a woman is in trauaile , they call vppon God for helpe : because they desire to saue both the Mother and the child . Now in all other practises , though they attaine to their wished end , yet can there bee but one onely saued at once . Whereby it may be iudged , that this practise is both for the Antiquitie , Necessitie , and dexterity thereof , the most laudable and commendable of all others .

To make the which more easie , and the better to instruct the young Chirurgion : I haue gathered together all that I could possibly , out of that which I haue obserued this forty yeares and aboue , wherein I haue practised it , and seene it practised , in the greatest families both within , and without this Kingdom , where , thanks be to God , good vse hath beene made of me . And withall I haue not refused nor disdained to go vnto the meanest , mooued partly by Charity , and partly to make my selfe more and more experienced therein .

Hauing then conferred together , what eyther the Graecians and Latines both ancient and Moderne haue written , with that I haue beene able to obserue : and hauing reduced it all into one , I haue put it into French in fauour of those who are not so well learned , and haue not the knowledge of the Greeke or Latine tongues .

Some will say ( to diminish that little honor , which I might get by this my labour ) that the Ancients haue written the greatest part heereof . But they shall learne from the mouth of this great Oracle , That there is no lesse witte and vnderstanding required , to bee able to iudge of Sciences formerly written , then to bee the first Authors of them .

I know Moreouer , that in the Doctrine , and much more in the phrase , some will find many things to be reprehended . But I intreat the Reader , that he would receiue it in as good part as I offer it him : and likewise exhort others , ( that are more experienced , then I am : to doe better . Let them shew me my faults friendly ; and I will not refuse , willingly to retract them : after the example of that diuine Hipocrates , who freely confessed his , saying openly , that he had gotten more dishonor , then either glory , or credit , by practising of Phisicke .

The Translators Preface .

THus far hath the Authour pleaded for him selfe , whom while I Translate , least the fault be translated vpon me , I will speake somewhat for my selfe , before I be accused : least when I am accused , there be no bodie to speake for me : If therefore it be thought preiudiciall , either to the literarie common-wealth of Physicke , that I haue exported and made common a commoditie , which the learned would haue had priuate to themselues : or if I haue been oftensiue to Women , in prostituting and divulging that , which they would not haue come to open light , and which beside cannot be exprest in such modest termes , as are fit for the virginitie of pen & paper , and the white sheetes of their Child-bed . I must ( as well as I can ) defend my selfe from these imputations , and shew my care to keep both learning and modestie illibate , and inuiolable . First then , I haue done no more in this , then the Author hath in his French Copie , which is common to be had and read in that vulgar tongue : In defence of which , and this the shadow therof , I must say that it is not writ so much for the learned ( who notwithstanding , if they haue not the french , may make vse of this ) as for the Chirurgions , & Midwiues , who are called to this kinde of employment . As for women ( whom I am most afraid to offend ) they must be content to haue their infirmities detected , if they will haue helpe for them , which I wish might not come to any eare or eye , but to those which they themselues would haue acquainted therewith , and as well for their sakes , as mine owne satisfaction : I haue endeuoured to be as priuate and retired , in expressing al the passages in this kind as possibly I could .

And with this I hope all good Gentlewomen will rest satisfied : to whom I wish all happinesse of increase , and all increase of happinesse , that they may haue a good houre for this businesse , and for all other Contentments , many good daies and yeares .

A Summarie or Briefe of all the Chapters contained in this worke .

That which is handled in the first Booke . THe gouernment and ordering of a woman , the nine Monethes she goes with Child ; and the meanes to help her , whatsoeuer sicknesse doth happen in that space . Fol. 1 1 The signes , whereby to know that a woman is with Child . 2 CHAP. 2 The signes to know whether she will haue a Boy , or a Wench . 8 3 The signes to know that a woman hath two Children . 12 4 Of false Conception . 13 5 Of the order of Diet , which a great bellied woman ought to keep . 18 6 How a Woman must gouerne her selfe all the time of her being with Child . 27 7 Of diuers Accidents which trouble and molest Women while they are with Child . 32 8 Of Womens longing , called Pica , 34 9 Of Distastfulnesse , and of the Hicket . 41 10 Of the Vomiting , which comes vpon a women with child . 43 11 Of the paines of the Stomacke , Flancks , and Belly , which happens to a Woman with Child . 47 12 Of the paine of the Backe , Hips , and Groine , and of the difficultie of making Water , which chanceth to Women with child . 49 13 Of the palpitation and beating of the Hart : As also of the Swounings which happen to women with Child . 52 14 Of the Cough . 54 15 Of Costiuenesse , or hardnesse of the Bellie . 51 16 Of the Fluxe of the Bellie , or Laske . 61 17 Of the swelling of their Legs and Thigh 's . 65 18 Of Abortment , or the meanes to help them that beare not their Children to the full time . 69

That which is handled in the second Booke . The meanes to helpe a Woman with Child , either in her naturall Trauaile , or that which shall be contrarie to Nature . 1 OF Midwiues . Fol. 79 2 What manner of woman a Midwife ought to be . 84 3 What must be obserued when a woman is ready to fall in trauaile . 86 4 Of the duitie and office of a Midwife , concerning the first time she must obserue in the trauaile . 91 5 Of the second time she must obserue . 93 6 Of the third time she must obserue . 97 7 Of the care and attendance that must be had , to a woman that is newly deliuer'd . 101 8 Of painfull , and difficult deliuerie , and the causes thereof . 104 9 The meanes to help Women that are deliuer'd with difficultie and great paine . 113 10 Of diuers kinds of deliueries which are performed by the Chirurgions help . And first , what a Chirurgion ought to consider , before he go about this worke . 123 11 The meanes of helping a woman that is troubled with a Fluxe of blood , and Convulsions , in the time of her trauaile . 125 12 The way to help a woman in trauaile , when the After-birth comes for-most . 133 13 The meanes to help a woman , when her Child is dead in her wombe . 136 14 The way to draw foorth a Child that is puft vp & swolne . 104 15 The meanes to help a woman , when her Child comes with the head forward , hauing his Necke and Head turned awrie . 144 16 The meanes to help a woman , when the Child commeth with an Arme and the Head formost . 147 17 The meanes to help a woman , when the Child comes with both his Armes , and the Head formost . 149 18 The meanes to help a woman , when the Child comes , with one , or both the Feet formost . 152 19 The meanes to help the deliuerie , when the Child commeth , with both his Hands , and both his Feete together formost . 160 20 The meanes to help the Woman when the Child commeth double , putting formost either his Sides , or his Backe , and Shoulders , or his Buttockes . 163 21 The manner of helping the deliuerie , when the Child commeth with his Breast , and Bellie formost . 166 22 The meanes to help the deliuerie when there is two Twins , and the one comes with his Head , and the other with his Feete formost . 169 23 The meanes to help the woman that hath two Twins , when they both come with their Feet formost . 173 24 Of the After-birth , which is retained , and staies after the deliuerie , and the meanes to bring it away . 176 25 The way to take foorth a Child , by the Caesarian section . 185

What is contained in the third Booke . The Gouernment , and ordering of a Woman newly deliuered , and of the diseases that happen vnto her , in her Moneth . 1 OF her Diet. 189 2 What must bee done to her Breasts , Belly , and neather parts . 194 3 Of the Accidents that follow the Deliuerie ; And first of the Gripings , or After-throwes . 206 4 Of the falling downe of the Fundament and Matrice . 210 5 Of the hurts and excoriations , which happen in the neather parts after the deliuerie . 211 6 Of the Hemorroides . 215 7 Of the immoderate flowing or comming downe of the ordinarie euacuations or purgings . 220 8 Of the suppression or stopping of the said purgings . 227 9 Of the false Conception , staying behind after the deliuerie . 232 10 Of the precipitation , or falling downe of the Matrice . 235 11 Of the sticking and growing together , of the necke of the Matrice . 245

FINIS .

THE GOVERNMENT and ordering of a Woman the nine moneths that she goes with childe : And also the meanes to helpe her what sicknesse soeuer doth happen in that time . The First Booke . Written by IAMES GWILLEMEAV the French Kings Chirurgion in Ordinarie , and sworne at PARIS .

THE PREFACE .

I Haue purposed only in this Worke , to handle the gouernment of a Woman with childe , and the meanes to helpe her in her trauaile ; together with the order which is necessarie for her in her childe-bed . But because this gouernment is particular , and proper to a Woman with childe , before we giue order thereunto , wee must first finde out whether shee be with childe , or no.

The signes to know whether a woman be with childe , or no. CHAP. I.

A Chirurgion must bee very circumspect , in determining whether a woman be conceiued , or no ; because many haue preiudiced their knowledge , and discretion , by iudging rashly hereof . For there is nothing more ridiculous , then to assure a woman that shee is with childe ; and afterward , that her naturall sicknesse , The Chirurgions must beware of iudging rashlie . or store of water should come from her : and in stead of a childe , some windie matter should breake from her , and so her belly fall , and grow flat againe : which hath hapned vnto many men , that haue beene well esteemed , both for their learning , and experience . And wee haue seene the experience hereof in some women , which were ( without all question ) thought to be so great , that the Midwife was euen ready to receiue the child : A story . who notwithstanding haue beene freed and acquitted heereof either by their naturall purgings and euacuations , or by voiding of water , or else expelling of winde . The which hapned vnto Mad. P. to her great griefe , who was deliuered of certaine gallons of water , when she thought assuredly that she had beene with childe . I saw the contrary happen to the daughter of M. Marcel : who was iudged by foure of the chiefe Physitians , and as many Chirurgions , and two Midwiues , not to haue beene with childe ; and yet being dead , there was found in her body , a child betweene six and seuen months old . And of late memorie , some of the most expert Physitians , and Chirurgions of our time , Another . vndertooke the cure of an honest woman ; and from the third vntill the eighth moneth of her time , administred vnto her infinite many Clisters , Apozemes , Potions , Fomentations , and Iniections , and yet could not they prouoke her naturall sicknesse , much lesse cause her to be deliuered . At length in the ninth moneth , she thinking that she had had the Chollicke , was brought a bed of a faire daughter , being verily perswaded euen then when she was in trauaile that she was not with child , as she had assured vs , all the time that she went . Directions for the Chirurgion . So that a Chirurgion being called to giue his opinion of the conception of a woman , whether it be in a iudiciall , or priuate case , must be very warie and circumspect what iudgement he giues herein .

The ancient and moderne writers haue left some signes whereby we may foretell it , which are collected from the Husband , from the Wife , from the Child , and from the Midwife .

As for those signes which are taken from the Man , they are these : Signes of conception taken from the man If he finde an extraordinarie contentment in the companie of his Wife ; and if he feele at the same time a kind of sucking or drawing at the end of his yard ; if he returne from the field of nature , not ouer-moyst , these are signes that a woman may haue conceiued . Experiment . And by these obseruations I haue knowne men which haue assured their Wiues that they haue got them with child , as soone as they haue had their company .

Signes taken from the woman . The signes which are taken from the Woman are more manifest and certaine : and although the greatest part of them bee found in Women and Maids , which cannot haue their naturall courses : yet neuerthelesse all these signes ioyned together , a man may presume as farre of them as arte wil permit , and they be these : If she receiued an extraordinarie delight in the companie of her Husband : if from her naturall parts ( whether they continue dry or moist ) there issue or flow nothing forth , because it is no necessarie consequence , that those parts should alwaies remaine dry , since the Matrice retaineth onely that , which is fit for the conformation of the child . Likewise , if at the same time she hath a kind of yawning , and stretching , and feeles within her a shaking or quiuering ( such as we commonly find presently vpon making of water ) which runneth through the whole body , with a kind of chilnesse , and is felt chiefely betweene the shoulders and the backe , with some paine about the Nauell , and a rumbling or disquietnesse in the neather belly , which hapneth , because the Matrice shrinks it selfe together , The wombe shuts it selfe to entertaine and embrace the matter of generation which it hath drawne and suckt in , feeling thereby a kind of tickling . Againe , if within few dayes she falles a vomiting , and spitting , distasts her meate , groweth dull , carelesse , and qualmish , longeth after strange things , finding her belly fallen , and growne flat , according to the French prouerbe . — Au ventre plat , enfant ya . In a belly which is flat , Ther 's a child , be sure of that . Which makes them oftentimes to complaine and say they be quite fallen away . Then not long after her belly swells and growes bigger ; her hips and raines are inlarged ; her courses appeare not , which should flow at certain times , Some women when they be with child haue their courses . ( although some haue them when they be with child . ) Likewise if towards the second month her eyes grow hollow & wan , her eye-balls shew lesse : the lids be loose , limber , and soft : the veines in the corners of her eyes more swollen , and bigger then ordinarie . Hippocrates . For as H●ppocrates saith , if thou canst not finde by any meanes whether a woman be with child , or no , her very eyes wil tell thee : for their eyes be more hollow , and sunke inward ; and the white is turned bluish : the veines and arteryes of their neck are puft vp , and more apparent then vsually : their brests grow big , and hard , with some paine and pricking , hauing also milke within them : the nipple waxeth firme , and hard : red , if it be a boy ; and sometime blackish , if it be a wench , which hapneth about the third or fourth moneth , when they begin to quicken .

Signes taken from vrines . Some iudge of their being with child by the vrine , as if it be white , and clearely mingled with little moates , and that at the top there is perceiued as it were a little cloud like to the Rainebow ; or of an Opall colour , At the bottome there appeares a certaine thicke sediment , which beeing shaken , spreads it selfe into little flocks , like to carded wooll . Towards the end , their vrine is thicke and reddish , by reason of the long retention of their naturall courses .

Experiment of Fernelius . Fernelius makes this triall , which is , to take equall quantities of the womans vrine , and of white wine and to shake them well together , if this mixture looke like the broth of Beanes , it is a signe she is with child .

Hippocrates . Hydromell is made of hony and water boiled together . Hippocrates sets downe diuers experiments , as to giue the woman Hydromell to drinke made with raine water at night when she goes to bed , or else Hony and Annisseed beaten and dissolued in water . If she be with child , she will feele great paines and griping in her belly , ( vnlesse she be vsed to such kind of drinke , Auicen . as Auicen saith . ) Besides , if she receiue below any strong or stinking oder or smell , her clothes being well wrapped close about her , and the sent pierce not vp into her nose , she hath conceiued : As also , hauing ouer night put vp a cloue of Garlicke , if in the morning the sauour or taste come not into her mouth .

Truest signes gathered from the Child . But these signes are not so certaine , the truest and surest are those which are collected from the child , when he begins to stirre and mooue , which commonly happens in the third and fourth moneth . This motion is very gentle , not vnlike the stirring of a flie when he flieth .

Another certaine signe may be perceiued by the Midwife , Signes gathered by the Midwife . who putting vp her finger into the wombe to touch the inner orifice thereof , if the woman be with child she shall finde it so close shut , that the point of a needle will scarse enter therein , yet soft , and without any hardnesse , which also will bee drawn vpward being shrunke and as it were trussed vp , because the body of the Matrice doth gather it selfe together to embrace the seed , which is the reason that the Midwife can very hardly come to reach it with her finger .

Some women when they be with child hate the companie of their husbands : which quality is said also to be in brute beasts when they be great with yong , who commonly shun the company of the Male. And surely there be certaine times and seasons of the yeare proper for brute beasts to couple , but man ( as Pliny saith ) hath neither time nor season limited him , neither day nor howre appointed him , that so he might haue his desire at all times : which hath been thus ordained by nature , as being more fit , and necessary for man to multiplie in his kind he being ( the liuely image of God , and made to behold his glory ) then for brute beasts , which were created onely for the vse of man .

I know well the answere that those two noble Ladies , Poppea the daughter of Agrippina , A pleasant answere . and Iulia the daughter of Augustus made concerning this matter . The one sayd , that brute beasts cannot taste the delight which women receiue that are with child , because they are without reason : and the other sayd , that when her ship was laden with wares , then she could take in passengers .

The signes whereby to know whether a woman be with child of a boy or a wench . CHAP. II.

HAuing shewne the meanes to know whether a woman be truely conceiued , it will not be from the purpose to handle this question for the satisfaction of some curious minds , who as soone as the Chirurgion hath giuen his censure that a woman is with child , demaunds presently of him whether it will be a boy , The difference of sexe is hard to foretell . or a wench ? But as it is very hard to know at the first whether the woman be with child or no , so by great reason must it needs be farre more difficult to discerne , and distinguish the difference of the sexe , and to determine whether it will be a boy or a wench .

I know there are some that boast they can certainely do it , but for the most part it hapneth rather by chance , then through either arte or skill . And for proofe thereof , I haue shewed them a child newly come from the mothers wombe , onely laying my hand vpon the priuie parts , yet durst they not be so bold as giue their opinion thereof , saying , that it were more easie to iudge of it when it was in the wombe , seeing that from thence might be gathered many euident signes : but wee must account the greatest part of them to be vncertaine , as we haue formerly said . Neuerthelesse , to distinguish the Male from the Female , we will presently shew all the marks which we euer knew , or could obserue , either out of the ancient , or moderne writers .

And first of all , yong women commonly are with child rather of a boy then of a wench , because they be hoter then the elder women , which was obserued by Aristotle , who saith farther , Aristotle . that if an aged woman which neuer had children before , chance to conceiue , one may be sure it will be a wench . The like hapneth ( as some write ) to women , which conceiue when the winde is in the South , who for the most part bring forth daughters , and when the Northwind bloweth , sonnes . Obseruation .

Hippocrates saith , Hipp. Aph. that a woman which goeth with a boy hath a good colour , for a woman in her case , but if it be of a wench , she will haue a worse complexion . Likewise if the right breast be harder and firmer , the nipple hard , red , and more eminent , the milke white and thicke , which being milked or spirtled against a sleeke-stone , or some such smooth thing , continues in a round forme like a pearle , Signes of a boy . and being cast euen into water it dissolueth not , but sinks directly to the bottome : and if you make a cake with the said milke and flower , and in the baking it continues firme , and close , it is a signe the woman is with child of a boy . Againe , she that goeth with a boy , hath the right side of her belly bigger , and more copped , and there the child stirreth oftenest . This motion commonly at sixe weekes is scarse sensible , but at two months and a halfe more manifest . The Male child lyeth high aboue the Nauell by reason of his heate , and the Female at the bottome of the belly , because of her coldnes and weight . They which be with child of a boy are more quicke and nimble in all their actions , and be in better health of body , without being subiect to many infirmities , which commonly happen to women with child of a wench .

●●gnes ga●hered out ●f Auicen . Auicen obserueth these signes , That a woman with child of a boy hath the pulse of her right side stronger , higher , and thicker , then that of the left : she will reach out her right hand rather then her left , and in going she wil alwayes set forth the right foote formost : her right brest is bigger then the left , and the right eye greater , brighter , and more sparkling : and if a woman about her last months haue any great sicknesse , or any throwes , without being deliuerd , it is some likelyhod that she is with child of a boy , since the male child is faster tied and bound then the female , because the ligaments which hold and fasten him are stronger and dryer then they that bind and support a wench .

Signes of a wench . A woman which is with child of a daughter hath a pale , heauy , and swarth countenance , a melancolique eye : she is wayward , fretfull , and sad : she beares in her face as Hippocrates saith , Hippocrates lib. de stipilitate . Maculam solarem , that is to say , her face is spotted with red , like those who haue been much in the sunne : her left brest is bigger then the right ; and the top of the nipple blacke . The milke which comes forth of her brests is blewish , thin , and watrish : her belly is flat ; and she feeles her burthen moue on the left side , and that , not before the fourth moneth : the veines of her thighes , and groine , are bigger , and more knottie on the left side then on the right . An honest Gentlewoman assured me that she had made triall of this receipt , which is , An experiment . to take an equall quantitie of Claret wine , and of vrine made in the morning , put them together into a glasse , and let them stand a whole day , if there appeare in the bottome a grosse cloud , thicke like to Beane-broth , it is a signe the woman is with child of a boy , if it appeare in the middest , it is signe of a wench , if there be nothing found in the bottome but the ordinary residence of vrine , it shewes she is not with child at all .

An experiment likewise may be made out of the practise of Liuia , Another experiment of Liuia . the Mother of the Emperour Tiberius , who being with child , and desirous to know with what she went , tooke an egge from vnder a Henne that sate , and kept it warme so long in her hands , till at last a Cock-Chicken was hatched out of it , whereby she knew that she should haue a sonne , which proued to be Tyberius the Emperour , as Suetonius reporteth .

Heere will it not be beside our purpose to set downe what Hippocrates writes in his booke de superfaetatione , The meanes how to bege● a sonne , or a daughter . of the meanes how to get a man or woman-child . He that wil ( saith he ) beget a sonne , must know his wife as soone as her courses are stayed , and then try the vtmost of his strength ; but if he desire to get a daughter , then must he companie with his wife a good while after her courses , or at that time when she hath them : and beside , he must tye his right stone as hard as he can endure it ; and when he would haue a sonne , he must tye the left . But Aristotle seemes wrongfully to blame his worthie man , when he sayth , that the generation of Males or Females depends of the strength of the seed , and not of the stones , the vse whereof he saith , is not for generation . But experience teacheth vs the contrary , for the countreymen when they would haue a Bull beget a Cow-Calfe , or a Bull-Calfe , they tye the right stone for the one , and the left for the other .

The signes whereby to know that a woman goeth with two children . CHAP. III.

To know whether a woman will bring two children . THe signes that a woman hath conceiued two children , doe seldome appeare before the third or fourth moneth , which then is knowne , both by the mouing of the children , and also by the greatnes and swelling of the womans belly . As for the motion , if it be felt strong and forceable both on the right and the left side , at the same instant , then it is apparent , that there be two children . Likewise for the greatnes of her belly , if it appeare more swollen and bigger then in her other child-bearing , if the sides be higher then the middle of her belly , and from the nauell downeward there appeare as it were a line or separation betweene both sides creasted ; if the woman beare her burthen with difficultie , and her belly fall vpon her thighes and hips , then may you safely say that she goeth with two children .

Of false Conception . CHAP. IIII.

WOmen are oftentimes deceiued in reckoning themselues with child , for they thinke themselues with child when it is nothing but the stopping of their naturall sicknesse , which keepeth not due course . Some haue a false conception , which is as it were the beginning of Mola . Others haue the Mola it selfe , which we commonly call the Moone-calfe .

False conception is a lump of flesh gathered together commonly like to the gizard of a fowle , What a false conception is . which is bigger or lesser according to the continuance of it , which nature commonly expelleth in the second , third , or fourth month . But the Mola is farre bigger , and continues a yeare or two , yea ten or twelue , and sometime as long as the woman liues . Of this Mola there be two kinds , the one may be called a true , the other a false one . Mola is either true , or false . The true Mola is fleshy , being nothing else but an vnprofitable masse , without shape or forme , hard and firme , bred within the Matrice , and cleauing to the sides thereof . The false Mola is of three sorts , the one windy , being a collection of grosse winds : the second watrish , or a heaping together of waters : the third humorall , or a meeting of many humors . All three contained within the capacitie of the womb , which doth make them differ from the swelling , hardnes , or Scyrehus of the said wombe , or from any flesh , water , or humor , which may chance to cleaue to , or touch the outward part thereof . These are often bred together with the child , Mola bred together with the child . but then they cause death , either for that the child is deceiued of his nourishment which is carried to the Mola ; or because he wanting roome , cannot grow and come to perfection .

Hippocrates . Hippocrates saith , that there be some liuing and some dead Moles . The dead are like to the false burthens , so called , because women carry them not long , as being but lightly tyed and fastned to the sides of the Matrice . Sometime they are deuided into diuers seuerall pieces , so that Nicholas Nicolus saith , he saw a woman which cast forth nine of them in one day , the least whereof waighed foure pound . The quicke and liuing Moles are they which wholy cleaue to the wombe , and continue with the woman euen to her death .

Cause of the flesh Mole . The cause of the fleshy Mole according to the ancient writers cannot wholly proceede from the woman , but the man must adde somewhat thereunto . Galen holdeth , that it is bred when the mans seed is weake , barren , imperfect , or in little quantitie ; and for the most part choked through the abundance of the menstruous bloud , which is grosse and thicke , vnfit for the framing of a child , so that in stead thereof is bread a lumpe of flesh that by little and little increaseth , being wrapped in his owne membrane , which nature effecteth , as desirous to bring forth any thing rather then to be idle .

The windie Mole is ingendred through want of heate in the Matrice , and other parts adioyning , Windie Mole . as the Liuer and Spleene , whereby much wind is bred and shut vp in the emptinesse of the wombe . It may also come from without , as in women newly deliuered , and in such which hauing had their naturall courses in great abundance , doe venture too soone into the cold aire .

The watry Mole proceeds from the abundance of watrie showres which is sent from the Liuer , Watry Mole . or the Spleene , or other parts thereabouts ; or else through the weakenes of the Matrice , which cannot assimilate the bloud that is brought to nourish it , part whereof is turned into water , and being not voided , stayeth in the wombe .

The humorall Mole is bred by reason of too much moisture , as of serious , or whayish humors , Humorall of the whites , or watrish euacuations , which come downe through the vessels of the Matrice , and are stayed in the concauitie thereof .

False conception hath some common signes with the true , as suppression of the naturall courses , Common signes . depraued appetite , distastfulnesse , vomiting , swelling of the belly and breasts , so that it is very hard to distinguish the one from the other . But these that follow are more proper to the false , Signes of false conception . then the true birth : for ( as Hippocrates saith ) In false conception , or Mola , the face is commonly puft vp , their breasts which were swollen at the beginning , doe fall , and dayly wax soft , limber , and lanke , and without milke . In the end , the face , breasts , armes , thighes , and legs grow leane and thin : true it is , that they swell towards night , like those that haue the dropsie , the belly riseth and groweth quickly , and withall very hard , for the most part of an equall roundnesse , with diuers pricking paines in the bottome of the belly that neuer cease , which makes them that they can hardly walke , being hindred as it were with a heauie burthen , and hauing oftentimes a windinesse in the wombe , as Ahasis reporteth .

Signes from the motion . The said Hippocrates obserueth , how that by the motion it may easily be knowne , for in true conception the male child beginneth to stirre at the end of the third moneth , or sooner ; and the female at the third or fourth moneth : and where there is no such quickning , we must obserue whether there be any milke in the brests , if there be none found , it is a signe that it is a Mole . The child moueth of it selfe , and not the Mole . Beside , the mother feeleth the child moue euery way , both on the right side , and on the left , as much aboue , as below , and in the middle , without any helpe . But in false conception , though there be some motion , it is not animall , but proceedeth rather from the expulsiue facultie of the Mother then of the Mole , which hauing no liuing soule endeuoureth not of it selfe to come forth , neither prouoketh the wombe as the child doth , who hauing neede of aire to breath in , seekes after it . But this is a most euident signe when the woman lyes downe on either side , for then she feeles it fall like a boule , and is not able to vphold , or stay it ; yea , and being laid on her backe , if her belly be pressed or crushed , it will remaine in the place whither it is thrust , without comming backe againe . Now that which most assureth vs , is , True signes . when the nine moneths are past , and the woman not deliuered , but her belly growes bigger , and swelleth more and more , and all the other parts grow leane and lesse , this is a sure signe of a Mole , though there be some women that haue borne their children ten , yea , eleuen moneths .

The signes of the windy Mole are these , Signes of the windy . the belly is equally swollen and stretched like a bladder , softer then in the fleshy Mole , and chiefely neere the groine and neather belly , which being struck vpon soundeth like a Tabour : sometime it decreaseth , and otherwhile it swelleth more : it is sooner bred and increased then the fleshy or watery , and stretches the belly as though it would teare it , which is not proper to the fleshy .

As for the watery and humorall , Signes of the watry and humorall . the signes are almost alike , the belly growes big , and riseth by little and little . If you touch it with your finger sometimes the print thereof will remaine behind : it is euen , without any hardnesse . It is true , that the woman lying on her backe , her flancks are fuller and bigger then the middle and bottome of the belly , which waxe flat , the water and humor running from one side to the other ; and in shaking the belly , they feele a swimming and floting of water .

Difference betweene the Watry and Humorall . This difference may be also added , that in the the watrish the flancks , groine , and sometime the thighes are more distended and swollen then in the humorall , because the waterish substance stealeth thither soonest : besides , that which passeth forth and bloweth below is cleare like water , without any ill smell ; but that which floweth in the humorall is reddish , and like to the washing of flesh , and of a bad sent . This also is to be obserued , that in the false conception the naturall courses flow not , and that the Nauell doth shew it selfe but little , or not at all , as it commonly doth when the Mother is with child . Concerning the cure thereof , I meane ( god-willing ) to handle it hereafter .

What dyet and order a woman with child ought to keepe . CHAP. V.

THat a woman with child may enioy her perfect health , she must diligently obserue that which consisteth in the vse of the sixe things not naturall , which are the Aire , Meate and Drinke , Exercise and Rest , Sleeping and Waking , Fulnesse and Emptinesse , and the Passions of the Minde .

Good Aire fit for a woman with child First therefore she must dwell and liue in a good and well tempered Aire , which is neither too hote , nor too cold , or waterish : not subiect to any foggie mists , or winds , and especially the South-wind . For ( as Hippocrates saith ) when those winds doe blow vpon euery light occasion , women miscarrie . The Northwind also is hurtfull vnto them , for those winds breed thin rheumes , distillations , & troublesome Coughs in great-bellyed women , The Cough naught for women with child . causing them oftentimes to abort , or be deliuered before their due time . Likewise such winds as bring with them ill smells and vapours , which being drawne in together with the Aire we breathe , into the Lungs , do many times breed very dangerous and troublesome diseases . Aristotle saith , Bad smells to be auoided . that the smell of a Candle put forth , may cause a woman to abort , or loose her fruite : wherefore she must beware of all ill Aire , and make her abode in houses well and pleasantly seated , shunning as much as may be possible all bad sauours .

Concerning her Dyet , Her Dyet . she must vse meates which be of good nourishment , and breede good iuice , moderately drying . The quantitie must be sufficient both for her selfe , and for her child , and therefore they are to be dispenced withall from fasting at any time : for sometime too much abstinence makes the child weake and sickly , and causeth him often to be borne before his time , seeking after nourishment , which he cannot find within his Mothers body . As also the too great quantity of meate his Mother takes , may often stifle him , Too much meate stifleth . or else make him grow so big , that he cannot keepe himselfe in his place , which constraines him either to come forth , or else makes him sickly , seeing that those meates are corrupted wherewith he is nourished a fed . Hippocrates writeth in Epidem . that the Sister of Caius Duellius after she had eate her fill , aborted .

All meates which are either too hote , cold , or too moist , are to be auoided , and chiefely in the beginning of meales ; Salt meates bad . as also those which are too salt , or ouer-much spiced ; and likewise all baked meates are vtterly forbidden . Aristotle and Plinie write , that if a woman with child eate much salt meate , her childe will be borne without nayles ; which shewes , that he will not be long liued . Her Bread must be of good Wheate , well kneaded , light , and also well baked . Fit meates . For her meate she may vse Henne , Chicken , Capon , yong Pigeons , Turtle , Pheasants , Larks , Partridge , Veale , & Mutton : and for Herbs , let her take Lettuse , Hearbs . Endiue , Borage , Buglosse , and Sorrell , abstaining from all raw Sallads . She may close her stomacke after meate with Peares , or Quinces bak't or preserued ; as likewise with Cheries , or Damsons . She must shun all diureticall things , Diureticall and windy meates are naught . which prouoketh either vrine , or the naturall courses , and such as are windie , as Pease and Beanes . Notwithstanding , women with child haue oftentimes such disordinate appetite , by reason of some salt or sharp humor which is contained within the membranes of the stomacke , that they desire to eate Coles , Chalke , Ashes , Waxe , Salt-fish raw , yea and vnwatred ; and to drinke Veriuice , and Vineger , yea very dregs , so that it is impossible to hinder them from eating and tasting them . But yet they must refraine and ouer-maister themselues therein as much as they can , since that such foode may much hurt and hinder both their owne and their childs health . Neuerthelesse if they cannot forbeare , suffer them a little , and let them haue their longings , for feare least it should proue worse with them . Accidents that may happen . For I haue seene many women which being hindered and forbidden from vsing such trash , haue presently fallen into trauell : and in others , their children haue carried the marks of some of the things they so earnestly desired and longed after . Beside , although that such meates for the most part are very bad and contrary , Lib. 2. Aph. 38. Cibus & potus deterior , suauior tamen : melioribus quidem sed insuauioribus est anteponendus . yet for the desire they haue to eate them they are digested commonly without hurting the partie at all . Meate and drinke ( saith Hippocrates ) is better and fitter , though it be some-what worse , then that which is better , and not so agreeable and pleasing .

For her Drinke she may vse Claret wine , mature , Her Drinke . and not too strong , which she must allay very well . For this Wine hath power to comfort and strengthen the stomacke , and all the other parts seruing for nourishment and generation : and if she cannot away with Wine , let her drinke Hydromell , or Barley-water well boyled .

Her sleepe must be in the night , Her Sleepe . the better to digest the meate she hath taken : for watchings doe ingender crudities and diseases , which cause vntimely births in stead of faire and goodly children ; and chiefely , she must auoid sleeping after dinner . But in the morning she may take her ease , as she shall thinke best , yet not turning ( as some great Ladies do ) the day into night , and the night into day .

Exercise . She may vse moderate exercise , but violent motion loosneth the Cotiledons or vessels of the Matrice whereby the child receiues his nourishment . They must be forbid riding in Waggins or Coaches , especially in the three first months : for as vpon a small occasion we see the fruits and flowers of trees do fall ( as by some little wind that shakes the tree , or the like , ) so many times through a light cause women great with child , Causes of Abortment . in stirring or moouing themselues , yea , or but setting their foot awry , may be deliuer'd before their time .

It was not without good cause that the Romanes forbad their Wiues to ride in Coaches , the which also ought to be obserued in these dayes , especially by those who are subiect to take hurt , and therefore let them walke gently , taking an especiall heed and care to themselues the first three moneths .

Great noyses hurtfull . She must shun all great noyse and sounds , as of Thunder , Artillery , and great Bells . Galen in his booke de Theriaca , sayth , that many women with child haue died with the very fright they receiued by a clap of thunder : and when she is afraid of hurting her selfe or falling into trauaile , let her be carried in a Chaire or Litter between two strong men , and chiefely two howres before meales : for as a woman may easily loose her burthen the first moneth , because her child ( though he be but little ) is not yet firmely fastned and tyed to the wombe , so likewise being great or big through his weight , he may fall downe , and come forth ; wherefore all violent exercise , and too much labour , Violent exercise hurtfull . is hurtfull and dangerous for her ; as also to fret , chide , or laugh immoderately . The fourth , fifth , and sixth moneth she may vse more libertie , the seuenth and eight she must keepe herselfe still and quiet , but when she is in her ninth moneth , then may she vse more stirring , and exercise . And therefore is it that Aristotle in his Politicks appointeth , Sentence of Aristotle . that women with child should not be sedentary , nor liue too nicely , but that since God hath blessed them to beare children , they should dayly visit the Temples of the Gods for their exercise .

The which Plato expressely commandeth in his Common-wealth , and by a kind of deuotion , Opinion of Plato . and religious pietie . But Aristotle in that place speaketh like a Physition , as he sheweth in his booke de Generatione . In the Countrey ( saith he ) where women accustome themselues to labour , they are brought abed more easily , and with lesse paine . In briefe , where women exercise themselues , Women that labour are easily deliuered . they are sooner deliuered , for their exercise consumes the excrements , which idle and slothfull women gather and heape together .

In the first foure moneths she must likewise abandon Venus for feare of shaking the child , Venus forbidden . and bringing downe her courses , which must also be obserued in the sixth and eight moneth , but in the seuenth and ninth she may boldly vse it , especially toward the end of the ninth moneth , which some are of opinion will help and hasten the deliuery .

Aristotle is of this opinion , ( though herein he contradicts the authority of Hippocrates , Aristotles opinion . ) The woman with child ( saith he ) ought not to haue the company of her husband . But Aristotle and Hippocrates may easily be reconciled ; the Philosopher meaneth , that they should not embrace their wiues all the time of their being with child , but onely toward the time of their lying in , thereby to shake the child , and make him come the more readily forth ; for comming into the world after this acte , he is commonly enwrapped and compassed with slime , which helpeth his comming forth .

Her belly must be soluble . It is also requisite that her belly be loose , not retaining her excrements , and that she haue ( if it be possible ) euery day the benefit of Nature , which if it be not done naturally , it must be helpt , taking euery morning some broth of Damaske-Prunes ; Also Apples stued with Suger , and a little Butter , is very fit and good . She may vse Broth wherein Borage , Buglosse , Purslane , Lettuse , Patience , and a little of the herbe Mercury hath beene boyled . She may likewise take Suppositaries so they be not too sharpe . Clisters . Clisters made of a Calues-head , or of a Sheepes-head , boyled with Annis-seed , and Fennil-seed , wherein some course Suger , and oyle of Violets is dissolued , are very conuenient , vsing them neuerthelesse with discretion , leauing out all manner of ingredients which might cause a fluxe of the belly , Lib. 5. Aph. 34. Mulieri grauidae si aluus prosusior sit , abortionis periculum imminet . Lib. 5. Aph. 21. for feare of Abortment , or being deliuered before their time , as Hippocrates saith .

Notwithstanding the same Hippocrates is of opinion , that women with child in cases of necessitie may be purged from the fourth to the seuenth moneth , A Woman with Child may be purged . but before and after those times he admits it not , nay , he forbids it directly ; which for all that the Phisitions of our time obserue not in cases of danger , because the Medicines we vse in these dayes , as Rubarbe , Manna , Cassia , and Tamarinds , are not so violent as those that were vsed by our Ancients , which were Hellebor , Scammony , Turbith , Coloquintida , or the like : and wee must take especiall care of giuing them any opening things which may either prouoke vrine , Opening medicines must be auoided . Lib. 5. Aph. 60. or their naturall courses ; for as the same Author saith , It is impossible for the child to be healthfull if the mother haue her naturall sicknes .

Bloud-letting is forbid them , vnlesse it be very needefull , especially if the child be growne any thing big , because he hath more neede of foode and nourishment , then at the beginning when he was little : for take away his sustenance , and he will waxe leane and feeble , being oftentimes driuen for want thereof to seeke a passage forth . Notwithstanding there are some women so sanguine and full of bloud that we are forced to take some of it away , least the child be stifled with the ouer-great quantitie thereof , or when they fall into diseases where it is necessary to open a veine . Considerations concerning Bloud-letting . The fittest time ( if it be not in case of necessitie ) is from the fourth , to the seuenth moneth . I haue seene a woman with child who for a Pleurisie was let bloud eleuen seuerall times , and yet stayed her full terme , and was well deliuered .

Passions of the mind . Now concerning the passions of the minde , a woman with child must be pleasant and merrie , shunning all melancholike and troublesome things that may vexe or molest her mind : for as Aristotle saith , A woman with child must haue a setled and quiet mind , which Auicen also counselleth , that those which haue conceiued , ought to be preserued from all feare , sadnesse , and disquietnes of mind , without speaking or doing any thing that may offend or vexe them ; An obseruation . For great bellied women . so that discreet women , and such as desire to haue children , will not giue eare vnto lamentable and fearefull tales or storyes , nor cast their eyes vpon pictures or persons which are vglie or deformed , least the imagination imprint on the child the similitude of the said person or picture , which doing , women shall be sure to be well and happily deliuered , and that ( With the help of God ) they shall beare their burthen to the full terme , which shall be sent into the world without much paine , promising them a happie and speedie deliuerie . To conclude , they must leaue off their Busks as soone as they perceiue themselues with child , not lacing themselues too straight , or crushing themselues together , She must take need of lacing her selfe too hard . for feare least the child be mishapen and crooked , or haue not his naturall growth : and their garments must be rather light and thin , then heauie and cumbersome .

How a woman must gouerne her selfe the nine moneths she goeth with child . CHAP. VI.

NOw I haue prescribed what manner of life a woman ought to leade , while she is with child : she may obserue ( if it please her ) this that followeth , though not so necessary , yet commodious and profitable both for the maintaining of her health , and preseruation of her beauty . To the end then that her breasts after her deliuery , be neither too big and puft vp , To preserue the breasts . nor yet hanging downe like bags , and to preuent the danger that might happen vnto her , by the too great quantity of bloud , that is turned into milke , ( which may be curdled , and so suppurate , and putrifie . ) As soone therefore as she knowes her selfe to be with child , ( as in the second or third moneth ) let her weare a chaine of gold about her necke . Some preferre a chaine of steele , or else a little gad of steele put betweene the two breasts , as likewise to put a piece of corke there , and to weare vnder her arme-pits two little pieces more of the same . This Fomentation also is very good .

Take of Periwinckle , Sage , and ground-Iuy , A Fomentation . of each a handfull , Hemlocke halfe a small handfull , boyle them in wine and water , and when you haue taken it from the fire put thereto a little rose-vineger . And with this decoction warme , bath your breasts in the morning with a cloth or spung dipt therein , a quarter of an houre , wiping and drying them afterwards with reasonable warme clothes . The like may be done with the waters of the same hearbs , What must be done , the 3. and 4. Moneth . and about the third or fourth moneth , when she feeles her selfe quicke , about which time her belly begins to swell and grow big , she must weare a Swathe ( made fit for the purpose ) to support her belly , being first annointed with this Liniment or Pomade , which she shall continue till the ninth moneth , to keepe her belly from being full of knottie and broken vaines , furrow'd and wrinckled , making it grow deformed , vnseemely , and hanging downe lower then is fit , which hapneth by reason of the great burthen and weight of the child , that stretcheth and inlargeth the skinne thereof , and causeth them to indure great paine in their belly and groine .

The Pomade or Liniment approued . Take of Kids sewet , and the fat of a Sow , of each three ounces , of Capons and Goose-grease , of each an ounce and halfe , cut them small , and melt them in an earthen pot , putting thereto as much water as will suffise , then straine them through a cloth , and wash them in water till they waxe very white , and haue lost their sauour . Afterward melt them againe in a double vessell , adding thereto anounce of the marrow of a Hart , or Stag , then wash it againe with Rose-water , or other sweet smelling water , mingling therewithall ( if you thinke fit , or that it will not be hurtfull to the wombe ) two or three graines of Muske or Ciuet.

Some vse this oyntment : Take dogs grease , Another Liniment - and the fat about a sheepes kidney , of each two ounces , Spermaceti one ounce , oyle of sweet Almonds an ounce and a halfe , the fats must be melted , prepared , and washed as before , then melted againe with the rest , and washed with rose or sweet water .

Some take good store of Sheepes-feet well brused and broken in pieces , to the number of thirty or forty , and boyle them well in water , then taking off the fat , and marrow that swimmeth on the top , which they wash well in common water , and take therof two ounces , of Ducks-grease as much , Another . Spermaceti one ounce , white Waxe sixe drams , melt them altogether in a double vessel , and wash them in the aboue named waters .

Some Ladyes and Gentlewomen which loue not to rub their bellies euery morning with any of these liniments , weare thereon a Dog-skin , or some other wel prepared and dressed , as followeth ; and change it euery fifteene dayes , or according as it will last and continue , not taking it off , except it shriuell and grow wrinckled .

Take a Dog-skin , or some other skin ready dressed to make gloues of , wash it often in common water , afterward in Rose-water , and dry it in the shade , and being thus drest and dryed , lay it in soke in these oyles and fats following :

Take of Mesues oyntment of Roses an ounce and halfe , oyle of Saint Iohns wort , The maner to prepare it . and of sweet Alamonds , of each an ounce , fresh Butter , and Spermaceti , of each halfe an ounce , melt all these together in a double vessel , and let the skin lie and soke in it , three or foure daies , mouing & stirring them together daily : then take it foorth , and spred , it in the aire , and let it lie there two or three daies till it haue sok't in all the oile , & become drie : then cut it to the forme & bignesse of the belly , and so apply it .

The daintie and curious may vse the former liniments and skin : they that haue not the meanes to do either , Another easie to be prouided . let them ; Take of fresh Butter well wash't in common water , and then in Rose-water , three ounces , oile of sweet Almonds , one ounce , Spermaceti , halfe an ounce : and with these melted together , rub their belly .

Obseruation . These Ointments must be kept in a gally pot , and couered with Rose water to keepe them from being mustie .

Gouernment of the ninth Moneth . When the Woman is come to the ninth Moneth , hauing been in good health all the time of her going with child : she must continue the vse of the aforesaid Ointments , and must begin to vse more exercise then she did before , walking gently before meales the first twelue or fifteene daies : and then afterward it will be good to vse stronger exercise .

It will be very profitable for her ( especially after the ten or twelue first daies of the ninth moneth be past ) to sit in the decoction following , after the maner of a halfe Bath , some quarter , or halfe an hower in the morning , and then being well dried , and laid to bed , let her be annointed behind , all along the lower part of her backe , and before , from the Nauill downward ; and chiefly vpon Os Pubis , and the groine , with the ointment following .

Take of Mallowes Althaea , with their roots , The Bath . Motherwort , of each two handfull , white Lilly roots , three ounces , Chamomill , and Melilot flowers , of each a good handfull , Lin-seed , Quince-seed , and Foenigreeke , of each an ounce : Boyle them all in sufficient quantitie of running water , for the Bath .

Take of Hensfat , three ounces , Duckes fat , The Ointment . an ounce and a halfe , fresh Butter , two ounces , Linseed oile , an ounce and a halfe : Melt them all together , then wash them verie well in Parietarie , and Mugwort water , adding thereto two ounces of the Muccilage of Althaea Roots . In which space , let her take this drinke euery morning fasting . A Drinke . Take of Oile of sweet Almonds newly drawen without fire , an ounce , white Wine , halfe an ounce , Parietarie water , one ounce , mingle them together . Some haue found good by taking the yelke of an Egge , and drinking a draught of Hypocras after it .

Others take a little Wine and water , wherein Lin-seed hath been stieped .

Let this or the like order and gouernment be obserued , for a Woman that is of a good habit of body , and who in her going with Child , hath not been subiect to any sicknesse , or accident of moment : bearing her Children well , & without much paine .

But because there be many , which are troubled with diuers accidents , which happen in their Child-bearing , I thought good heere , to treat thereof briefly , before I speake of their Deliuerie .

Of many infirmities , which trouble Women while they are great with Child . CHAP. VII .

A Woman must haue a care of her Beautie . IT becomes a Woman well at all times , and chiefly in her Child-bearing , and after her Deliuerie , to haue a care , as much as she can possiblie , of the preseruation of her Beautie : since there is nothing that sooner decaies and spoileth it , then the often bearing of Children . Health must be preferred . But as Health is more precious , and recommendable then Beautie : and seeing that a woman with Child may be troubled and oppressed with many accidents , and infirmities , during the nine Moneths she beares her child : it will be therefore verie necessary and profitable to seeke out the meanes to free and deliuer them thereof : For in loosing the Mother , the life of the Child is also hazarded . Aristotle . Aristotle in his booke De generatione Animalium , is of opinion , That bruit beastes going with young , are not subiect to any diseases : and contrariwise , that Women are verie often sicke . Hippocrates saith , Hippocrates . That they be pale and wan , to shew that they are subiect to many infirmities . In times past when men and women were sold like slaues , if there were any found that were with child , she was not warranted for whole and sound by him that fold her , Vitruuius . as Vitruuius writes in his second book ; because they were troubled and subiect to so many diseases . In the first three or foure Moneths such infirmities chiefly happen for many causes . First , Why women with Child are sicke . because they liue ( as Aristotle saith ) for the most part in idlenesse , and eate ill meates ; which are turned into excrements , and breed many obstructions , the fountaine and beginning of all diseases : the second is , the great suppression and stopping of bloud , whereof they were wont to be purged euery Moneth , before their being with Child ; which runs to the Matrice to be voided , & find that accustomed passage ; which it had woont to haue : but being not able to get forth , and much lesse to be spent and digested , by the Child ( which is as yet but little ) it returnes backe into the vaines , & chiefly those which are neere the stomacke : and through the long continuance , is there corrupted , and changed , to be of a bad qualitie , whereof proceeds this depraued and disordinate appetite , which the Latins call Pica , or Malacia : Loathing of meat , Hicket , Vomiting , Diuers diseases of women . Paines of the stomacke , Flanckes , and Belly , Ache of the backe , Hips , and Groine , difficultie of making water , Panting , and beating of the heart , with Sounning , the Cough , binding and Fluxe of the belly , swelling of the Thighs , and Feet , and sometimes Abortment , not being able to beare their Children the full time : together with many other accidents ; whereof we will speake hereafter , beginning with the Pica , which troubleth them oftnest , and longest .

Of the disordinate longing called Pica . CHAP. VIII .

WEe commonly say the appetite is depraued , when beyond measure we couet to eate and drinke too much ( in respect of what hunger naturally requireth : ) Or when we desire , or long after meats , which are vnusuall , and offend in qualitie , and are not drest and prepared as they ought .

Of this depraued Appetite there be diuers sorts . The first is called Boulimos of the Greeks , Boulimos . and of the Latins , Fames vaccina , & appetentia immodica . When they eate more then is requisite , not being able to satisfie themselues . And if hunger vrge them farther , and grow greater , then it is called of the Latins Appetitus caninus , Canina appetentia . or Fames insatiabilis , and the partie eates , till he be full , euen to the throat , that he is constrained to vomit , his stomacke being so ouercharged . But then presently he is driuen to eat againe , and then to vomit : from whence the Prouerbe is taken ; He is returned like a Dog , to his vomit . The like hapneth for drinking , as for eating , which the Latins call Sitis immodica , Sitis immodica . which is so great , that the tongue cleaues to the roofe of the mouth , not being able to eate or speake except the mouth be first moistned , and the tongue wetted . This accident is verie hard , yea , euen vnsupportable to endure , the sicke party taking no other delight but in drinking , and that often , and in great draughts . Men are more subiect to this drougth then women : Contrariwise , Women , and chiefly those with child , & such as haue not their Courses , or Wenches that are subiect to the Greene sicknesse , are more troubled with this depraued or immoderate appetite , called Malacia , or Pica ; hauing this name giuen it , From whence it is called Pica . either because Pyes are troubled with this disease , or else for that their feathers be of diuers colours , blacke and white , according to the varietie of things , which Women long after . This sicknesse hapneth when they desire to eate or drinke things , that are wholie contrarie to Nature , as eating of raw or burnt flesh , yea , euen to long after Mans flesh , Ashes , Coles , old Shoes , Chalke , Waxe , Nutshels , Morter , and Lime : Storie of Fernelius . as Fernelius witnesseth of a man , who being a long time desirous to eat vnslak't lime , at last deuoured thereof the bignesse of ones fist ; which helpt him , without doing him any harme , either in the stomacke , or guts . Notwithstanding , not long since , the daughter of M. Forges died , with eating the plastering of wals .

Sometimes custome , which is a second Nature , makes vs couet to eat such contrarie things , as we desire , and the rather because we haue commonly eaten thereof in our youth : There is found the contrarie hereof in some , who abhor and loath good meates , which is imputed to the Idiosyncrasie or particular constitution of the person . Others haue obserued , that there are such malignant humours sometimes bred in vs , that they are turned into poison , and make both these depraued appetites . As it is seen by poisons taken inwardly , and applied outwardly , which make the like effect . The biting of the serpent Dipsas doth testifie the same , which breedeth an intollerable and vnquenchable thirst in him that hath been wounded by it .

Now therefore , leauing all these kinds of vitiated and depraued Appetites , we will onely speake of that wherewith great-bellied Women are troubled , which is called Pica .

Diuers causes of Pica . Some impute the cause of this sicknesse to certaine Crudities , and ill humours , which are contained in the whole habite of the bodie , and imparted to the mouth , or orifice of the stomacke . But the soundest opinion is , that the sides and tunicles of the stomacke , and orifice thereof , are infected , and stuffed with diuers excrements , and ill humours ; and according to the qualitie they haue , the Woman with child , Wherefore they desire diuers things . longeth after the like : As if Melancholie abound , not burn't or adust ; she longeth after sharpe things , as Vineger , Citrons , and Orenges : if the Melancholie be adust , shee desireth Coles , Ashes , and Plastering : if the humour be salt , she coueteth salt meates , and so of the rest . And surely it often happens , that they long for the like things as are in their stomackes . This maligne and bad humour , is ingendred ( as we haue said ) through the retention of the naturall Courses in women with Child , which flow backe into the stomacke . In some it beginneth the first weeks , yea , The beginning of the Pica . the verie first day ; in others the thirtieth or fortieth day , and continues euen till the fourth moneth , and then ceaseth : which commeth so to passe , because the Child is growen bigger , and hauing need of more Nourishment , draw's to him a greater quantitie of bloud ; the which he consumes : and so by consequent , it returnes backe no more into the stomacke . Besides also , this humour hath been much spent and voided , by the often vomitings which Women haue during the first moneths . And also because the Childs haire is bred , and grown great , The breeding of the haire causeth the Pica . which some hold to be partly a cause of this sicknesse . Plinie writes , That women with Child , feel themselues worse , when their Childs haire begins to come , and chiefly about the new of the Moone .

Now that we may preserue them from this infirmitie , or at least diminish it as much as may bee : she must chiefely vse meats that breed good iuice ; Their diet in Pica . and that in little quantitie , increasing it neuerthelesse as her bignesse augmenteth , and the childe groweth : which at length waxing stronger and greater , will consume part of this great quantitie of bloud , and the rest may bee put into the membranes which wrap and infold the childe , and to the masse of bloud which is called the after-burthen , which is as it were the liuer of the Matrice .

Now concerning their meat and drinke : Considering that they that are sicke of this disease , and so infinitely distasted , that often times they doe euen loath and abhorre good meats : therefore wee must set an edge ( as it were ) on their appetite , Meats fit for those that haue the Pica . varying their meats in as many fashions as may be possible , thereby to make them the more pleasing and desireable .

Oliues and Capers , as likewise sallades a little parboiled , are very good for them .

All meats that are either too fat , or too sweet , bee naught , because they stirre vp a desire of vomiting .

For their sauces : they may vse Veriuice , Orringes , Citrons , Pomegranats , and good Rose viniger , all very moderately taken .

Auicen . Auicen commendeth tosted cheese , and Amylum dried : Aetius . which Aetius and Oribasius doe allow , and especially to those that desire to eat earth , Oribasius . and plastering of walles , Aegineta . or the like . Paulus Aegineta allowes them the vse of mustard , pepper , and cloues to make sauce thereof , for the stirring vp of their appetite , and to helpe to digest the crudities contained within the stomacke : after meales she may eat bak't quinces , and rosted filberds . For her drinke , she must vse good clarret wine , well allaied : but if shee long for white , you may giue her leaue to drinke some , so that it haue a little astriction .

Much drinking is naught in the Pica . True it is , that the ouer great quantitie of drinke is hurtfull for her , by reason of the great washing which it might make in her stomacke : shee may take euery morning a draught of Wormewood-wine , or a little strong Hydromel , with a tost of bread . The vse of these Lozenges is much commended .

Lozenges . ℞ Amyl : puriss . sic : ʒ j Caryoph : Nucis mosch : ana ℈ s Spec: diarhod : abbat : ℈ j. Sacchar : in aq : Rosar : & Absynth : dissolut : ℥ ij fiant tabellae ponder is ʒ j. Capiat vnam singulis auroris & superbibat tantillum vini .

The Ancients , as Paulus and Oribasius , exceedingly commend the decoction of Polypody , and Annis-seed , with suger of Roses . They may vse gentle fomentations to their stomackes , made of Wormewood , Balaustia , Cumin , Cytisus , and Fennill-seed wherewith likewise may be made Cataplasmes for the same vse . For these medicines will comfort and strengthen the concoctiue facultie of the stomacke , the better to digest the meat ; the retentiue , to retaine and keepe that it hath receiued ; the expulsiue , to thrust that foorth which troubleth the stomacke ; and the appetite , to couet and long for meat .

This ointment is also very fit and profitable .

Liniment . ℞ Ol. Nardin . Cyd●nior . ana ℥ s . Pul. Caryoph . Maslich . an ℈ j. Croci gr. iij. Cerae parum . fiat litus pro stomacho , praemisso fotu .

As also this that followeth .

Another . ℞ Ol. Mastich . Cydonior . an ℥ j. ol. Nardin . ℥ s Coral . rub . Caryophyl . Menth. Calam. aromat . nucis Mosch . an ℥ s. Cerae q. s. ad formam Cerati .

A Cataplasm . ℞ Cortic. Citri ℥ j. fol. Meliss . Absynth . ana M. ij . Coquantur in aq. com . pistentur & passentur , addendo olei Nard . & Mastih . an ℥ j. fiat Cataplasma .

They may vse Galens Cerote for the stomacke , or that of Aecius , made with Quinces , Saffron , and a little oile of Spicknard .

Concerning generall purgations , which may euacuate downeward part of this superfluitie , they must not be administred when a woman is yoong with childe , Discretion in purging . but with very great care , and good aduice , not vsing any strong purgers . But if there bee need , and that the disease ceaseth not by light medicines , then may be giuen a little infusion of Rubarbe , and a gentle decoction of Sene , taking the aduice of the learned Physitian . And therefore we must onely haue a regard to their vomiting , which at these times doth commonly molest and trouble them : taking heed of staying it , except it be immoderate ( as Auicen saith ) or too violent . Auicens precept . For otherwaies it helpeth to cure this disease , euacuating part of those ill humours whereby it is nourished and increased . And if wee perceiue she hath a desire to vomit , and that the expulsiue facultie be not strong enough to helpe it , let her take a little Hydromell warme ; and if the matter in the stomacke be tough and clammie , adde thereto a little vineger , the better to attenuate , and cut it . I haue beene the longer in this Chapter , because it is an accident that doth much annoy women with childe : thereby the better to instruct the yoong Chirurgion , when there is no Physitian neere at hand .

Of Distastfulnesse and Hicket . CHAP. IX .

MOst women , as soone as they are with childe , be so distasted , and doe so loath and abhorre meat , that they cannot endure either to eat , see , or smell it , yea , and some are sicke euen with the very hearing of it named : which makes them goe often times two or three daies without any desire to eat . This disease hapneth vpon the same reason we gaue before of the depraued appetite , The Cause . because the stomacke is filled and stuffed with diuers excrements ( that oloy a great bellied woman ) which by little and little are there gathered together , by the flowing backe of the courses that be stopped ( which cannot bee put forth , much lesse consumed by the little one ) and so come into the stomacke , and fill it .

But when these corrupted , The Hicket . and ill humours abide longer in the stomacke , there happens another accident , commonly called the Hicket , or Yeaxing , which is a violent and conuulsiue motion of the stomacke , which seemeth to discharge it selfe of those bad humours , which are contained in the capacity and membranes thereof : and offend either in quantitie , or qualitie , or both together . Discommoditie of the Hicket . From hence comes it that the stomacke willing to put them forth , casts vp with all the meat and food , the woman hath taken : to the preiudice of her selfe , which cannot keepe any thing for her owne sustenance ) and of the Child , who cannot find sufficient bloud to nourish him : which at length makes them both weake , and causeth the Mother either to be deliuered before her time ; or else to breed a faint and feeble Child , and oftentimes one that will be sickly all his life time .

Cure . For the remedying of this queasinesse , we must haue recourse to those medicines , written in the Chapter of depraued Appetite ; Both for the dyet and remedies . And touching the Hicket , when it comes through emptinesse , or want of eating ; then the woman must nourish her selfe , taking often good meat , and in small quantitie , as yelkes of egs , cullis , veale , broth , hennes , and chicken : and let her belly be annointed with oyle of sweet Almonds , and Violets . If the cause proceed of any sharp or biting humour , it must be drawen and purged downward gently , as we haue said already : or else by vomit , Straining bad for women with child . without much straining Cow milke , and the milke of an Asse are verie much commended ; as also the vse of syrups of Violets , and Nenuphar are verie profitable .

The Hicket may also come of some inflamation , that is in the Spleene , Liuer , or other bowels neere the stomacke , and so is impart to it : this hapning , it will be verie necessarie to let her bloud : and that she vse meats which moderately coole , as also medicines of the same nature both inwardly and outwardly : consulting thereof with the Physitions .

Of the Vomiting which happens to Women with Child . CHAP. X.

THere be some women , who as soone as they be with child , yea , the verie first daies , are subiect to Vomit : Women with child Vomit often . casting vp store of water and slime by the mouth : and this vomiting continueth euen till they are quicke with child : and with some it remaineth all the time of their going : which I saw happen vnto a great Lady of this kingdome ; who from the second day after she had conceiued , vomited ; and affirmed constantly that she was with child .

When this Vomiting hapneth , Vomiting must not be stopt on the suddaine . it must not be staied sodainly , if so be it continue gently , and without violence : for being stopped , there is such store of humors heaped and gathered together in their stomacks , that they are ready to be stifled , or stuft vp ; which being by little and little cast vp without violence , they are much eased : for by this euacuation of noysome excrements , the first region of the belly feels it selfe free , discharged , and vnburthen'd of many long and grieuous paines . Cause . The cause of this accident proceeds commonly of the abundance of humours gathered together in the stomacke : or else of some sharpe , and biting humour , that doth stir and prouoke it , and chiefly the vpper orifice thereof : aswell , by reason of the ill meats they eate , and that in great quantitie , as also because they fill themselues too much with good meat , which doth putrifie and corrupt , ( the naturall heat being weake ) and requires rather to be cast forth , Accidents of Vomiting . then kept in the bodie . But it hapneth oftentimes , that this Vomiting is so violent , that euen the meat and sustenance which the Mother taketh , to nourish her selfe and the child is cast vp , and then it must be remedied .

Likewise , if this accident come from some weaknesse of the stomack , or by the default of the retentiue facultie , which is not able to retaine and kepe the meat , although it were of good iuice , and in finall quantitie : or by some maligne vapour , which ariseth from the wombe , by reason of the seed and naturall courses retained ; they maybe help'd by these meanes following .

First , if the great quantitie of meates whether good or bad , which the woman hath taken , be the cause : then let her abstaine from eating them : obseruing the aboue mentioned Dyet , vsing good meats , and in little quantitie ; thereby to roule it forth . If the ouermuch quantitie , or ill qualitie of sharpe and biting excrements , be the cause , then must they be gently taken away and purged : Notwithstanding , we must refraine from giuing them any purgations with Diagredium , or Coloquint : and also from such as do much soften and moisten , as Cassia , Electuar . Lenitiuum , and the like : because through their moisture , they relaxe the stomacke , and so consequently , all the meanes , which haue correspondence and traficke with the Matrice : for the similitude of their neruous substance .

Their purges therefore must be of Rubart infusion , and also in substance , of the compound syrup of Cichory with Rubarbe ; which besides that they euacuate , doe likewise coroborate and strengthen : as also of the Syrup of Damaske Roses , Ma●na , and other which with drawing away the water , doe dry withall . But aboue all pills are very fit for them , because they dry ; both for their forme , and also for the drying ingredients whereof they are compounded : as those of Rubarb and Sene , made with a little conserue of roses , A good precept . adding thereto ( if there be any suspition of some maligne or bad quality ) a little of the confection of Hyacinthvs . This rule must be obserued in the purging of women with child , and hereof must be had the counsel of the learned Phisitian .

If some maligne vapour be the cause ; they must vse cordials , as , a little confection of Hyacinthe , the electuary of Gemmis , these cordiall Lozenges , or the like .

Cordiall Lorenges . ℞ . Corali vtriusque . ʒ s. lapid . bezoard . & rasura vnic . an ℈ s. pulu . electuar . diarrh . abbat . ℈ i. confect . de Hiacintho , ʒ s. saccar . cum . aqua card . bened . dissol . ℥ ij . fiant tabellae ponder . ʒ i. capiat singulis dicbus vnam mane , alteram à prandio , longe à pastu .

While they shall vse the aforesaid remedies , it will be very necessarie to comfort the stomacke : as also if the vomiting proceed through some weakenesse , the stomacke not being able to retaine , and hold the meate , the fore mentioned Lozenges are very good , as also Lozenges of Diarrhodon , if they should prooue distasteful , let them vse Codigniack , or some Citron pill condited . They may likewise take some digestiue powder after meales .

Let there be prouided some such fomentation for their stomacke , as this .

Fomentation . ℞ . Mentae , Ab sinthij , rosar . rub . an . m. s balaust . ʒ ij . gariophilor . & santalor . an . ʒ s. carnis cidoniorum ℥ i. corticis citri . ʒ i. fiat decoct . in vino austero profotu .

Then let them haue this ointment :

Liniment . ℞ . Olei mastich . & cidonior . an . ℥ s. olei de absinthio ʒ ij . pulueris coralli rub . & gariophil . an . ℈ i. croci parum fiat litus , admoueatur praemisso fotu .

This Emplaster is very fit : which must be applied after the ointment , Emplaster . and remain there a good space .

℞ . crustae panis assati ℥ iiij . macerent . in vino rubro & succo cidonior . pul . rosar . rub . & absinthij an ʒ i. ligni aloes & gariophilor . an . ʒ s. pul . coralli rubri . ℈ iiij . olei de absinthio . ℥ i. fiat cataplasma .

If all these forenamed medicines helpe not the patient , Master Mercator doth set downe a remedy very easie to be practised , and of incredible vertue ( as he saith , ) which cannot bring ( hauing often tried it ) any danger : An approued medicine . nor cause the woman to be deliuered out of her time : which is to let her blood in the Saluatella of the right hand .

CHAP. X. Of the paine of the sto acke , stancks , and belly , which happens to a woman with child .

THere is great store of grosse winds bred , not onely in the stomacke , and guts , but also about the Liuer , Spleene , Mesenterium , and Nauell , Causes of wind . by meanes of a weake and feeble heat , which is not able wholly to consume , and scatter them : from whence proceedeth a great distention of the belly , and other parts neere and chiefly about the Nauell : which in some oftentimes stands out , and is as big , as a goose egge . The which winds being thus inclosed , and not hauing free passage , cause such intollerable paine , that euen the breathing is thereby hindred , and the pulse almost lost , which at length might cause the woman to be deliuered .

Sometime also the wind is shut vp within the womb for I haue knowen some women , Wind inclosed in the wombe . that haue voided them with such a sound , & noise , as though it had bene , by the fondament , and this must be remedied after this sort .

First shee must shunne all manner of moist , Dyet . and windy meats , & liue after the order before prescribed . If it bee needfull to purge her ; let it be done , as is already set down . Then let there be applied some dry fomentations to the place affected , as this .

Quilt ℞ . flor. camo . & anethi an . m. ij . rosar . rub . p. ij . se . minis annisi & foenicul . an . ʒ ij . baccar . lauri ʒ i. fiat omnium puluis grossus de quibus fi aut sacculi duo irrorati cum . vino rub . & tepide admoueantur parti affectae .

The same quilts may be boyled in wine , and fomitations made of the said wine with soft spunges . But you must obserue , that the too long vse of moist fomentations , oyles , and fats is forbidden women with child , for feare least by too much moisture , and oylinesse , the ligaments and vessels of the matrice bee made too loose and soft : which at length may cause the woman to abort . Apply vnto her belly and to me parts pained , in forme of a Pultesse this that followeth .

Pultesse . ℞ . Vitell. ouorum n. iiij . puluis anisi . & foeniculi dulcis an . ʒ s. pul . absinthii . ʒ s. cum oleo anethino & camomil . q. s . fiat fricatum .

Let them chaw Fennil , or Anniseed , or a little Cinamon : and take a tost dipt in Hippocras , Some haue tolde mee , that the distilled water of Citron Pills , drunke , is very singular good . And it will not be amisse , sometimes to take a spoonfull , or two of this water .

A Claret water ℞ . Aquae vitae ℥ s. cinamo . ʒ i. macerent . spatio xiiij . hor. deinde affunde aque rosar . ℥ iii. saccari candi ℥ s. fiat aqua clareta , capiat coclear vnum .

If ye perceiue that shee is much troubled with paine you may giue her a Clister : as this .

A Glister . ℞ . Folior . maluae , matrica . an . m. i. flor. camom . meliloti , et summitat aneti an . M. ss. seminis anisi & foenic. an . ʒ iii. bulliant in iure capit . veruec . vel vituli . de quo accipe quart . iij. in quibus dissolue Ol. Aneth . Chamamel . an . ℥ ij . Sachar . eub. ℥ j. s . Butyr . recent . ℥ j. Vitell. duor . ouor . fiat Clyster .

Neuerthelesse , Admonishment I am of opinion ( if it may be done possibly ) that they should abstaine from Clysters : because I haue seene women sometimes , through as small a Clyster as this , fall into great torments , yea , and euen into throwes ; nature being thereto prepared and ready : which turned to the Chirurgions disgrace . Wherefore let her vse these Lozenges following :

Lozenges . ℞ sem. Anis . foenic. dulc. an . ʒ s . nucis Mosch . ℈ j. spec. Diacumin . Diarrhod . Abbat . ana. ℈ s . sacchar . in aq. Cinamon . dissolut . ℥ ij . fiant tabulae , capiat vnam singulis auroris .

She may vse Sugar of Roses , which to euery ounce hath two or three drops of the oile of Annis seed added to it .

Of the paines of the Backe , Hips , and Groine , with difficultie of making water , that happens vnto Women with child . CHAP. XII .

THere be some Women , which beare their children high , and ( as they say ) within their stomacke : so that they are nimbler , either in going , or stirring : without being let or hindred thereby at all . Others carrie them verie low , The diuers situation of the child . hauing their belly standing verie much out , which brings them much inconuenience : as paine of the Hips , and Groine , and then they complaine , as if those parts , and their belly were rent and torne in pieces . Contrariwise , there be others , that hide their child , within their raines , and beare it verie backward ; which causeth them to haue exceeding great paine in their backs . In the two latter cases , we had need to helpe them : for as Hippocrates saith ; Hipp. When women with child are troubled with great paine in their backe , and legs ; then are they in danger to be deliuered before their time . The like may be also said , of them that haue much paine in their belly and groine .

Cause of these paines . These paines commonly , do rather proceed from the heauinesse of the child , then of any quantitie of humors , which abound in the bodie . For at that time , the wombe being great , thicke , and full , by reason of the child which is big , and large , and of the bed , or after-burthen , and oftentimes filled with great store of water ; on which side soeuer the wombe resteth , it drawes the ligaments and bonds with it , that hold and fasten it to the foresaid parts : and by the force of this dilation , and stretching , doth cause and prouoke paines in the backe , hips , and groine : aswell by reason they are tyed thereto ; as likewise for the continuitie of those neighbouring parts , The Cure . which touch them . For the remedying whereof , the woman must keepe her selfe still , and quiet , without much stirring , or shaking : she must eat little , and often , and of meats that be light , and easie of digestion : for the stomake being full , doth presse the body of the Matrice , and thrusts it downward . Therefore she must were Swathes , which may helpe to support , and keep vp her belly : that by such a rest and swathing , the ligaments , which are lengthned , and stretched , may be somewhat brought backe to their proper places : which must be confirmed and strengthned by these meanes .

All the bottome of her backe , and raines must be annointed with Vnguentum Comitissae , or else this ointment .

Oyntment . ℞ Ol. Mastich . Cidonior . an . ℥ j. ol. Mirtill . ℥ ss. Corall . rub . terrae Sigillat . an . ʒ s . Vnguent . Comitiss . ℥ s . liquefiant omnia vt artis est , & fiat linimentum .

If the woman with child feel any coldnesse ( as it happens to some , by reason of their cold temperature ) which makes them shiuer , and quake : let there be added to the former ointment , Ol. Costin . & Aneth . an . ℥ ss.

But if she find any heat there , or burning , then applie some ointment , that hath vertue to comfort , and coole .

Another ointment . ℞ Ol. Mirtill . Rosar . an . ℥ j. ss. vng. Rosat . Mes. ℥ j. vng , Refriger . Galen . ℥ s . Puluer . Corall . rub . Bol. Armen . an . ʒ j. succi Aurant . ʒ ij . misce fiat linimentum .

Likewise it may chance , A good obseruation . through the waightinesse of the wombe , which resteth in the bottome , that the woman with child cannot make water ; which hapning , she herselfe , with both hands must lift vp the bottome of her belly : by meanes whereof , she shall hinder the bodie of the wombe , from pressing , and crushing the bladder , and especially the necke thereof , which is loaded and oppressed with the said wombe . You may applie below , some bathing or fomentation , made with the leaues of Mallowes , Althaea , Cresses , and Parietarie , with a little Lin-seed , to make the passage more loose , soft , and easie to be inlarged , or widened .

Of the panting , and beating of the Heart : As also of Swouning , which happen vnto women with child . CHAP. XIII .

AS there be diuers winds and vapours , that are shut vp , and inclosed in the neather belly of a woman with child , which procure great paines in her hips , backe , and groine : for the reasons before rehearsed . Cause of the trembling of the Heart . So likewise are there the like vapours , that arise from the wombe , and other parts neere , which are inclosed in the Arteries , and by them are carried , and imparted to the heart , which cause a panting , and beating : and the heart feeling it selfe offended , and oppressed by the said vapours , endeuoureth by his motion , to expell and driue them away , The wisedom of Nature in all her works . far from itselfe , ( Nature hauing giuen to euery part , some particular meanes , whereby to repell , and thrust backe that , which doth annoy , or molest it . As the Braine by sneesing ; the Lungs by coughing ; and the stomacke by vomiting . But because this accident is oftentimes the forerunner of a Syncope , or swouning , therefore will it be needfull to haue care thereof , it being easie to be knowne , both by the relation of the party , who finds her heart beate , as also by feeling the breast vppon the region of the heart with ones hand , with which this motion lifteth vp the ribs and the hand that is laide thereon , yea some women haue such a beating , that it makes euen the ribs stand out of their place . For remedy whereof , such vapors must be kept from seasing vpon the hart , which may be done by well fensing of it , both within , and without .

If then you perceiue that the woman doe abound with any ill humors , from whence these vapours may partly arise : she must bee purged ( as before , ) and let bloud , according as the accidents doe require , and the ancients doe appoint , which must be done in small quantity , and that , not all at once : but rather at mâny times by little and little . For according to Galen . How a woman with child must be let bloud . There is no remedy that more hinders , and altars the course of blood and noysome vapors , from piercing and assailing the heart , then letting of bloud doth .

Let her take euery morning , one of these Lozenges , which are very proper

Lozenges . ℞ . puluer laetitiae Galeni & de gemmis . an ℈ i. pul . lapid . bezoard . & ossis de corde cerui . an . ℈ s. confect . de hyacintho ʒ s. sacchari cum aqua scordij dissoluti ℥ ij . fiant tabellae pond . ʒ ij . sumat vnam singulis diebus mane & sero cubitura .

In steed thereof she may vse this opiate :

Opiate . ℞ . conseruae bugloss . & borag . an . ℥ s. conseruae radicis scorzonerae ʒ . vi . corti . citriconditi ʒ iij. ther. veter . ℈ i. pul . electuar . diamarg. frigidi ℈ s. fiat opiata capiat singulis diebus mane & sero ʒ i. vt dictum est .

The Claret water before described is very excellent good , some doe vse the water of Orringe flowers .

The hart must be garded . The heart must bee outwardly fortified with Quilts , Fomentations , Epithemes , & Cataplasmes , applied to the region thereof ; made with the aforenamed ingredient . Take for the Epitheme or fomentation , the waters of Borage , Buglosse , Balme , & of Oringe flowers , Cardus Benedictus , Roses and of Scordium , adding therto Saunders , Angelica seed : Cordiall flowers and the like .

The wombe desireth good smels . And because that the heart and matrice , are delighted with pleasant odors , let those that are troubled with this disease vse good smels ; sweet , but neither strong nor piercing .

CHAP. XIIII . Of the Cough .

ONe of the most grieuous , and almost insupportable accidents , that can happen to a woman with childe , is the Cough : the which being violent , oftentimes causeth head-ach , pain of the sides , flanks and belly , Inconueniences of the cough . vomiting , & watching , the woman not being able to sleepe , or take any rest , for the great concussion and agitation which is made through the whole body , which oftentimes puts the woman in danger , to be deliuered before her ordinary time .

For the most part it proceedeth of some sharpe and biting vapours , Cause . which arise from the nether parts , or else by the distillation of some thinne humor , that comes from the braine , and falleth trickling vpon the Trachea Arteria , or wind pipe , & the lungs , which prouokes them to cough , & yet bringing vp little or nothing : the distilation may also be of some thicker humor which falleth downe vpon the said parts .

Therefore wee must haue respect to the antecedent cause , Cure . by hindering such vapors and humors from breeding , then staying those , which may flow or fal downe : if there be any cause or matter ioined with it , already fallen and impacted in the lungs & brest , then must it be brought vp by spetting .

For the helping hereof , Dyet . they must auoide all salt and spiced meates , as also those that are sharp , and biting especially if it be caused by some vapours or destillation of a thinne or serous humour .

Concerning generall medicines : Generall medicines . if it bee accompanied with a feuer , or some great heat , it will not be amisse to draw a little bloud . then ( the better to turne the course of the distillation ) : which causeth the cough to apply cupping glasses vpon the shoulders , with some light scarification . And if the cough should bee of so long continuance , Cautery . I would counsell you to lay a cautery in the hollownesse of the nape of the neck : which I haue practised with good successe , but it must not be done before you haue tried the medicines following , and when the cough is great and violent .

Frictions . The rubbing of the armes , shoulders , and backe must not bee omitted , as also when the haire is shauen away to apply Emplasterum de Betonica , vpon the head , to stay the Rhume .

If the cough be dry , proceeding from some thin and sharpe humor or vapour , it must bee thickned , contrariwise if the humour be tough and thicke , it must be cut , and attenuated , by concocting both , and therefore in this case , the vse of Medicines , that do dull , the sence therof , are very profitable to mittigate violent Coughs : of which kind are these that follow . If the humor bee thin and sharpe this Iulep taken twice or thrice is very fitte .

℞ . Syrup . rosarum sicar . & de iuiubis an . ʒ vi . syrupi de nenuph. ℥ s. aquae cardui & vngulae cabalinae an . ℥ . ij . s. fiat . Iulap . reiteretur ter quater-ue vt artis est .

If the humor be slimy , thicke , and tough she may vse this Iulep .

Iulep . ℞ . Syrupi capill . veneris & de liquirit . an . ʒ . vi . oximelit . simplic . ℥ s. aquae betonicae , & vngul . cabal . an . Another . ℥ ij . s. fiat Iulap . reiteretur vt supra .

Let them often hold in their mouth suger candy , especially that which gathers about the pot side , wherein sirop of Violets or the like hath beene put . Let them vse Trochiscks , iuice of Licorise , and sometime chawe a peece of Lichorise in their mouth . The Lozenges of Diatragacanthum frigidum , Diairis simplex , and suger of Roses , are very good . The vse of Lohocs is very distastfull , but in steed thereof , let them vse Syrup of Iuiubes , of dryed Roses , and a little diacodium mingled together , I haue seene this medicine doe much good , especially when the cough is great , and that they feele some excoriation , and roughnes in the throat . A medicine to take away the roughnes of the throat .

℞ . olei amigd . dul . sine igne recent . extract . ℥ . i. s. saccari canda subtilit . pulueris . ℥ s. mucag. seminis psilij & . cydoniorum cum aqua rosar . leuiter extract . an ʒ ij . misce omnia diligenter .

Let them take of this medicine in a spoone , swallowing it down verie gently , that so some of it may the better slide downe the sides of the windpipe .

It will be very fit to rub their breast all ouer with fresh butter , or oyle of sweet Almonds : and if they finde any heat , let them vse oyle of Violets washed with Barley water well boyled . Sleeping stoppeth fluxes .

And because there is nothing , that stayeth destillations , better then sleepe : and that those who haue the cough sleepe little , it will be very good to make the patient sleepe , without giuing any violent sleeping medicine , this Iulep may bee giuen very safely .

Drink to stay the Rheume . ℞ . Syrupi de Iuiubis , violati & diacodij sine specieb . an . ℥ s. cum decocto portulacae , lactucae , boraginis . betonicae & trium flor. cordial . fiat potus , capiat hora somni .

This remedy procureth sleepe , and so by consequence stayeth the Rheume . If you haue any good Laudanum , you may giue safely three or four grains thereof ; which I haue seene practised with prosperous successe .

CHAP. XV. of Costiuenes , wherwith women with child are troubled .

AMongst many other accidents wherewith women with child are troubled , there are two , the one contrary to the other whereunto they be much subiect : that is , either they are bound , and cannot go to the stoole but with much inconuenience , and very seldome : or else they are alwaies loose and subiect to the fluxe . Contrary accidents in women with child . Both may put the woman in danger of miscarrying . For when she is bound , with much strayning , and that violently to vnburthen nature , the ligaments may bee loosened , or some veine opened : and cause fluxe of bloud : which may make her fall into trauaile , and therefore it is fit to prouide for it .

Cause of Costiuenesse . The retention of the excrements , and costiuenes of the belly , may happen , either because they haue vsed to be so naturally , or by alteration , and change of yeares , for as Hippocrates saith , they who haue their belly moist in their youth , in their age will haue it hard and drie , and so contrariwise . This accident happens to others , because the guts are not prouoked & stirred vp by the clister of nature ( which is the gall , ) that they may expell , and thrust foorth their excrements . There might bee alledged many more reasons , which at this time I will leaue to speake of , and onely frame my selfe to that which most commonly is the cause of it in women with child , which is referred to two points , Other causes of Costiuenes either because the guts are pressed by the vneuennes of the wombe , which is too full , and beeing placed vpon them ( and chiefly vpon the great gut ) crushes and thrusts them one against another , in such sort , that they haue no meanes to inlarge and dilate themselues , thereby to uoid the excrements contained within them . The other is because the guts , and the excrements within them , are commonly very hard , and dried in women with child , through the great heate , that is in the intrailes , which makes them that they cannot easily flow . The sedentary life also , that women leade , is cause that their excrements are stayed , and gather themselues together , by little and little , and at the length stoppe vp the passage . This accident brings vnto them , flushing in the face , headach , beating of the Arteries ; yea and oftentimes an Ague .

For the curing of this disease a good order in dyet is verie needfull : Cure . vsing meates that doe moisten , and keepe the guts supple , and slipperie , and withall soften the excrements : which must bee done with very great discretion : for too much moysture may at length ouer much relaxe the ligaments of the the wombe , and of the child , and thereby hasten the deliuery .

Notwitstanding , a woman with child being too costiue , may vse tender meats , as Veale , wherewith they may make Brothes , Brothes to loosen the belly . with Lettuce , Purcelane , Sorrell , Spinach , Beets , Buglosse , Violet leaues , and sometime a little of the herbe called Mercurie . Let them vse Prunes , and bak't Apples . Some take two or three gulps of fresh water before their meales : but let them vse gentle exercise to make their excrement follow the more freely . It is also verie fit for a woman with child , in the morning when she riseth , and at night when she goeth to bed , to make proffer to vnburthen nature , without straining her selfe , but verie gently . If for all this her belly will not be correspondent ; it will not be amisse to giue her Clysters .

Clyster . ℞ Malu . Bismal . Parietar . Matric . an . m. ij . flor. Chamoem . Melilot . an . p. ij . sem. Anisi , Foenicul . an . ʒ ij . coquantur in iure pulli vel capit . veruec . aut vituli in colatur . ad quart . iij. dissolue Sacch . albi , olei Violat . Butyr . recent . an . ℥ j. ss. vitell. ouor . numero ij . fiat Clyster . this may be giuen at twise .

She may also take some broth wherein is put a spoonfull or two of the water , or wine of Seny , which is made after this maner .

Seny wine . Take halfe an ounce of Seny well cleansed , sixe cloues brused , put them into a dish , and poure vpon them halfe a pint of wine , or water redy to boyle , and so let them soke all night , and in the morning take two or three spoonfull , which must be put into your broth : keeping the rest , to serue you afterward , at your need .

Of the Fluxe , or loosenesse of the Belly , which troubleth women with child . CHAP. XVI .

THe Laske , in what maner soeuer it be , doth put the woman in danger of comming before her time : and that for diuers reasons . First , Fluxe of the belly dangerous . because thereby the meat they take for their nourishment , is voided too soone , which should haue staied and been turned into bloud , for the nourishing and sustaining both of the Mother , and the child . And therefore , they both remaine weake , and feeble , which compelleth the child to come foorth , and seeke for food else where . For as the Prouerbe saith ; Prouerbe . Hunger makes the Wolfe come foorth of the wood . Beside , the Mother is so troubled with rising out of her bedde , as also with much straining her selfe , ( especially if it bee the bloudie Flixe ) that the wombe oftentimes is ouerturned , and relaxed : and causeth the childe to bee cast foorth of his place , by reason of the moistnesse which runneth continually along the great gut , vpon which the wombe is placed .

Women with great bellies are commonly subiect thereto , because of the meats they eat , Women with child are subiect to loosenesse of the belly . which are of ill iuice : whereby the stomacke being weakned , and not able to concoct them , the expulsiue faculty is compel'd to thrust them downward , halfe concocted , and indigested : otherwise they are corrupted , and turned into some maligne , sharpe , and biting humours : as into fretting , choller rotten flegme , or melancholie , which doe corrode and stir vp the bowels , and so cause the fluxe of the belly .

The Cure . Concerning the cure of it , many considerations must be had . And first , it will be verie fit to know of what kind , the fluxe is , and what may be cause thereof . Now , all Fluxes of the belly must needs be one of these three ; either Diarrhaea , Lienteria , or Dysenteria , which soeuer it be of these , if it proceed of a maligne , and putride humour , it must not be suddainly stopped by astringent medicines , least it happen vnto the woman with child , as it did vnto Smyrnia , A wotrhy storie . ( as Hippocrat . saith ) who hauing a fluxe of the belly , suddainly stopt ; was deliuered in the the fourth moneth .

How to proceed therein . Now to know what kind of fluxe it may be , the stooles will shew and testifie . If it be not violent , it may be suffered to flow gently , and for a good while ; not omitting in the meane time , the vse of some Clysters , that may asswage the paine , if there be any . But if it continue , & that it bee bred of some sharpe and biting humours which knaw the guts , and prouoke the expulsiue facultie ; ( of which kind are fretting and biting choller , or salt flegme ) and that the Mother seeme to grow weake and faint : then must it be remedied with as much speed and care as may be : otherwise the woman hauing diuers pangs , and prouocations , is in danger to be deliuered . Wherefore the humour offending must be purged with Rubarb , compound sirup of Cichorie , and the like , which haue been alreadie prescribed in the former Chapters : as also the like humours hindred from breeding . Her Diet. And therefore she must abstaine from all vnholsome meats , especially if the cause thereof proceed from thence . Besides , the said humors must be allaied and made more gentle , that they may not any more prouoke or stir vp the expulssiue vertue : the which may be easily done by a good dyet , which shall breed as little choller , or other bad humours , as may be : vsing broths made with Purcelance , Sorrell , Buglosse , and the cold seeds , adding thereto a little Rise , or French Barley . The vse of new laid Egges is much commended , which must be poched in water : Her meat must be rather rost , then boiled : All spices are to be eschewed . Let her drinke be red Wine , or steeled water , wherein a piece of bread hath been soked .

This drinke is verie fit , and pleasant .

Take of French Barly , dried in a pan , a handfull , A Drinke . Fennill-seed , Coriander-seed , and Licorise of each , two drams , boile them in a quart of water , adding thereto an ounce of Berberis , or two ounces of the iuice of Pomgranats . A little before meales let her eat a slice of Marmilade .

And seeing there often happens paine and gripings together with pangs and throwes , because the guts are moued and prouoked : therefore they must be washed , and the paine mitigated with this Clyster .

Clister . ℞ . Hord. integ . m.i. cham●mel . melilot . an m.s. Plantag. Borag . Buglos . an . m.i. Bulliant in iure cap●t . veruec . aut vituli de quo cape quart . iij. in quibus dissolue ol. violar . ℥ iij. vitell. duor . ouor . sachar . rub . ℥ is . fiat clyster .

But if the woman bee further molested with gripings and that she haue great , and often prouocations : then this Clister will be very fit for her .

Another Clister . ℞ . Plantag. Bars . Pastor . Portulac . an . m.j. flor. Chamoemel . melilot . hord. integ . an . p. 1. sem. anisi ℥ s. Bulliant in iure pulli gallinacei . de quo accipe qu. iij. seui caprill . ℥ i. s. olei omphac . ℥ iij. vitell vnius oui cum album . sacchar . rub . ℥ j. misceantur & fiat clyster .

Clisters that are made onely with oyle of Violets and the broth of a sheepes , or calues head bee singular good .

If the disease doe increase and the paines grow more violent , then we must proceed euen to stupifying or Narcoticke medicines , as Laudanum , or Pilulae de Cynoglossa , which may be giuen either by the mouth or in a Clister wherein the Physitians counsell must be asked .

I haue seene giuen with good successe one or two drams of new Triakle dissolued in a clister .

It will be very fit to annoint the bottome of her belly , and about the ossacrum with this ointment .

Ointment . ℞ . Ol. Rosar . Mirtil. an . ℥ i.s. olei Mastich . ℥ j. vitell. duor . ouor . croci ℈ s. misce omnia simul , & fiat litus pro pectine , & osse sacro .

They may likewise vse Vnguentum Rosatum Mesues .

The paine still continuing , with pangs & throws let there be made for her this Suffumigation .

Suffumigation . ℞ . folior . matric . plantag. bursae . pastor . verbasci Arnoglossae an . m. i. rosar . rub . flor. cham . & melilot . balaustiorum . an . m.s. coquantur in aequis partibus vini austeri & aquae chalyb. & fiat insessio , & ibi per dimidiam horam se contineat .

Then ( she beeing well dryed ) annoint all the bottome of her belly , and about os sacrum , with this ointment .

Liniment . ℞ . seui caprilli , & veruec . an . ℥ s. olei rosati & mastich . an . ℥ ij . s. olei cydonior . ℥ i. liques . simul , addendo pul . rosar . rubr . verbasci & mirtill . an . ʒ s. pul . terrae sigillatae , & coralli rub . ʒ ji . ceraeq . s . fiat litus .

Of the swelling of the legs and thighs which happeneth vnto women with child . CHAP. XVII .

IN those women which were woont to haue great quantitie of naturall purgations , before they were with child ; the bloud after they haue conceiued , which was vsed to flow , beeing stopt and suppressed , and not being conuerted into nourishment by the Mother , Cause of the swelling of the face . and much lesse by the child ; most commonly though it doth not breede the former accidents , yet is it altered , and conuerted into waterish humors : Moreouer the liuer through the aboundance of bloud , wherwith it doth ouerflow , breeds a serous or waterish bloud : and beeing not able to digest it , it is thrust downward by the expulsiue vertue of the vpper parts , and at length rests itselfe vpon the legges , feet , and thighs , the which makes them all swelled and oedematous . This swelling oftentimes doth continue both day and night , and somtimes it is so resolued in the night that in the morning it is scarce perceiued at all but presently al the day , the tumor is renewed , & at the euening doth much appeare : and then againe , in the night it is resolued through rest , and the heat of the bed . Such as are much subiect to the whites , before their being with child are commonly troubled with this infirmity , which was obserued by Hippocrates in chollericke people , and those that abound with serous , sharpe , Who are not subiect to the swelling . and biting humors . Beside the said oedematous swelling , there happens an inflammation , which doth cause the skinne to go off , and somtime breedeth filthy vlcers . But this must bee remedied before these vlcers happen .

These accidents continue commonly but the first foure moneths , yet with some they stay till their lying in , and so soon as they are deliuered , the swelling vanisheth of it selfe .

If this disease doe not much offend the woman with child , it shall not be needfull to vse many medicines , but it is sufficient that she keep a good dyet , and chiefly if it resolue of it selfe in the night . But if she be much troubled therewithall , Aduertisement concerning the cure . let her vse these remedies .

Let the swollen parts be rubbed with this medicine .

Liniment . ℞ . Olei Rosat . Omphacin . ℥ iij. Aceti ℥ ss. salis ʒ ij . agitentur omnia simul , & fiat litus pro parte affecta . And if there be any inflammation , adde to it a little vng. Populeum .

The swollen parts must be wrapped with clothes , Binding necessarie . and swathed beginning at the bottome , and so going vpward .

Some find good by laying thereon a Cabbage lease , and binding it as before .

Others vse the lye of Vine ashes , Lye of Vine ashes verie good . adding thereto a little Allom , & Fullers earth , then dipping therein a linnen cloth doubled , or else a spunge , and so applie it . I haue made proofe of this fomentation and cataplasme , when there hath been no inflmmation .

Fomentation . ℞ . Fol. salu . Maioran . Ebul . Rorismar● an . m. j. flor. Chamoemel . Melilot . Lauand . Rosar . rub . an . p. j. Baccar . Laur. Iunip. Balaust . an . ℥ ss. coquantur omnia in lixiuij Cineris sarment ●r . lb. xij . addendo Alum . crudi . ℥ j. fiat fotus cum spongijs , deinde admoneatur sequens cataplasma .

Cataplasma . ℞ . Farin . fabar . hord. Orobi . an . ℥ iij. coquantur perfectè in decocto superiori , addendo faecis vini rub . ℥ iij. Terebinth . conis ℥ j. s . vnguent . Rosat . Mes. ol. Rutac . Chamoemel . an . ℥ ij . pulu . Rosar . rub . Ireos florent . an . ℥ s . admoueatur parti calidè praemisso fotu .

I haue likewise vsed in steed of the foresaid fomentation , before the applying of the Pultesse , to take a quantitie of Danewort , A tried remedie . a little Sage , with a few Chamomile and Melilot flowers , and heat them in a skillet , laying it round about the leg , and couering it quite with tyles which couer the tops of houses , being a little heated , to keepe the hearbs gently warme the space of an howre or two .

Some vse Snayles with their shels beaten together , and applie them like a pultesse .

Beside the former swelling of the legs , and feet , there hapneth to some a puffing vp , or windy swelling in the entrance of the wombe , so great , and swollen ; that I haue seen it in some women , bigger then halfe a childs head : which doth so grieue , and trouble them , that they are scarse able to bring their legs together , but are faine to stand stradling : This swelling is verie cleare , and shining ; and to say the truth , there is nothing but water contained within it , the which must be cured before her lying in . An obseruation . There are not any Cataplasmes , or the like , in this case that can do much good : ( as I my selfe haue oft made triall ) But onely the manuall practize , making many long and deep scarifications of all sides , which will cause great store of water to flow , and issue from the part : the which I haue practized vpon many . And it is to be noted , that oftentimes this tumor doth returne , and is fill'd againe , therefore it will be necessarie to make new scarifications . And to the end that it may not come so soone againe , applie thereto , A tried remedie . both within and without , fine lint moistned in the oyle of sweet Almonds , and laying vpon it an emplaster made with a little Cerotum infrigidans Galeni , & Desiccatiuum rubrum , mingled together : this medicine will make the orifices vent and flow the longer . Not long since , there were two worthy Ladies ( which for honor sake I will not name ) that were troubled with this accident , about the time of their lying in ; in whom I opened , and scarified those parts , to make the water flow and come foorth . And it is to be obserued , that we must awaite a fit opportunitie to do this ; which will be when they are neare their lying downe .

The meanes to helpe women which cannot beare their Children the full time . CHAP. XVIII .

OFtentimes it happens to women , that they cannot beare their burthen to the time prefixed by nature , which is the ninth moneth . This accident is called either a shift , or slipping away , or else Abortment , or ( as our women call it ) a mischance : The shift is reckoned from the first day the seed is retained in the wombe , till such time as it receiueth forme and shape , in which time , if it chance to issue and flow foorth , it is a Shift . The Abortment hapneth after the fortieth day , yea , euen to the end of the ninth moneth . For the Abortment is a violent expulsion , or exclusion of the child already formed and endued with life , before the appointed time . But the sliding away , or shift , is a flowing or issuing of the seed , out of the wombe , which is not yet , either form'd , or endued with life .

Those that haue been deliuered once before their time , for the most part they miscarie with the rest of their children , about the same time .

Causes of Abortment . This accident may happen vpon diuers occasions , the which are either inward , or outward . The outward are , either an Ague , fluxe of bloud , or of the belly , vomiting , or any other sicknesse that may happen vnto a woman with child ; as also leaping , daunsing , riding in a Coach , too much stretching of her selfe , and the lifting , or carrying of any heauie burthen : the immoderate vse of Venus , Passions of the mind , as choller , sadnesse , longing after any thing ; or the vse of violent and strong medicines .

The inward causes are gathered from one of these three : either from the Mother , or things belonging to her , Causes from the child . or from the child . Those that are taken from the child , are , when he is either so weak and sickly , that he cannot be kept in the wombe , being not able to draw sufficient nourishment , and thereby doth decay and die : or else by being too big and large ; so that the wombe is not capable to lodge and support him : which maketh the vessels of the wombe to bee relaxed and breake : then the entrance of the womb dilates it selfe , and the child commeth forth .

From the mother : when shee is eyther too small , Causes from the mother . or low of stature , which causeth that the child cannot grow in so little roome neither moue himselfe or breath ( although he breath onely by the arteries of the mother ) her breast beeing so straight that it cannot be stretched or inlarged : or else because she is too fat , which maketh the caule to presse downe , and crush the Matrice , and causeth the seed to flow and issue forth before it be formed . Leannes causeth Abortment . A woman also that is too leane , and doth eate but little , seldome or neuer beares her child the full time . For if the mother be not well nourished , much lesse can the child . Too much eating stifles the child : as likewise the vse of vnholesome meates doth engender ill bloud in the mother : wherewith the childe beeing nourisht , in the ende languisheth , whence followeth death . Another cause may bee the ouermuch fulnesse , and moistnes wherewith women abound , Fulnesse is cause of Abortment . and chiefly in their womb , which oftentimes is ful , and ouerflowes with mosture , and filleth the vessels of the wombe full of slime , whereby the inner orifice is inlarged , and dilated , vnable to support , or keepe in the child . There may likewise bee ingendred some sharpe , and biting humors ; wherwith the Matrice beeing stirred , or prouoked , while it endeuours to expell them , may thrust out the child also .

This accident may also happen to those that in their child bearing are subiect to haue their naturall courses , They which haue their naturall courses do often miscarry . as if they were not with child : which commeth to passe , when nature striuing to put them forth , doth cause the child to be vntyed , and so he followeth the Purgings .

Things annexed to the mother which doe cause abortment . Concerning those things which are annexed or belonging to the mother , I vnderstand them to bee such as may bee growne or contained within the womb , as some impostume , Scyrrhus , or excrescence of flesh , mole or false conception , therin contained , as also great store of water , the which I saw , not long since happen vnto an honest Gentlewoman , whose womb was so full of water in the eight moneth that the Orifice thereof was constrained to open it selfe , and let them foorth , the which was in such quantity , that it is incredible to bee reported , and some sixe daies after , shee was deliuered , the wombe not being closed againe .

As this accident is very dangerous , both for the mother and the child ; so will it bee needfull to preuent , and remedy it with all speed possible .

Signes of abortment . First we may know , that a woman is in danger to abort , or miscarry , when the milk in her brests doth flow and run forth in great quantity , her brests remaining limber and soft : and if she be with child of two children , and one brest grow empty , it is signe she wil miscary with one of them . For this sheweth that the child doth loath & refuse his nourishment : chiefly if the nipple haue gotten any ill colour , it is a signe that the Matrice is distempered according to Hyppocrates . Hippoc. lib. 5. Aphoris . 37.38

They that are troubled with a great loosenesse of the belly , bee often deliuered before their time . Loosenes of the belly causeth abortment .

Likewise great paine of the backe , and thighs , which coms round to the groin , and bottome of the belly , doth oftentimes presage the like . As also when there floweth out of the conduit of nature , first certain waters , then bloudy and slimy matter , and last of all bloud .

To the end that it may be safely remedied , Cure of Abortment . there must respect be had to the cause : Now concerning the outward causes , as if the mother bee troubled with any sicknes she must be handled as it is requisite and fit : shee must shunne all violent exercises , passions of the mind , and the too often vse of Venus . If the abortment proceed , from the littlenesse or lownes of the mother , before her being with child , let her vse Bathes , fomentations , and oyntments that may loosen and inlarge her belly , and Matrice . And while she goeth with child let her feede moderately , to nourish her selfe , and her child , & when the ninth month is come let her vse supling and relaxing oyntments like those formerly set downe .

If the cause be of too much fatnes , it wil be very fit and conuenient to purge her , and let her bloud , before shee bee with child ; and to prescribe her a strict order of dyet thereby to make her leane , vsing meates that bee not too nourishing , or full of good iuice . Contrariwise she that is too leane , must vse good meates , and such as breed good iuice , and that in good quantity . If too much eating and drinking , or the vse of bad meates , that breed ill iuice , be the cause : then must she absteine from them .

And when it doth proceed from the fulnesse and aboundance of humors , & water : as it happeneth in full bodied young women , or which before their being with child were subiect to some euacuations ( as bleeding at the nose , Hemorrodes , or abundance of ordinary purgations , and whites ) then will it also be very needful to purge , and let them bloud and before their beeing with child , to make them vse the dyet : When the diet is necessary and especially those , that haue the ligaments of the womb loose and soft , and the vessels full of thicke and slimy matter : to whome likewise may be administred cleansing , & strengthening iniections , drying perfumes , Baths with sulphur , and emplasters for their backes , which shall heereafter be set downe .

Bloudletting fit for them that abort . And when they shall be gone about foure moneths and a halfe , it will be very fit to purge them gently , & let them bloud , the which may be done more plentifully and boldly ( not all at once , but at sundry times ) in those who before their being with child were vsed to more copious and frequent euacuations . For experience doth shew , that by this meanes , those which were wont to be deliuered before their time , haue not onely born their children to the ordinary time , but thereby also haue beene brought a bed more easily , and with lesse pain and trouble . Store of nourishment choketh the child . So that the child shall neither be in daunger to bee stifled , by drawing more food then is needfull for his nourishment ; nor of growing too big , by turning it into his owne sustenance , which might bee a meanes through his exceeding greatnesse to breake and teare the ligaments that support him , or else , though he stay his ful time , ( being thus big ) that he should not be able to come easily into the world .

To helpe the abortment , Of the abor●ment that commeth from the child . whereof the child is cause , being naturally either weake or sickly , it will be very necessary , that the mother put to her helping hand , as much as she can possibly . Wherefore she must be merry ; quiet , as well in body as in mind , not fretting or vexing her selfe : and especially about the time she was wont to bee deliuered , shee must keepe her bed , vsing meates of easie digestion and distribution , and drinke good claret wine : let her take euery two houres , a good space from her meate , some of this opiate .

Opiate . ℞ . Cons. Borag . Buglos . an . ℥ i. Cons. Rosar . Anthos an . ʒ vi . Cort. Citri cond. Myrobal . condit . an . ℥ s. Margarit . splendid . Coral . rub . an . ʒ i. ossis de corde cerui . ʒ s. Cum syr. Conser . Citri fiat Opiata capiat ʒ i. vt dictum est .

If shee like not this Opiate , let her vse these Lozenges .

Lozenges . ℞ . Sp. Diamarg . frig. ℈ ij . Corall . rub . Corn. cerui . vsti an . ʒ s. priapitauri ℈ iiij . Sacchar . in aqua . Buglos . dissolut . ℥ iij. fiat electuarium per tabellas ponderis ʒ s. vel ℈ ij . pro dosi capiat vt dictum est .

Let her belly bee annointed with this ointment as well to comfort the Matrice , as also to giue strength vnto the child .

Ointment . ℞ . Olei Mirtill . Cydonior : Mastich . an ℥ s. Coral . rub . santal . rub . an . ʒ i. maioran . Absynth . an . ℈ iiij vng. Rosat . Mes. ℥ s. Cerae q. s . fiat Linimentum .

Let there bee laide vpon her backe , and os sacrum , some such emplaster . Some women haue found good by applying vpon their Nauell a tost dipt in good red wine , strowing vpon it the powder of Roses ; Grana tinctorum ; Coral ; and a little Cinamon .

The Emplaster . ℞ . Gallar . Nuc. Cupress . sang . Dracon . Balaust . mirtil . Ros. rub . an . ʒ i. s. Mastic . Myrrhae an . ʒ ij . Thur. Hypocist . acaciae . gum . Arabic . Bol. armen . an . ʒ i. ladani ℥ i. Terebinth . venet . ℥ is . picis Naualis . ʒ v j. Cerae . ol. Mastich . an . q. s . vt fiat . secundum artem emplastrum .

The emplaster must be often taken off , for feare of the itching , and put on againe ; and if there happen any heate to the part , annoint it with Mesues ointment of Roses .

Remedies if the child be to big . If you perceiue that the child be too great , and big ; to the end that he receiue not so much nourishment , whereby he may grow bigger , and larger ; the mother must absteine from all meates that are so iuicy and nourishing , and keepe herselfe quiet hauing her belly stayed vp with a fit roler , that it hang not downe , and least the ligaments which hold the child might stretch , and so by the waight be torne , and broken a sunder .

Causes of Abortment annexed to the Mother . The like may bee obserued and practized in the causes annexed & ioined to the mother , as if there bee any Scyrrhus , Mole , Dropsie , Warts , Impostums , excrescence of flesh , or other indisposition of the wombe . The which must bee cured before the woman bee with childe , according as the disease doth require , it beeing very hard for a Woman to proue with child , when she is troubled with any of the aforesaid accidents .

And in regard of outward causes , Outward cause . wherin we did comprehend the Ague , Laske , Fluxe of bloud , vomiting and the like . These accidents must bee preuented , according as the case doth require taking the aduice of the learned Phisitian , as we haue said before . But concerning medicines , which must bee more particularly applied to outward causes , as falls , blowes , and violent exercises , let them haue recourse to the medicines described , for the childe that is weake , and sickly , to which these following may be added as beeing profitable for both causes . As if there appeare any bloud , or red waters that begin to flow and come forth , by then naturall passage , this medicine is excellent .

℞ . Granor. tinct . ʒ s. Coral . rub . margarit . elect . an . Medicines f● abortment . gr. vi . germina duor . ouor . misce exhibeatur cum vitello vnius oui . vel .

℞ . Mastich . subtil . pul . ʒ s. seric . subtiliter incisae ℈ s. germina duor ouor . capiat . cum vitello oui .

She may likewise take in the morning , a Lozenge of Diarhodon of the waight of a French Crowne . This powder also is very commendable .

℞ . Sp. Diamarg . frigid . ʒ s. Coral . rub . vst . & lot . in aq . Rosar . pryap . Tauri . sic . an . ℈ ij . Eboris . Bol. Armen . terrae sigillat . an ℈ iiij . Sachar . rosat . tabulat . ℥ is . Capiat mane & sero . ʒ ij . pro vnaquaque dosi .

Of this powder also may bee made Lozenges .

Let there bee applied to her backe the former Emplaster , or this that followeth .

Emplaster to retaine or keepe in the child . ℞ . Mastich . Mirrh . gum . Arab. an . ʒ ij . Menth. sicc . Absynth . rad. Bistort . Nucum & fol. Cupress . an . ʒ i s. Cortic. granat. ʒ ij s. Styrac . calam . Colophon . picis Naual . an . ʒ iij. Cerae Citrin . ℥ j. Terebinth . von . ℥ s. Ol. Mirtill . q. s . fiat emplast . extendat . super alutam , ad vsum .

If the emplaster breed any inconuenience , let them vse this ointment .

Ointment . ℞ . Ol. Cydonior . Mastich . Mirtill . an . ℥ i s. Bol. Armen . sang . Dracon . Coral . rub . an ʒ s. Hypocist . Acaciae an . ʒ i. santal . citr . rosar . rub . Sem. Berber . an . ℈ ij . Cerae q. s . f. vng. prorenibus & ventre toto .

Hauing ( with as much breuity , as possibly I could ) treated of the Accidents which happen to women with child : and hauing likewise brought them euen to the time that nature hath appointed for their deliuery : it now remaineth , that wee handle the meanes , to helpe and ease them in this act and trauaile : the which shall be done , after wee haue spoken somwhat , concerning the beginning and office of Midwiues , as beeing the first that are called in this businesse .

THE MEANES TO help and succor a Woman with child , as well in her naturall trauaile , as that which is contrary to nature . The second Booke .

Of Mid-Wiues . CHAP. I.

DAily experience doth shew vs , that many women are deliuered without the helpe of the Mid-wife , Notwithstanding Antiquity telleth vs , that there haue beene Mid-wiues euen from the beginning : yea , that diuers of that sexe haue practised Physicke .

Hippocrates sweareth by Apollo and Aesculapius and by Hygea , and Panacaea , as Gods , Hippocrat . Diuers wom Physitions . and Goddesses of Phisicke .

Ouid doth make mention of Ocyroe , Ouid. daughter to Chyron the great Physition , who out of her curiosity did practise Physicke .

Origen in his eleuenth Homely vpon Exodus speaketh of two Midwiues , verie skilfull in Physicke , which were Aegyptians , and cals them Sephora and Phua .

Beside this curiositie ; necessitie , ( the mistresse of Arts ) hath constrained women , to learne and practise Physicke , one with another . For finding themselues afflicted , and troubled with diuers diseases in their naturall parts , and being destitute of all remedies , Why women did studie Physicke . ( for want whereof many perished , and died miserably ) they durst not discouer , and lay open their infirmities , to any but themselues , accounting it to be dishonest : Higinus . Women forbid to studie Physicke . As Higinus testifies , who relateth , how the Athenians had forbidden women , by their Lawes , to studie in Physicke ; and that at the same time there was a certaine maide named Agnodicea , verie desirous to studie therein , who the better to attaine vnto her purpose , did cut off her haire , and apparell her selfe like a man : and being so disguised , she became the scholler of Herophylus the Physition : A notable Hystorie . And when she had learned Physicke , hauing notice of a certaine woman that was troubled in her naturall parts ; she went vnto her , and made proffer of her seruice ; which the sicke party refused , thinking she had been a man : But when Agnodicea had assured her ( by discouering of her selfe ) that she was a maide , the woman committed her selfe , into her hands , who drest , and cured her perfectly : and with the like care and industrie she looked to many others , and cured them . Which being knowen by the Physitions , because they were not called any more to the cure of women , they accused the said Agnodicea , that she had shaued off her beard , that thereby she might abuse women , faining themselues to be sicke . Then she putting aside her garments , made it euident that she was a maide : which caused the Physitions then to accuse her of a greater fault , for transgressing the Law , which forbad women either to studie or practize Physicke . This being come to the eares of the chiefest women , they presently went to the chiefe Magistrates , and Iudges of the Citie , called the Areopagites , and told them : that they did not account them , for their husbands , and friends , but for enemies ; that they would condemne her , which restor'd them to their health : which made the Atheniaens to reuoke and disanull that Law , giuing Gentle-women leaue to studie and practize Physicke .

Now since the greatest disease that women can haue is that of the nine Moneths , the Crisis and cure whereof consists in their safe deliuerie : There haue been Midwiues from the beginning . Lib. de Carnibus . we must not doubt , but that there haue been some women addicted thereto , and practized therein , in all ages . Hippocrates speaking of the birth that hapneth in the seuenth Moneth , doth refer the Reader vnto the Midwiues , who are present at such labours , and wisheth him to learne the truth thereof , of them .

Galen saith , Lib 3. de Facul . natural that Midwiues do not bid the women that are in trauaile , either to raise themselues , or to sit downe in the Chaire , Midwiues i● Galens time before that the entrance of the wombe be open , for the comming foorth of the child ; which they know by feeling with their hand . Lib. de Causis morborum . The same Authour likewise speaketh of the errours committed by Midwiues , when they receiue the child ; an euident testimonie that there were some such in the time of Hippocrat . and Galen .

Socrates mother a Midwife . Lacrtius , and Valerius Maximus do testifie , that Phanerora the mother of Socrates was a Midwife : yea , and it is found , that the ancient Judges did appoint a stipend for those women that practized Physicke well ; and which were good Midwiues . Witnesse Vlpian : Lib. 1. §. 1. de Extraordinaria cognitione . as likewise , such were punished , as had practized , or behau'd themselues amisse in their profession , as it appeareth by the Law . Item si Obstetrix .

But among those that haue practized Physicke , there were some that haue applied themselues most , to the deliuering of Women ; and for a difference from others , they were commonly called Cunning women : or else caused themselues to be so called : For women are of this disposition , that they desire to excell men , or at least to seeme to go beyond them . Wherefore it may easily be perceiued , Two sorts of cunning women . that there hath been , some women that haue practized Physicke : and others that were imployed in the deliuerie of women . And these last tooke vpon them three things , Gal. in 62. lib. 5. Aph. Hippocrat . as the Lawyers , Plato in his Thetetus , and Galen do witnesse .

First office . The first office was to make the match , and to ioine the husband with the wife , and likewise to iudge , whether they were sit , and capable , or else ●●ble , and vnsufficient to haue issue , and beget children : which is verie difficult to be knowen , and at this day there is no woman so cunning , who is able to tell it .

The second office was , The second office . to be present at the deliuerie of women , and birth of children ; whether it were in giuing of some medicines , Act. 3. Scen Andr. Quod iussi ei dare bibere , & quantum imperani , da● ( as Terence doth witnesse ) whose words are these ; Let her drinke that , which I appointed , and the quantitie I commanded : ) or else by vsing her handiworke : which worke was committed to none , but those that had had children ; because ( as Plato saith● ) one cannot be so apt and skilfull in exercising a worke not knowen , as they which haue had the perfect knowledge and experience thereof . Beside , the said Midwife was not to begin to vse this art , before she was past child-bearing : The Midw 〈…〉 must be pa●● child bearing . because Diana ( the Patronesse of women in childbed ) is barren and also for that a woman which beareth children , is much troubled , and more vnapt to labour and take paines .

The third office was to know , The third office . and tell whether a woman was with child , or no. And therefore the Law giuen à DD. fratribus did ordaine , that three honest Midwiues , skilfull in Midwifery , should view and make inspection , and then giue their iudgement , whether the Woman were with child .

But since that time beside the three former offices , Another office of Midwiue● they haue taken vpon them authority ▪ to iudge of the virginity of maids , Neuerthelesse all the famous Vniuersities of Italy haue reiected , and condemned the opinion of such Mid-wiues , who say they can iudge thereof . And Master Cuiacius hath done the like ( for the French ) saying , that it is very difficult , yea impossible , to know whether a maide , be a virgin or no ; And that this power was neuer giuen vnto Midwiues by the Ciuill Law , to iudge thereof .

What manner of Woman , a Midwife ought to be .

MAny things are requisite , and needefull in a Midwife , but they are all referred to her person , The quality of a Midwife for her person to her Manners , and to her mind : First , concerning her person : she must bee of an indifferent age , neither too yong , nor too olde : well composed of body : not being subiect to any diseases , nor mishapen , or deformed in any part therof , neat in her apparell , and person : especially hauing little hands & not thicke : cleane , and her nailes pared very neere , and euen ; neither must shee weare rings vppon her fingers , nor bracelets vpon her armes , when shee is about her businesse . She must bee pleasant , merry , of good discourse , strong , painfull , and accustomed to labour , that shee may bee able ( if neede bee ) to watch two or three nights by the woman . Her manners . And. Act. ● . Sc. ● . Saue pol●●lla tonul●n●aest mul●er , & teme●●ria necsatis digna cu● c●m 〈◊〉 p●mi sarin wherem

Concerning her behauiour , she must bee mild , gentle , courteous , patient , sober , chast , not quarrelsome ; nor chollericke , neither proud or couetous , nor a blabber , or reporter of any thing she shall either heare or see in secret , in the house or person of her she hath deliuered . For as Terence saith , Drunkenness● reproued It is not fit to commit her into the hands of a drunken , or rash woman , that is in trauaile of her first child .

As for her mind , she must bee wise , discreet , Her mind and witty , able to make vse sometime of faire and flattering speeches : as Plato reporteth Midwiues were wont to doe in times past : which was done to no other end but onely to busie and beguile the poore apprehensiue women . And it is a commendable deceipt , allowed also in a Chirurgion when it is done for the patients good . For as the same Terence saith . Deceipt doth serue oftentimes for a good medicine in extreame diseases .

Now aboue all things the said Midwife ought to know that nature , the handmaid of this great God , hath giuen to euery thing a beginning , increase , state , perfection , & declining , which he doth manifestly , The chie●fice of a 〈◊〉 wife . and chiefely shew ( saith Galen ) in the birth of a child , when the mother brings him into the world . For Nature surpasseth all ▪ and in that she doth , is wiser then either Art , or the Midwife , whosoeuer shee bee , yea , then the best or most cunning workeman that may bee found , Lib. 7. de 〈◊〉 partium . as Galen witnesseth . For it is she , that hath set downe the day of the childs conformation , and the houre of his birth . And certainly it is a thing worthy of consideration , to see how in a little space , Admira 〈…〉 thing . yea euen in the twinckling of an eye , the necke of the wombe , which all the time of the nine moneths was so perfectly and exactly closed and shut , that the point of a needle could not enter therin : how ( I say ) in an instant it is dilated and inlarged , to giue passage , and way for the child ; the which cannot bee comprehended ( as the same Galen saith ) but only wondred at , and admired . The same Author in his fifteenth booke de vsu partium , desirous to shew the prouidence of Nature saith , that the faults of Nature are very rare , and that she worketh alwaies , and in such order , and measure , that of a thousand births , there is scarce one found that is amisse .

Wherefore neither the Midwife nor any of the Womans kinsfolkes , or assistants , ought to doe any thing rashly , but suffer nature to worke ; helping her notwithstanding in that which shall bee needfull , as heereafter shall be declared : deuiding the worke of their deliuery into three seueral times and seasons .

What must bee obserued , when the woman feeles her selfe , neare her time . CHAP. III.

THe time of deliuery being at hand , the woman is to prepare her selfe in this manner . She must presently send for the Midwife , and her keeper , it being better to haue them about her too soon , then too late ; for there be some women that are deliuered sodainely without the helpe of any one , although they haue beene long in their first labour .

The bedde In the meane time , she must haue a little bedde prouided her , like a pallet , which must bee of a reasonable bignes , strong and firme , and also of an indifferent height ( as well for her owne commodity , as the Midwiues , and others that shal be present about her , to helpe her , in her labour ) and it must be so set & placed , that they may conueniently come and go round about her , it must be placed far from any doore , and somwhat neere the fire . Let it also be conueniently furnished with beds & good store of linnen that they may be often changed , as neede shall require . And likewise there must bee laid crosse the beds feete , a peece of wood , for the woman to rest her feete vpon , that so she may haue the more strength when she bendeth her legs , as we will shew heereafter .

As soone as she feeles her selfe stirred and prouoked with throwes and paines , Women in trauaile mu●● walke . which are vsuall in this case , it were good for her to walke vp and down the chamber , and then lay her selfe down warm in her bed : and then again afterwards to rise & walk , vp and downe the chamber , and then lay her down warme in her bed : and then againe afterwards to rise vp and walke , expecting till the water bee gathered , and the Matrice be opened : for to keep her selfe so long in her bed , would bee very tedious and painfull . Yet it may chance , Rest is oft profitable that being in bed shee may take some rest and haue a little slumber , and so by this meanes the mother may gather more strength , & the child be the better inabled to come at the time , which God hath appointed it , and also the waters will be the better prepared & gathered .

They may giue her , if the labour be long , a little broth , or the yelke of an egge with some butter , and bread , and also a little wine and water .

Diuers sorts of bringing women to bed . It is very certaine , that all women are not deliuered after one fashion : for some are deliuered in their bed ; others sitting in a chaire , some standing being supported and held vp by the standers by : or else leaning vpon the side of a bed , table or chaire ; others kneeling being held vp by the armes . But the best and safest way , The best way to be deliuered . is ; to be deliuered in their bed , ( the which I aduise them to ) the midwife , and assistants , as her kinsfolkes , friends , and keepers , obseruing this that followes .

First the woman must be laid flat vpon her back , hauing her head raised somwhat high , The placing of a woman in trauaile . with a pillow vnder her backe that it bow not : and vnder her buttocks and os sacrum , let her haue another pretty big pillow , that thereby those parts may bee somewhat lifted vp : for a woman that sinketh down into the bed can neuer be well deliuered ; and therefore the well placing of them is of great consequence . Let her thighs and knees be stretcht forth and laide abroad one from another : and her legs bowed and drawn vpward , hauing her heels & the soles of her feet , leaning hard against the peece of wood , which is laid crosse the bedde for this purpose .

About some they put a swath foure times doubled vnder their backe , and hinder parts , which comes round about them : this swath must be a foot broad , & better , and so long , that it may be held by two women , standing on each side of the bed , there with to lift vp the woman in trauaile a litle , pulling it gently towards them , & chiefly when her throws come vpon her . For this raising or lifting vp doth much refresh her , and makes her endure her throws with more ease .

Beside the two women that hold the swath , there must be two more of her friends or kinsfolks , Another help for a woman in labour . to take her by the hands , thereby to clinsh or crush them when her throws come , and the other hand they must hold on the top of her shoulders , that she rise not vpward too much , and that she may the better straine her selfe , for oftentimes as shee thrusts her feete hard against the peece of wood , which is put crosse the bed , she raiseth her selfe vpward . Sometime I haue bid one of the women that stand by to presse gently with the palme of her hand the vpper parts of the belly , stroking the child downward by little and little , the which pressing did hasten the deliuery , and made them endure the throws better , and with more ease .

The woman in trauaile being thus placed , must take a good heart , and straine her selfe as much as she can , when her throws come vpon her , making them double and increase , by holding in her breath and stopping her mouth , and forming her selfe , as though she would go to the stoole , which is much fitter for her to doe then to lye crying and lamenting .

Aristotle hath well obserued , that those women , De generat 〈…〉 Animal . which draw their breath vpward , are deliuered with much paine , because they make the Midrife rise vp , which in this businesse , should rather be depressed , and kept downe . It is very fit indeede , that she take some ease and respite , not forcing her selfe much for euery little pang that happens , which she may gather all into one , thereby to make them auaileable ; when time shall serue .

Actites . If she weare about her necke an Eagles stone , loadstone , the skinne of an Vrus or wild Oxe or the like , which might keepe backe the child , let them be taken away , and tied to her thighs .

But aboue all things she must be obedient to all that is commanded her , either by her kinsfolks , and friends , or by the Midwife . Likewise she must be patient in her sicknesse , calling vppon God for helpe , since it concernes both her own life , and the childs , and shee must call to mind , that hee hath said with his owne mouth , Genes. That the woman should bring forth with labour and paine . For it would bee a rare thing to see a woman deliuered without any paine . Medea in Euripides saith , Euripides . That shee had rather dye twice in the warres , then to be once deliuered of a child .

Neuerthelesse we read in histories , of a certaine Country wherein women are deliuered without any paine . And Aristotle in his wonderfull Narrations reporteth , Women deliuered without paine . that the women of Ligustria doe bring forth without paine , and that they returne to their businesse as soone as they are deliuered .

They that write the History of America doe tell the like , of the women in that country , which is ; That as soone as they be deliuered , ( they are so kind to their husbands , which tooke the paines to beget the child ) that they presently rise vp and lay their husbands in their roome ; Men that lye in . who are vsed and attended , like women in childbed . And in this manner they be visited of all their friends , and kinsfolk , who bring them gifts and presents .

The office and duty of a Midwife , for the first time , she must obserue in the trauaile . Chap. IIII.

THe Woman that is ready to be deliuered being thus placed and laid in her bedde , must haue the Midwife neere vnto her : who ought first to aske of her woman , whether shee hath gone her full time , and bee ready to bee deliuered ; and at what time shee conceiued ; then must shee handle her belly , and marking it well , consider diligently whether the vpper parts seeme as if they were empty , and fallen , and the nether parts very bigge and full : which sheweth that the child is sunke downe . Beside , shee must aske her , whether shee haue any paines , and in what manner they bee , Signes o●●ing in tr 〈…〉 where they begin , and where they end : and whether they bee little or great , and frequent : whether they begin at the backe , running downe all along the belly , without staying at the Nauell : and chiefly if they run along the groine , and end in the bottom of the belly inwardly ( that is in the inner necke of the womb ) then it is a signe that she begins to fall in trauaile . And for the more assurance , let the Midwife thrust vp her hand , being first annointed , either with fresh butter , hogs grease , or some other ointment , which heere after shall be set downe . And if she perceiue that both the inner , and outward orifice of the wombe , be dilated and opened , it is a signe she begins to be in trauail , especially if there flow or come forth by the said passage , any slime , or water : the which doe foreshew , that the birth is at hand , as Hippocrat . saith , which if they be pale , it signifies for the most part , it will be a wench : and if it be reddish that it is a sonne . Now this slime commeth by the dilatation of the inner orifice , and from the membrane , that doth wrap and infold the child , which begins to breake . And also by reason of the vessels , and tyes which are loosened from the sides of the wombe the which may be perceiued by the waters which will swell , shewing like a bubble , or rather like a bladder full of water . And when the water begins to be thus gathered , there is no doubt to be made , but that the woman is in trauail : Hippocrates doth obserue three sorts of humors , that flow in the time of their trauaile : the first , is slimy : the second reddish : the third is the water wherein the child swimmeth , and heere endeth the first time , which the midwife must oberue .

Of the Second time that the Midwife must obserue . CHAP. V.

WHen the waters are in this sort gathered together , by meanes of the throwes , which come by little and little : The placing of the Midwife . then the Midwife must place her selfe conueniently neere vnto the woman , sitting in a chaire somewhat lower then the bed : and she must sit in such manner , that she may easily put vp her hand ( being first annointed ) into those parts , when need requires . And by this meanes , she may know , The mean● to know h●● the child commeth . whether the child come naturally , or no , for in feeling gently crosse the membrane , that containes the waters , she shall find , either the roundnesse of the childs head , or else some vneuennesse . If in feeling , she perceiue that there is any hard and equall roundnesse ; it is most likely to be the childs head ▪ and that he comes naturally : but if she feele any vneuennesse , the contrarie may be imagined .

When she perceiueth , that all comes well , and according to nature , the throwes increasing vpon the woman , and that the child doth striue and endeuour to come forth , and the wombe doth straine it selfe to be freed of this burthen ; Then the Midwife must incourage the woman , entreating her to hold in her breath , by stopping her mouth , and to straine downward , as though she would go to the stoole : Assuring her , that she shall be quickly eased of her paine : and that her child is euen ready to come into the world , exhorting her to be patient , and promising , that she shall haue , either a goodly sonne , or a faire daughter , according as she knoweth her affection inclined .

And the Midwiues greatest charge must be , that she doe nothing hastily , or rashly , or by force , to inlarge the passage of the child : and much lesse , to let foorth the water , or to breake , and teare the membranes , that containe it : but she must expect till it breake of it selfe .

The water must not be let foorth . Some Midwiues either through ignorance , or impatience , or else by being hastned to go to some other womans labour , do teare the membranes with their nayles , and let foorth the water , to the great hurt and danger , both of the poore woman , and her child : who remaines drie , the water being issued , and voided before the appointed time ; yea , oftentimes before the child be well turned , which hath been the death of many women , and children . But when the water , both by the indeuour of the Mother , and likewise of the child , shall be newly broken ; then aswell the Midwife , as the rest of the women present , must more and more incourage the woman , especially when her throwes increase ; beseeching her in the name of God , that she would farther them , as much as she can possibly . In the meane time , the Midwife must continually annoint the neather parts with butter , or some other fats . And when the head doth offer it selfe to come foorth , she must receiue it gently with both her hands : which being come foorth , and the womans throwes increasing , she must draw out the shoulders handsomely , sliding downe her finger vnder the childs arme-pits ; taking the oportunitie and time when her throwes come fastest . And it is to be noted , that the throwes cease verie little , or not at all , after the head and shoulders be once come forth : Neuerthelesse , it will be very fit , to giue the poore woman a little breathing , intreating her , that she would be of as good cheare as she can . After this , the Midwife hauing drawen out the shoulders , may easily draw forth the rest of the body : which must not be done either hastily or rashly .

But because the child naturally doth come into the world , with the face downward : therefore when he is quite taken foorth , he must be turned vpon his backe : for feare lest hee be stifled , or chok't . The Nauell string must be vndone . And if his nauell-string be woond about his necke , ( as many times it happens ) then must it be vnwoond . Oftentimes likewise , the child is so feeble , and faint , that there can scarsely be perceiued any breath , or life in him : and therefore he must haue a little wine spirted into his mouth , nose , and eares , in that quantitie as shall be needfull . When he is come to himselfe , and begins to crie , then the Midwife must follow the string , wagging and shaking it , thereby to draw , and bring foorth gently the after-birth , to which it is tyed : Meanes to draw forth the after-burthen . bidding the woman to cough , and likewise to hold some salt in her hands , fast shut together , and then blow in them .

In the meane time the Midwife , or some other woman , must presse gently with her hand , the top of the womans belly , stroking it lightly downward : the after-burthen being come , it must be laid vpon the childs belly : What must be done to the child . and the child , together with the after-birth , must be wrapp'd vp handsomely in a bed , and a blanket , to be carried nearer the fire , couering the head with a linnen cloth fiue or sixe times double : and yet not exposing him sodainly either to the fire-light , day-light , or candle-light , lest by this sodaine change his sight might be hurt : but his eies must be couered , that by little and little he may open them , and acquaint them with the light .

But as I said before , the woman must be incouraged when the water doth issue foorth , and caused to straine her selfe to be deliuered , that the child may follow the foresaid water .

And they must likewise obserue diligently , whether the paines , be the paines of trauaile , or no : and whether the water be that , wherein the child swimmeth . For there be some women that haue these waters issue out , and come away , long before they are ready to lie downe . Which I haue seen happen vnto diuers women , and of late memorie to Mad. Arnault , A notable storie . who hauing gone sixe or seuen moneths , and troubled with a great Colique , that had held her almost two moneths , and tooke her euery day at certaine howres : She being at her house in the Countrey , intreated me that I would come and see her , and to haue my aduise and counsell , whether it were fit for her to come into the Citie ; which I adiused her to do : both because of the great paines she had , as also for her exceeding greatnesse : being of opinion , that she might haue two children , as she had had , not aboue a yeare before . Being come to Paris , her Colique was somewhat mitigated , and a little while after she voided two or three gallons of water , without any paine , thinking verily then , that she was not with child : yet fiue daies after she was deliuered very happily , and with little paine , of a faire daughter , there following very little water , or none at all .

I saw another Ladie in whom these waters came away , aboue ten daies before her deliuerie , yet she kept not her bed , but followed her ordinarie businesse . And this is worth marking , that they may be carefull not to hasten the deliuerie ; except the paines be proper for trauaile , and such as I haue already described .

The Third time that must be obserued by the Midwife . CHAP. VI.

AS soone as the child is borne , and that the Mother is deliuered of her after-birth , the Midwife shall cause her legs to be gently laid downe , taking away the peece of wood , that lay at her feet : and put a fine linnen cloth , or rather a cleane spunge , washed in warme water , and wrung out , betweene her thigh 's , neare vnto her naturall parts , that the cold ayre may not get therein : and then must she take the child , together with the after-burthen , and carrie them to the fire , as hath been said already .

And if it happen , that the after-burthen be long ere it come , or be drawen foorth ; and that the child may not stay so long there , for danger to be stifled , and die , it being oftentimes verie weake . The midwife shall first tye , and then cut the childs Nauel-string , to seperat him from the after-burthen : Which must be done in this manner .

How the Nauell must be tyed . She must haue in readynesse , a good double thread , and a paire of sharpe Scissors : with the thread she must tye the Nauell a good inch from the childs belly with a double knot , or oftner : this knot must be neither too hard and straite , neither too loose : for too straite tying , beside the extreame paine it causeth , makes that which is tyed fall off too soone , and that , before the scar be growen betweene the liue and the dead part : And if it be tyed too loose , thereof proceeds a fluxe of bloud from the vmbilicall vessels , which are not exactly closed and stopp't by the said ligature : and therefore , a meane must be obserued in doing it . Then being thus tyed , Where the Nauell must be cut . the Nauel-string must be cut off an inch beneath the knot ; And that the knot may not slip , nor the thred slide away , she must take a little fine linnen rowler dip't in oile of Roses , wherewith she must wrap the rest of the Nauell , and with a little fine bumbast moistned in the same oyle , she must lay it vpon the belly , that it be not crusht , when they dresse and swath the child . By this ligature , The Nauell must fall of it selfe . that which is tyed will come to wither , and drie of it selfe , and some foure or fiue daies after , more , or lesse , the dead part will fall from the quicke , which must not be forc'd or pluckt off in any case .

Some do obserue , that the Nauell must be tyed longer , or shorter , according to the difference of the sexe , allowing more measure to the males : The measure in tying the Nauell . because this length doth make their tongue , and priuie membres the longer : whereby they may both speake the plainer , and be more seruiceable to Ladies . And that by tying it short , and almost close to the belly in females , their tongue is lesse free , and their naturall part more straite : And to speake the truth , A common saying of Women . the Gossips commonly say merrily to the Midwife ; if it be a boy , Make him good measure ; but if it be a wench , Tye it short .

Hippocrates would haue them , in tying the Nauell , obserue this that followeth . Precept of Hippocrates . If a woman ( saith he ) be deliuered with paine , and the child stay long in the wombe , and comes not foorth easily , but with trouble : and chiefly if it be by the Chirurgians help , and instruments : such children are not long liued , and therefore there Nauell-string must not be cut , before they haue either sneez'd , piss'd , or cried .

Anone after the Midwife hath cut the Nauell , she must wipe and make clean the child , not onely his face , but his whole bodie , and the wrinkles and folds of the arme-pits , buttocks , and ioints , either with fresh Butter , or oyle of sweet Almonds . Some do it with oyle of Roses , others with oyle of Nuts , thereby to make the skin more firme , and to stop the pores , that the outward ayre may not hurt him , and likewise to strengthen all his parts .

Auicens Method . Auicen boyleth Roses and Sage in wine , and washeth the child with a fine soft Spung dipt therein : and so continues it three or foure mornings when he is shifted .

The child being thus shifted and annoynted , and then well dried , and wrap't vp by the Midwife , or others : What must be giuen the child after he is borne . they must presently giue him a little wine and Suger in a spoone , or else the bignesse of a pease , of Mithridate , or Triacle , dissolued in a little wine , if it be Winter , and in Summer ( by reason of the heat ) with a little Carduus Benedictus , or some other Cordiall water .

Auicen doth thinke it sufficient to giue them a little Hony : and to rub the top and bottome of the tongue with ones finger dip't in hony . And by this meanes , to see whether they be tongue tyed , and so to cut the string , if it be needfull .

of the Care that must be had of a Woman in Child bed . CHAP. VII .

WHile the Midwife doth cut the childs Nauell , and make him cleane , the Nurse , or some other that is present , must haue an especiall Care of two things : The first is , To giue the woman in child-bed this drinke .

A Drinke for a woman in child-bed . Take oyle of sweet Almonds newly drawen , two ounces , Syrup of Maidenhayre , one ounce , white Wine , water of Parietarie of the wall , and Carduus Benedictus , of each halfe an ounce ,

Mingle them verie well together with much shaking , and so let her drinke it . This medicine will mitigate and lenifie the passage of the throat , and Trachaea Arteria , which haue been heated , and stretched with crying , and groning : And likewise it will help to prouoke the purgings , and hinder the pangs and gripings from being so violent .

2. The second is , to cause a sheep to be fleaed , and to wrap the womans backe and belly in the skin yet warme , thereby to strengthen and comfort , all those parts , which haue been as it were disiointed , and pull'd one from another , with much striuing in her trauaile . Auicen thinks it enough to lay vpon the womans belly , a Hares skin newly stript from the Hare being aliue .

Then the Midwife ( if she be not busied about the Child ) or some other that looketh to the woman , shall applie beneath to the entrance of the naturall part , and about the bottome of her belly this medicine .

A strengthening Medicine . Take oyle of Hypericum , Saint Iohns Wart , two ounces , Oyle of Roses , an ounce : Two whole egges , Mingle them well together and let them be applied as I shewd before with finelinnen clothes , or flaxe , likewise there must be laid vnder her hams , a little pillow doubled , to make her keepe her knees vp a little , and that her thighs & legs lie not straight down . Let her neither lye along , nor sit vpright but keepe her selfe betweene both , hauing her heade and body rather a little raised , then laidlow , that her purgings may the easier come away .

After the skinne hath layen there two or three daies , the Midwife , or her nurse shall take it away , and swath her belly , rubbing and anointing it first , with oile of Saint Iohns wort , sweet Almonds , and Roses , mingled together . For this swathing serues to keepe the Matrice in his place , and to driue downe gently her after-purgings , and also is a meanes to keepe out the aire , which otherwise might cause the woman to haue great paines and gripings .

The fashion of the swath . The swath must bee made of linnen cloth foure times doubled , of the bredth of all her belly ; which must be put round about her backe & belly smooth without any pleat and wrinkle . And while they be about this , they must take an especial care , that the woman catch not cold , nor that the aire get not into her wombe , which being emptied of such a burthen , will easily receiue it , They must beware of taking cold . and this might bee a meanes to make it swell , and puffe vp , and to shut the orifices of the veines , by which her purgings should flow : the suppression whereof doth cause paines , gripings , suffocation , an ague , and many other accidents .

Now when the woman shall be thus accommodated , she must be kept from sleeping , though shee bee very desirous thereof , and let her in the meane time be entertained with some discourse , and let her nurse looke to her brests , applying such things thereunto , as shall be set downe in the third booke in their proper place .

After the woman hath beene kept three or foure houres from sleeping , you may giue her some broth made with a knuckle of Veale , or a Chicken , The woman in child bed must bee in quiet . or in stead thereof , a couple of yelkes of egges , and so let her take her rest : and if she haue any desire to sleep , shee may , which must bee some three or foure houres after her deliuery , the dores and windowes of her chamber , being close shut , not making any noise .

And so let this suffice , for the naturall trauaile or deliuery ; wherein there hath beene no difficulty : the woman beeing neither much troubled , Gen. 3.15 . nor hauing had any greate paines , but those that are ordinary , and such as God hath , which is , that In sorrow a woman should bring forth .

Of a painfull , and difficult deliuery with the causes thereof . CHAP. VIII .

WOmen are brough a bed very hardly , and with much paine , vppon diuers reasons , which is an occasion that many repaire vnto Phisitians , and Chirurgions , to haue their helpe , since there be few Midwiues found skilful , that can giue them much aide or succour in these cases .

Causes of difficult deliuery A Chirurgion beeing called thither , ought diligently to inquire , what may be the cause , and consider carefully thereof : now the cause may be referred to foure things , either to the mother : or to the child : or to things that are annexed vnto the child : or else to outward things , and so accordingly must they frame the remedy .

Cause from outward things . In the number of outward things I comprehend those persons , that are about the woman in trauail , who if they be displeasing vnto her , are to be intreted gently to withdraw and absent themselues . Whether it be by reason that the woman hath any feare , apprehension , or any mislike and loathing vnwillling to haue them so neare her , when shee is in her trauaile , and anguish ; or else being ashamed to see her selfe in that case .

Lib. 28. cap. 6. 2 Pliny writeth that the ancients held an opinion that the deliuery might bee hindred and prooue difficult : Opinion of Plyny . Story of Alcmena . if there were any in the womans chamber , which held her fingers lockt , or shut one within another : and produceth for an example Alcmena ; who could not be deliuered of Hercules , but with much difficulty .

3 Likewise the outward aire being too cold , may hinder the deliuery because it cooleth the woman , Coldnes or heate doth hinder the deliuery . shutting vp her body , and especially those parts , which ought to be inlarged , and dilated . As also the aire being too hot , spendeth the spirits , and makes the woman lose her strength , remaining weake and feeble , and as it were fainting , without any power , or courage . And therefore the aire must be temperate , yet rather hot , then cold .

4 Pleasing smels , ( as of Muske , Ciuet , Effect of sweet smels . Amber Grise , or the like , if she haue such about her , the vapour whereof , may strike vp into her nose , ) doe hinder the deliuery : because they draw the wombe vpward .

If the cause of difficult deliuery be in the mother her selfe , it comes , either by reason of her person , Causes from the Mother or her age , or her naturall disposition , or of some other accident she hath had or may haue : or by being deliuered before , or after her time .

1 Her person or body may be the cause thereof : as if shee be too fat and full : for in such women I haue seene great store of fat come down into their naturall parts , which stopped the passage . Fatnes● . And in others I haue seene the caule come downe , which did so presse , and crush together both the inward and outward necke of the wombe , that it could very hardly open it selfe , yea , and being dilated , and inlarged , did euen close & presse it together againe .

In some I haue seene and felt part of the bladder present it selfe at the entrance of the wombe . The Bladder .

A woman that is too leane and bare : as also one that is too little , Leanenesse . may likewise bee deliuered with much difficulty . And when this happeneth , it cannot be remedied , as one would desire .

2 Now concerning their age : both they that are too yoong as being too straight : and also they that are old , hauing also their naturall parts too much shrunke together and dryed , and the bones too closely ioyned together , & the cartilages very hard which cannot so well yeeld , and bee dilated , as in youth ; I say both of these bee deliuered with very much difficulty .

From her disposition . 3 Their naturall disposition likewise may bee a cause that they are deliuered with much paine .

1 As if they be weake of constitution , nice , tender , timerous , and afraid of paine : which makes them , that they will not force themselues , nor make their paines and throws effectuall : and when the child is euen ready to come forth , they shrinke in themselues , with the very feare they haue to feel such paine .

2 Hippocrates saith that women , which haue an Ague when they are with child , Hippocrates . and become very leane without a manifest cause , doe bring foorth their children with great difficulty , paine , and danger : And if they doe miscarry or abort , then they are in danger of their liues . The same Author saith , that those women which giue but little nourishment to their children , are sooner deliuered , Lib. de natura pueri . and contrariwise they that feede too much , are longer ere they be brought a bed .

3 They that haue beene troubled with any sicknesses ; as the bloudy fluxe or other fluxe of the belly , Convulsions , fluxe of bloud : or that haue any tumor , vlcer , or scarre which hath happened by being heeretofore badly deliuered ; or any other accident that hath made the necke of the wombe hard , close and straight , which is a meanes that it cannot be dilated , and inlarged , or else which haue the entrance , or passage stopt with some flesh or membrane , that is naturall vnto them : that is to say which they haue had from their birth : All these ( I say ) are deliuered with great paine , and difficulty , yea and oftentimes doe lose their liues thereby .

Now some will thinke it very strange , and almost incredible , to find a woman that should bee with child , and yet a maide , A thing worthy to bee obserued . there being euen from her birth a membrane that stoppeth the passage , and hindreth the man from entring . Where as it is necessary for conception , that a woman should haue the entire fruition or company of the man , and that he should not onely enter within the outward passage of the womb , but euen to the inner necke therof , to carry thether the seed , and there to mingle it with the womans . But stories in this kinde make vs beleeue the contrary ; seeing there is no such necessity that the mans seede should be carried , and cast so deepe . For in some Women the wombe is so greedy , and lickerish that it doth euen come down to meet nature , sucking , and ( as it were ) snatching the same , though it remaine only about the mouth and entrance of the outward orifice thereof .

A story of Auerrhoes . Auerrhoes tels a story of a woman that became with child , onely by drawing in ( as she bath'd her selfe ) the seed of a man that was bathed in the said Bath .

A true story . The yeare 1607. in May , Master de la Noue the Kings Chirurgion in Ordinary , and sworne in the Chastelet of Paris , was called to search a yong Woman the wife of a Gold-smith , who had beene cited by her Husband to appeare before the Officiall of Paris : alleadging , that she was not capable nor fit by nature , to be married : which was an occasion that Germane Hassart a Midwife , and my selfe were sent for to search her . Where wee found , that in the very entrance of the wombe , there was a membrane so strong , hard , and thicke , that a mans finger , ( and much lesse the other part ) was not able to breake it open ; he hauing oftentimes made triall to doe it , whereby he had incurred a Paraphimosis : And therefore it was concluded , that her husband had a iust cause to cite her , but yet for all this , that it was curable .

Whereupon her Husband thought good to call Master de Levrye , and Pietre , sworne Chirurgians at Paris : then we all there concluded with a generall consent , to make an incision , of the said Membrane , which was done ; and dressed and healed , to her Husbands content : onely he was somwhat doubtfull of that , which the said de La Noue had obserued , and told him , that his wiues belly was big , and that she was qualmish and distasted , vomiting euery morning , which made him suspect that she was with child : whereupon a Midwife tolde him that there was no likelihood , nay it was impossible to thinke that a yong woman of eighteene yeares of age should be with child , her husband hauing neuer entred within her maiden cloister : and that with threshing onely at the barne doore , she could not be full . Whereupon Master Pietre , was sent for , who though at first he could not be induced to beleeue it , yet at length , hauing well considered therof , gaue his iudgement , that shee was with childe , which proued true , for about some foure Moneths after the incision was made , shee was happily deliuered at her full time of a faire daughter .

Mad. Scaron sent for me , to helpe a Farmers wife , Another storie . that was great with childe , and ready to lye downe , who had had the outward orifice of her womb , for the space of foure or fiue yeares , so perfectly closed , glued and ioined together , that it was impossible to put a little probe therein : the which had happened vnto her , by beeing ill deliuered , by meanes whereof , the entrance of the outward necke of the wombe , had beene exulcerated , and the vlcers cicatriz'd , and the sides of the said necke ioined together : and yet for all this she proued with child . At the time of her deliuery , by the aduise and councell of Master Riolan , and Charles the Kings professors in Phisicke , and Regent Doctor in the faculty of Phisicke at Paris , Brunet , Paradis , Riollan , Fremin , Rabigois : and Serre ( Queen Marguerites Chirurgion ) Mitton , and Choffinet , Maister Barber Chirurgions at Paris , Honore the Kings Chirurgion , and my selfe , I say by the aduise of all these , there was an incision made , then presently the Speculum dilatatorium was so wel applied , that al the Cicatrizes were inlarged , which succeeded so prosperously , that within three houres after , she was deliuered with much ease .

The deliuery that is too soone or too late , doth prooue difficult . 4 The trauaile may likewise proue difficult , and painfull , when the woman is deliuered before or after her time ; before her time , as when it comes in the sixth , seuenth , or eighth Moneth : which happens when the wombe is too moist and weake , or else full , and as it were stuft with much slime , which doth so moisten the necke therof , that it is inlarged and dilated before the limited time . As also the vessels , to the orifices whereof , the after burthen is fastned , do begin to be relaxed , which causeth that the child cannot be supported nor remaine in his naturall situation . By which change , finding the inner orifice loosened , and inlarged : and the membrane wherein the waters are contained , and in which the child swimmeth , to be very small , and thinne : it begins to breake , which maketh the child out of order , and so causeth difficult deliuery . As also too much drynesse , Effect of too much drines . as it were , want of nourishment , when the mother is not well nourished , hauing not wherewith to sustaine the child , which makes the said child , not hauing sufficient nourishment , to turne and winde himselfe seeking about for it , and casts it selfe downe , and vnloosneth his bed ( which is the after-burthen ) from the sides of the wombe : and in the end breakes the membrane wherein the waters are contained , and striueth to come foorth , for the most part out of order . The like hapneth to them , that go till the tenth , or eleuenth moneth : because the child through the length of time , that it stayeth in the mothers wombe , doth grow , and waxe bigger , though the parts of the mother , wherby the child ( being thus big ) is to come forth , and passe through , are not increased or inlarged at all ; which causeth ( the passages being not able to bee sufficiently dilated and widened ) great anguish , and paine , to the mother especially , shee beeing weakned in all her parts , that serue for the expulsion , and bringing forth of the child : which among the rest , are the Matrice , and the Muscles of the vpper belly ; which being stretched beyond measure , through the greatnesse and bignesse of the child , do inlarge the fibres , which cannot afterward be so easily drawen together , hauing lost their proper force , and strength .

And this may be manifestly perceiued , A good obseruation . in those that cannot make water ; the bladder being too full , that although the passage be opened by a probe , yet the Chirurgion is constrained to presse the belly , so to help the fibres of the bladder , to close , and fould themselues together . Besides , the child filling vp all the space that is in the wombe , cannot help it selfe so well in thrusting forward , being , as it were , fettred , and lock't fast therein .

Causes from the child . 3. The like hindrance of deliuerie may proceed from the child , who hauing attained vnto the ninth moneth , is not able to come into the world , either through weaknesse , and feeblenesse ; or because he is not perfected , and ripened as he should , and so hath not sufficient strength to dissolue the ligaments , and vessels : and to break asunder the membranes , wherein he is inclosed : which causeth , that after he hath striued in the ninth moneth , and attempting it againe in the tenth , A double conflict of the child . he is not able to striue so lustily for his comming foorth , hauing been weakned with forcing himselfe the moneth before . And it is most certaine , that the childs staying , in the wombe after the ninth moneth , doth proceed onely from want of vitall heat , which is in the heart ; Why the child is staid from comming foorth . or that he hath it not in sufficient quantitie to desire the Aire , which we draw in to coole vs : or that all the parts of his bodie , are not strong , and able enough , to draw vnto them sufficient nourishment .

Another cause of difficult deliuerie . This difficultie of deliuerie happens also , when the child is either sicke , or dead ; and is not able to help it selfe : as likewise , when he is too big in all his bodie , and chiefly in the head : or if he be a Monster , hauing two heads , two bodies , foure armes , or legs : or if they be Twins ; th' one hindring the others comming foorth : Diuers situations of the child . which will be euident by the bignesse of the Mother : or if he be ill placed to come foorth , putting formost an arme , or a leg , or both ; the shoulder , buttockes , side , or belly comming formost .

4 Now concerning that which is annexed to the child , the deliuerie proues difficult , Cause from things annexed to the child . if the membranes , that containes the water , wheron the child doth floate , and swim , be firme , solide , and hard , that it cannot , but verie hardly be broken : or that the said membrane be so thin , that it breakes too soone , and before the child be well turned , and ready to follow the said water , which serues to carrie him , and make him come foorth the easier : For the child that remaines drie , commeth into the world with much paine .

Likewise , if the after-burthen offer it selfe first , and that it stop the passage : or if there be a Mole , or false Conception ; As also if the woman haue not been lately at stoole , or made water : The retention of excrements hinders the deliuerie . the which is cause , that the great gut being full , may close the necke of the wombe : as likewise the bladder being full may presse it downe , because it is placed betweene them both . Whence it is commonly said in the prouerb ; Que l'enfant est situé enter le boire , & le manger , which is ; That the child is seated , between the meat , and the drinke . And therefore , all the aforesaid accidents must be remedied accordingly .

The meanes to help Women that are deliuered with difficultie . CHAP. IX .

THat a Woman , Direction for the Chirurgian . which is deliuered with difficultie , and much paine , may be help'd : the Chirurgian ought to know , what is the cause thereof , and from whence this difficultie doth proceed : that he may the better cure it .

If it be , because the Mother is to grosse , or fat , and chiefly in her naturall parts , as also if there be any store of fat offer it selfe ; ( as I haue seen it oftentimes happen in great striuing , and throwes , ) yea , and that in such sort , that it did euen stop the passage of the child ; Then the Chirurgion , ( as gently as he can possibly ) must thrust backe , and put aside with one hand , the said fat , not tearing or hurting it , Meanes to help them that are too fat . least it be spoiled and corrupted afterwards ; holding it still downe on the one side , till the child be come foorth of the wombe , keeping it alwaies from falling downe into the passage , and among the bones , when the child is readdy to come foorth .

Considerations for the Bladder . But when part of the bladder , is sunke downe and relaxed , and is manifestly perceiued in the entrance of the wombe : then must he do the like , as he did to the fat , holding it aside vpward , with the flat of two or three of his fingers , vntill the childs head be past the Os Pubis . If he find then ( as it may so come to passe ) that the said bladder be full of vrine : the woman in trauaile not hauing made water , The woman must be prouoked to make water . a good while before ; then must he cause her to make water , by putting a fit instrument gently into the bladder . For it is seen in some , that the fibres , An Obseruation . which doe contract the bladder , and make it driue out the vrine , are so weakned , and also the whole bodie thereof , that the vrine cannot come foorth .

Some women haue been deceiued , A thing worthy to be noted . by taking the said bladder , thus full with vrine , for the waters which come before the child , causing the said bladder to be broken : the which is worthy of great consideration . Also the said necke of the bladder may be stop't , by reason of some Carnositie , Inflammation , or stone , A notable storie . which I haue seen an honest woman , there being a stone fallen down into the necke in her bladder , that stopt her vrine , which being put aside by the probe , she made water : Neuerthelesse , when the child was ready to come foorth , the stone returning in to the said necke of the bladder againe , did so fret and hurt it , through the long stay , that the childs head made in the passage , that it grew to an Impostume and suppuration , which made a little hole , through the which she hath long time made her water , not being able to hold or retaine it ; which is a storie worthy to be mark'd . But as the vrine may be sometimes stop't , so likewise the excrements of the great gut may be retained : which hapning , it will be more then necessarie for the cure thereof , to giue the woman a Clyster , that may both vnload her , of her excrements , The excrements must be voided . and likewise help and make her deliuerie the more easie .

I my selfe was present at the trauaile of a poore sicke woman , Another storie . that had not been at stoole in ten daies before , whose great gut was so fild and stuft with excrements , as hard as a stone , that it was impossible for her to receiue a Clyster ; and we were constrain'd , before she could be deliuered , to get out all the said excrements , otherwise it had been impossible , to haue taken foorth the child .

To help and succour one that is lean and barren , or else of little stature , as also such as are either too old , or too young : they must haue recourse long before hand , vnto medicines that shall mollifie , moisten , and relaxe ; not onely the membranes , which ought to be dilated and stretch'd , that they may be made more souple and gentle ; But likewise you must annoint the Cartilages , and Ligaments that ioine the Os pubis , Sacrum , Os Coccygis , and Ilium , which must be done with oyntments already set downe , and euen in the verie houre of the deliuerie , annoynt all the said parts therewith .

Some mislike not , about the end of the ninth moneth , to bathe the woman , either with a generall or particular bath , as we haue heretofore appointed ; as likewise to giue her , euery morning , eight or ten daies before her lying in , this Drinke .

A Drinke to make easie the deliuerie . Take Oile of sweet Almonds , drawen without fire , an ounce , water of Parietary , two ounces , mingle th●m together , and let her drinke it .

The which I haue oftentimes tried in many women , and among the rest , in Madame Capp , who before had been many times deliuered with much paine and sorrow , of her children , dead . But since I counsell'd her to vse this medicine , she hath been deliuered ( thankes be to God ) verie fortunately of many children liuing . The same remedies do likewise serue for them , that haue any Callositie , or hardnesse , in the passage of Nature .

The weake and dainty women must be fed with yelkes of egges , cullis , a tost with wine and sugar , Remedy for the dainty . or Hyppocras : and that a little at a time , and often , you may also giue them a little confection of Alhermes dissolued , either in wine or Hippocras : Cinamon water also that is well made , and not too strong , is very fit and good .

And if the feare of the paine doth hinder the deliuery , then the woman must be incouraged , Fear of paine . telling her that shee shall bee quickly freed from this sicknesse , and that it is common vnto all women , to haue such paines , cherishing her with good hopes , assuring her that her trauaile will bee very easie , and promising her , A good deceit . that she shall haue either a sonne or a daughter , according as you know she desires , as we haue said before , flattering and soothing her as much as you can , without chiding or giuing her any crosse speeches at all .

The most grieuous and troublesome accident , Cause of the most troublesome deliuery which a Woman can haue , that is in trauaile , is when there happens vnto her , any fluxe , of bloud , or Convulsions ; for either of them kill both the Mother and the child instantly , especially , if the fluxe of bloud continue long : because through the great losse of bloud ( which is the liues treasure ) the spirits and heate are dissolued .

And concerning Convulsions , Why Conuulsions are dangerous . they are very dangerous ; because the braine beeing hurt , it cannot affoord such store of spirits as are needfull , for the respiration of the Mother , and the child , who breath 's onely by meanes of the spirits , that are imparted vnto him by the Arteryes of his mother , which causeth him to bee choked and stifled . Besides , the great convulsion , makes the Midrife , and the muscles of the vpper belly , moue so violently , that the child is much shaken , and puts both him and his mother in danger to be stifled , and die .

What must bee done in fluxes and convulsions . Eyther of these accidents happening , or else both together , the mother and the child must bee succoured without any delay , which shall bee done ( to speake in a word ) by deliuering her . And this ought to be done , either by the helpe of a Chirurgian , or else of a very skilfull Midwife .

Lib. de super faetatione . A good sentence of Hypocrates . Hippocrates well obserued it , when he saith . If in a difficult trauaile there happen a great fluxe of bloud , without any paine before the trauaile , then is there danger lest the child come forth dead , or that he will not liue , and therefore she must bee sodainely deliuered , the which wee haue oftentimes seene ( to our great griefe ) happen vnto diuers women , that haue died , through the obstinasy of their friends and kinsfolks ; yea and some also through their Phisitians and Chirurgians feare , who delayed the time , thinking , and hoping that the fluxe would stay : telling them that the child came naturally , being well placed , with his head forward and that the mother should bee deliuered euen of her selfe .

I know there be many , both Phisitians and Chirurgians , that will appoint diuers inward , and outward medicines , yea to make reuulsion and altar the course of bloud , will cause a vaine to bee opened in the arme once or twice : rather then consent to this practize . But yet of all their medicines , I could neuer see any that did good , but that in the end they were constrained to vse the hand : the which I counsell to be done speedily , and chieflie if the mother be at her full time , and ready to lye downe ; which may be both knowne of the woman , and also perceiued by the throwes shee hath , or which went before : as also by the dilatation of of the inner orifice of the wombe , which will be open : and likewise feeling with the finger , that the waters are gathered and ready to come and issue forth . A good obseruation . And when the water shall bee broken and come away , then so much the rather must the child be taken out ; though the woman haue not gone aboue foure , fiue , sixe , seuen , or eight moneths . Sometimes the waters must bee let forth . And ye must note that if the said water be not broken , and that the fluxe of bloud bee very great ; then you shall let forth the water , by dilating , and stretching gently the inner orifice of the womb : thereby to draw forth the child , as we will shew heereafter .

But because many women are subiect to a fluxe of bloud , in their fourth , fifth , sixth , seuenth , Caution concerning the fluxe of bloud or eighth moneth of child-bearing : being not as yet ready to bee deliuered : therefore the Chirurgion must obserue from what place this bloud is sent , the which may be from the entrance or Vagina of the wombe , and not from within the body thereof , where the child is contained , and inclosed , which may bee easily perceiued , if the woman haue no throwes , or if the inner orifice of her wombe be not open , but close shut : then there is no likelihood of any deliuery towards , for bloud may issue and come from the said outward necke , When they must not bee deliuered in a fluxe of bloud or Vagina , both in maide and woman with child : If it bee so , then it will not be needful , to meddle with such women , or to force them at all , but onely you must proceed to medicines , that shall stay the said fluxe of bloud . As wee will shew in the chapter of the after purgings that flow immoderately in women newly deliuered .

A worthy sentence of Hippocrates . Lib. 1. de Morb. Mulier . It may also happen because the woman is plethoricall , and full of bloud : In this case we must follow the opinion of Hippocrates , who saith , that if a woman that is in trauaile , cannot be deliuered , and that her paines continue many daies : if shee bee young , lusty , and full of bloud you may let her bleed in the foot , if her strength will beare it .

Other accidents that may hinder the deliuery . But if she be troubled with any vlcer , tumor , excrescence of flesh , Hemorrhoides , inflammation , chapps , or the like , which may chance in the necke of the wombe ; then shall she be handled , as we will shew in their proper places . All the which indispositions may make the deliuery difficult , and cause , that the parts cannot be dilated , according as it is sit and necessary , for the childs comming forth .

For remedying the deliuery , that is too soone , or too late : we must haue regard vnto the cause , and according thereto it must bee cured , and chiefly that , which shall concerne the mother ; whereof we will treat , when we come to speake of the Abortment : it being my purpose in this place , to speake onely of those things which are fit , and ought to bee done in the time , and at the houre of the deliuerie .

Now for the comforting of a woman , Cure when the fault is from the child . and easing of her trauaile , when the difficulty doth proceede from the child ; as when he is weake , tender , sickly , or dead : as likewise if he be too big , or a monster hauing two heads , or if he be ill turned , and that he offer himselfe amisse : then the Chirurgion in this case shall helpe , and set to his hand in this manner .

First , if it be through the weakenesse , or tendernesse of the child being sicke : the Chirurgion must not delay one minute of time , When the deliuery must be hastned . to hasten the deliuery , and he must incourage the woman to doe the like . If the head come first , then shall hee proceed therein gently , as in the naturall deliuery : applying beneath , and chiefly about the fundament , and os Pubis , which are the two vtmost parts of the naturall passage , some ointments with the fingers ends , Ointments made for the purpose . hauing his nayles pared very close . For this annointing wil prouoke and stirre vp the Matrice , to thrust out the child . The oyntment is this .

Ointment . ℞ . Axung . Anser . Gallin . saepius in aq. Arthem . lot . an . ℥ is . Axung . porcirecent . ℥ i. Butiri recent . ℥ ij . Mucilag . sem. Lini , Cydonior . in aq. Sabinae , vel Artemis : extract . an . ʒ vi . Ol. de Castor . ℥ i. Galliae . moschat . ʒ i. Ladani ʒ is . Libethi ʒ s. misce omnia simul pro litu .

He for his part must incourage the mother , giuing her a little Confectio Alkermes , and likewise let her take this Clyster .

℞ . Bismal . cum . Radic . Matricar . Mercur. an . m. i. aristoloch . A Clyster . nostrat . Dictamni . Arthemis . an . m. s. Flo. Lauandul . p. s. sem. Lini . foenugraec . an . ℥ s. fol. senae mundat . ʒ vi . fiat omnium decoctio , de qua cape quart . iij. in quibus dissolue , Diophoenic . Hierae simplic : an ʒ iij. Ol. Rutac . Cheyrin . an . ℥ ij . fiat Clyster .

Shee may also take this drinke , which I haue knowne to doe good to many .

A Drinke . ℞ . Corr. Cass . fistul . contus . ℥ s. Cicer. rub . m. s. Dictum . Aristoloch . rotund . an ʒ j. fol. senae mundat . Hermodactyl . an ʒ ij . fl. Lauandulae ʒ s. fi. Decoctio in aqua Arthemis . & Petroselini . ad ℥ iij. in quibus dissolue Cinamomi . ʒ i. Croci . gr. vi . fiat Potio : this potion is to bee giuen in extremitie .

Amatus Lusitanus doth much commend this medicine . Amatus Lusitanus .

℞ . Cinamoni . Troch . è Myrrha an ʒ s. Croci ℈ s. excipiatur cum vino generoso .

Rondeles . Roddeletius doth praise this .

℞ . Sem. Lauandul . ʒ ij . Sem. Endiu . Plantag. an . ℈ ij . Piperis ℈ i. fiat puluis Aq. Caprifol . Endiuiae an ℥ ij . fiat Potus .

Another .

L'obolius approueth this drinke , and saith that it will euen expell , and bring forth the dead child .

Lobel . ℞ . Confect . Alkerm . sem. Lauandul . Endiu . Plantag. an . ℈ ij . Troch . de Myrrha . Borac. an ℈ s. Castor . ℈ i. Aq. Arthemis . Buglos . vini albi an . ℥ ij . fiat potus .

Another .

℞ . Borac. ʒ i.s. Cinamoni . ℈ ij . Crocig r. iij. fiat puluis & cum aq. Arthemis . ℥ vi . fiat potus .

Of diuers deliueries wherein the operation of the hand is vsed . And first what the Chirurgion ought to consider before hee sets to his hand . CHAP. X.

WHen the Chirurgion shall bee called to deliuer a woman that is in trauaile and cannot bee deliuered naturally : before he venter to doe any thing , he must consider two things : Two things must be considered in these deliueries . the first is to know whether the mother haue strength enough to endure the violence of Manuall operation : and hauing found that she is able , he must then search , whether the child be dead , or aliue , for sometimes the child is taken dead , and sometimes aliue out of the mothers wombe .

Now as concerning the Mother : Considerations concerning the mother . First the Chirurgion must behold her face , heare her speake , obserue her doings , countenance , & behauiour , then presently must he feele her pulse , which if he find to be equall , strong , not intermitting , and that she bee not much changed from her wonted disposition ? and likewise if the poore woman , her friends and kinsfolkes doe intreate him to helpe her , assuring him , that she will courageously endure ; all that he shall doe vnto her : then following the aduise of her kinsfolkes and friends , The mother doth hazard her life in the deliuery . he must go about it : foretelling them neuerthelesse ; that this kind of practise is very dangerous , and that the mother venters her life , seeing that the child is either dead ; or else likely to die , if he be not already .

But if the Chirurgion find , that her face and speach is decayed , and weakned , her countenance changed , her pulse small frequent , sometime intermitting and formicant : and that shee hath often swounings , Remedyes must not bee dis●amed . Convulsions , and cold sweats : then hee must forbeare for feare least hee be blamed , and thereby discredit those meanes which should haue profited , and may also doe good vnto others .

Signes of the childs being aliue . Now you may know by these signes whether the child be aliue , or dead . If the child stirre it is a signe he is aliue ; which the Mother may coniecture , and also the Chirurgion , by laying his hand vpon her belly . And for the better assurance heereof , hee must slide vp his hand into the Womans Matrice , and search for the childs Nauell . If , in holding it betweene his fingers , he feele a beating of the Arteries , as also , if by laying his hand vpon the childs temples , or else handling the wrist or sole of his foot he find , that the Arteries doe beate , and likewise , if in putting his finger into the childs mouth he perceiue that he either sucke , or wag his tongue , it is a signe that he is aliue .

Signes that the child is dead . Contrariwise , if the foresaid things doe not concurre , and that the mother feele a heauinesse , and that in turning of her selfe , ( whether it bee on the right side , or the left ) the child doth fall like a boule , if her belly be cold , and that there comes an ill sent from her , if her breath smell strong , and her countenance look wanne , and of the colour of lead : and that the childs Nauell , or after birth offer it selfe formost , besides , if the chirurgion , putting his hand vp , findes the child to be cold , without pulse , neither sucking , nor mouing his tongue : then I say it may be iudged , that the child is dead .

But as the child may offer himselfe , being dead , The child commeth after diuers fashions . in diuers positions , or fashion ; So likewise must we vse diuers considerations and meanes to draw him forth : as wee will more particularly shew heereafter .

The meanes to helpe a woman in trauaile , hauing withall a fluxe of bloud , or Convulsions . CHAP. XI .

WE haue shew'd you before , that a woman being in trauaile , and hauing either a fluxe of bloud , or Convulsions , she must be speedily helped , because the deferring or delay thereof , will endanger her life .

Wherefore you must proceed heerein after this manner . And since that in euery deliuery , the situation is a matter of great consequence , Situation fit in al deliueries . to make it the more facile and easy : therefore you must begin in this sort .

The right placing of them . First the woman must be laid ouerthwart a bed , both for the better conueniencie of the Chirurgion , or Midwife , that shall deliuer her , and also that she may be held , and stayed behind the faster , by some strong bodie , The commoditie thereof . so that she neither slip forward , nor backward , in the operation or drawing forth of the child . Likewise , there must be one on each side of her to hold her knees and thighs firme , and to keep them asunder one from another : her knees must be bow'd , and her heeles drawen vpward , ( as we haue said before in the Naturall deliuerie , ) her head must be laid vpon a boulster lying crosse the bed ; her backe being a little raised , and her hips lifted somewhat higher , with pillowes laid vnder them , and her hinder parts must lie within halfe a foot of the beds side . She must haue a linnen cloth three or foure times double laid vpon her stomacke and belly , that may reach downe ouer her knees , euen to the middest of the leg : So that neither wind , nor cold may offend her , nor any of the assistants see what the Chirurgion toucheth , or doth : and likewise , that the woman be not afraid of him , when he shall be about his businesse . And therefore Hippocrates for this reason , would haue the womans eyes shut or couer'd .

When the woman is thus placed , the Chirurgion must put vp his hand ( being first annointed ) into the first entrance of the naturall parts , The clots of bloud must be taken away . that he may take foorth all the clots of bloud , which he shall find there .

Then he must consider , whether the inner necke be wide enough for him to thrust in his hand , and to turne the childe , if it be needfull : Now if the inner necke be not sufficiently dilated , The inner neck may be dilated . then shall he , as gently as possibly he can , and without any violence ( hauing first annionted all the parts thereof with fresh Butter , or some ointment ) stretch it by little and little , till he get in his hand : if the water be not broken , he need not be afraid to let it out : then presently if the child come with his head formost , he shall turne him gently to find his feet , which he may do more easily , then if the waters had been let foorth before : because , that much moisture doth make the child slide , and turne better , then when he is drie . And when he hath found one of his feet , he must draw it gently without violence , and tie about it a piece of riband , with a sliding knot , How the feet may be found that he may put the foot in againe ( leauing the riband hanging out ) to make the more roome for his hand to goe in and search for the other foot , which may be done by sliding his hand al along the childes thigh . And hauing found them both , he shall draw them out gently in a direct line , giuing the woman a little breathing , and bidding her to straine her selfe when she feeles any throwes , or paines , then the Chirurgion ( hauing in a readinesse a fine linnen cloth warme , he must wrap it about the childes thighs , for feare least he slip out of his hand , if he tooke him naked ) and so pluck gently , vntill his buttockes appeare , and the body with the head doth follow ; obseruing neuerthelesse , that his belly and breast be turned downeward , as we will shew hereafter more particularly .

Experience will make it manifest vnto vs , by the stories following , how necessarie it is to deliuer a woman with child , when a fluxe of bloud , or conuulsions do continue : and that she cannot be saued by ordinarie medicines .

A storie . The yeare 1599. Madam Simon yet aliue daughter to Mr. Pareus , Counsellour , and chiefe Chirurgion to the King ; being ready to lie downe was surprised with a great flux of bloud , hauing about her Mad. la Charomie for her Midwife , and likewise Mr. Hautin the Kings Phisition in ordinarie , and Mr. Rigault Doctors of Phisicke in Paris , and because of great swounings that tooke her euery quarter of an houre through the losse of bloud she had : Master Marchant my son in law and my selfe were sent for ; But I finding her almost without pulse , hauing her voice weake , The Chirurgion must foretell the danger . and her lips pale : I told her mother and her husband that she was in great danger of her life , and that there was but one way to saue her , which was , to deliuer her speedily : the which I had seene practized by the late Mr. Pareus her Father , who had caused me to do the like , vnto a Gentlewoman of Mad. de Seneterre . Then her mother , and her husband earnestly intreated vs to helpe her , and that they would put her into our hands to dispose of her . And so sodainely , following the aduise of the Phisitions , she was very happily deliuered of a liuely child .

Another storie . The yeare 1600. I was commanded to goe and visit a great Lady , that was taken with a great and violent flux of bloud , through a fright she had of a great thunder clap : being come vnto her , They must rest in a flux of bloud . I found that her flux was much mitigated : but she being constrained to goe twelue , or fifteene leagues from Paris , and fearing least that the said flux should continue , she was brought thither by my sonne in law Mr. Marchant by water : where she was no soner arriued , but her flux of bloud tooke her againe , which made him dislike it , and iudge that it would proue ill , contrarie to the opinion of Master de la Riuiere , the Kings chiefe Phisition , who was there at the same time : Whereupon , I was presently sent for in post together with Master Renard the Kings Phisition . We being come thither , found things in better estate ; and the said Master de la Riuiere , tooke leaue to goe towards the King . But on a sodaine the said flux began a fresh , which made them send for Mr. Marescot , and Mr Martin , the kings Physitions , who notwithstanding were not come before her deliuerie : which the kinsfolks & friends of the said Ladie , and likewise Mr Renard , Mr Marchant , and my selfe , were of opinion to hasten , because of the great losse of bloud she had , and the often swounning that tooke her : but as soone as she was deliuered , the flux of bloud ceased .

The yeare 1603 , Madame Danzé , or Chece , The third storie . being in trauaile , was taken with the like flux of bloud , which held her from morning till eight or nine of the clocke at night ; hauing with her the Queenes Midwife , Mad. Boursiere , Master le Fieure , Riolan , Le Moine , regent Doctors in the facultie of Physicke at Paris , and Mr de Sainct Germain master Apothecarie , were called to looke vnto her ; and because she lost much bloud , they called Mr Honoré the kings Chirurgion , who being vnwilling to attempt any thing without my aduise , I was likewise sent for . And as soone as I was come , my opinion with the rest of the companie was , to deliuer her : which was done by the said Honoré , the child liuing .

The fourth historie . Of late memorie , Mad. Coulon ( being assisted in her trauaile by Mad. la Charonne , a verie skilfull Midwife , ) hauing a great flux of bloud ; after that Mr Martin , Hautin , Cornuty , Pietre , the kings Physitions , and Doctors of Paris , had giuen her many things for the staying of the said flux , in the end for feare least by loosing her bloud , she might also loose her life , falling into a syncope : with their aduise she was deliuered , by the said Honoré , and presently her flux was staied .

An Admonition for young Chirurgions . But as these women and children aforesaid haue been saued , by being deliuered in time : So likewise these following , lost their liues , because they were not succoured , as Art and experience did require , their kinsfolks and friends being vnwilling to haue any go about it in due time : whereof these two histories may beare witnesse .

Another storie . Mad. Vion being readie to be deliuer'd , fell into a great flux of bloud , and though some were of opinion , to deliuer her without further delay ; yet this being deferred vpon the counsell of others , who hop'd to stay the flux with ordinarie medicines , they suffered her to loose her bloud , by little and little , and at last to loose her life . The same chance hapned to Madame Gasselin , who not hauing help in time , dyed euen as it was foretold , it would come to passe ; hauing lost all her bloud , before she would giue her consent to be deliuer'd : which will be a good occasion , to admonish a young Chirurgion , neuer to defer this worke when he is called , and sees a great euacuation of bloud . It is now fiue and twentie yeares , since I saw this practized , by the late Mr Pareus , and Mr Hubert , of whom , we are bound to acknowledge , and willingly confesse , that we haue learned both this and many other experiments .

Mad. de Mommor , Another storie agreeing with this purpose . being about fiue and twentie yeares of age , and neere her time of deliuerie , one day found her selfe ill , about foure or fiue a clocke in the morning , neuerthelesse she rose and went to Church , which was neere her house , her paine by fits began againe , and she fell into a continuall flux of bloud : At three daies end she was deliuered with great ease , without any help of the Midwife : and presently after , followed the after burthen : Neuerthelesse she died the same day , at night : and was kept a prettie while by her friends , who could not perswade themselues , that she was dead : At last being opened by Mr Pineau , the kings sworne Chirurgion at Paris , in the presence of Mr Faber , and Mr Baillou , regent Doctors of the facultie of Physicke , at Paris ; her wombe was found broken , and rent , right in that place , where the veine and arterie hypogastricke , ascend toward the mid'st thereof ; which likewise were dissolued , and gaue way to all that issue of bloud .

As for the convulsions which commonly happen through the childs great striuing , when hee desires to come forth ; and ( not being turned aright ) doth so extend the womb that the said convulsions , follow thereupon : here it is to be feared , least all within , wil be torne and broken , Stories concerning convulsions . and therefore it is conuenient to deliuer the woman , with all possible speed , which hath beene practized both by my selfe , and of late by Master Binet a sworn Chirurgion of Paris , a man of great experience , who being sent for by Doctor Bouuart , to deliuer Opportune Guerreau , the wife of Siluester the Printer : which had beene in labour from eight a clock in the morning , till nine at night : and finding her pulse very weake and small , as also the woman depriued of all sence and motion , The Chirurgions wisdom at the first he was somwhat fearefull . But being intreated by her Husband , and fearing least shee might either die suddenly , or else fall into convulsions : he putting his hand into her wombe , found the childs head , ( the water not being broke ) which he let out , and presently deliuered her with much ease , and shee is yet liuing . Therefore wee need not expect , till the said convulsions grow stronger , for fear least the wombe be broken , and torne through the great striuing of the child , when hee is not able to come foorth , as wee may plainely see by the stories following .

The yeare 1607. the said Master Binet was sent for , together with de le Moine , A wonderfull story . and Alton Master Barber Chirurgion at Paris , to cut vp the dead body of Ione du Boys , and hauing opened her nether belly , found the child vpon the guts , who had brused & broken the wombe , and passed quite through it , there being store of bloud shed in the capacity of the said belly .

Master Pineau , Guerin , Another storie . and Launay sworne Chirurgians of Paris , can beare me witnesse , that in opening a poore woman , that died in the Hospitall of the Citty : we found her child swimming among the guts in her belly , the bottome of her Matrice being rent and torne .

The meanes to helpe a woman when her after-burthen comes for most . CHAP. XII .

IF the after-burthen offer it selfe formost , When the after burthen comes formost , there is a fluxe of bloud . the most sure and ready way to helpe the Woman is to deliuer her speedily , because most commonly there follows , a continuall fluxe of bloud . For that the orifices of the veines are opened , which are spread in the sides of the wombe , and there meet with the vessels of the afterburthen : and when the Matrice doth strain and force it selfe , to put forth the child , then doth it thrust out both the bloud that is contained therin , and that which is drawne thither , either by any heat or paine . Besides , when the child is inclosed in the wombe , and the orifice thereof , stopt with the after-birth : then hee cannot breath any longer by his Mothers Arteryes , How the child is stifled . and so for want of helpe , he will be quickly choked , and euen swallowed vp in the bloud , which is contained in the wombe , and which issueth from the veynes that are open therein .

But before you attempt any thing , these two points must be obserued : First , whether the after-burthen bee come foorth but a little , or else very much : if it bee but little ( when the mother is well placed ) it must be thrust , Obseruations to draw forth the after burthen . and put backe againe with as much care , as may possibly be . And if the head of the child come first , let it bee placed right in the passage , thereby to helpe the naturall deliuery , but if you find any difficulty , or if you perceiue that the childs head cannot easily bee brought forward , or that the child , or his mother , or both together bee weake , foreseeing that the trauaile will bee long , then without doubt the best and surest way is , to search for the feete ( as we haue said ) and to plucke him forth gently by them .

Another obseruation . The other point to bee obserued is , that if the said after-birth be much come foorth , and that it cannot bee put backe againe : as well by reason of the bignes of it , as also of the fluxe of bloud , that commonly companies it : and likewise if the child follow it close , When the afterbirth must be drawne forth . staying onely to come into the world : then must the after-burthen be puld away quite , and when it is come forth , it must be laide aside , without cutting of the string that cleaues vnto it . For by the guiding of the said string , you may easily find the child , who whether hee bee aliue or dead , must be drawn out by the legs , with as much dexterity as may be . And this must be done onely in great necessity , that the child may bee quickly drawne forth : as it may be easily iudged by the sentence of Hippocrates , who saith , Lib. 1. de morbis Mulier . The after-birth must come last . that the after-burthen should come forth after the child , for if it come first , the child cannot liue , because he takes his life from it , as a plant doth from the earth .

Sometime it chaunceth , that a part of the after-birth , as also the membrane which containes the waters doe offer it selfe like a skin , and comes forth sometimes the length of halfe a foote , which happens to such women as haue the skin wherein the waters are contained swelling out to the bignes of ones fist and more , which breaking foorth of themselues , leaue the skinnne hanging forth , and yet the child not following it , which happening , It must bee puld gently . it must not be violently puld away : because the afterburthen oftentimes , is not wholly loosened from the sides of the wombe . So that in drawing that , you shall likewise draw the saide after burthen , and so consequently , the womb , or else part therof , which commonly brings the woman into extream paines , and fainting , yea , and oftentimes to death : Which hapned ( to my great griefe ) vnto a Gentlewoman , A story . that died as soone as shee was deliuered , who putting her selfe into her nurses hands , who tooke vpon her to be a Midwife : and was so ventrous , as to plucke and draw forth the said Membrane , and part of the after-burthen , which came to light by means of her Chamber-maid , who had kept it , and shewed it vs after her decease : we being very inquisitiue to know the cause of her death .

The remedy . But when this happens , it must not be puld away but rather gently be thrust in againe , or else you may put in your hand , betweene that , and the neck of the wombe , to find the childs feete , and so draw him forth , as we haue shewed before .

I haue set downe this story more at large , by reason of the great sorrow I tooke ; for this Gentlewomans death , whom I had deliuered twice before , with mine own hands , comming not soone enough to helpe her the third time .

The meanes to deliuer a woman when her child is dead , in her wombe . CHAP. XIII .

WHen it is certainly knowne , that the child is dead , the woman must bee placed in the same manner , as it hath beene shew'n , where wee spake of the taking forth of the child , when there is a fluxe of bloud .

What must be done when the childe coms ill . If he put forth an arme , shoulder , backe , belly , or other part of his body first , hee must be turned with all diligence , and drawne forth by the feete , as we will more particularly declare , in euery seuerall deliuery , according to the sundry fashions , wherein he may come , either aliue or dead .

If he come dead , with his head forwards , The woman must be speedily helped . and that there is no hope at all of the womans deliuery without helpe , and that her strength begins manifestly to decay : the surest way is to apply the hand . And then the Chirurgion shall thrust gently his left hand beeing wide opened , betweene the childs head , and the necke of the wombe : and with his right hand he must put between the said head , and flat of the hand , an Iron Crochet , such a one as you see heere figured vnto you .

The figure or portaict of the Crochet , wherewith the dead childe may bee drawn forth of his mothers belly , when hee comes with his head forward : the which is so lock'd within the os pubis , that it cannot be displaced or pusht vpward , to turne and draw foorth the child by the feete , without much hurting the Mother , and often endaungering her life . It will likewise serue to take forth a head , that remaines alone in the wombe : It must be ten or twelue inches long , strong , and thicke , and large enough to take holde .

Which must bee fastned to the side of the childs head , as about his eare , or bone of the Temples , or in some other place if it may bee done conueniently , as within the hollow of the eye , or the hinder bone of his head , the Chirurgion keeping his left hand in the same place where he put it first , and therewith he shall wagge and stirre gently the childs head : Skill in drawing forth the child . and at that very instant , with his right hand wherin he holds the crochet , so fastned , in any part of the head , must he draw and bring out the child : bidding the woman striue and force her selfe , as though she would be deliuered alone . And it is to be noted , that the Chirurgion must take his time , to draw him forth , when the woman falls into throws , for while the throws continue , the child slides forth the easier .

Oftentimes it chaunceth , that the Crochet cannot be put high enough at the first , to draw foorth the head all at once , Obseruation in vsing the Crochet . so that after it is come forward and drawne out in part , they are faine to take away the Crochet , from the place where it was first fastned , and put it in againe to take new hold higher in another place , which the Chirurgion may doe very fitly , as it hath beene shewed already . Likewise , if the Crochet be not well , and surely fastned at first but that it slip , and lose the first hold , then it will bee needfull , to fasten , and put it in a surer place .

The child may be surely drawne out by the shoulders . Hauing drawne forth the head , and the Crochet beeing taken out , the Chirurgion shall slide in his fingers , very cunningly vnder the childs armepits , that he may draw forth the shoulders , and the rest of his body , for by this meanes hee shall bee easier drawne out then by the head : which must be done very leasurely , without any violence , giuing the woman leaue to gather her strength , and expecting till her throws come vpon her .

While the Chirurgion is about this worke , they must giue the poore Woman , a little wine , or else let her sucke a tost sop't in wine , or Hippocras : perswading and incouraging her , that she shall quickly be deliuered .

This manner of drawing the dead child out of the mothers womb , is safer , and speedier , Safe way to draw the child by the feete . then that which is vsed by turning and putting backe the childs head , to finde his feete , and so pull him out thereby . For whensoeuer the childs heade is much entred within the os Pubis it is impossible to thrust him vpward , Inconueniences to turne the child . and turne him without much indaungering the Mother : and causing great contusion in the wombe , from whence proceeds diuers accidents , and sometime death , as I haue seene it often happen .

I know some will alledge , that they haue taken foorth children aliue , which were thought to haue beene dead , in the Mothers wombe , with the saide Crochet : and that they haue presently died , onely with the hurt they receiued by the Crochet , and certainely this is a cruell kind of practize . Whereto I answere , that we must diligently looke , and consider , whether the child be aliue or dead , before wee put in the Crochet , Considerations in vsing the Crochet . and if there be any appearance of life , wee must deferre the taking of him foorth therewith , as long as we may : But being dead , I see no reason but wee should take the child forth ; with the said Crochet for the causes heeretofore mentioned . Question whether the Crochet may bee vsed . But if the child be aliue , it is a great question whether he ought to be puld forth by the Crochet , presupposing that the Mother , hauing lost her strength , is ready to dye , except this meanes bee vsed : it beeing more expedient to loose the Mother then the child , who would both dye , if that were deferred any longer : and whether to saue the Mother , ( who is more deare , then the saide child ) this practize may be ventured . But as I thinke , there are none , that goe about this businesse , but with some touch of Conscience , which being a point of Diuinity , I leaue to be decided by them , that are more conuersant therein , then my selfe .

The meanes to draw forth a child , that is swollen , and puft vp : in his mothers womb , together with the manner of drawing the head , when it stayes behind . CHAP. XIIII .

IF the dead child continue long in the mothers wombe , The dead child swels and is puft vp . he may easily be putrified , and not onely his head , breast and nether belly , swolne and fild with wind , and water , but likewise his legges and feet will be puft vp .

This swelling , and puffing vp , may also happen through all the childs body , The child that is aliue may likewise be swolne . though he be aliue , hauing eyther the Hydro cephale , or swelling of the head , or the dropsie , either of the lungs , or belly : or else beeing Leucophilegmaticall . This accident happening when the child is aliue , hee must be helped as being aliue , not deliuering the Woman to the childs losse . But if he be dead , and ye perceiue that his head , brest , or nether belly is swoln , or fil'd with wind , or waterish matter , then the Chirurgion must put vp his hand carrying in the hollownesse of it a little crooked knife , very sharp , made after this fashion , & with the saide knife hee shall deuide , and cut the part wherein the wind and water shall bee inclosed , ( whether it bee the head , breast , or belly ) which beeing let foorth , the childe will grow lesse , and afterwards , hee may the more easily be taken out .

The forme of the Knife to deuide the swolne part , which must be of this bignesse heere described , that it may the better be carried , within ones hand to the place that must bee cut or open'd , whether it be the head , breast , or belly .

It may so happen , that the childs arme comming formost through the long stay it makes without , as also because it hath been pul'd by violence , will be swolne , yea , and euen gangren'd , that it cannot possibly be thrust backe againe , that the child may be drawen foorth by the feet : If it fall out to be so , then the arme must be pul'd out , as far as it can , and if it may be done conueniently , let it be cut off at the ioint of the shoulder , or else as neere vnto it , as may be ; the bone shall be cut off with sharpe cutting pincers , or else sawed off verie euen , the skin and muscles being put aside , that so the bone may be couer'd , with the said flesh , muscle , and skin , which will fall ouer it ; and also , that the bone , through his roughnesse , and hardnesse , may not hurt the sides of the wombe , the stumpe that was cut , or sawed being put backe againe .

Sometime the childs head will not follow the bodie , either because of the bignesse thereof , or else , because the child is ill turn'd , that in drawing him foorth , he chances to haue his belly , stomacke , and face lying vpward : which causeth , that the bodie being wholy come foorth , while they would also draw foorth the head , the chin takes hold of the Os pubis , and being pul'd violently , the bodie onely is drawen , and the head not moued , sticketh fast .

For the remedying whereof , that the head stay not behind : the bodie must be gently turn'd , placing the face downward : ( as we said before , ) for by this situation , the head being moued vp and downe , will be easily drawen foorth with the rest of the bodie ; by holding the bodie with one hand , and putting a finger of the other hand into the childs mouth .

And when the head stickes , the Chirurgion must thrust his left hand into the wombe , and put his fore finger into the childs mouth , to stay the head , which by reason of the roundnesse of it , and moisture of the wombe , roules and slideth vp and downe , not being easilie staied ; then with his right hand , let him put in the Crochet , which must be hook't or fastned , either in the temples , hole of the eare , hollow of the eye , or else in the mouth ; and then let him draw the head gently , both with the Crochet , and also with the left hand , hauing his fore-finger in the childs mouth , and so bring him foorth as cunningly as he can : taking his time alwaies when the Mother is in some paine , that so the child may be the easier drawen foorth .

The meanes to help a Woman in her trauaile , when the child comes with his head formost , but hauing his necke awrie , and his head aside . CHAP. XV.

depiction of child in womb: asynclitic birth

BEing now to speake of Births that are contrarie to nature , we will begin first with the Head , as being the worthiest , and most notable part of all the bodie . Sometimes the child comes ( as he doth naturally ) with the head formost , but it is placed amisse , which may be after foure seuerall fashions ; In how many fashions the head may be placed . either the head lying vpon the backe : or vpon the stomacke : or else vpon the edge of the shoulders , inclining towards one of the Mothers flanckes , which makes that the child cannot come foorth straight , and in a direct line : because his necke is bow'd , and stands awrie . He being thus turn'd , it is verie hard , yea , euen impossible , that the Mother should be deliuer'd , either through any indeauour of the childs thrusting his feet against the bottome of the Matrice : nor by any labour of the woman , forcing likewise and straining her selfe , as much as she can possibly , by holding in her breath . But contrariwise , the more the child striues to come foorth , When the Mother & the child striue in vaine . and inioy the outward ayre , the more he intangles and wreath's his necke , so that at last , both his strength , and the Mothers , are together much weakned , through the paine they both suffer ; the child being in danger , by reason of the great compression that must needs follow the wreathing of his necke , and also by the hindrance of respiration , How the child breaths . though he breaths onely as yet by the Arteries of his Mother , vntill the after-burthen be loosened , for then he takes breath at his owne mouth . The Marrow also of the backe , and the sinewes ( being the instruments of motion ) may thereby be so pressed together , that the animal spirits may be intercepted , which depriueth the child of all motion , and consequently of life : wherefore , it will be verie necessarie to help him speedily , which ought to be done in this sort . First , let the Mother be placed , and held after the same order we prescribed for the helping of them , that are troubled with a great Flux of bloud . Then the Chirurgion , hauing his hands annointed ( as we said before ) shall put vp his right hand , being open , as gently as he can possibly , How to find which way the childs head leaneth . to find on which side the head doth leane , and is turn'd : if the childs head lean vpon his breast , his hand will meet first with the backe ; if it be turned toward the backe , then he shall light vpon the breast : or if the head leane vpon one of the shoulders , then he shall find the other first , which will also be inclining somewhat toward the womans flancks ; which when he hath found , before he go about to remoue the head , and bring it into his naturall situation , which is to place it directly ouer against the necke of the Matrice , he must first with the ends of his fingers , thrust vpward the bodie of the child , either by the shoulders , or backe , or by the breast : for by this meanes the head of the child , will not leane so hard against the sides of the wombe : Way to bring the head straight . so that his necke will euen come of it selfe to the right place . And for the better help , the Chirurgion at the same instant shal slide in his other hand , ( yet not taking out the former ) wherewith finding the place where the head doth rest , and leane : he may easily draw his hand towards the side of the childs head , and so shall he bring it gently to the naturall place : and by this meanes , the childs head will rest betweene his hands , to be set right . The like also may he do , by putting his hand gently , toward the hinder part of the head , and so set it right , hauing first thrust the child vpward , either by the backe , or breast : the which is seldome done , Another way . because it is a surer and readier way , to thrust him vp by the shoulders : and to say the truth , the childs head is oftner turned , toward the Mothers flancks , then either toward her belly , or her backe .

The meanes to help a Woman in trauaile , when the child comes with the hand and arme together , with the head formost . CHAP. XVI .

THe child should come into the world , with his head forward , and if there be any thing that comes with it , it is contrarie to nature . If the hand , and arme , offer themselues , and come foorth of the wombe , this trauaile is contrarie to nature , and therefore dangerous : because the arme takes vp the roome , The hand comming foorth , hinders the deliuerie . the head should haue , & hinders it from comming right ; according as it is turned , either to the right side , or to the left ; or else vpward ; the head leaning vpon the backe : or downward , being placed vpon the breast : ( as we shew'd in the last Chapter , when the necke stands awrie , ) which vnlesse it be help'd in time , it will be verie hard for him to come safe into the world . For the hand , and arme , comming foorth , by reason of their tendernesse , and softnesse , being neuer so little crush'd , or held in the ayre : they are quickly alter'd , and spoil'd , and will be swolne , and puft vp exceedingly : yea , and sometime fall into a Gangrene , The arme comming foorth , fals into a Gangrene . which I haue often seen come to passe : and therefore it will be verie necessarie to redresse it speedily .

But especially , the Chirurgion must take heed of pulling the said hand , or arme ; because it is impossible , Inconuenience of drawing the child by the arme . he should draw him out thereby : For how much the more the arme is thrust , whether it be by the Mothers , or the childs striuing , or else by the Chirurgion , who labours to pull it out : so much the more will it make the head and necke to bow , and bend ; either toward the stomacke , backe , or sides : it being impossible that the head and arme should come foorth both together , because the said head is so infolded , and ingaged , in one of the said places : and therefore this order must be obserued heerein .

The practize . First , the Mother must be laid vpon her backe , her head and necke lying somewhat low , and her hips somewhat raised : then the Chirurgion , hauing his hands oil'd ( as before ) shall annoint , all the womans parts with that hand , which is most fit , according to the diners situation of the child . If the hand onely come foorth , he shall take it , at the top of the wrist , and so thrust it backe , as high as he can , guiding it all along the sides and flancks of the child : and hauing plac'd it there , he must pull backe his hand to giue place to the childs head , which at the same instant , with his other hand , must be brought and put , right against the necke of the wombe : And the better to set it aright , he must with both his hands being spred abroad , and placed on each side the head , thrust the shouldert vpward , with the ends of his fingers , ( as we shew'd in the former Chapter ) that the childs head may be set in the mid'st : which will be easie for him to do , in taking the childs temples of his head , betweene both his hands , and by that meanes set it straight . And when this is done , The woman must be hartned . let him suffer the woman to rest her selfe a little , assuring her , that her child is well plac'd , and that by and by , he will come naturally into the world : The rest shall be performed , as we haue shew'd in the naturall Deliuerie ; placing the woman after the same order , as hath been said . But if it chance , that the child be dead , and that the arme be gangren'd , and so swolne , that it cannot be put backe , then must it be help'd in the same manner as we haue shewed before , which ought to be done with all speed : for feare of the putrifaction , that may happen vnto it .

The meanes to help the trauaile , wherein the Child comes with both his hands , armes , and head formost . CHAP. XVII .

depiction of child in womb

The deliuery where both armes come formost is not so dangerous . Notwithstanding this may bee said to bee lesse dangerous for the child , because howsoeuer hee striue to come forth , and for all the throws that the Woman can haue , yet the child cannot wreath or turne his necke aside . But yet to say the truth , it is more troublesome , both for the Mother , and the Chirurgion , yea ; and sometimes for the childe also .

But the best way to proceed heerein is , The practise . that the Chirurgion , after he hath placed the woman ( as is aforesaid ) hauing his hands annointed , as also the parts of the Woman , he shall gently put in his right hand , and bring one of the childs armes to his due place , by stretching it out at length , along by the flankes and thighs ; and presently with drawing that hand , he shall thrust in his left , to bring the other arme into his place , as he did the former . This being done , he shall marke , whether the head of the child be placed right , in the meane time suffering the woman to take some ease , not holding her so much backe , as when hee placed the armes of the child . Then shall he place her , as in a naturall birth , but if hee find that the head of the child be turned aside , and be not set direct against the passage , as it vseth to be in a naturall birth , then shall he gently put in both his hands ioyned together , and presently opening them , he shall touch onely with the ends of his fingers , both the shoulders of the child , and put him backe easily toward the bottom of the Matrice : and beeing so put backe , the head of the child will come betweene his hands , which he shal easily place aright against the passage ( as is aforesaid ) by taking both sides of his head , or temples betweene his hands , and so the deliuery shall be performed naturally .

The meanes to helpe the mother when the child comes with one , or both feete formost . CHAP. XVIII .

WHensoeuer the child , comming into the World , doth put one or both his feete formost , the Chirurgion shall place the Woman ( as it hath beene oftentimes told , ) & hauing his hands annointed , let him chuse whether he will draw the child forth by the feete : or else if he thinke it better , to put backe either one or both the feete , and so turne him , and bring his head straight to his passage . For my part , I thinke it the better & safer way to draw him foorth by the feete , then to turne him vpside downe , and lift his feete vpward , thereby to bring his head downward to the passage . And therfore , What must be obserued concerning the child . whether he come with one , or both his feete forward , the greatest care must be to know how his whole body is placed , & lyes in his Mothers womb : as whether his face and belly be turned toward the mothers backe , and his shoulders , backe , and buttocks towards her Nauell : likewise whether his armes bee separated from his thighs , flankes , and sides , which ought also to be diligently obserued in all births that are contrary to Nature , especially , in those , when the child is drawne forth by the feete : For when you draw him out of the wombe , with his buttockes , backe , and hinder parts of the head , turned toward the backe of the Mother , and his face toward her Nauell , and belly , then without doubt the feet , buttocks , body and shoulders , of the child being drawn forth , when the head commeth to the os pubis , it will hang therein : which beeing so catched it will be very hard , nay impossible , to draw forth the child : and if you draw him too violently , it is to be feared least you breake his necke , especially if the child be too big , or his head great . Therefore when you haue drawne him by the feete till he is come forth , as farre as the buttocks , and wast , before you draw him any further , you must marke diligently the position of the body , whether the belly brest , and face , be vpward , or no. For if he be so placed , before you draw him any further , you must turne him vpside downe , which you shall performe , if you hold him fast by the buttockes , and hips , with both your hands , and turn the whole body ( withall drawing it gently ) and so bring the belly , breast , and face downeward , which being done , you shall draw him forth with ease , without daunger of staying , or carrying the head vpon os pubis : which must needs happen , if the child were drawne with the face vpwards . And this haue I well obserued , being called to the deliuery of some women , where this chance , ( for want of good heed taking ) hath happened , the head sticking within , and putting vs to great trouble , to draw it foorth . Beside , An obseruation when the two arms are stretched out . when the body is thus situated , if both the armes be stretched out aboue the head , you shall bring downe one of them close to the side , and let the other stay stretched out , that when the shoulders , are come foorth , the said arme may be as it were a stay , or splint to the necke , for the passage of the head , to hinder the passage from shutting or closing vp , and fastning about the necke of the child , and so hinder the child from comming foorth , notwithstanding oftentimes , the child is so slender and little , that so soone as the shoulders are come out presently the head follows after , and needeth not , the helpe of an arme , to bee a rest for the necke .

depiction of child in womb: breech birth

Being at Moret with Count Charles , I was called , A story . together with the late Mons: de la Corde , one of the Kings Phisitions , to deliuer a poore woman , which had beene in trauaile two daies and two nights : the waters beeing broken , and the child left dry , the necke of her Matrice was closed , she being no more vrged with paines or throwes , which I obserued by slipping vp my hand , vnto the said necke , and getting two of my fingers therein , where feeling one of the childs feete , I perswaded my selfe that I should deliuer her well , which I did in this sort .

First , when I had placed her well , I annointed my hands with butter and hogs grease melted together , and with store thereof , I annointed the inward necke of the Matrice , as well as possibly I could : and when I had somewhat dilated the saide necke , with three of my fingers I cast a ryband with a sliding knot , vppon the childs foote , fastning it gently : and then dilating againe the said necke , I found out the other foote , vpon which I slipped another riband , as I had done vpon the former : Then did I draw both the ribands , and brought the two feete together , which when I had drawne out , vnto the buttocks , I began againe to annoint , as before , then taking a napkin , lest it should slip , I bad the woman force her selfe , as much as shee could possibly , especially when shee felt her paines and throws comming : and then drawing sometimes directly , and sometimes to the one side , so to enlarge the passage , I drew on the child gently turning the belly thereof downward ; that the chin might not catch in the ospubis , as I haue noted before .

depiction of child in womb: breech birth

I haue often repeated , this fashion of drawing out the child , for feare least the young Chirurgion erre , in performing it otherwise ; which if he should doe , he will be much troubled in drawing out the head , which may sticke by the way , as I haue seen it happen .

The meanes how to help a Woman , when her child commeth , with both the feet , and both the hands together . CHAP. XIX .

depiction of child in womb: transverse presentation

THe child comming into the world , may offer himselfe to the necke of the Matrice , in diuers fashions : as ( beside those that haue been spoken of , ) with both the feet and hands formost ; the buttocks , backe , and head of the child , being so bent , and bow'd against the bottome of the Matrice , which doth presse , and thrust him downward , that the said hands and feet , A terrible kind of deliuerie . come foorth with such violence , that it is a fearefull thing to see , and full of danger , because of the difficultie to remedie it ; the Matrice bearing downe it selfe in such sort , and to no vse ; it being impossible , that the child should be borne , whil'st he is thus situated . And therefore it will be necessarie in this case , to giue help with as much speed , as may be : The practize whereof is in this manner .

First , you shall place the woman as we haue said before , Meanes to helpe the trauaile . then the Chirurgion hauing his hands annointed , as is required : if the child be aliue , he shall trie first with his right hand to put the feet into the Matrice , making them slip vp , as easily as he can to the bottome of the said Matrice , and with his left hand , shall he stay the hands that they come not foorth further : the feet being thus thrust backe , presently , he shall either put one of his fingers , into the childs mouth , or else take him by the hinder part of the head , to bring it direct against the passage : in the meane time putting backe with his left hand , the childs hands and armes , that they may fall close to his sides : then taking the head between the palmes of his hands , he shall place it iust against the passage . Which being done , the birth will succeed naturally , both by the help and striuing of the child , and also by the indeuour of the Mother , when she feeles her throwes come vpon her .

A surer way to draw forth the child . But when the Chirurgion shall find , that the feet , legs , and hands , cannot be put backe , and that the Matrice doth beare downeward , and shut it selfe not suffering the feet to slip vp , then must he , with all the Art he can , put back with his left hand , the childs hands , and with his right hand draw the feete gently , taking heede that the childs face and belly may bee downeward , and so draw out the child , as hath beene shewed before .

Likewise if the Chirurgion find that the child be dead , he must draw him forth by the feete , without troubling himselfe to bring the head of the child , to the passage . For euery dead child , because he is not able to giue any helpe to the birth , but that all the labour is to come from the Mother , is oftentimes the cause of her death . And therfore the surest way is to turne him so , that he may be drawn but by the feete , or else with the Crochet .

The Authors opinion . As for my selfe , I am of this opinion , that it is better , whether the child be dead or aliue , ( if he come with his feete , and hands formost ) that the Chirurgion bring him foorth by the feete , then to turne him , and bring his head formost , and so expect a naturall birth : for in this striuing , the Mother hauing been much wearied , and the chid much weakned , the deliuerie ( though it be naturall ) will proue verie long , and difficult , in regard that neither the Mother , nor the child , can haue much strength left them : Whereas if you draw him foorth by the feet , neither the Mother , nor the child being much weakned , the birth will be more easie , and fortunate ; As I haue alwaies had experience .

The meanes how to helpe a Woman , when her child comes double , putting formost , either the Sides , or the Backe , and Shoulders , or else the Buttockes . CHAP. XX.

depiction of child in womb: transverse presentation

BEside the former deliuerie , which is , when the child comes double , putting his hands and feet formost : there likewise happen diuers other births that are no lesse difficult , and dangerous : For when he comes side-long , with his Sides , Backe , or Shoulders next the passage , his feet must needs be on the one side of the Matrice , and his head on the other , lying quite crosse ; so that the child , beating on both sides , with his head and feet against the wombe , doth extend , and stretch it to no purpose , wherby the Mother growes weake and faint : which neither she , nor the child can long indure without danger of death ; because his striuing helps not at all for his comming foorth .

depiction of child in womb: transverse presentation

A dangerous situation . The like may happen , when the child puts out his thighs , and buttocks formost : which kind of birth is verie painefull and difficult , because the child fils all the Matrice : Which the Chirurgion perceiuing , he shall consider , whether it be better , to turne the child , and bring formost his head , or else his feet : if he can easily bring the childs head vnto the passage , he shall proceed in this sort .

First , he shall put in his right hand ( being annointed as before ) to turne the child , and hauing found the shoulder , with the palme of his said hand , he shall lift the child vpward , that his feet or knees may be toward the bottome of the Matrice , whil'st the head fals and slides downward : and shall hold it fast at the orifice of the wombe , with his left hand , being put in at the same instant ; and by this meanes shall bring the Armes close to the thighs , and sides of the child that the Woman may be naturally deliuered . But if the Chirurgion finde any difficulty , to lift the body vpward , for the bringing of the head downward : then shall he slide his right hand vnder the childs armepit , and so draw him gently , yet not making the arme come foorth , to place the head right against the passage .

But if the Chirurgion find any hindrance in bringing the head downeward , and that hee thinkes he can more easily guide and bring the feete to the orifice of the wombe , then the best and surest way is to draw him foorth in that sort , by the feete : and certainly when the child comes with his buttocks formost , his head being vpward , then may you sooner meete with his feete , and bring them easier to the orifice of the Matrice , to bee drawne foorth as wee haue shewed before . But when hee puts his shoulder or backe formost , then may you the more easily lift him vp to make his head slip downeward , or else take him by the Armepit , and so bring gently his head to the necke of the wombe , to deliuer him naturally .

The manner of helping the deliuery , wherein the child comes with his belly and breast formost . CHAP. XXI .

THe most troublesome , and painfull situation of a childe in his mothers wombe , is when he comes with his belly formost , putting out his nauell , his legges and armes being turned backwards . For when hee is placed in this manner , and striues to come foorth , hee thrusts against the sides of the Wombe with his hands and feet , and so boweth backward , and bends the backe bone that hee brings himselfe as it were into a circle , whereby hee endur's and suffers much paine , and likewise is weakned exceeding much , vnlesse hee be speedily helpt : and besides , by his compression and striuing , hee causeth the Mother to endure much paine , and anguish without any profite at all both which doth require to be speedily redressed , which maybe performed in this sort . First the Chirurgion

depiction of child in womb: transverse presentation shal place the woman in good order ( as hath beene said ) Meanes to help the child . and then shall he slide vp his right hand ( beeing first annointed ) to obserue and feele what part of the childs body is neerest , which hee shall perceiue both by his feeling , and by wagging and stirring the child vp and downe : If the breast be next , he shall take with the said hand ) the child by he shoulders and top of the Arme , bringing him thereby gently downeward , afterward lifting vp his hand , that the childs head may fall right towards the passage , putting in presently his left hand to receiue and set straight the childs head , which may be turned on the one side , and that being done , the deliuery shall bee afterwards performed Naturally .

Another consideration . But if the head cannot be easily brought downward , or that the belly and top of the thigh be neerer vnto the passage , then the Chirurgion shall put his right hand along the childs thigh to find one of his feete , which being found , hee shall cast about it a riband , with a sliding knot , and then shall he seeke for the other , and bring them both gently to the passage , and so draw him forth by the feete , taking hold of him with a warm napkin , between both his hands : obseruing alwaies that his face and belly be downewards ; for feare least when the shoulders are come forth , the chinne catch vpon the os pubis , as we haue shewne more at large , in the chapter of deliuering the childe with the feete formost , to which place I referre you , shunning often repetition .

The meanes to help the birth , when there be twins the one comming with his feete , the other with his head formost . CHAP. XXII .

depiction of twins in womb

IT cannot well bee perceiued alwaies , whether a woman beares two children , though she be in trauaile : for I my selfe was present not long since , at the deliuery of an honest woman , One may bee safely deliuered of two children . who brought two children : and when she was deliuered of the first , the Midwife ( not expecting that there was a second ) was ready to draw out the after burthen , but that I perceiued another offer it selfe at the passage , which as it came naturally , so was shee deliuered thereof very fortunately . But if it so fall out that the twins do come , the one with his head , the other with his heeles formost , then the Chirurgion shall behaue himselfe in this sort .

How he must deliuer the woman when the twins come ill . First he shall consider , which of the two children the woman may be easiest deliuered of . If the head of the one come not so forward , as the feete of the other : it will be easie to draw foorth that child by the feete , putting the others head a little aside , and when he hath brought that foorth , he must presently set the head of the other right against the passage , and incourage the woman to bee deliuered , which will the easier bee done , because the other hath prepared the way .

And if it happen , that in deliuering the first by the feete , the second should change his situation ; then the Chirurgion shall looke after the feet , and draw him foorth , as he did , the former . And when the head of the first , is very forward : then shall hee thrust backe the feete of the second , to giue way to the others head , that he may come naturally .

The way to deliuer a woman of two twins . If the heads of both the children come together to the passage , the Chirurgion must take great care for it is impossible for him to make them come foorth both at once , ( except they be very little . ) And therefore hee shall put vp his hand to try , whether both the heads are placed in one , and the same line , and point of distance ( as commonly it happens ) or else whether the one is further forward then the other : And especially hee must obserue whether the two children be monsters , and vnnaturall , or no. As whether there be two heads vpon one body : or if they be ioyned together , either by the backe or by the belly , as it is often seene ; which he may easily perceiue , by sliding his right hand open , betweene the two heads , putting it as high as he can , to feele the diuision ; and then drawing his hand down againe gently between the two heads , hee shall thrust aside the one to giue place to the other , which hee must bring right to the passage , leauing the second neuerthelesse in his naturall situation . And when the woman feeles her throws come vpon her , then shall he by all meanes bring forward , the former that he would receiue , holding downe the other , with two or three fingers of his left hand ( least he should offer to come foorth ) and shall endeuour onely to bring the first into the world . Which beeing done ; if the second bee not well situated , he shall bring the head forward right to the necke of the Matrice , and being brought thither , he may easily come foorth , because the way hath beene prepared , and made ready by the former . But you must obserue , that the first beeing come foorth , hee must be taken from betweene his mothers legges , for feare least he indanger his life ; but you must first tye the nauell , His Nauell must be tyed . as we haue shewed . And besides it will be very necessary and fitte before it be cut , to tye the rest of the nauell string , that is fastned to the after-burthen with a large and strong thred , that it may therby be the easier found and drawne foorth afterwards . For the thred that binds the Nauell , being left too short it may slippe into the womb , and thereby much trouble the mother : When the second child is come foorth , the Chirurgion must search whether there bee two after-burthens , or no. And if it happen that after the second deliuery , the two after-burthens should not come away so soone as they ought : The afterburthen must bee taken away speedily . then must they bee prouoked for feare least the Matrice beeing emptied of two children , might chaunce to sinke downe , and shut it selfe close together , thereby as it were to retain the said after-burthens , and by this meanes hinder the deliuery of them , which must be remedied , as wee haue shewed before . If the two children should haue but one body , I am of opinion that for the performing of this deliuery , it would be a more easie and safe way , to turne the head vpward , and draw him foorth by the feete , than to make him come foorth with the head formost hauing an especiall care , when he comes foorth as far as the buttocks , that you guide and draw them foorth with all the Art you can possibly : at which kind of deliuery , I my selfe was neuer present .

The meanes to help a Woman in trauaile of Twins , their feete comming formost . CHAP. XXIII .

depiction of twins in womb

AS two twins may chance to offer themselues with their heads , so likewise sometimes they may happpen to come with their feete formost .

When this chaunceth , the Chirurgion ought to obserue , whether the twins be separated , ( as wee said before ) or whether they be vnnaturall , as hauing foure legs , one or two bodies , and likewise one or two heads . Now the best way to find it is , that the Chirurgion hauing his hand annointed ( as before ) slip it vp gently wide open , Meanes to know whether the child be a monster or no. as high as he can , and finding that the twins are not ioyned together , but diuided and distinguished , he shall bring down his hand betweene one of their thighs , and pulling it a little lower , shall take hold of one of the twins feet , ( that which he thinks may bee easiest drawne foorth ) and tye about it a riband , with a sliding knot , towards the Ankle : then shall he put his hand along the said legge , and so euen to the buttockes that thereby hee may find the other legge of the same child , and ioyne them together , and not bee mistaken ( taking one legge of the one twinne , and another of the other : For if he should doe so , then without doubt in drawing of them forth , he would teare them both asunder : ) but beeing certaine by this meanes , that both the legges and feete , bee of the same child , you may draw them foorth gently , ( as wee haue shewed before ) taking care that the childe come with his face downeward . When the first is come hee must be taken away . When you haue thus drawne foorth the first , you shall in the same manner , proceed to the second : hauing first taken away ( as is saide before ) the other , from betweene the mothers legges . And if it happen that one of the twins come naturally , with his head formost , and the other with his feete : and that his feet are more forward then the others head : then the safest way will be to draw him foorth first , that hath his feete formost : hauing first of all put the other aside that offered himselfe at the passage . But if the head of the one be right against the passage and the feet of the other on the one side , then shall hee put backe the feete gently , and deliuer the woman first of him that had his head formost , and afterwards draw the other foorth by the feete .

It may also happen in each of the former births , It must be knowen which is aliue . that one of the twins may be dead , and the other liuing . Howsoeuer they are placed , the Chirurgion must be very certaine which of them is dead , or aliue . The meanes to know it . Which hee shall know by feeling them about the Nauell , Temples , or region of the Heart , Hand-wrists , or Ankles , where if he find no pulse , or beating of the Arteries , then he may be sure that the child is dead , as also if he be lesse hot then the other : and when you put your finger into his mouth , he neither sucke it , nor wag his tongue . But if you find all these signes concurre , How you must draw him out . then there is some likelyhood that he is aliue : and therefore it will be best to bring his head right against the passage , that so the woman may be the sooner deliuer'd , which will be done the more easily , because the liue child can better help himselfe , then he that is dead . But if the Chirurgion thinke , that he shall hardly bring the head to the said passage , and that he find the feet are neerer , and readier ; then I would aduise him to bring the child foorth by the feet , and when the woman shall be deliuer'd of th' one , let him draw foorth th' other in the same fashion .

Of the staying of the after-burthen , after the deliuerie . CHAP. XXIIII .

OFtentimes it happens , after the woman hath been deliuer'd , whether it be naturally , or by the Chirurgions helpe : that the bed whereupon the child lay , ( commonly called the After-burthen ) as being a second burthen , The After-burthen may be stop't . or deliuerie of the woman ; because , when that is come away , the Mother is wholy deliuer'd , doth remaine fastned to the sides of the wombe , and cannot verie easily be seperated from it , and though it be loosened , yet oftentimes it cannot be put foorth : The which may proceed , either from the drynesse of the Matrice , and after-burthen , Causes of the retention of the after-burthen . being destitute of their moisture , or because , that it is swolne , and stretch'd , or else because the expulsiue facultie of the wombe , hath been much weakned by a long and painfull trauaile : Whereunto may be added , that oftentimes the Mother hath been so wearied , and brought so low , and become so faint , weake , and feeble , that she is not able to straine , or force her selfe at all .

Now it is most certaine , that after the child hath left his Mothers wombe , the said after-birth is a thing contrarie to nature , which must needs be taken away and sent foorth : And therefore one of these two accidents must needs follow , either that the quicke ( which is the wombe ) thrust foorth the dead , ( which is the after-birth : ) or that the dead kill the quicke : And surely , that being retayned , it doth breed in the Mother , most pernicious , and dangerous Symptomes , as swounnings , oppression , and suffocation : yea , and sometimes being corrupted and putrified , it is an occasion of death .

For the preuenting whereof , there must be great care and diligence vsed in the bringing and drawing of it foorth : which must not be done rashly , but leasurely , by often shaking and mouing it . In the meane time , taking heed that neither the Mother , nor the wombe , take any cold , for feare lest it be sodainly clos'd and shut vp : and therefore , first of all , if the woman be weake , you shall giue her , either some Broth , Gelly , yelke of an egge , or else a tost and suger . And you must likewise put in practize , that which we haue formerly spoken of : as to make her Cough , sneeze , and blow , in her hands holding salt therein : and beside you must giue her medicines , that are proper to expell and driue forth the said after-bith ; which are , such as we formerly prescribed , in Difficult trauaile : as

A Drinke to expell the after-birth . ℞ . Succin . stercor . Accipitr . pul . an . ℥ ss. dissolue in vino Hyppocratico , & fiat potus .

℞ . Troch . de Myrrhâ , Gall. Mosch . an . ℥ j. Cinamon . ℥ ss. Dictam . cretens . Succin . rasur . ossium dactylor . an . ℈ ij . Piper . Croci an . ℈ j. fiat puluis , capiat pro dosi ℥ j. cum vino Saluiatico , vel cum aqua Arthemissiae .

Gesner in an Epistle he writes to Gasserus saith , That the stone of a horse , dried in an Ouen , being made into powder , and taken the quantitie of a dragme , or foure scruples , is an excellent medicine .

Other experiments . Horatius Augenius reports in his Epistles , that he hath made often triall of it , and saith , that he had it , of his father , for a secret .

If the afterbirth comes not away for all the foresaid medicines , then must you come to handy-worke : and for that purpose the Chirurgion shall place the woman in the same fashion he did , in the drawing out of the child : then shall he put vp his hand , ( annointed as before ) holding the Nauell-string , which will serue him for a guide to find the after-birth ; and when he hath found it , he shall obserue and trie diligently , whether it sticks to the sides of the wombe , or no : If the said after-burthen cannot come foorth , because the passage of the Matrice is to straite , it being shrunke together , and swolne with paine : Then shall he vse medicines that relaxe and mollifie , as the liniments appointed in the naturall deliuerie , and also such as shall be set downe hereafter , together with fomentations and iniections : And when he perceiues that the passage is open and free , and that the after-birth staies onely through the womans feeblenesse and weaknesse , in these two cases he shall draw it foorth gently .

But if he perceiue that it doth sticke to the wombe , and likewise finds it soft and moist , then shall he separate as gently as may bee , with his fingers , ( his nayles , being first pared very close and euen ) from the sides of the womb , beginning at that end which he thinks , doth best cleaue or stice therto ; and so draw it by little and little , shaking it somtimes , on the one side , and sometimes on the other , not drawing it violently directly forward ; for feare ( as Hippocrates saith ) least the Matrice should fall downe and follow the after-birth , whereto as yet it is fastned : putting still betweene the sides of the Matrice , and the said part of the after-burthen , eyther fresh butter , or some of the liniment wherwith he annoints his hands , that it may helpe by mollifying and relaxing , to separate it the more easily .

And you must take an especiall care that you draw it not foorth suddenly all at once , least it should sticke to many places of the wombe , and so you thinking to pull it along , might shake & bring down with it the body of the womb , which would cause a Praecipitation or falling downe thereof : Or else , if you should separate it by violence , some vessell or part of the wombe is in danger to be broken , which may procure a fluxe of bloud , or some vlcers , wherof may follow a Gangrene , yea and oftentimes death .

If the Chirurgion perceiue that there is any difficulty , or danger to seuer and bring foorth the said after-birth , it sticking very fast by reason of drynes , or that the Matrice is very painfull and swolne , then shall he vse these medicines following .

First he shall giue these Pilles .

Pilles . ℞ . Myrrh . ʒ i. Rad. Aristol . rotund . Dictam . an ℈ ij . Castor . assae foetid . Croci an . ℈ i. Gentian . ʒ s. cum succo sabinae & Mercurial . fiat Massa addendo Confect . Al K●rmes ℈ iiij . capiat pro dosi ʒ s. vel ℈ ij .

You may mingle with the saide Dose , halfe a Dragme of Pilulae Cochiae , to prouoke and stirre vp the expulsiue faculty of the belly & so consequentlie , that also of the wombe .

You must likewise prouoke her to sneese , which may bee done , Sneesing expels the after-burthen . according as Aëcius appointeth , with Castoreum and Pepper made into powder , you may also vse which is stronger .

℞ . Hellebor . alb. ʒ s. piper . albi , nigri , an ℈ i. Casto . ℈ ij . Cinamon . ʒ i. fiat omnium puluis subtilanijciantur aliquot grana in nares .

But ye must note , that when her sneesing is readie to come , The manner of doing it . shee must stop her nose , and mouth , with her hand ; that the breath in sneesing may not goe foorth all at once , and that it may thrust the more violently downeward .

There must bee vsed also this fomentation and iniection to the Matrice

An Iniection , and fomentation for the wombe . ℞ . Quatuor Emoll . Matricar . an . m. iiij . flor. Chamaemel . Melilot an . p.i. Sem. Lini , foenugraec . an . ℥ s. Bulliant iniure vituli . vel Capi , Colaturae adde Ol. Amygdal . dul . & cheirini tertiam partem , & fiat iniectio : Ex magnate fiat fotus cum spongia .

This fomentation and iniection hath power to heate and comfort the Matrice , and also to make it more moist and fit to loosen the after-burthen . At the same time you shall giue her this Clister .

A Clyster . ℞ . Rad. Lilior . albor . Bryon . recent . an ℥ ij . Maluae ; Bismal . totius , Caulium , Matricar . Mercur. an . m. sem. Lini . foenugr . an . ℥ s. flor. Chamaem . Melilot . an . m.i. fol. Senae Mund. ℥ s. fiat decoct . de qua cape quartar . iij. in quibus dissolui Diaphoenic . Hierae . an . ʒ iij. Mell. Mercur. Ol. Lilior . Aneth . an ℥ ij . fiat Clyster .

You must also cause the Woman to smell vnto bad , and stinking odors , as old shoes , Ill smells . and Partridge feathers burnt , Assa faetida , Rue .

Some after the child is borne , Bloud lettin● brings dow● the after-birth haue the veynes of the Matrice so swolne , that the after-birth cannot come foorth , by reason of the bignes thereof , and the narrownesse of the passage : then it will bee good to let them bloud in the foote , which is a medicine very often tried by Massaria a great practitioner and a professor at Padua , as he writes in his booke of womens diseases .

If the after-burthen come not away withall the foresaid medicines , then will it be necessary to suppurate and putrifye it , which I haue seen somtimes come to passe : But in the suppurating of it , What must be done in th● suppurating of the after-birth . you must haue a care of two things : the first is to strengthen the Woman , and to preserue her from malignant vapors , that may ascend and take hold of the principall parts , as the Heart , Braine , and chiefly , the stomacke , vsing other medicines , beside those that haue beene formerly set downe . And therfore she must be comforted with these medicines .

A Cordiall Electuary . ℞ . Cons. Borag . Buglos . Rosar . an ℥ i. Cons. Anthos . ℥ s. Confect . Alkerm . de Hyacinth . an . ʒ is . spec. laetificant . Galen . ʒ s. cum syrup . Conser . Citri q. s. fiat opiata .

Let her take Lozenges of Diamargarit : frigidum : and likewise of Piachodon Abbatis .

She must also haue all kind of pleasant and sweet sauours to smell to , which may recreate the spirits .

The second thing that the Chirurgion shall obserue is , that in helping it to come to suppuration , hee haue a care that there bee not bred too much corruption : and therefore it will be fit , to vse mundifying and cleansing iniections , adding therby also , medicines that will comfort the womb , as those that are of a good smell .

A comforting and cleansing Iniection . ℞ . Maluae Parietar . senecion . Matricar . Apij . an . m. i. Radic . Lilior . Bryon . Cucumer : agrest . an . ℥ i. flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . Hyperic . Centaur . Vtriusque . an . P. i. Aristol . nostr. Agrimon . Veronic . Herbae Robert . Mercurial . an . m. i. s. sem. foenugraec . Cydon . an . ℥ s. fiat decoctio ad lb ' . i. s. in quibus dissolue Myrrh . Aloes , Ireos . florent . an ℥ s. mellis Mercurial . ℥ iij. addendo Aq ▪ Rosar . vini albi an . ℥ ij . fiat Iniectio .

Hip. lib. 2. Epidem . Hippocrates to this purpose , writes a memorable story of a Carriers wife , who had a peece of her after-birth left behind in the wombe , ( that caused her to haue the Strangury ) which continued there euen till she was deliuered of an other child . For at the end of foure months , she conceiued again and bore her fruit to the full time : which History hath imboldened me to relate this that follows .

A true story . Mary Beaurin , yet liuing , Wife vnto William Prat a Glasier , dwelling in Saint Andrews street , sent for me , ( it is some sixe and twenty yeare since ) to shew me a tumor that came foorth of her Womb , which was as bigge as ones fist , and more ; and was like vnto a bladder : as firme and hard , as strong parchment : full of cleare water , wherein one might perceiue a pretty hardnesse : the said tumor or bladder would slip vp easily , when shee lay vpon her backe , and lifted her thighs a little vpward , crushing it a little with her hand , ( as they commonly doe when they put backe a rupture ) which shee did in my presence , and I demaunding of her how long this accident had troubled her ; she told mee it had beene so aboue two yeares , and begun at the birth of her second child : and yet notwithstanding shee said she had had a little young daughter , about sixe Moneths since , to which she then gaue sucke , and that all the time that she went with child , shee said this bladder fell not downe at all , as it was wont before her last beeing with child . I counselled her to call Mon. Paraeus the Kings chiefe Chirurgion , and other Chirurgions , to giue their iudgement , what this bladder might be : And perceiuing , when they had handled it , that it was without pain , they were all of opinion after it was drawne foorth , as farre as it could possibly , to haue it tyed at the top , and then to pierce it ; the which I did ; leauing the thred wherewith I tyed it , somwhat long , that thereby I might draw it foorth , when I thought fit . The incision being made , there followed great store offaire and cleere water , and presently we perceiued a little , foeuus or Pantye child of a fingers bignesse , somwhat firme , and hard ; without any bad smell , fastned by the Náuell , which was as firme and big , as a pretty string . About sixe daies after , with shaking the saide thred , ( which had beene likewise gently stirred , euery day from one side to the other ) he rest came foorth : hauing applied , in the meane time , many mollifying iniections to the wombe , for the loosning of it , from the parts whereto it was fastned .

Lib. 4. Obseruat . 185. Another storie . Marcell . Donat. Histor. medic . mirabil . lib. 4. cap. 22. Iohn Schenekius , in his obseruations , among diuers other stories , tells a very strange one , of a Woman , named Ludouica who for her bignes , was called the great Mare , shee going with a dead child voided onely the soft parts of the saide child , being putrified , the bones staying behind : yet for all this ; a while after : she being in reasonable good health , became great with child againe . And falling sicke , there passed by chaunce , through the rowne where she dwelt , a certaine Mountibancke or Quacksaluer , who made an incision in her belly , and therby tooke foorth the bones of the said child , and cured her : And when the time of her trauaile came , shee was deliuered of a lusty and healthfull child .

The meanes how to take foorth a Child , by the Caesarian section . CHAP. XXV .

IT now remaines onely , that I speake of the last kind of deliuerie , which must be practized , after the Mothers decease , that thereby the child may be saued , and receiue Baptisme . This birth is called Caesarian , à caeso Matris vtero , in imitation of Caesar , who was rip 't out of his Mothers wombe , at the verie instant she died . The which ought to be obserued in euery well gouern'd Common-wealth : For , Iurisconsulti eum necis damnant , Lib. 2. §. D● mortuo efferendo , & sepulchro aedificando . qui grauidam sepelierit , non prius extracto foetu , quod spem animantis cum grauidâ peremisse videatur . The Lawiers iudge them worthy of death , who shall burie a great bellyed-woman that is dead , before the child be taken foorth , because together with the Mother , they seeme to destroy the hope of a liuing creature .

In some women , I haue made this practize verie fortunately , and among the rest , in Mad. le Maire , Mr Phillippes my vncle being ioined with me : And likewise in Mad. Pasquier , presently after she was dead , Monsieur Paraeus , and the Curate of S ct Andrew , being present .

But before the Chirurgion come to this worke , What the Chirurgion must obserue . he must obserue diligently , and be certainly assured , that the woman is dead , and that her kinsfolkes , friends , and others that are present , do all affirme and confesse , that her Soule is departed : And then he must come presently to the handy-worke , because the deferring of it , might cause the childs death , and so make the worke vnprofitable .

All the while that the woman lyes in her paine , and Agonie , the Midwife , or else some other woman , shall hold their hand within the necke of the Matrice , to keep it as open , as may be possible : for though we know , that while the child is in the Mothers wombe , he breaths onely by her Arteries ; yet notwithstanding , the Aire that may enter therein , doth not onely not hurt , but doth verie much good .

Now , to know certainly , and to be assured that the woman hath yeelded vp her last breath , you shall lay vpon her lips , An experiment . and about her nose , some light feathers ; for if she breath neuer so little , they will flie away .

And being thus assured that she is dead , the Chirurgion , presently without any delay , after he hath laid open her belly naked , shall there make an incision , The Methode of making the incision . of the length of foure fingers , neare vnto the right Muscles , cutting both the skin , and the three Muscles of the Epigastrium , and the Peretonaeum , piercing euen to the verie capacitie of the belly . Then shall he thrust in two of his fingers , and with them shall he lift and hold vp , the said skin , muscles , and Peretonaeum ; and betweene them , he must make a sufficient incision , to discouer the Matrice , and the child therein contained , which will easily shew it selfe : Then shall he instantly make an incision , iust in the midst of the wombe , which he shal find a finger thicke , and more , The wom●● is thicke . and therefore he need not be afraid of hurting the child , because I haue alwaies obseru'd , that the after-birth is situated next to that place , and then the child . But if there should be any likelihood , The way t● open the wombe . that the said after-birth were loosened , and had changed his place , then must he be more circumspect , and warie : And therefore , he shall rather teare and inlarge th' incision with two fingers of each hand , being put therein , then cut it , and so make the orifice large enough , according as he thinks fit , for the drawing out of the child , which he shall take foorth of the wombe . This being done , he shall take the after-birth , and lay it vpon the childs belly , causing some bodie , to take a little wine in their mouth , and spirt it into the childs nose , eares , & mouth , which must be done often , as we haue shew'd before .

Some hold , that this Caesarian Section , The Auth●●● opinion o● this practi●● may and ought to be practized ( the woman being aliue ) in a painfull and troublesome birth : Which for mine owne part , I will not counsell any one to do , hauing twise made triall of it my selfe , in the presence of Mons. Paraeus , and likewise seen it done by Mons. Viart , Brunet , and Charbonnet , all excellent Chirurgions , and men of great experience and practize ; who omitted nothing , to doe it artificially , and methodically : Neuerthelesse , of fiue women , in whom this hath been practized , not one hath escaped . I know that it may be alleaged , that there be some haue been saued therby : But though it should happen so , yet ought we rather to admire it , then either practize or imitate it : For , One Swallow makes not a Spring , neither vpon one experiment onely , can one build a science .

The Caesarian Section reproued . After Mons. Paraeus had caused vs to make triall of it , and seen that the successe was verie lamentable , and vnfortunate : he left of , and disallowed this kind of practize , together with the whole Colledge of Chirurgions of Paris : as likewise the discreeter sort , of the Regent Doctours in the facultie of Physicke , at Paris : at such time as this question was sufficiently discussed by the late Mons. Marchant , in the two declamations he made , when he had the honour to be admitted sworne Chirurgion , of Paris .

The end of the Second Booke .

THE ORDERING OF a woman newly brought a bed , and of the Accidents , that may happen vnto her in her Moneth . The third Booke .

What diet a Woman must keepe that is newly deliuered . CHAP. I.

HEeretofore wee haue spoken of the care that must bee taken of a Woman , so soone as shee is brought a bed , and deliuered of her after-birth : Now wee will treate of the diet shee is to keepe , while she lies in , and of the accidents , that may befall her in that time .

First shee must bee kept reasonable hot : for too much heat doth weaken , and dissolue the strength : Cold hurts the spermaticall parts . but aboue all , she must be kept from the cold aire : because it is an enemy to the spermaticall parts , and being very piercing it may get into the Matrice which is now empty , and there procure , great pains and torments , as also puffe it vp , and the whole bellie : and therefore the doores , and windows of her chamber in any wise are to be kept close shut .

Dyet . Her dyet must be thus : First she must liue temperately , and not fill her selfe with too much meat : and that must bee of the same kind , that is prescribed for them that are wounded ; and indeed in some women , there happens a great Solutio continui , and not that onely which they call simple , but also that which hath a contusion ioyned with it . For in that great striuing , and passing of the child , many membranes are not onely bruised , and hurt : but also broken , and torne : as it hapneth in young women and in others that are farre in yeares , and neuer had any child before . Nay sometimes in these , the passage of the Matrice , and that of Anus , are brought into one : yea , and some suffer great excoriations , and hurts , in those parts ; which beeing neglected , in some , haue come to putrifaction , and Gangrenes : And heere I must admonish women in childbed , not to regard the words of their nurses , The nurses must not bee alwayes harkned to . or keepers , which continually preach to them , to make much of themselues , saying , that they had need to fil their bellies , which haue been so much emptyed , telling them how much bloud they haue lost , and do daily loose , and that at last they will grow so weake , that they will not be able to helpe themselues .

But these are friuolous reasons , for the greatest part of the bloud , which a woman voideth then , and all her month , is but superfluous bloud , and is good for nothing : which hath beene kept in the body a long time , euen the nine moneths , that she hath gone with child : it beeing now necessary for her health to haue it voided out of her Matrice : that so her belly , which is swolne , and puft vp with the aboundance of bloud ( like a sponge that is full of water ) may be quitted & discharged , and returne to the naturall proportion and bignesse . And therefore for their healths sake , She must see sparingly . they must not feede so plentifully , the first daies , as the vulgar thinke : that by this abstinence may hinder the Ague which may happen vnto them , and likewise keepe downe the aboundance of bloud , which would flow to their breasts , and be conuerted into milke and by reason of the store there of grow clotty and curdle , and in the end apostumate .

Wherefore the fiue first daies , let her vse Broths , Her meats . panades , new egges , and gelly ; not glutting her selfe ( as commonly they doe ) either with flesh or Almonds : In the morning let her take a supping or broth : and so likewise at dinner , with a couple of new laid egges , and some panade , and again at supper , let her haue the like , closing her stomacke with a little gelly : but yet , if she mean to nurse her child herselfe , shee must feede more plentifully . Let her drinke barley water , wherein a little Cinamon , A drinke . and a few coriander seeds haue been boyled . The great Ladies of Italy doe vse a water , made of Capons which is this .

Capon water for Ladyes . Take two Capons ready pul'd , and dressed : boyle them in an earthen pot , with a sufficient quantity of faire water , till they bee halfe sodden , then take them foorth , and cut them into small peeces , to be vsed as followeth .

Take of Buglosse , Borage , and Balme , of each two good handfuls : whereof you must make a lay in a glasse , Limbicke , and vpon that , another of the saide Capons flesh , and so vppon that a lay of leafe gold , with a dramme of the powder of pearle , then poure in some of the broth , on the top : which you shall do , vntill all be bestowed in the same manner . This being done , you must distill it , in a double vessel or Balneo Mariae , and draw a quart of water or thereabouts , which must be reitterated so often , till you thinke that you haue enough to serue the woman in child bed , for tenne or twelue daies : But this Curiosity , is for Princesses and great Ladies . The saide water must bee drawne sixe weeks or two moneths before it bee vsed , and set in the sunne in sommer , and ouer an ouen in winter , to take away the rawnesse that remaines in it .

If the woman haue not an ague , in my opinion , she may drinke a little white or claret wine , with twice as much boyled water . But there bee some women that cannot endrue wine , and therefore let them drink water and hony boiled together , or else boiled water : Another drinke . if they desire to drink in the day time between their meals , or else in the night , giue them a little syrop of Maiden haire , with boiled water , or any other syrop , so it be not astringent , because of their purgings . When her paines ; the feare of the ague , and the burning of her breasts bee past , then may she feed more liberally , and then she may eat at dinner a little meat , with her broth : as Capon , Pullet , Pigeon , or a bit of Veale : and at supper beside her broth , a slise of Veale , Mutton , Chicken or any other good meate .

The eight day beeing past , about which time commonly the wombe is well purged , and cleansed , it will not bee amisse to nourish her better , giuing her more solide meat , and in greater quantity , that she may grow strong againe , the sooner . All the which time she must keepe her selfe very quiet , not much mouing , or stirring herselfe , nor so much as once looking into the Aire . Let her speake as little as may be , and haue no noise made about her , Noise is hurt●full . nor suffer her to be much visited , but by her friends and kinsfolks , excluding all such tatling Gossips , as may tell her any thing to trouble her or make her sad . Let her sleepe rather in the night , Sleepe . then in the day time : yet , if she haue not rested in the night by reason of some paines , then let her sleepe , when soeuer it comes vpon her . And because most women in that case , are Costiue , and cannot void their excrements : therefore it will bee very fit to giue her some such gentle Glister .

A Clyster . ℞ . Fol. Malu . Parietar . Bismal . totius an . m. i. flor. Chamemel . Melilot . an . p. i. sem. Anis . foenicul . an . ʒ ij . Coquant . in decoct . Capitis veruec . de quo accipe quart . iij. in quibus dissol . sacchar . rub . Mel. Mercurial . an . ℥ ij . Butyr . recent . ℥ iij. fiat Clister .

You may also adde thereto sometimes an ounce of Diacatholicon . If she dislike Clisters , let her take a little broth or decoction of Sene.

I am of opinion that the Athenian women , while they were in Child-bed , did take the broth of Cabbage , The vse of Coleworts . or Coleworts , rather to be loose bellied , then to driue away witchcraft , as Athenaeus would haue it : For heretofore the Cabbage was Catoes Phisick , and all his houshold . And therefore when the Romanes banisht the Phisitions , Cato saide , that the Cabbage alone , was Phisicke enough to cure all their diseases ; and besides hee made a little Commentary vpon that subiect .

Sadnes to bee auoided . Let her banish all griefe and heauinesse , hauing regard only of her health , and to be merry , praising God for her deliuery .

What must be done to the Womans Breasts , Belly , and nether parts that is newly deliuered . CHAP. II.

NOW I haue set downe the manner of dyet , a Woman in Child bedde should obserue , it will not be amisse to shew , what is fit to bee done vnto her , before she sit vp , or rise , endeauouring heerein , to bring all the parts of her body , which haue beene strayned , and as it were quite changed , through a long , and painefull trauaile , to their former state , that they may be recouered , and grow strong with as much speed as may be possibly .

If our French Ladyes , were ( in this point ) like vnto those , which Vesputius Florentinus doth write of : Women t● are Virgins after child bearing . it would then be needles to prescribe so many medicines , for the restoring them to the same state they were in before their beeing with child . There are women ( saith he ) that dwell beyond the Antartique Pole , whose bodies are entire and Virgin like , euen after often child-bearing , and in whom there is perceiued no difference from them that are Virgins , as they that haue opened them , hauing made diligent search , doe testifie : But since there bee no such women found in our quarters , ( though I dare boldly say , there be some , not much different ) therfore will it be very necessary to haue a care what is to be done , to their belly , breasts , and nether parts . Wherefore , after the sheepes skin , or hares skin , hath staid on foure or fiue houres , let it bee taken away , and the womans belly and groine , annointed with the liniment following . And then applying the Cearcloth of a iust bignesse , which must be continued the first seuen daies , dressing it euery morning , and turning the saide Cearecloth , somtimes on the one side , and sometimes on the other , the liniment is this ,

An ointmen● ℞ . Ol. Chamaem . Amygd . dul . Hyper. an . ℥ is . Spermac . caeti ℥ ij . sepi Hirci . ℥ i. Ol. Myrtill . ℥ s. Liquefiant omnia simul , & fiat linimentum , quo vngantur partes ventris calidè quotidiè , superposia tela sequenti .

But before you lay on the Cearecloth , you shall apply to her nauell , an emplaster of Galbanum , of the bignesse of two or three fingers , in the middest whereof you must put two or three grains of Ciuet , and it must bee so applied that the smell thereof strike not vp to the Womans nose : the Cearecloth is this .

A Cearecloth . ℞ . Cerae alb. ℥ iiij . Pomat. sine Moscho , Pingued . vitul . an . ℥ i. spermat . caeti . ℥ i s. Ol. Hyperic . Amygdal . dulc. an . ℥ i. Therebinth . Venet. lotae in aq. Parietar . ℥ s. liquefiant omnia in Balneo Mariae . & liquefactis impone telam ad magnitudinemventris , quae refrigerata poliatur vitro plano & applicetur ventri post vnctionem .

Then must she be swathed as wee haue shewed before .

This beeing done , you must haue a care to her breasts ; Some apply to their breasts onely , round plasters , made of some such Cearecloth as this .

Another Cearecloth . ℞ . Cerae nouae ℥ vi . Ol. Rosar . Mirtill . Mellis Narbonens . an . ℥ iij. liquefiant simul & fiat sparadrapum .

The said round plasters must haue a hole in the midst for the Nipple to come through . Others vse this liniment and Cearecloth .

An ointment for the breasts ℞ . Ol. Rosar . Mirtill . an . ℥ is . Aceti parum , misce , vnge mammas calide bis in die , secundo die insperge mammas puluere myrtillorum , & appone hoc sparadrapum .

A Cearecloth ℞ . Ol. Mirtillor . ℥ iij. Ol. Amygd . dulc. ℥ i. Terebinth . venet . ʒ vi . Mastich . ʒ ij . Nucis Cupres . ʒ i. Bol. Arm. terrae sigillat . an . ʒ iij. sang . Dracon . ℈ iiij . Myrtyll : Balaust . an ℈ ij . Ireos Florent : saluiae an ʒ s. Cerae q. s . fiat sparadrapum .

Wherof you may make rounds , as I said before .

Some Women take water parsly , or smallage , and boile it a pretty while with Vrine , and apply it to the breasts . An ointm●●● to keepe 〈◊〉 milke from curdling . I haue often tried this ointment following , which hinders the milk from Curdling , and congealing , the breasts being rub'd therewith .

℞ . Vng. Popul . ℥ i s. Refriger . Gal. ℥ s. Ol. Rosar . ʒ vi . Aceti parum , liquefiant simul , & fiat Linimentum .

Some put sage between their breasts , and vnder their Armepits .

Now concerning the nether parts : Fomentations for the parts . let them bee bathed gently , the first three or foure daies , with warm milke , wherin hath been boled a little Cheruill , plantaine , and a few Rose leaues .

The daies following , vntill the eight day , let her vse this bath or fomentation .

℞ . Vini alb. & aquae . an . lb' . s . flor. Hyperic . rosar . rub . an P. ij . Agrimoniae Mi. fiat decoctio .

After both these bathings , let there be applied , to the sides of her naturall parts , this Ointment , with a verie fine linnen cloth :

An Ointment . ℞ . Ol. Hyper. ℥ ij . Spermat . Caeti ℥ j ss. Cerae alb. parum , liquefiant simul , & fiat ad formam linimenti , ad vsum .

When the first eight daies are past , she shall weare vpon her belly the Ceare-cloth following , her belly being first rub'd with this Ointment .

Another Ointment . ℞ . Ol. Hyper. Chamaem . Aneth . an . ℥ j. ol. Mastich . ℥ j. ss. ol. Mirtil. ℥ vj. Spermat . Caeti . ℥ ij . Sepi renum Hirci ℥ j ss. Adipis Cerui ℥ j. Cerae nouae modicum , fiat vnguentum : quo vnguatur venter puerperae , superponendo telam sequentem .

A Ceare-cloth for the belly . ℞ . Ol. Mirtil. Hyperic . an . ℥ j ss. ol. Aneth . ℥ j. Terebinth . venet . in aqua Artemis lot . ℥ iiij . liquefac simul , & auferendo ab igne , impone telam ex canabe , quae contineat totum ventrem , & inguina , deferat spatio octo dierum , praemisso fotu .

The fifteene daies being past , she shall weare eight daies more ( by which time three weekes of her lying in will be finished ) this Ceare-cloth following , ouer all her belly , and groine .

A Ceare-cloth for the belly . ℞ . Ol. Mastich . Mirtil. Iasmin . Cydon . an . ℥ j ss. ol. Glandium ℥ ij . Spermat . Caeti ℥ j. Terebinth . Venet . sepius lotae in aq. Plantag. ℥ ss. Cerae ℥ vj. liquefiant omnia simul , addendo puluer . Mastich . Terrae sigillatae , an . ℥ ss. Irid. Florent . ℥ j. remouendo ab igne , imponatur tela ex canabe , quae contineat totum ventrem , deferat quindecim dies integros :

which must be renew'd afresh , after the first eight daies . In which space her neather parts must be bath'd with this fomentation .

A strengthning Fomentation for the lower parts . ℞ . fol. Plantag. Tapsi Barbat . Centinod . Caud . equin . an . m. j. fol. Cupress . m. j ss. Cortic. granat. Nuc. Cupress . Balaust . an . ℥ ss. Rosar . rub . flor. Chamaem . Melilot . an . p. j. Alumin . Roch. ℥ ij . Calam. Aromot . Irid. Florent . an . ʒ iij. Caryophil . ʒ j. fiant sacculi duo , coquantur in aequis partibus vini austeri , & aquae fabror . pro ore exterior . colli vteri .

And when three weekes of her time are expired , she hauing been , neither troubled with Ague , paines , or gripings , nor any other accident extraordinarie , and being likewise well clensed from all her after-purgings , before she go abroad , it will be verie good for her to bath , cleanse , and wash her selfe , being first gently purg'd , with some easie medicine , according to the Physitions direction .

Baths to be made in Summer , and while the weather is hot .

BVt because the seasons of the yeare are diuers , therefore will it be the the best course to vse Baths of sundry compositions : As if the woman be brought a bed in Summer , and hot weather ; then she must haue prouided for her such a bath as followeth .

Take a great tub , or hogshed , and fill it full of riuer water , made somewhat hot , adding thereto as much white Wine as you think fit : wherein you shall stiepe the space of a day and a night , First Bath 〈◊〉 Summer . of Fennill , Marierom , Mugwort , Motherwort , Penny-royall , Agrimonie , Chamamill , and Meliot flowers , of Rose leaues , of each two handfuls , put them into a strong linnen bag , that is large enough , The man●●● of making quenching oftentimes in the said liquor , a barre of Iron red hot : Then ouer-night , you shall take out three or foure kettels full of the said water , and set them ouer the fire to seeth , and then poure it into the tub againe , and couer it close , that it may keep in the heat all night , and warme the tub : then in the morning you must put in more hot water , vntill you haue made the bath temperate , which must be neither too hot , nor too cold . In the morning , when the bath is thus prepared , the woman shall go into it , sitting vpon the bag of herbes aforesaid , and stay there an howre , How long she must stay in the Bath . or two , without forcing her selfe , and a little before her comming foorth , let her take this Electuarie .

An Electuary . ℞ . Cons. Bugloss . Rosar . an . ℥ ss. cortic . Citri . condit . ʒ ij . fiat Condium , capiat vt dictum est .

Some women cannot away with this Electuarie , but content themselues , with a little Citron pill canded .

She may also sweat a little in her bed , and then cause her selfe to bee gently rub'd with linnen cloths , to take away any spots or staines that haue hapned vpon her skin , in the time of her child-bed . Her sweat being past , and she somewhat cool'd her selfe in her bed : then she must not eat any meat , but such as is easie of digestion , and that breeds good bloud .

Now , this first Bath doth but only serue to prepare her for a Second , which shall be made as followeth .

Take riuer water , and quench in it hote Iron , as you did in the former baths : wherin you shall boile two great Bags , which shall containe these Ingredients .

Second Bath for Summer . ℞ . Farin . Orob . Fabar. Lupinor . an . lb. ij . Farin . glandium lb. ss. Rosar . rub . flor. Chamaemil . Melilot . an . pug. iiij . Alumin . glacial . Roch. crud. an . ℥ iij. cortic . Querc . Nucum Cupress . an . ℥ ij . Balaust . ℥ j. Caryophyl . Nucis Mosch . an . ʒ vj. Granor. Tinctor . ℥ ij s. conquassantur omnia simul , & fiant sacculi cum panno lineo : bulliant in aqua Balnei primi vt dictum est , & sit Balneum secundum .

This second Bath must be made as the first , without being either too hot , or too cold : Wherein she shall stay an howre , or two , sitting vpon the bags ; and before her going foorth , let her take the former Electuarie , or a piece of Citron pill condited : This Bath will serue for twice , it being onely new heated againe .

In Winter time you shall make these Bath's .

Bath for w●●ter . ℞ . Maioran . Artemis . Menth. Rorismar . Heder . terrest . an . M. iij. farin . Hord. fabar . Auenac . Orobi , Lupinor . an . lb. ij . flor. Rorismar . Chamaemel . Melilot . Lauandul . an . M.i.s. Rosar . rub . m. ij . Caryophil . Nucis Mosch . Cinamon Benzoin . styrac . calam . an . ℥ i. Alumni . lb. s. granor tinctor . Balaust . an . ℥ iij. omnia conquassentur , & fiant sacculi duo . Coquantur in aqua Chalybeata , in qua sape extinctum sit ferrum candens , & fiat Balneum vt praecedens .

In winter , the woman in Child-bed shal vse this , in stead of the former , hauing washed her selfe in the first bath , that was prescribed for summer , and taking it her comming forth , the electuary formerly set downe .

And besides , while she is in the bath , whether it bee in summer , or winter , it will be very fit and conuenient to rub all her body ouer with little bagges filled with Almonds , To make the skin smooth . beaten very small , thereby to make her skinne , smooth and slicke .

After she hath beene thus bathed , she shall vse below , such Fomentations as may close and strengthen those parts , and bring them to their former state .

A fomentation for the lower parts . ℞ . Fol. Plantag. Tapsi Barbat . Centinod . Caudae equin an . M.i. Fol. Cupres . m.i.s. Rosar . ●ub . flor. Chamaem . Melilot . an . P.i. Balaust . Sumach . Nuc. Cupressi . Gallar . an . ℥ i. Maioran . Thym. Puleg . Origan . an . m.s. Alumin : ʒ vi . fiat decoctio in aequis partibus vini austeri & aquae Calibeatae profotu partium inferior .

When she hath done with the fomentation , she must receiue beneath this perfume .

A perfume . ℞ . Benzoini . styrac . calam . ligni Aloes an . ℥ s. Cortic citri . Nuc. Cupressi . Balaust . an . ʒ iij. Nucis mosach . Caryophil . an . ʒ ij . Carab . Mastich . an ʒ i s. Rosa . rub . P.i. fiat omnium puluis excipiatur cum muccagine gummi tragacanthi & fiant trochisci .

The manner of vsing the perfume . The Woman must sit in a hollow chaire , that hath a hole in the bottom , and vnderneath it a chasing dish of coles : whereupon there shall bee put one or two of the said Trochiscks , and so shee must receiue the fume thereof .

And because not onely the said parts , doe continue limber , and wrinkled ; but likewise the belly , and breasts , doe also remaine , almost as big , as they were before she was deliuered ; It will therfore , Means to h●●den the bre●●● not bee amisse to take some order , that this exceeding greatnesse of her belly and breasts may bee diminished , and they hardned withall : endeuouring by all meanes to bring them againe , to their naturall constitution .

And since that this swelling and puffing vp , proceeds commonly from some humors , or wind , that is got in , and gathered together in those parts , hauing beene too much relaxed : therefore it will bee very necessary before you apply any outward thing thereto , that shee bee purged , keeping a good diet , and auoiding all meates that shall breed any ill humors , or windines .

Which being done you may apply this that followeth .

℞ . Farin . fabar . Hord. lupinor . an ℥ ij . farin . Oryz. Glandium an . ℥ ij s. Coquantur perfectè in aequis partibus . Aq. Mirtillor . Caudae equin . Centinod . Plantag. & Rosar . addendo .

A Pultesse for the Belly and Breasts . Pul. Nuc. Cupres . Balaust . Mirtil. an . ℥ i. Pul. flor. Camaemel . melilot . sem. foenicul . an ℥ s. Sang. dracon . Alumin . an . ʒ ij . Ol. Mirtillor . vng. Rosat . Mes. an . ℥ iij. Mellis ℥ i s. fiat Cataplasma ad formam pultis satis liquidae , post coctionem poteris addere Albumina ouor . Ventri applicentur & mammis .

This Cataplasme must lye on xxiiij howers , and then bee renewed . In steed of a second Cataplasme , you may vse this water .

A water for the brests &c. ℞ Prunor. syluest. Mespilor . Cor. nor . Nuc. Cupress . Balaust . Glandium cum suis cupulis , & si desint fructus sume cortices arborum . an lb. s. flor. Rosar . syluest. rubrar . an . ℥ iiij . Albumin . duor . ouor . Aluminis Crud . ℥ ij . Caryophil . Nucis mosch . an ℥ s. Bēzoini . styrac . Calamit ▪ an . ℥ i. Calam. Arom . Frid. flor. an ʒ vi . Macerentur omnia in lb. xij . aquae fabrorum : post infusionem 4. dierum , ponantur omnia in Alembicum plumbeum & fiat distillatio : seruetur ad vsum .

In this water you shal dip , and soak linnen cloths or sponges , and apply them warme , either vpon the belly , breasts , or any other part , which you would haue confirmed , knit , and drawne together : And to make it the more astringent , you must steepe therein for euery quart of liquor , of Masticke , sanguis Draconis , and Bole Armoniacke poudered , of each halfe an ounce : setting it in the sunne in summer , and ouer an ouen in the winter .

But it is not enough onely , ( especially in great Ladies ) to make the foresaid parts firme and hard , and keepe them from hanging and flagging down : But it is also very fitting , and likewise much required by them , to haue their skin made faire , smooth , and delicate : for which purpose this water is singular good .

A water to beautifie and adorne the skin &c. ℞ . Aq. Florum , Bismal . Maluae . an . lb. ij . Aq. Rosar . alb. lb. iiij . Limones duos , ( remota cute exteriore ) minutim incisos ; Prunor. syluest. immatur . lib. i. pistentur . Carnem vnius Caponis iuuenis , abiectis ossibus & intestinis minutim incisam . Lact. Caprin . lb. s . Amygdal . dulc. mund. ℥ ij . farinae . Orob . Lupinor . an . ℥ s. Limaces rubros no. vj. Infunde omnia simul per duos dies , deinde destillentur in Balneo Mariae .

With this water the foresaid parts must bee washed , hauing first cleansed them with common water , wherein there hath been some crums of breade steeped all night .

Another approued water .

Another w●ter . ℞ . Aq. Lilior . alb. Nympb . an . lb. iij. Lactis Caprin . lb. s. Casei recenter facti sine sale lb. i. Limones exteriori cute remotâ , incisos . numero iiij . Albumina ouor . numero viii . Boracis ʒ iij. Caphurae ʒ j. Talci subtiliter pul . ℥ . i. Cerus . ℥ s. Columbor . iuuen . num. ij . Ol. Tartari ℥ i s. misceantur , & omnia destillentur in Balneo Mariae .

Myrrhae ( as Master Le Bon writes , The vertue 〈◊〉 Myrrhe . who tells it for a great secret ) doth lessen and straighten , the naturall parts , when they haue beene ouer stretched , without hurting the Matrice , as also taketh away the wrinkles which happen either in the breasts , or belly , and doth confirme and knit those parts , offending neither the pectorall , nor naturall parts .

Sometimes there comes little spots and freckles , in the said parts , but oftener in the face , for the taking away whereof , this is an excellent medicine .

An ointmen● for spots . ℞ . Tartar . vini albi calocinat . ℥ s . Mastich . ʒ i s. Caphurae ʒ i. incorporentur omnia simul cum oui albumine : tange maculam , & tege panno lineo , in eodem imbuto .

Of the accidents which happen to women newly deliuered . And first of their after-throwes . CHAP. III.

WE haue hitherto treated of the ordering of a Woman in Child-bed , as also of the time when she shall bee ready to walke abroade and bee churched . But because there doe befall them , many accidents , in the time of their lying in , I thought good to write thereof briefe-lie , and to shew the meanes whereby they may be helped and cured .

And since that the chiefest , symptome that happens vnto them , and which comes soonest , is the after-throws : therefore I am determined to speake of them first .

As soone as a Woman is deliuered of her childe and after-birth , for the most part , she is taken with paines of her belly , which oftentimes are so great and violent , that she thinkes her very belly , would bee rent , and cut asunder in diuers places , from whence the french word that signifieth these pains and torments , Tranchees . was deriued .

The first cause . The cause of these gripings or paines , may bee threefold . First , either because the Matrice & those parts thereabouts haue bene sore troubled through the deliuery , by striuing to bee vnburthened and freed of the child : or else , The second because the bloud that runs , and gathers it selfe to the Wombe , ( being retained ) growes thicke and slimy , that it cannot easily flow , and so makes a distention of the Matrice , it being not able to come away , but in great clots , and hard matter , like vnto a false Conception : and likewise when it is altogether retained and stopt , it causes a great extension of the wombe .

Againe , it is oftentimes so cleere , thin , and sharpe , that it flowes aboue measure , and through the acrimonie and biting thereof , doth gripe and torment , as it passeth along : The third . The third cause may proceed from the outward aire , which is enter'd , and got into the wombe , at the comming foorth of the child and the after-birth .

Hippocrates hath obserued , Sentence of Hippocrates . that women in this euacuation , are troubled with gripings & paines of their first childmore then of any after : the reason is , because their veines are not accustomed to disburthen themselues in this fort . Experience neuerthelesse teacheth vs the contrarie ; for a woman commonly of her first child , hath verie few of these paines , and gripings , and the more children she hath , the more she is troubled with them . The reason whereof seemes to bee this : because the bloud , which in youth , is sweet and milde , in processe of time gets a bitter , salt , and adust qualitie , which passing through the veines , procureth this paine : For we find by experience , that the flesh of beasts , or fowle , when they are old , grow's vnpleasant , as being hard , and harsh to the tast .

But what euer the cause of these paines be , we must seeke to asswage them , and to free the woman from them , aswell as we can . If then these paines be small , and that the after-purgings come moderately , we may leaue the worke , wholy to nature : onely giuing the woman in child-bed the drinke we prescribed before : of Oile of sweet Almonds , or of Walnuts , which of late hath been found by experience , to be better , then the Oile of Almonds , so that the Nuts be sound , and white , not rancide , and the oyle drawne without fire .

This Oyle is much commended , for the gripings which comes by the acrimonie and sharpnesse of the bloud : and in this case also , some easie fomentations of warme Milke , or fit vpon the belly and lower parts : Fomentation . Fomentations also with Mallowes , March Mallowes , Parietarie , Mugwort , Camomile , Melilot , and Linseed , boiled in Milke , are verie profitable .

When these paines and pangs proceed of thicke slimy bloud , which cannot easily flow : or of windy matter , which being shut vp , cannot be discussed , if the paine continue , beside those aforesaid , you may vse these remedies following .

A Drinke . A Drinke easie to be taken .

℞ . Rad. Petrosel . ℥ ss. radic . consolid . Maior . ℥ iij. sem. Anis . & Paenicul . an . ʒ ss. Bull. omnia simul in decocto vituli , vel caponis , q. s . in quo dissolue , croci , gr . iij. capiat mane tepide .

Or else she may vse this powder , of which good proofe hath been made :

A powder Gripings . ℞ . Nucleor . Dactyl . Amygdal . nucleor . Persicar . an . ʒ ss. Cinamom . elect . ʒ i. sem. Anis . ʒ ss. nuc . Mosch . ℈ ij . spec. Diamarg . calid . ℈ j. fiat omnium puluis , capiat ʒ j. cum vino , vel cum aq. Cardui Benedict . vel brodio pulli & vituli , si sit suspicio febris .

Another . ℞ . Rad. Symph . maior . Amygdal . dulc. Nucleor . Persicor . an . ʒ j. Mandibul . Lucij pissis , Carab . an . ʒ ss. Cinamon . Nuc. Mosch . an . ℈ ij . Ambrae chrys . gr. iiij . folia auri , nu. vj. fiat omnium puluis , capiat ʒ j. cum ouo sorbili , vel vino Hippocratico vel iusculo pulli .

Some in this case take halfe a spoonfull of Cinamon water with the yelke of an egge : others with the saide yelke of an egge , take two graines of Amber greese .

If the paines continue , vse the Cataplasme following .

A Pultesse . ℞ . Vitellos ouor . nu. xij . Pul. sem. Anis . Fenicul . an . ʒ ij . Farin . sem. Lini ℥ ij . Pul flor. Chamaemel . Meliot . an . ʒ j. ss. Calamint . ʒ j. ol. Aneth . q. sa . fiat Cataplasma , Applicetur ventricalidé , auferatur antequam refrigeretur , & iteretur saepius .

Of the falling downe of the Fundament , and Matrice . CHAP. IIII.

THere are some Women , which are deliuer'd with so much difficultie , and are so long in trauaile , that to free themues from this miserie and anguish , they are constrained to straine , and force themselues in such sort , that the Fundament , or the end of the great gut commeth foorth : for a woman , in her deliuerie must straine and force her selfe , euen as one doth at the stoole : It may happen also that the Matrice , may follow the child , and after-birth ; which is the precipitation , or comming downe of the wombe : the ligaments being loosened , and sometimes broken , either through much striuing , or because that the Midwife , or Chirurgion , in drawing foorth the child , or after-birth , draw the Matrice together with it : which may be done , and yet not they in fault .

When the Fundament commeth foorth , it is to be put vp after this manner : First , the Chirurgion must put vp the gut with a fine linnen cloth warme , as gently as possiblie he can : The Cure of the Fundament fallen . But if he find any difficultie herein , because of some humour , with is come to it , by abiding in the Aire , all the time of the trauaile : or by any fluxe of humours , which the paine hath caused : then must he bath and foment it , with a little Milke , wherein Red Roses , white Mullen , Camomile , and Meliot haue been boiled : and when he shall see that the swelling is gone , and it is come to it selfe , then by little and little , he shall put it vp , not vsing any force , or violence at all . Foment . He may also ( if the paine be asswaged ) foment it with red Wine , in which Plantaine , white Mullen , Red Roses , and Balausts , haue been boiled , and then presently , he shall gently put it vp . The Matrice also being fallen downe , shall be put vp after the same manner : but we will speake more at large , of this and of the causes thereof , in an other place .

Of the hurts , and Excoriations , which happen in the lower parts , by Child-bearing . CHAP. V.

ALthough neither the Midwife in the naturall birth vse any violence , in bringing the child into the world : nor the Chirurgion either in turning , or drawing foorth the child , handle or touch the woman , but with all gentlenesse , and tendernesse that may be ; yet oftentimes do some contusions , or other hurts happen , in the lower parts of the woman , yea , and excoriations , together with chaps and clifts , about the part called ●inaeum : in respect that so great a morsell hath ●s'd through so narrow a place : Besides that , some women are verie straight and close , either being verie young , or verie old : or because they haue vsed medicines , to make those parts straite and narrow ; besides that , in some women the child proues verie big .

For all these accidents , it is good to vse at first , ( as we haue said before ) Oile of St Iohns wort , and Oile of Roses , beaten with whole Egges all together . If the sides of those parts be brused , you may vse this Fomentation , which will resolue it gently .

A Fomentation for the contusion of the lower parts . ℞ . Maluae Bismalu . an . m. j. Matricar . m. ss. Rosar . rub . flor. Chamaem . Melilot . an . m.j. fiant sacculi duo parui , coquantur in aequis partibus vini & aquae fontis , & admoueatur parti .

This Fomentation must be applied onely to the entrance , and orifice of the Matrice , lest the ordinarie courses be hindred : and the foresaid medicine of Oile of St Iohns wort , shall be prepar'd without the whites of Egges , and applied vpon fine lint , or cotton , leauing the passage of the wombe open : both to giue way to the purgings , and ven● to such vapors , as may proceed out of the Matrice

For the excoriations and chaps , you may vse this Ointment .

℞ . Cerae alb. ℥ ss. ol. Amygd . dulc. ℥ j. ss. liquefiant simul , & fiat linimenium .

Although these kind of vlcers are easilie healed , as being but small , S●c morb. Mulier . Lib. 1. ( as Hippocrates noteth ) notwithstanding , they must be carefully handled , being in a part of delicate and exquisite sence , and full of Nerues .

Of the medicine last described , you shall make small plasters , and applie them fitly , vpon the excoriations , and chaps : And because , ( as I haue noted ) there often happens a rent , or breach about the Perinaeum , neare to the fundament , and that when the woman makes water , she feeles there a great pricking , and paine ; it is necessarie that her Nurse , or keeper , applie to that part two or three little linnen clouts , spred with the aforesaid Ointment , to keep the vrine from touching and galling there . But if the breach or clift be great , you shall applie there little boulsters of lint , dipt' , and dress'd with this baulme .

A balme fo● the lower parts . ℞ . Ol. Hyperic , ℥ s. Axung . porc . recent . ℥ ij . Ol. é vitellis ouor . ʒ iij. Terebinth venet . ʒ i. fiat Balsamum ad vsum .

After that you haue applied this Balm , you shall lay vpon it , the plaster before described , of waxe , and oyle of sweet Almonds .

Somtimes it happens that the whole Perinaeum is diuided and rifted , euen vnto the fundament and that both the passages are brought into one : which accident I haue seene and for want of help , the sides of the wound being hardned with a scarre , both the passages haue continued as one . For remedy wherof , I being once called , and finding the Woman to bee with child , I gaue her counsell to stay till shee were brought a bed : and about sixe weekes after , she was deliuered , being sent for to cure her , I proceeded in this manner .

First , with a crooked rasor , very sharpe , I cut away way the scarre , and skinne which was growne on both sides , as the common practise is , for an hare lip which I haue showne in my workes of Chirurgery : which worke I began from the naturall parts , and so went on to the fundament , not taking away much flesh , but onely the skinne : which beeing taken off , and as it were flead away , I suffered the part to bleed well : both to shun an inflammation , and also to make the stitches with my needle , more conueniently . About the midst of the clift , or diuision , I passed my needle through both sides , thereof ( hauing first laid them euen , as well aboue and below , as in the middle ) and I tooke good hold of the flesh on both sides , there leauing my needle , about which I did turne and wind the thred on both sides , as vseth to be done in the cure of the hare lip : then at both ends of the clift I gaue a stitch , somewhat close , such as is commonly made in simple wounds , and vpon it I laid a little clout dipt in a balm , which I haue heere described , and vppon that a plaster of Diacalcitheos .

A balme for fresh wounds . ℞ . Gum. Elemi . ℥ ij . Terebinth . venet . ℥ ij s. sang . Dracon . Myrrh . Aloesan . ʒ i. liquefiant omnia simul , & fiat balsamum . Coletur calidè per linteum , & seruetur vsui . This is an excellent balm for fresh wounds .

This clift or breach was well healed within fifteene dayes : in which time I gaue her two Clisters , beside that which she tooke first , to prepare her body . But afterwards this woman prouing with child againe , and beeing in trauaile there happened a fresh breach , neare to the old scarre , but not so long as the other : by reason of the helpe and care of the Midwife , whom I had instructed to annoint and rub the Perinaeum with this liniment .

An oyntm●●● ℞ . Axung . gallin . & Cunicul . an . ℥ s. Axung . por. rec . ℥ i. Ol. Amigdal . dul . ʒ vi . liquefiant simul & fiat litus , abluatur diu , in aq. Parietaria●

Of the Hemorrhoides . CHAP. VI.

WHen the Orifices of the veynes neare the fundament doe swell , and rise , eyther more & lesse , according to the quantity of the humors , which doe fill them , the Greekes call this disease , the Hemorrhoides . Of these there are two sorts , the one inward and hidden with in the fundament : the other outward , and apparant The cause heere of is store of humors , which commonly are grosse , and melancholicke , sometimes flegmaticke or Cholericke , which filling the saide veines , afterward flow downe to the ends of them : which humors not finding way to issue out , doe extend the veines , in such sort , that sometimes they become as big as Pigeons , nay sometimes Pullets egges .

Many woman as soone as they be deliuered , Why women are subiect to the Hemorr●●des . are troubled with them , by reason of the great paine which they haue suffered . There may bee two reasons giuen heere of , the one the great striuing and straining to bring the child into the world , which maketh the bloud come into the said veines , and dilateth them ; the other , retention of their naturall courses which being stayed , the bloud and humors which should haue come foroth , chaunge their course , and being deriued into the veins of the fundament , procure the Hemorrhoides .

The differences of Hemorrhodes . The Hemorrhoides doe differ , according to the nature of the humor , of which they are bred , for if they proceed of a flegmaticke , and watrish bloud , because of their colour , and the likenesse that they haue to a bladder full of water , they are called Vesicales , or vuales : Vesicales or vuales . and these are white , soft , and not painefull , if they breede of a grosse & thicke flegme then they are called Verrucales , Verrucales . and ficales : and these are hard , and painfull , especially if there be any hot humor mixed with the matter of them , which may be known by their rednes . If they proceed of bloud and choller , together with some part of Melancholy , being vneuen , and rough , like a mulbery , then they be called Morales , these are very sensible , and painefull , Morales . and in colour neere to a deepe darke red .

Women are subiect to all these kinds of Hemorrhoides , but especially after they be deliuered : But my purpose is not to write so generally of all these kinds , but onely of those which are swolne , big , and painfull , which chiefely happen to women in child-bed , and bleed very little or not at all .

The cure consists in three things , that is in dyet , in diuerting of the humor , which flowes to the part , & in euacuating that humor which is contained in it : which beeing done , the paine will bee easily appeased .

For the dyet , Dyet . it shall be such as we haue already prescribed for women in child-bed : the humor shal be diuerted by letting of bloud , first in the arme , & then in the foote , in the veine Saphena , and lastly by applying of Cupping glasses , to the side of the thighs , and that for two purposes : the one to bring downe the purgings , which beeing stayd may bee thought to be some cause of the Hemorrhoides , the other to diminish the quantity of bloud , in the crurall veine , which beeing emptied , will draw to it some part of that bloud , which flows to , ( and it may be , some of that which is contained in ) the Hemorrhoide veynes . As for the third point , which is to euacuate that bloud , which is now setled in the hemorrhoide veynes , that may bee done , by medicines which haue power to resolue and digest and also to asswage paine of which kind is this following , which I haue vsed with good successe , and Vigo before me .

A Decocti●● wherewi●● fom●t●ar● suftumig●● ℞ . Fol. Mal. Bismal . Violar . Parietar . Tapsi Barbat . cum rad. an . M.ij. Sem. Cydon . ʒ vi . hord. mund. m. is . furfur . M.iij . sem. lin. foenugraec . integ . an . ℥ iij. Pomor . dulc. aliquantulum confractor . num. xij . l●guae passerinae , virg. pastor . an . m. j. fiat omnium decoctio , in aqu . sufficiente , addendo flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . Aneth . an . M.i.s. Bulliant vsque ad consumptionem tertiae partis .

After that she hath receiued the fume of this decoction or otherwise bathed the fundament herewith a pretty while , let this liniment bee applied .

A Liniment . ℞ . Butyr . recent . ʒ x. Ol. de vitellis onor . ℥ s. Pinqued . Anat. ʒ iij. Succi Plantag. Taps . barbat . an . ʒ ij . misce agitando omnia spacio xij . horarum in mortario plumbeo .

The chiefe Medicine which is commonly applied , is this .

Another . ℞ . Vng. popul. ℥ i. vitellum vnius oui . Ol. Sem. Lini . ℥ s. vng. refriger . Gal. ʒ v i. misce omnia simul , & fiat litus .

If the paine bee great , you may adde heereto a scruple of Opium . I haue made often proofe of this medicine , An experiment of the Authors . to take all the white of a few Leekes , and cut them small ; and then boyle them with milke till they come to the forme of a pultesse , and then lay it hot to the Hemorrhoides .

Rhasis medicine . Iohn de Vigo , alloweth of the authority of Rhasis , who counselleth to take a white Vnion , and to fill it with butter , then to bake it in an ouen , or in the embers , and so beate it and apply it , like a plaster , which I haue diuers times made triall of . This plaster also is much commended -

A Pultesse . ℞ . Rad. Lilior . albor . ℥ i s. rad. Ireos nost. ℥ s. scrophular . taps . Barbat . flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . Hyperic . an . p. i. Dactyl . num. vi . Limac. rubror . num. x. fiat decoctio , pistentur , passentur , passaturae adde farin . Sem. Lini . ℥ s. Butyr . recent ℥ i. Myrrh . Thuris . an . ʒ i. Croci ℈ s. vitellos ouor . num. ij . fiat cataplasma .

An approued remedy . I haue had good experience also of this Medicine , Take twelue red snailes without their shels , of millepedes , or Wood-lice 20. or 30. infuse , & parboyle them a little in Linceed oyle , and make a liniment hereof , and with it annoint the Hemorrhoides .

Another to be ma●● Take of the aforesaid wood-lice , thirty , Cheruil a little handfull , boyle them in milke , or oyle of Violets , then beate them together , and make thereof a kind of plaster , at the last , vse this fomentation .

A fome 〈…〉 Boyle White mullen , Scrophularia , and Cheruil together : Take a pint of this decoction , halfe a pint of red wine , Common salt , and white frankinsence , of each halfe an ounce , boyle them altogether againe , till there bee but two third parts , or there abouts left , and so vse this decoction to the Hemorrhoides , fomenting them with little soft spunges .

Whilest these medicines are vsed the belly must be kept loose , either with Cassia , or Manna , The bel●● must be 〈◊〉 or else with Clysters ( if the pipe will enter in easily ) that so the excrements may come foorth the more readily , and may not burthen , or molest the part with their hardnesse , and waight .

It will be very conuenient also , to let her take of the powder of white mullen , in a little milke , or else in Lozenges , made with suger , because of the conceit some haue , that this herbe so taken takes away the Hemorrhoides . Some prepare Pils of Bdellium , Galbanum , and the powder of white Mullen ; and hereof giue the weight of a french Crowne . If the Hemorrhoides heale not for all these meanes , I would giue counsell to open them with a Lancette , thinking it better to lance , and open them , so to let out the bloud , then to apply leeches vnto them , because they sucke , and bring downe , as much bloud to the part as they empty , and draw foorth .

And because these Hemorrhoides , haue oftentimes a great hardnesse with them this plaster or Pultesse may be fitly applied .

A Pultesse . ℞ . Rad. Bismal . Lilior . an . ℥ i s. fol. Porri cum Bulb . an . m. i. flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . an . m. s. Coquantur omnia in lacte , pistent . passaturae . adde Bdellij cum axungia Anser & gallinae liquefacti an . ℥ i. fiat Cataplasma .

Another .

Take Bdellium melted , dissolue it with goose grease , ducks grease , and oyle of Peach Cernels .

Oftentimes the Hemorrhoides , by reason of their hardnesse , cleaue , and so come to vlcers , and chaps .

Of the after-purgings , which come downe too aboundantly in Women newlie deliuered . CHAP. VII .

IT happens to Women newly deliuered , that their after purgins somtimes come downe too immoderately , other times , that they are suddenly staide . These two accidents are very troublesome , ●e Morb. muli . and breede many inconueniences . Comment. in . lib. j. Aphorism . Hippocrates writes , that both these bring many symptoms with them , whiche Galen also witnesseth saying , If the purgings flow in too great aboundance , and aboue custome , it brings women into diuers diseases , as Cold , Distemper , Dropsy , and Convulsions : and if the same be stayed , and do not flow at all , then some inconuenience happens to the Matrice , as inflammation , Erysipelas , scyrrhus and at last Cankers . So that we may easily see how fit and necessary it is , that these purgings or courses should come away moderately , and in an indifferent quantity . This the Chirurgion should know by obseruing the time , and the quantity , which is limited for them , set downe in diuers places by the ancient writers : And first , How long t● purgings should flow Hip. de Natu●pueri . for the continuance of time , that these purgings should flow ; Hippocrates , doth proportion the time , in which a woman in child-bed should be purged , according to the time wherein the child is shaped or formed : which is 30. daies for a man-child , and 42. at most for a woman child .

This time may bee also measured according to that ordinary time of purging , that is omitted in the nine moneths , she goes with child , as the bloud should bee purged in euery one of these nine moneths , as in euery one of them , the space of three or foure daies ( which put together amount to twenty seuen or thirty sixe dayes ) so in recompense heerof , when a woman is deliuered , she must bee purged , 27. or 36. daies .

It is written in Leuiticus , Leuit. chap. 12 that when a woman hath brought foorth a man child , shee shall continue in the bloud of her purifying three and thirty dayes , but if she beare a maid child , then shee shall continue in the bloud of her purifying 66. dayes .

Lib. de morbis Malier . As for the quantity and proportion of these purgings Hippocrates is of opinion , that the purgings which a woman should haue euery moneth , should bee a pint and a halfe , or thereabouts . And in his booke de natura Pueri , hee would haue a woman in childbed at the beginning should purge about thirteene or fourteen ounces , or a pint , and so the whole space of thirty daies for a man child , and forty two daies for a maiden-childe , euery day diminishing the quantity till it wholly leaue her .

Signes to know whether a woman in child-bed be in health or no. As for the quality of these purgings , if the bloud be red , as in a beast new killed , and doe presently congeale , and thicken , then it is a signe that shee is in good health , and will continue so all the time of her lying in . But when these purgings come in little quantity , and of an ill colour , and do not congeale suddenly , it is a signe that the woman is not well , nor will not finde her selfe so all her month as the foresaid Author well obserueth .

But it is not to bee expected that all women should haue their purgings in like quantity , for wee must respect the habitude of the body , the course of life , the temperament , & other particular things which in diuers women , Comment. in . 6. Epidemior . are diuers . Therefore Galen saith , that these purgings continue long in women that haue thinne and subtill bloud ; De mor. Mulier . Hippocrates saith that women that are of full bodies , are purged more exactly , and againe hee writes , that women , that are more in yeares commonly haue more of this euacuation then they that are younger .

There may be two causes assigned of this abundant euacuation , the one , outward , as some fall , blow , or painefull trauaile , which a woman may suffer , either in bringing foorth her childe , or the after-birth : It may also arise from pasions of the mind , or from the vnseasonable vse of bath's , or from some other ill gouernement in her child-bed .

The inward causes may bee two : Inward causes . either the strength and vigor of the mother , which expelleth and putteth foorth so much bloud , as is troublesome , and burdensome vnto her ; and in this kind there is no great danger , because she that is so strong , to expell in this sort , will be also able to retaine , so much as will be conuenient and necessarie for her . Or else contrariwise , this may proceed from the weaknesse , and faintnesse of the woman , who is not able to retaine , and keep , that bloud which nature hath prouided for her : and this hapneth chiefly when the orifices of the veines continue open , after the deliuerie , not being able , Hippocrat . morbis Mul● ( as Hippocrates saith ) to shut , and gather themselues together .

The other cause is referred to the bloud , which offends either in quantitie , or qualitie , or both : In respect of the quantitie , those women haue store of these after-purgings , which are full of bloud ; because the Liuer breeds more bloud , then is necessarie : which afterward is voided by the Matrice .

The qualitie of the bloud , is cause heerof , when it is too sharpe , piercing , thin , watrie , putride , or venimous , so that Nature desires to be rid of it .

The Cure . As for the Cure , you must fit that according to the cause , and yet there be some generall remedies , which may serue for all immoderate euacuations ; and of this kind , Dyet . is Diet , which must be cooling , and moderately drying . Let her feed vpon good meats not salt , nor spiced , nor of strong tast ; rather roast , then boiled : and of boiled meats , let her chuse , to eat of the heads , & feet . She may vse french Barley , new laid Egges , and Gellies made with astringent herbes . If she take any Broth 's , let them be prepared with Borage , Buglosse , Le tuce , Purcelaine , Barley , and the cold seeds : Let her shun anger , melancholie , griefe , and other such passions of the mind : Let her keep her selfe quiet , not much stirring , or troubling her bodie . Let her drinke Barley water , or water wherein Steel hath been quenched . You may giue her also ( if she haue not an Ague ) a little Wine , allaied with the said waters .

Diuers remedies . Let her make her abode in a temperate place , not too hote ; Let her lie vpon a Mattresse , or straw bed , and not vpon a feather-bed .

It will be good to bind her armes hard toward the shoulders , but not the thigh 's , although Auicen prescribe it . Cupping glasses applied vnder the paps , and vpon the region of the Liuer , will be verie sit , as Hippocrates teacheth : and likewise vpon the arme-pits , and shoulders , as Auicen counsaileth . The most singular , An experiment seen by the Authour . and presentest remedie is to let bloud in the arme , which I haue seen tried by the most learned Physitions of our age , with very good successe : For there is no meanes , that makes better revulsion , and drawes the bloud sooner from the place , to which it floweth , then opening of a veine . You shall applie vpon the raines , the Os sacrum , and the parts thereabouts , a cloth dip'd in Vineger , and water , and likewise betweene the legs ; but first vse this Cataplasme .

A Cataplasme . ℞ . Bol. Armen . sang . Dracon . an . ℥ j. Gummi Tragacanth . ℥ ss. pul . Myrtill . Rosar . an . ʒ vj. succ . Plantag. Taps . barbat . vrtic . mort . an . q. s. ad formandum Cataplasma , adde vnguent . Comitiss . ℥ j ss.

Vnguentum Comitissae of it selfe is verie good , as likewise this Ointment following which is approued .

An Ointment . ℞ . Succor . Lactuc . Plantag. an . ℥ j ss. Gum. Tragacanth . in aq. Rosar . Macerat . ℥ iij. Muccagin . sem. Cydonior . extract . in aq. solani ℥ ss. ol. Rosar . Myrtill . an . ℥ j ss. Corall . vtriusque Sumach . an . ʒ j. far . Hordei ℥ ss. Cerae parum , fiat vng. adde Aceti tantillum .

You shall giue her to drinke , a dram of Trochisques of Spodium , with Plantaine water , or a decoction made with Horse-tayle , Roses , Knotgrasse , and Balaustia . Hollerius giues this , as a singuler medicine .

Hollerius h● medicine . ℞ . Scoriae ferri crematae , & in aq. Plantag. sepius extinctae , pul . lapid . aematitid . triti , an . ℈ j. Terrae sigillat . ℈ ss. sirup . Myrtillor . Resar . siccar . an . ℥ ss. aq. Plantag. ℥ iij. fiat potus .

Another . ℞ . Sang. Dracon . Corall . rub . vsti , Terr . sigillat . an . ℈ j. semin . Rosar . rub . ℈ ss. spodij Carab . Citrin . an . gr. xij . aq. Myrtillor . vel Plantag. ℥ iiij . fiat potus .

Some in this case giue three or foure ounces of the iuice of Plantaine . Galen . Galen affirmeth , that he hath staid the immoderate flowing of the monthly sicknesse , with the foresaid iuice of Plantaine , when nothing else would do good .

Ludouicus Mercatus commends these two medicines aboue all other .

Mercatus his medicines . ℞ . far . Hord. Oryz. & Amili , an . q. s . ad formandum panem ponderis ℥ vj. recent . coct. proijce in libr. viij . aq. Chaly beatae , quibus adde Rosar . rub . siccar . p. ij . succi Plantag. lb. j. Rad. consolid . Maior . ℥ ij . Caudae equin . m. j. carnis Prunor . syluest. Cidonior . an . ℥ ij . Portulac . m. ij . Bol. Armen . ℥ j. Balaust . santal . omnium an . ℥ ss. fiat omnium distilatio , de qua cape mané ℥ ij . addendo sirup . Portulac . aut Rosar . siccar . ℥ ss.

He likewise commendeth this medicine following , as being verie certaine , and approued , and of great vertue to stay the sicknesse .

℞ . Rad. Filipendul . ℥ ij . fiat puluis , cape ʒ j. cum vitello oui singulis diebus .

An Electuarie . ℞ . Cons. Rosar . antiq. ℥ j. carnis Cydon . cond. cons. Rad. symphit . an . ℥ ss. pul . Diamargar . frig. Trochis é Carab . an . ℈ j. Bol. Armen . ʒ j. sang . Dracon . ℈ ij . cum sirup . Rosar . siccar . fiat opiata , exhibenda ad ʒ j. per se , vel cum aqua Plantag.

Lib. Exper. Galen teacheth vs this medicine , which may be both iniected , and also taken inwardly .

An Iniect 〈…〉 ℞ . Mucag. gummi Tragacanth . & Arabic . in aq . Plantag. extract . ℥ iij. succi Plantag. ℥ iiij . fiat iniectio , inijciatur in vterum , & ℥ j. potui praebe .

This iniection following , may also be verie good .

Another . ℞ . Succ. Polygan . ℥ iiij . Mucilag . gummi Tragacanth . extract . in aqua . Centinod . Chalybeat . ℥ iij. Amyl . ℥ j. misce fiat iniectio .

You shall also make vse of this pessarie , if there be need .

An Astringent Pessarie . ℞ . Bol. Armen . Terrae sigillat . an . ℥ j. Litargir . ℥ ss. cum albumine oui fiat astringens pessarium .

With this you may annoint your Pessarie made fit for the purpose , either of cotton , or linnen cloth .

Of the Retention , and stopping of the After-purgings in Women newly deliuered . CHAP. VIII .

AS a Woman newly deliuer'd is subiect to many accidents , by the ouermuch flowing of her naturall courses : So is she likewise subiect to more dangerous and deadly chances , Porrhetic . Sect. 2. What L●c●●● are . if they be suppressed and staid . Galen saith , that these after-purgings , ( which he calleth Lechia ) are purgings of ill humors , which haue been gathered in the bodie all the time , that the woman went with child : For the child drawing to it selfe , the sweetest and most familiar part of the bloud , leaues the worst , which otherwise , if the woman were not with child , should be voided out euery Moneth . And if the monthly sicknesse stai'd , doth bring manie inconueniences to a woman , then much more these Lochia being suppressed , must breed much more danger .

A sentence of Hippocrat . Hippocrates in his first booke De morbis Mulier : witnesseth this plainly , saying ; That when the After-purgings come in lesse quantitie , then is fit , then the woman in child-bed fals into a sharpe Ague , she is troubled with a paine in her stomacke , she finds her selfe ill , through all her bodie ; she feeles a paine in the ioints of her hands , in her thigh 's , and hips , the places about her necke , backe , and groine are sore ; and there is a weaknesse in euery part : She fals into a vomiting of fleame , and also of bitter and sharpe matter : and finally , she is in danger to be lame and impotent of some of her members : The stopping of the After-purging cause death . For the Matrice hath an affinitie and connexion , with many parts of the bodie ; as with the head , and stomacke . And if this matter be transported and carried to the head , breast , and lungs , and there make an abode , then the woman dyes presently ; but if it be voided by the mouth , or nose , then she may escape .

Outward causes . The causes of this suppression are of two kinds , either inward , or outward : The outward causes are sadnes , griefe , suddain apprehension of some ill newes , feare , frighting , and such like passions of the mind : Likewise , cold which the woman hath taken , which shutteth vp the veines of the Matrice ; a bad dyet , and amongst other things , Lib. de A●r●l●cis , & Aqu● drinking of colde and raw water : which hath beene noted by Hippocrates to be very hurtfull vnto women with child .

Now concerning the inward causes , Lib. 1. de mor● Mulier . Inward causes . the same Author writes that the vlcers which happen by reasen of a long and troublesome deliuery , doe cause an inflammation , and swelling , which makes the side of the wombe come together , and shuts vp the orifices of the veines thereof : from whence proceedes suppression of the after-Purgins . Likewise the ouer great quantity of thicke and grosse bloud , may bee the cause , as also the weakenesse of the Matrice , the which because it hath beene sore wearied and troubled in the deliuery , and thereby lost all strength is not able to disburden and free it selfe , of the bloud whereof it is full .

Hippocrates also in the same place giues another cause , which is , Hippoc. loco citato . when the mouth of the said womb is shrunke , or turned awry , or else , because the sides of it are sunke downe , shut together and inflammed .

For the Cure heereof , shee must obserue an order of dyet , which shall be moistning , and opening . Dyet . Her meate and drinke must be such , as we haue formerly prescribed , for one newly deliuered . Shee shall take operitiue Broths , thereby to open the orifices of the veines , which are much stopt : and according to the cause , so the remedies must be fitted as if it come by any sudden apprehension , griefe , or anger , then must she be plasant , and make her selfe , as merry as she can . If it proceed of any inflammation or heate , that hath thickned the bloud , then must she vse medicines , that shal moderately , cool , & moisten , as Apozemes made with the leaues and rootes of Succory , Burnet , Endiue , Agrimony , Maydenhaire , Couchgrasse , or Gramen , Hoppes , rootes of Persely , and Asparagus , Violet flowers , with the sirups of Maydenhaire , and de quinq . radicibus . If it be needfull to attenuate , and cut or to euacuate any grosse and clammy humors , which shut vp the orifices of the veines : it will not be amisse to vse this fomentation , so that there be no great inflammation of the part .

A. somentation ℞ . Malu . Bismal . Parietar . Matricar . an . m. i. Abrotan . Origan . Aneth . Calamint . Artemis . an . m. s. Flor. sambuc . Chamaemel . Melilot . an . P. i. sem. Linifoenugraec . an . ʒ ij . fiant sacculi duo , Coquantur in aq. Communi addendo sub finem vini albi parum ▪ pro fotu .

Of the foresaide ingredients , you may likewise prepare fumes , halfe baths , and also iniections for the Matrice .

If the said after-purgings are suppressed because the inner orifice of the matrice is closed , or turned aside , then will it be very necessary for the Chirurgion , The meanes to set the wombe right . ( after he hath considered that there is neither paine , nor distemperature ) to set it right againe , by putting vp pessaryes , which shal prouoke and bring downe the after purgings , as this following .

A Pessary . ℞ . Cerae nouae . ℥ iiij . Mell. ℥ i. styrac . liq . ℥ s. Ol. muschell . ʒ ij . liquefiant omnia simul , addendo Myrrh . Aloes . an ʒ is . farin . Lupinor . ʒ vi . auferendo ab igne impone telam , ex Canabe de qua cooperiatur pessarium ad vsum .

You shall first frame a pessary , and then it shall be couered , with the said cloth ; or else dipped and couered with the said medicine .

You may also make little round bags of a fingers length , in the forme of a pessary , which you shall fill or stuffe with the herbe Mercury , first brused or beaten , and this may serue for a pessary ; this herb is very much commended . If it be needful to haue the pessary stronger , you may put thereto a little Mugword , Sauine , and Balme .

It will be very profitable to bind the thighs hard and to rub the legges and thighs , Ligatures and frictions . especially on the inside , all along the crurall veyne : you may also apply great Cupping glasses , in the saide places . Let her legges , and thighs be washed , with that decoction which was set downe before for the fomentation . The same decoction also may serue for Clysters , dissoluing therein Hiera , or Benedict . Laxatiua and mel . mercuriale .

But we must preferre before all these medicines , Opening a veine in the foote , is the most soueraign remedy that which is the most soueraigne , which is letting of bloud , in the foote , out of the Saphena , or in the Poplitica ; which is in the bending of the gartring place : For by this meanes we shall manifestly meet with the cause of the sicknesse : And heerein wee shall follow the example of Hippocrates , who caused the woman seruant of Stymargus to be let bloud be cause her sicknesse , or purgings were stayed after she was deliuered , and by this meanes she was well discharged of them , although before , she had bene in great , and generall Convulsions .

De Morbis mulier . lib. 1. The same Author saith , that a woman , that hath these purgings staide , must haue present helpe , for feare , least there happen some great inflammation to the part , so that except she be presently let bloud , she is in danger of death . Her belly also must be kept loose by Clisters , and if she can vomit easily , she must be helped that way also .

Epidem . 6. Galen saith that hee hath brought downe these purgings in women that was pale , leane , and weak , by letting her bloud in good quantity .

I haue not heere set downe any medicines to bee taken by the mouth , because I haue written many of this kind , in the Chapters going before , wherein I haue treated of the meanes how to make the child or after-birth come foorth , when they bee staide , which medicines haue power also to prouoke the courses or after purgings .

Of the false Conception stayed , and abiding in the woman after her deliuery . CHAP. IX .

IT may happen to some women , that after they haue been well deliuered of their children , there may stay with them one or more false conception . Some of these false conceptions sticke fast to the wombe , some are vnfastned , and loose . Difference o● false conception . If they be small , they come foorth together with the purgings ; but if they be big , they oftentimes stay , and abide within . And in this case the Chirurgion must be carefull , for if they bee bigge , and cleaue to the wombe , they may bring much inconuenience to the woman , by their long staying behind . So then it will be necessary for him to know , whether there be any of this kind , and of what nature it is , which he shal learne of the Mother , by demanding of her , how she found her selfe all the time shee went with child . First then let him enquire of her , whether she were very big , at that time , and if she had any hardnesse , in any part of her belly , whether shee hath beene vsed to any such accident , with her other children : for there are women , which at euery birth haue of these false conceptions , and amongst others Mistris Brague-longue , A story . hath shewed the proofe hereof : For she going with her second child , could assure me , that then she had a false conception , because she had one with her first child : which shee came to know by reason of a certaine hardnesse , which she had vpon her left side , neere to her short ribs , where she felt a great paine , yea , and her ribs seemed to be borne vp , or thrust outward : And indeed , this Gentlewoman , after she was deliuered , brought foorth one bigger then ones fist , and before she could be rid of it , her belly was swoln with paine and murmurings about her Nauell , and toward her loins : she was often troubled with throws : Signes . as if she should be deliuered againe , by reason the nature did striue , to put and send that forth , which was vnnaturall .

Beside these simptomes , women that haue false conceptions somwhat bigger , and cleauing fast to the wombe , are troubled with great paine about the nauell , with vnquietnes , watring of the mouth , vomiting , and heauinesse downeward . The pulse is small , and frequent , and some women in this case haue the strangury , because the false conception doth presse the necke of the bladder : and to conclude almost the same accidents are here , that happen , when there is a mole or dead child .

The prognosticke . Those false conceptions that are small , though two , three , foure , or more in number ( as there may be many ) they come forth easily , & are conuaied away with the ordinary purgings , but if they be great and hard , they are voided with much difficulty , especially if they stick to the womb , and then there is daunger that they will turne into a mole : which must speedily be preuented : Hip. lib. de sterilibus . although Hippocrates wisheth that this should be done with prediction . Now this may be preuented ( as he saith ) by these three meanes ; first by the vse of resoluing bath's , which haue power to moisten the whole body , Cure . and so to dilate and inlarge the passage of the Matrice , that it may come foorth : the second is by Clisters and purgations , which may purge foorth excrements , and also bring downe the naturall courses afresh . Thirdly , by iniections , which may prouoke and stirre vp the expulsiue faculty of the Matrice , to expell the purgings and with them the false conconception contained in the wombe . But because all these remedies haue beene handled in the last chapter I refer the Chirurgion thither .

Of the falling downe or precipitation of the Matrice . CHAP. X.

THe ancient writers haue obserued , that the matrice moueth and changeth his place , diuersly : and as Hippocrates saith , De Morbis mul. lib. 2. the Matrice causeth great paines in diuers places , according as it setleth , and placeth it selfe .

If it rise toward the head , Hippocrat . lib. 2. de morb. mulier . de natura mulieb . et . 2. Epidem . then the veines which are in the nose , and vnder the eies , suffer paine , the head is heauy , and sometime the woman fometh at the mouth . If the said Matrice moueth toward the liuer , presently the woman is depriued of her speech , her teeth are set , and her colour grows wan and pale . If it incline toward the ribs , then the woman falls into a cough with pain of her side : and the matrice hard and painfull to be touched , as if there were some vlcer , & shee is troubled also with shortnes of breath , and sometimes , with Convulsions : and if she continue thus long , she will grow lame : Againe if the Matrice turne to one side , there will be a paine felt , right against the place , to which it inclines , together with a paine in the backe : and at last shee becomes lame of that side as Hippocrates , and Aetius do witnesse : when it beareth down towards the groine , Hippocrat . Epidem 2 and passage of the Vrine , then the pain is more violent , together with a dulnesse , & numnesse of the thigh : and suppression of vrine : as likewise if it be cast backe , toward the great gut , then the excrements of the belly are stopped ; If it fall downe lower , euen to the thighs , then there wil be a Convulsion or crampe , of the great toe ; and the hips and thighs , will be pained . And therefore not vnfitly did Plato compare the matrice to a liuing creature , Plato . which was as it were ingrafted , vpon an other liuing creature . For the Matrice hath voluntary motion , toward euery part , and certainly Scimus vterum naturaliter , vt semen excipiat , hiare , et ipso suscepto constringi .

How the matrice moueth . But these situations , and changings of place must not be vnderstood , in an exact sence . For it is vnlikely , nay impossible , that the Matrice , should so run from one side of the body to another , that it should altogether leaue his owne place . And this hath Galen very well noted , Gal. in lib. 3. de Articul . com . saying , that sometimes the matrice ascendeth vpward , and sometimes it is turned aside : not that of it selfe it leaues his naturall place but because it is drawne by some thing else : that is , by the ligaments which hold it vp , How the matrice chaungeth place . and by the nerues , arteries , and veines to which it is annexed . To this authority of Galen I will adde farther , that the Matrice may be shut vp , and gathered into it selfe , and so draw with it those parts , to which it is fastned , offending & affecting them , by some spirits , vapors , or wind , which it may communicate vnto them .

But I will leaue this curious speculation to Physitions , and will onely meddle with that , which belongs to Chirurgions , concerning the precipitation , or falling downe of the Matrice , of which there are three kinds .

The first , The first falling of the matrice . when the necke thereof ( which is called Vagina ) sincketh and falleth downe , euen to the entrance of the naturall parts , and drawes , a little with it , the bodie of the Matrice : Hipp. Lib. de natura Pueri . And this we may easily learne of Hippocrates , who saith , that the Matrice commeth downe in such sort , that you may applie a liniment thereunto : And againe , that it commeth nearer to the entrance , than is needfull . Hipp. Lib. de natura Muliebri . The second kind .

The second kind is , when the bodie of the Matrice falleth into the outward necke , called Vagina , and is thrust a little out of the entrance , of the naturall parts , and then the inward necke , which is sunke downe , shewes it selfe to the light , in the forme of the top of a mans yard : Hipp. Lib. de Sterilibus de morb. Mulier . Which Hippocrates also affirmes , when he saith , that the wombe commeth by little and little , out of the naturall parts .

The third kind is , The third kind . when the bodie and necke of the Matrice is all sunke downe , and turned the wrong side outward : as one should turne the crowne of his hat : and then it commeth cleane out of the naturall parts , and hangs betweene the thigh 's , in the bignesse of a mans fist , or more , not vnlike to the cod or purses of a mans priuie parts , Gal. lib. 14. de vs● partium as Galen writes .

The generall cause hereof is , because the ligaments , which should hold and fasten it , are resolued and broken , which may proceed either of an inward , or an outward cause .

Outward causes . The outward cause may be , some fall , or blow , or for that the woman hath lifted some heauy burthen ; or hath been in some rage , or choller ; or had a violent Cough : running also , dauncing , leaping , riding in a Coach ; taking cold of her feete , sitting vpon a cold stone , and ouermuch cooling of the Matrice , may be causes thereof .

Inward causes . The inward causes are , abundance of moisture , which hath relaxed the ligaments : or else a longing desire which a woman may haue , for the companie of a man ; which may also happen to maides , and barren women ; Hippocrat . Epidem 2. as Hippocrates writeth : Another cause may be , the long suppression of the naturall courses , which sometimes makes a woman grow Viril , Hippocrat . Epidem 6. or mankind , as Hippocrates witnesses of Phaëtusa , wife of Pitheus , who became like a man , with a beard , and a mans voice .

Hipp. de Natura Mulier . 2. The said Hippocrates giueth another reason , contrarie to the former , which is because she hath had the companie of her husband too soone after her deliuerie , while her sicknesse is yet vpon her .

But commonly this falling downe of the Matrice doth come ( as Hippocrates noteth ) by being ill deliuered : Hippocrat . de Eiectione Foe●us . To which also Galen subscribeth , making a similitude of it , to two that wrastle together , one of which falling to the ground , Gal. de facult. Natur. lib. 3. drawes his fellow with him , and makes him fall also ; euen so , the Matrice striuing to put foorth the child , doth thrust foorth it selfe also ; especially if the ligaments , A Comparison . which should hold it to the backe , bee naturally loose , and weake . It may also happen , that while the Midwife drawes foorth the child , or the after-birth , the Matrice may follow it together .

In this case , although Hippocrates in his booke before cited , seem to be of opinion , Both old and young may be cured hereof . that there is no remedie , but for young women , leauing elder women without helpe . Yet I haue cured them , euen of all ages , with verie good successe .

For the Cure therefore , The Cure . we haue three intentions : The first , to bring the Matrice into his owne place : the second , to keep it there : the third , to strengthen it , being there keept . For the first , let the Chirurgion place the woman in this sort : Let her lye vpon her backe , with her legs higher then her head , and her feet drawne vp in such sort , that her heeles may almost touch her hinder parts , with her thigh 's and knees spread abroad .

If the Matrice be fallen downe , The way to put it vp . but a little it may easily be put vp , nay , it will euen go vp of it selfe : But if it be much fallen downe before it be put vp , it must be suppled and softned , that so it may returne more easie , and with lesse paine : Let it be annointed therefore , with the cooling ointment of Galen , or else with some such liniment as this .

An ointment ℞ . Axung . Anser . Gallin . an . ℥ j. Ol. Amygdalar . dulc. Lilior . an ℥ s . Cerae parum , fiat litus .

For a shift , you may take fresh butter , and oyle of Roses mingled together : and then vse this fomentation warme .

A fomentation ℞ . Malu . Parietar . Matricar . Betonic . Saluiae . an . m. j. flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . an . P. i. Rosar . rub . p. ij . Coquantur in aequis partibus vini & aquae . profotu .

After that you haue vsed this fomentation , put vp the Matrice gently , with a soft linnen cloth , and when it is put vp , let the woman draw vp her breth as we vse to bid them , that haue a Hernia , or bursting , to be put vp , and by this meanes the Matrice will be brought to his place , the more easily . Beside you must remember , that if there bee any tension , hardnes or inflammation in the Matrice , to soften and souple it , with the aforesaid liniment , and fomentation , and so will the inflammation be asswaged . A good obseruation . And if you find that the bladder or great gut bee full of excrements ( as I haue seene , not long since in a poore Woman of Masson , by meanes whereof the Matrice was shut , and kept out ) then first you must make way for the Vrine by a Catheter , and also voide out the excrements by Clitters .

The second meanes to help vp the matrice For the second intention , which is to keepe the Matrice in his place , when it is well put vp and placed , the best and surest meanes is to thrust vp a pessary , such a one as is here described , which hath this power to keepe the Matrice vp , and yet not put it to any paine .

depiction of pessaries

Beside , it will not hinder the Matrice from purging out such euacuations , as a woman newly deliuer'd hath , or any other humour , which may be contained in the wombe : For this Pessarie hath a hole in the midst of it , to giue such excrements free passage and issue .

The Pessarie being put vp , let it abide there two or three daies , when you take it out , put vp a fresh one , keeping that to serue another time . There must also be a little string tyed to it , so to be fastned to a girdle , or some other thing , least it fall downe to the ground : The figure heere set downe doth shew the manner of it .

When astringent medicines are to be shun'd . If the woman be newly deliuer'd , and in her sicknesse ; you must not vse any astringent medicine , for feare least you stay that ; but it is sufficient to keep the pessarie there .

When the time of purging is past , then must there a care be had of the whole habit , and constitution of the bodie . Hipp. de natura Muliebri . Hippocrates wisheth that she eate little , and drinke lesse , the first seuen daies ; after which , she may take some sustenance ; and when she would disburthen nature , let her sit vp in her bed , but not rise from thence in fortie daies . After that time accomplished , shee may walke gently ; but in no wise bath her selfe . If she be full of bad humours , let her be purged , if she hath not had her courses , or purgings sufficiently , and if she be full of bloud , it will be conuenient to open a veine . And because the ligaments , which tie , and hold the Matrice , are oftentimes much moistned , and relaxed with slime , and fleame , which fals vpon them ; it will be necessarie to drie them , by euacuating , and drawing away the humour , which is the cause heereof . Hipp. de morb. Mulier . lib. 2. To this purpose , Hippocrates doth much commend vomiting , because it riddeth away such flegmaticke humours , Vomiting is necessarie . as commonly are in the stomacke , by turning them another way . Besides that , the stomacke while it heaues it selfe vpward , lifts , and drawes vp the Matrice with it ; but this must be done considerately , because strong and violent vomiting shakes and troubles the Diaphragme and guts , making them presse downward , and by this meanes keep downe the Matrice .

Heere also will it be auailable to applie large cupping glasses , on the top of the hips , Cupping glasses . vnder the paps , and vnder the Nauill : as also to bind the vpper part of the arms , somwhat hard . Moreouer you shal let the woman haue good sents to smell to : She must hau● sundry smels as also some things of an ill sent , to put vp beneath .

Liniments and plasters , may likewise be applied vpon the backe , belly , and groine , such as we haue set downe , in the Chapter of Abortment .

As for the third intention , The third meanes to strengthen the mother . which is to strengthen the wombe , you must vse to this purpose , Pessaries , Parfumes , Suffumigations , and Iniections put vp , and applied to the part .

Let the Pessarie be of the same fashion prescribed before : but onely let the waxe , with which it is couered , be compounded in this manner .

℞ . Cerae lib. ij . Baccar . Laur. Absynth . Rosar . rub . an . ʒ j. ss. Nuc. Cupress . Balaust . an . ʒ j. sang . Dracon . Mastich . Myrrh . an . ℈ iiij . liquefiant simul , addendo vnguent . Comitiss . ℥ j.

With this waxe , thus prepared , you may couer the pessaries made of Corke , in the same fashion as is alreadie described .

Let the perfumes be made , of the Ingredients aforesaid , Ill smels to be put into the Pessaries . putting thereto a little Ladanum , and Assa foetida , because the Matrice flyeth from any thing that is of a bad sauour ; and let the woman receiue this fume beneath , sitting in a chaire , with a hole in it . For moist suffumigations they shall be made thus .

The suffumigation . ℞ . Tapsi Barbat . Centinod . Absinth . Matricar . Consol. vtriusque fol. Cupress . an . m. ij . Baccar . Laur. Nucum Cupress . Balaustior . an . ℥ ß. Cortic . quercus , Pini , Thuris , an . ʒ vj. Rosar . rub . p. ij . fiat omnium decoctio in aequis partibus vini austeri , & aq. fabrorum , pro suffitu .

Hippocrates counsaileth , to put heerein some things of an ill sauour as Assa foetida : You may also iniect this decoction , but then let it not be made altogether so astringent ; or else let this serue for an Iniection .

An Iniection . ℞ . Fol. Myrt . Lentisc . summitat . rubi , Bistort . Pentaphil . Plantag. an . m. j. Rosar . rub . Hyperic . an . p. j. cort. Fraxin . ℥ j. Rasur . lign . guaiac . ℥ ß. fiat omnium decoctio , in colaturâ ad lb. ij . dissolue sirupi de Rosis siccis , & de Absynthi . an . ℥ ij . fiat iniectio .

Hipp. Lib. de natura Muliebri . Hippocrates commendeth a fomentation , made With a mans vrine , and afterwards one made with the leaues of the Masticke tree .

Of an affect , where the sides of the necke of the wombe , are vnited , and ioined together . CHAP. XI .

THere is another troublesome accident , which chanceth to some Women after their deliuery . The cause . which is the vniting , and sticking together of the necke of the wombe : and this happens through hard trauaile , which hath torne , and excoriated the sides thereof : or else by reason of some inflammation , or vlcer , which hath there hapned , through some sharp and biting humor , which hath corroded and exulcerated the said part : which beeing neglected and ill cured , the sides not being healed and scarred , it happens , that they are ioined , and grow together , and so be come one body .

Galen hath made mention of this accident : Gal. lib. de 〈…〉 sectione vter 〈…〉 and wee haue sometimes seene the experience of it .

As for the cure heereof the woman must be purged , and let bloud , Cure . then bathed for diuers daies together : and the bath must bee made of emollient things : likewise there must be many remollient fomentations vsed , to her lower parts , and after them diuers liniments , such as we haue prescribed in diuers places : when the parts are sufficiently softned , then must you place the woman in the same manner , as is described , when shee is to bee deliuered : then when you perceiue the smalnes and straightnesse of the passage , The practise . you shall apply a Dilatory instrument made in the forme of a speculum Matricis , and by little and little you shall dilate & stretch the parts so ioyned together , which will part and seuer one from another , without any effusion of bloud : And this haue I practised with good successe , of late daies vpon a tenant of Madame Sacon as I haue declared before , and this I did when she was ready to lye downe , and yet no ill accident happened vpon it .

But if so be the callosity should be so hard ( as by continuance of time it may be ) that the said parts should grow together again , and could not be softned , then will it bee necessary first to make an incision , that so it may bee dilated , more easily . And this hath Mons. Pineau and my selfe practised , vpon a Gentlewoman , as I haue more at large set down , in my book of the nursing and gouernment of children , in the Chapter of those that haue their naturall parts shut vp , and without passage .

Must take heed of leting it grow together againe . The rest of the cure must bee performed in that manner which I haue set downe in the place last cited : and heerein must a speciall care be had , that the parts ioyne not , nor knit together again : to preuent the which , the woman shall weare a pessary continually vntill such time as the skarrebe perfectly growne , and confirmed : And to this purpose let the speculum Matricis be often vsed , to inlarge the part : For it is certaine , that all such Membranes as haue beene ioyned and grown together , when they are diuided and seuered , doe hardly come to that length , and bignesse that they were of at the first . And this I haue often obserued and amongst other places in the mouth , wherof Mons. Pigray and Mons. Pincau the Kings Chirurgions in ordinary , & sworn at Paris , will bear me witnesse , that I together with them cured an honest man , who had one side of his checke grown fast to his iaw , A story . which made him that hee could not open his mouth , nor speake plaine . I cut and separated the membrane , a good way , which did knit and tye these parts together , but while I went about to cicatrise both sides which I had deuided : had I not had the greater care to haue hindered it , the parts had grown together againe , that I was constrained to make a new separation three diuers times .

FINIS .

THE NVRSING OF CHILDREN .

WHEREJN JS SET downe , the ordering and gouermnent of them , from their birth .

Together : WITH THE MEANES TO helpe and free them , from all such diseases as may happen vnto them .

WRITTEN IN FRENCH BY IAMES GVILLIMEAV the French Kings Chirurgion in Ordinary .

LONDON , Printed by A. HATFIELD . 1612.

THE PREFACE TO Ladies , wherein they are exhorted to nurse their Children themselues .

AVLVS Gellius ( in my opinion ) did not amisse in putting no difference betweene a woman that refuses to nurse her owne childe ; and one that kills her child , as soone as shee hath conceiued ; that shee may not bee troubled with bearing it nine moneths in her wombe . For why may not a woman with as good reason , deny to nourish her child with her bloud , in her wombe , as to deny it her milke being borne ? since the milk is nothing else but bloud whitened , beeing now brought to perfection and maturity .

But some will say that the child may bee deliuered to some other Woman , to nurse it , and that the Mother may haue an eye and care ouer it : But ( Gentle Ladies ) here I desire you to consider with me the great inconueniences that may hence arise , which though they bee infinite , yet I will reduce them to foure heads .

1. First there is danger least the child be changed and an other put in his place . 2. Then that naturall affection which should be betwixt the mother and the child by this meanes is diminished . 3. Thirdly , it may be feared , that some bad conditions or inclinations may be deriued from the Nurse into the child . 4. And lastly , the Nurse may communicate some imperfection of her body into the child .

1. As for the first point , which is the changing of the child , that may easily come to passe ; because as soone as the child is borne , and Christned , the Mother presently deliuers it to the Nurse , to bee carried into the Country : Where the child , being wholly left to the discretion of the Nurse , may by some ill chance be stifled , ouer-laid , be let fall , and so come to an vntimely death : or else may be deuoured , spoiled , or disfigured by some wild beast , Wolfe , or Dogge , and then the Nurse fearing to be punished for her negligence , may take another child into the place of it , which can hardly euer be marked and distinguished : And indeede when children grow somwhat big , and are brought home from Nurse , if they proue not like their parents in body , in conditions and wit , the Prouerbe goes , That they are chaunged at Nurse ; Which sometimes may bee truer , then they are aware of .

The Historiographers report that Arthebar King of the Epirotes being old , had one only sonne , whose nurse was corrupted with great gifts to change him , and to take a Gentlemans sonne into his place . But when the King was dead , the Nurse repenting her selfe of this wickednesse , reuealed the error : wherupon ensued such terrible wars , betweene the lawfull and the supposed son , that both of them lost their liues , in a battaile . Vpon this occasion , Thomistus the seuenth King of the Lacedemonians leauing two sonnes behind him , when he dyed ; the Lacedemonians chose the younger of them for their King , because he had beene nursed by the Queene his Mother ; and reiected the eldest , who had beene brought vp by a strange woman ; fearing least he had bene changed by his Nurse .

2. For the second point which is naturall affection , without doubt that cannot bee so earnest , either from the Mother toward the child , or from the chlld toward the Mother ; if shee haue not nursed him and giuen him sucke . For if she nurse him , he sucks and draws her owne bloud . Whereupon grows a familiar inwardnes , and the child ( when he comes to yeares of discretion ) finds himselfe bound to his Mother , for many benefits : both in that she hath borne him nine Moneths in her womb , and also because shee hath nursed him , watched him , and often made him cleane . In recompence whereof , he endeuours to shew her a thousand delights , to make her forget or take in good part , so much care and paines , as shee hath taken with him . Hee playes a number of apish trickes about her , he kisseth her , strokes her haire , nose , and eares : he flatters her , he counterfeits anger , and other passions , and as he groweth bigger , hee finds other sports with her , which causeth that they beare one another such an affection , as cannot be expressed ; & makes that they can neuer be parted : When hee is bigge , and comes to be weaned , if one chide his nurse he cries , and stamps : and if one offers to take him out of his nurses armes , he will flye in their faces , and if it were possible , he would euen pull out their heart : and all this proceeds from that inward affection of the child , to which no loue can bee compared . And heereupon Plato iustly said , That children would neuer loue their parents so well ; but that their fathers doe often beare them in their armes , and the mothers giue them sucke at their owne breasts .

And heereof wee haue a memorable example in Cornelius Scipio , who when he had condemned ten of his most valiant Captaines to death , he would not heare his owne Brother Scipio Africanus intreating for them , and yet granted their pardon , to one that had bin his Foster-brother , and sucked the same Nurse : which being obiected to him , by his owne Brother , saying ; That they had been borne both of one Mother ; He answer'd him , That his Nurse-Mother had deserued better of him , than his owne Mother had done . One of the familie of the Gracchi , returning from the warre , met his owne Mother , and his Nurse together : but he addressing himselfe , first to his Nurse , presented to her a Girdle of gold , and then to his Mother , a Iewell of of siluer : which she taking indig●ely , and rebuking him with reproaches , he replyed : I know ( Mother ) that you bore me nine Moneths in your wombe , yet that was out of necessitie , because you could do no otherwise ; but when I was borne , then you forsoke me , and my Nurse-mother willingly intertain'd me , carried me three yeares in her armes , and nourish'd me with her owne bloud .

3. As for the maners and conditions of the child , there is no doubt to be made , but that they are better bred and fashioned by the Mother , than by the Nurse . For first , it is deliuered by learned writers , that the Manners and conditions of the mind , do follow the temperament of the bodie , and the temperament ariseth out of the nourishment : so that commonly , such as the humours are , such proue the manners . Hence must we conclude , that the child that suckes a Nurse , that is vitious , and wicked ; sucketh also from her , her faults and vices : And beside , when the child comes to vnderstanding , and obserues what the Nurse speakes and doth , he retaines that , saies it after her , and imitates her : and that which is imprinted from the infancie , will hardly , or neuer be rooted out . For this cause Plato warnes vs , not to speake , or shew any thing before a child , which is not decent , and honest : and Aristotle forbids , to let a child see any wanton or lasciuious picture . Then ( to returne to our Nurse ) we may be assured , that the Milke ( wherewith the child is nourish'd two yeares together ) hath as much power to make the children like the Nurses , both in bodie , and mind ; as the seed of the Parents hath to make the children like them . For although the child be borne of honest Parents , neuerthelesse , the bad nurture of a wicked Nurse , will make the child vicious and wicked : For , ( as the prouerbe is ) Nurture preuailes more than Nature . This may be plainly obserued in all things , that haue life : for a faire and flourishing tree , which hath been bred in a good and fat ground , if it be transplanted into a barren ground , becomes a shrub , and beares no fruit , that is good , and tastfull . Likewise , the graine that is sowed in good ground , will beare a faire and odoriferous flower ; but if it be cast into bad ground , it will bring foorth a bastard flower , without any good or pleasing smell . It is reported , that a certaine child , was nourish'd with the milke of a Bitch : But he would rise in the night and houle with other dogges . Plato going about to giue a reason , why Alcibiades was so hardy , although he were an Athenian ( who naturally were milde and timerous ) resolues it thus : because the said Alcibiades had been nursed by a Lacedaemonian woman , which is a verie stout , and valiant Nation .

4. As for the imperfections of the bodie , which children may borrow from their Nurses , although they bee very many , yet consider only those , which the corpulencie , and diseases of the Nurse may bring them . Tacitus writeth , that the Germanes of all other people , are the biggest , and strongest of bodie ; and the reason is , because they are nurs'd by their Mothers , which are big of stature . And it is obseru'd , that they which put foorth their children , to women of small stature , haue them , neither so big , nor strong and able of bodie , as if they had brought them vp themselues . If a young Lambe sucke a Goate , it is found by experience , that the wooll of it will be harder , then of other sheepe , and he will prooue more fierce , and wild , then is naturall for his kind .

And to this purpose , Procopius relates a storie of Polopeia , the daughter of Theseus , who being deliuer'd in secret of a sonne , and desirous to conceal her immodestie , caus'd him to be cast into a forrest , where he being found by a Sheep-heard , was brought vp and nourish'd with Goates milke , ( from whence he tooke the name of Aegistus ) which made him so swift of foot , that eueryone did admire him for his nimblenesse and quicknesse in running .

Now , concerning the diseases of Nurses , you shall find more of them , polluted and infected with the french Poxes , and other diseases ; than sound and healthfull . And I haue knowen Nurses giue little children the French Pockes , who afterwards lying with their owne parents , haue likewise infected them .

Now what a disgrace , and what a sorrow & griefe of hart , this would be to a Mother , if such a chance should happen , I leaue vnto you ( faire Ladies ) to iudge .

And therefore euery Mother should endeauour , by all meanes possible ( if she be not sickly , or too tender ) to nurse her child her selfe ; since that nature hath bestow'd two Paps vpon her , onely for that purpose .

There are no other Creatures , but giue sucke to their young ones , and if you do but onely make a shew , that you would take them from their dams , what a coyle and stir doe they make ? If you carrie them away , they will run after you , and neuer leaue , till you haue let go your hold : desiring rather to loose their owne liues , than suffer their little ones to be carried away .

And therefore let Mothers neuer put foorth their children to nurse ( if they themselues be sound and healthfull ) for feare of being chang'd . So shall you be sure , to haue Children , which will honour and loue you , without setling their affections vpon a stranger : Then shall you not need to make any doubt , but that your Children will be vertuous , and honest ; not being addicted to any vices , which they may take from their Nurses : and they shall not learne any dishonest , or vndecent speeches ; nor heare any thing that shall be either lasciuious , or vnbefitting : then shall you be sure , that your children will be healthfull , since they haue been nourish'd with good milke , and not fed with Apples , Peares , Sops , and such like trash , which is often giuen them , for want of milke . And by this meanes , you shall haue faire and goodly children , well brought vp , docile , vertuous , louing , strong , and lusty , without any diseases : Then shall you be accounted for Mothers indeed , and not Step-Mothers : and therefore neuer make your excuses , that you cannot , nor are not able to endure the trouble , and paines ; or that your Husbands will not suffer you to do so .

And to conclude , I would haue you imitate Blanche of Castile , sometimes Queene of France , who nurs'd the King St Lewes her sonne her owne selfe ; and on a time , as she was out of the way , her child being froward , a great Ladie of the Court gaue him sucke , to still him , and make him quiet : which comming to the Queenes eare , she presently tooke the child , and thrust her finger so far downe into his throat , that she made him vomit vp all the milke , he had suckt of the said Ladie , being very angry that any woman should giue her child sucke , but her selfe .

THE CONTENTS of the Chapters in this present Booke . 1 OF the Nurse , and what care must bee had in the choise of her . 2 Of the conditions that are required to be in good milke . 3 What care the Nurse must haue , of all the parts of the childe bodie . 4 How she ought to shift and make cleane the child . 5 Of the childs cradle , where it must be set , and how he must lie when he goes to sleepe . 6 When his owne Mother , or the Nurse may giue the childe sucke , how , and how often . 7 How the child must be made cleane after he is awake , and vnswathed . 8 What clothes and dressings the child must haue , and at what time . 9 At what time the child may take other sustenance , beside milk . 10 When a child ought to be weaned . 11 Of the diseases , which happen vnto a child . 12 How there may happen diuers diseases vnto little children , as they come foorth of their mothers wombe . 13 Of the bignes , and swelling of the head . 14 Of diuers imperfections , that come with the child into the world . 15 Of the diseases of their eyes eares and nose . 16 Of the sorenes and vlcers of the mouth called Aphcha . 17 Of the swelling inflammation and sorenes of the Gums , called Paroulis and Epoulis . 18 Of the strings which the child hath vnder his tongue , that make him tongue-tyed . 19 Of the Cough . 20 Of the inflammation and swelling of the Nauell . 21 Of the gripings and fretting in the childs belly . 22 Of the wormes . 23 Of breeding of teeth . 24 Of Convulsions that trouble children . 25 Of watchings . 26 Of the frights , starting and rauing of young children in their sleepe . 27 Of the falling downe of the gut , or rupture . 28 Of the difficulty of making water . 29 The meanes to helpe children that pisse a bedde , and cannot hold their water . 30 Of the gallings and rubbing away of the skinne in the groine and thighs . 31 Of the accidents which happen to the childs yard : 32 Of wenches that haue no naturall passage from their birth . 33 Of the fundament that is closed and shut vp . 34 Of the scabs that come on the childs head and face vnproperly called Tinea . 35 Of the Measels and the pockes . 36 Of the cure of the small pockes and the Measels . 37 How to preserue Children from hauing the Measels and the small pockes . 38 Of the French Pockes . 39 Of the comming forth of haire in childrens backes and rains called Morbus Pilaris .

THE MANNER OF Nursing , and bringing vp of children : Together with the Diseases , which may happen vnto them , and the cure thereof . Written by IAMES GVILLIMEAV the French Kings Chirurgion in Ordinary and sworne at Paris .

The Preface .

IT is recorded by auncient Histories , Metrop . Salisb. Epise. 36. Scolion ad Tertul . lib. 9. de Anim . that there haue beene some Children , which haue made a noise , and cast foorth cries being yet in their mothers belly : and for proofe heereof , they relate , that in the City of Rascat , there was a child borne with two hornes , whose moanes , and lamentations were herad fourteene daies before his birth : But this is rather Prodigious then Naturall : as S. Augustine saith , Aug. lib. 3. de ciuit . Dei . cap. 31 For a childe naturally , neither laments nor cries , so long as he doth abide in his mothers wombe .

And I haue often obserued , that a child neither cries , nor makes any noise , neither sighes , though he be halfe come foorth , what paine or anguish soeuer he suffers in the passing . But as soone as he is born , and sees the light ( beside the alteration of the ayre , which he finds ) euen very necessity , and his owne feeling , doe force and as it were wring from him cries and moanes , thereby to shew , in what need he stands of helpe . He craues and demands the succour of his owne Mother to be nourisht and fed , otherwise hee would dye in a short space ; Metaph. 10. Martij . Lipom. com . 7. except hee were a second Codratus the Martyr , who was euen from his tender age depriued of all humane aide , and forsaken both of Father and mother , and all the world beside . But our Lord God did supply this want and caused in recompence thereof that a round cloud , comming downe from heauen , did encompasse him about , and nourish him .

OF A NVRSE , AND what election , and choice ought to be made of her . CHAP. I.

THough it were fit , that euery mother should nurse her owne child : because her milke which is nothing else , but the bloud whitened ( of which he was made , and wherwith hee had beene nourished the time hee staide in his Mothers wombe ) will bee alwaies more naturall , and familiar vnto him , than that of a stranger : and also by nursing him her selfe , she shall be wholly accounted his mother : yet since they may be hindred by sicknes , or for that they are too weake and tender , or else because their Husbands will not suffer them , therefore I say , it will be very necessary to seeke out another Nurse : The difficulty of finding a good nurse . and euery one knowes how hard a thing it is , to finde a good one , because they haue beene so often beguiled , and deceiued therein : which hath giuen mee occasion , first of all to shew some marks , whereby you may make some choise of one that is fit .

Now , in chusing of a Nurse , there are sixe things to be considered : Her birth and Parentage : her person : her behauiour : her mind : her milke : and her child .

1. Her Lignage . First , Concerning her Lignage , she must come of a good stocke , or kinred : there being none of her race , whether it be grandfather , or grandmother , nay , not so much as one of her great grandfathers , or ancient progenitors , that hath euer been stayned , or spotted , either in bodie or mind : For , oftentimes we see , though the Parents be healthfull , and sound , yet their children be sometimes , either sickly , or fooles , or else viciously giuen : who retaine such vices from their grandfather , grandmother , yea , and somtimes from their great grandfathers ; which troubleth many men , to thinke from whence these accidents may proceed : For it is verie certaine , that there are many Children , which are diseased or deformed , either in bodie , or mind , whose parents are verie healthfull , and well featur'd : But yet , if you search farther , you shall find that some of their progenitors haue been affected in the like manner .

2. Her Person . 2. Touching the Nurses person ; for her age , she shall be chosen , when she is at her full growth , which is about fiue and twentie yeares of age , from which time , to the fiue and thirtieth yeare , is the age , wherein women are most temperate , healthfull , strong , and lusty : therefore one shall be chosen , that is betweene fiue and twentie , and fiue and thirtie yeares . Her Stature . Now , for her bodie , she ought to be of a middle stature , neither too big , nor too little , nor too fat , nor too leane , nor yet too grosse , hauing good fleshy armes , and legges ; and her flesh being hard and firme : she must not be deformed , neither squint-ey'd , lame , nor crump shouldred : she must be one that is healthfull , and not subiect to any disease : the complexion and colour of her bodie , must be liuely , and rosie : she must not be spotted with rednesse , A red hair'd Nurse discommended . and especially she should not haue red haire : and therefore , such as are of a browne complexion , are held to be best , whose haire is of a chest-nut colour , betweene yellow and blacke .

She must haue a pleasing countenance , Her Countenance . a bright and cleare eie , a well formed nose , neither crooked , nor of a bad smell , a ruddie mouth , and verie white teeth : She must deliuer her words well , and distinctly , without stammering : and she must haue a strong and big necke : A Nurses perfections . for thereby ( as Hippocrates saith ) may one iudge , of the strength of the bodie . She must haue a broad and large breast , garnished with two Paps of a reasonable bignesse , neither limber , nor hanging downe , but betweene hard and soft ; full of Azure veines and Arteries , not being either knottie , or swolne bigger then they should be : the nipple which is in the midst of the breasts , ought to be somewhat eminent , and withall a ruddie colour like a Strawberie , it must be of a reasonable bignesse and thicknesse , and of an easie draught , that the child may take it the better , and sucke the easier .

She must not be with child , neither should she haue her naturall purgings ; Hipp. lib. 2. Epidemiar . though Hippocrates seemes to allow the contrarie : relating the storie of a Nurse , whose bodie was full of Pustules , of which she was freed , as soone as she had her ordinary sicknesse : desiring ( as some Interpreters would haue it ) to shew , that it is not without reason , for the Nurses health , that she should haue her courses : thereby to coole and cleanse the bloud , whereof the milke is made .

3. Her Manners . 3. She ought to be of a good behauiour , sober , and not giuen either to drinking , or gluttonie , milde , without being angry , or fretfull : for there is nothing that sooner corrupts the bloud , of which the milke is made , than choller , or sadnesse : and therefore she must be merry , playing and singing to the child , dandling and vsing him gently ; and one that will not refuse to giue him the breast at any time , for feare least he crie . She must likewise be chast , not desiring after her husbands companie , and much lesse a strangers ; because carnal copulation ( as Galen saith ) troubleth the bloud , and so by consequence the milke ; also it diminisheth the quantitie thereof , by prouoking the naturall purgations ; and also makes her haue an ill smell , ( as Aristotle saith ) because they heat themselues verie much in this act : and which is worst , the Nurse thinking onely to take her sport a little , may therby prooue with child .

4. Her Mind . 4. Concerning her mind : Let her be sage , wise , discreet , that she may take care of her little one , and not lay him in any place , where he may indanger himselfe , to be either sicke , or stifled : For , there are more Nurses then should be , which are such beasts , and so carelesse ; who hauing their child sucke in the night , as they lie with them in the bed , do oftentimes fall a sleep vpon them , and so stifle them . And she must also haue discretion , to iudge somewhat neare , what her little one crieth after , it being not able otherwise to expresse what it would haue : Gal. de Sanitat . tuenda . Obseruing ( as Galen saith ) the childs disposition , that so she may giue him that , which he craues or desires , or else take away such things as shall offend him : playing with him , kissing him , dancing him gently in her armes , and singing withall : and she must likewise open him often , to lay and keep him drie and cleane .

Of the conditions which are required in good Milke .

THe choise of good Milke is , The qualitie of good Milke . that it be of a middle substance , that is to say , such as shal be neither too watrish , nor too thicke : For that which is too watrish and thin , may cause the child to haue a scowring , and besides , it yeeldeth no good nutriment : And the Milke which is too thicke , is easily crudled , and not so soone digested , and so causeth obstructions , from whence the matter of the stone is bred . As for the quantitie of Milke : Quantitie of Milke . a Nurse should rather haue too much , then too little : because when there is but little , it will be hard for the child to draw it ; when as if there be plentie , it will come the easier , and euen thrust out it selfe . Moreouer , if the child should sucke the breast drie ; then that which shall come in the roome of it , cannot be well concocted so soone : Besides , if the child should chance to haue an Ague , then would he sucke , and consume a great deale . Againe , the Nurse besides a sufficient quantitie for the nouris●ing of the child , must haue some to mil● to 〈◊〉 eyes , if he should chance to haue any i●●fe● to● there : as either heat , pimples , or itch● that so it may be cooled .

The colour of good Milke . As for the colour , it must be white , according to the common saying : ( As white as Milke ) for the Milke which is blewish , makes shew of Melancholy , as the yellow doth of Choller , and the reddish , that it is not well concocted , and signifies either that there is a weaknesse in the breasts , or else an ill qualitie of the bloud whereof it is made , which hath not been concocted and corrected by the naturall heat of the paps .

The smell . Besides , good Milke ought not to haue any strong smell , but rather a sweet sent , which smelleth neither hote , nor sower , nor yet adust , for such smels shew , that the bloud , of which it is made , is ouerheated or putride .

The tast . And concerning the Tast ; that Milke which hath a sweet sauour is much commended : as contrarywise , that which is either sharp , sower , or bitter , is to be refused , and therefore not chosen for good .

A proofe of the goodnesse of Milke in quantitie . Now the triall there of may be made in this sort ; as to know whether it be of a good substance : let the nurse milke some few drops of it , vpon a looking glasse , or other sleeke thing : and if in holding it gently aside , it flows and runs presently , and keepe not together a little , then it is a signe that the milke is watrish , and too thinne , If it stand still , and will not runne at all , then it shews that the milke is too thicke and fat : But if it runne leasurely , not staying eyther too long , or flowing too soone , vpon the said smooth body : it sheweth that the milke is of a middle substance , and ought to bee reckoned and chosen for the best .

The quantity of the milke may be knowne thus : A trial of the quantity . if there remaine some in the breast after the childe hath done sucking : and againe , if in opening the child you find him bepissed : But you must haue an eye that your nurse be none of these Cooseners ( for there be some ) that giue the child water to drinke in secret , and others , which wet the childs bed : But such Nurses deserue to be whipt , and their knauery may be easily descried , both by the eye and the sent and likewise discerned by the tast .

Now the obseruation , The choice of a Nurse by her child . which is taken from the Nurses child , for the choice of a fit Nurse , is concerning his age : For if her child be aboue seuen or eight months old , then her milke will bee too stale afterwards : and besides it would be a doubt , whether shee would haue milke enough to nurse him , that should be put vnto her .

Againe , if the childe be but fifteene daies or a moneth olde , that shews , that her milke is too new , and that it is not as yet well purified : because the mother is not wholly purged and clensed .

Auicen . So Auicen commands , that a child should not be put to sucke a Woman , till at least two moneths after her deliuery ; and at the farthest not after eight .

And because the sexe of the Nurses child must likewise bee obserued , Aegineta wisheth , that it should be rather a man child then a maid child : because the milke is hotter , better concocted ; and not so excrementitious ; And he addeth farther , that it is fit ( whether it be a boy or a wench ) that the mother haue born her burthen , the full time . For those that are commonly deliuered , before their time , for the most part are not sound , but sickly : though there be many healthfull women , which goe with their children but seuen Moneths .

How a Nurse ought to order her selfe , concerning her Dyet , and manner of life . CHAP. II.

IT is not enough that a Nurse be indowed with the conditions and qualities aforesaid : but it is very fit also that shee maintaine and preserue them : wherefore wee will set downe briefely , how , and in what manner , she ought to gouerne her selfe .

First of all therefore let her shun , and auoide all bad ayre , and all kind of ill and stinking smels : for such sents as are too strong , are naught and hurtfull for her , because they infect and ouer-heat the spirits , and bloud , whereof the milke is made : What meat a nurse must refrain from . Shee must likewise auoide all meats , that are eyther too much salted , or spiced , or of a strong tast , as Onions , Leekes , Garlicke , Mustard , and all kind of Baked Meates , and old cheese : Let her eate Veale , Mutton , Chicken , Kid , Partridge , and such like meates which are of good iuice , and of easy digestion : What meates she shall vse . and she must vse them in moderate sort , without glutting her selfe .

All sorts of fish are hurtfull for her , except it bee in small quantity : shee may eate Iacke , Sole , and Quauluer ; and if she eat no fish let her vse new laid egges .

Her meate must be rather boyled , then rosted , but yet there must be had a respect to the habitude and complexion of the child : For if hee bee very moist and flegmaticke , then the Nurse shall rather vse rostmeat : and so of other complexions .

Her bread shall be of good wheate , well made , Her Bread . light , and baked as it ought to be .

Let her put into her pottages , Lettuce , Sorrell , Her broth . Purcelaine , Borage , Buglosse , and Succory .

Shee shall refraine from all kind of raw fruits .

For her drinke , let her take Ale , or Beere ; Her drinke . A kinde of drinke which they vse in France which they call Bouchet . Aristotle . and where that cannot be had , Barley water ; or water sodden ; or else a small kind of Hydromel or meade which hath but a little Cinamon in it .

But I would rather counsaile them , to drinke Wine and Water together . Aristotle forbids wine , both to the nurse and the child , except it be ( as they say ) well christned .

Her exercise . She must vse moderate exercise , and chiefly before meales : For moderate exercise , doth strengthen the naturall heate , and consumeth all superfluities . The parts which ought to be most exercised , should be rather the vppermost , as the shoulders , and armes : because that the exercising of them , makes the bloud & spirits the sooner ascend into the breasts .

Her sleepe . For her sleepe that cannot bee either limited or prescribed : because the Nurse is oftentimes constrained to watch , when the child is eyther froward or sicke . And therefore she must take her rest when she may , whether it be in the day , or in the night , as the child will giue her leaue .

Her belly must be alwaies loose , and if it chance to be bound , shee may take a Clister . Let her vse Broths , Prunes , and Apples well sodden , that so she may keepe her selfe soluble .

She must shun all disquietnes of mind , and shee must bee merry and pleasant , neyther vexing , nor grieuing , nor too chollericke .

The care which a Nature must haue of all the parts of the childs body . CHAP. III.

THe Nurse should be chosen a month or two before the woman be deliuered , that she may alwaies haue an eye ouer her , and her child , and then as soone as the Woman shall bee brought a-bed , and that the childe hath passed through the hands of the Midwife , or keeper , and is swathed by them he shall be deliuered to the nurse to giue him sucke , and haue a care of him .

First of all , let the Nurse consider and view al the parts of the childs body , beginning at the head , obseruing whether it be well fashioned or no : that if it chance to haue any ill forme , or figure ; that then it may be mended as well as it may , which shall be done by bringing the said head vnto the forme of a boule , a little pressed and made flat on both sides : How to fashion the childs head . in such sort that neyther the forepart , nor hinder-part of the head , stand too farre out , nor yet be too flat : which shall be done with such head-cloths , as they vse commonly to weare , stroking it by little and little , without much pressing or crushing it , as some Nurses do : but onely handling it in a milde and gentle fashion .

Vpon the Mould of the head you shal lay a peece of kotton orkersey : some vse to lay a peece of scarlet .

The eares must bee cleansed : The childs eares must be cleansed . with little rags made like tents : and the Nurse must looke whether the holes be well made , that there may not remain any filth eyther within , or in the wrinkles and folds behind them . And as Rhasis saith , the eares must be a little pressed to the head , that they may not hang downe .

Let the eares also bee wrapped about with fine linnen clouts , that they may not bee ouer heated , and so sticke to the head , by the meanes of some grosse matter , or sweat which commonly is bredde there .

The eyes clensed . But aboue all , the eyes must be looked vnto and wiped with a fine linnen cloth , especially about both the corners , that if there should chance to be any filth gathered in those places , it may be taken away . Auicen puts there a little virgin oyle , because it mitigateth and taketh away the roughnesse and nitrosity which might remaine about the childs eyes , through his long swimming and lying in his owne sweat and Vrine , while he was in his mothers wombe . I haue seene in some children , that ( after they haue bene borne ) there hath runne out of the corner of the eye , many daies together thick drops of bloud , which congealed presently . There are many children likewise borne bleare ey'd , for the helping whereof , the Nurse shall vse to annoint the corners of the eyes with a little Vnguentum Tutiae , and likewise spirt a little of her milke into them .

The nose must be clensed . Now concerning the childs nose , it is fit , that it should be opened , and dilated gently , washing and cleansing it with a little warme water . The same Auicen bids , that it should bee annointed with a little Virgin Oyle , which must bee done with the top of ones finger , the nayles being pared very neer and euen . And if you chaunce to find some little membrane , or skinne , that stops vp the holes , and passage thereof , it shall be cut asunder , that there may bee a passage for the excrements of the braine .

And for as much as the head of a childe aboundeth with store of moisture , ( as Galen writeth ) which is purged and voided by the mouth , nose , and other passages : therefore it will be very fit that the Nurse haue a care to the taking of them away for feare lest by their stay , they eyther fall down vpon the lungs , or into the stomacke , For the clensing of the mouth . or else grow to be dryed , which happening the Nurse must put her finger being annointed with honey , to the bottom of the childs mouth , and rub it aboue and vnder the tongue , which shee may doe also with Sirup of Violets .

Besides shee shall looke whether the fundament bee well opened , and whether there bee any filth bred there or no : as also , whether the passage of the yard be free : and if it be a wench , Care to bee had of the fundament . whether there be any membrane , that doth stop vp the entrance : Not long since , I made a new passage in a little childe , who had the hole of his yard growne , and as it were glued together : and an other boy , which had the string of his yard so short and straight , that it made the head of it ( called Balanus ) bow downward , and seemed as though it had no passage , but as soone as I had cut the string , the yard came to the right fashion .

And concerning the membrane which somtimes stops the passage : I haue made incision of the like membrans , in three girles , and lately in the daughter of M. Iames Boyzard .

As for the armes and legges , For the arme● and legs . if they bee either crooked or stand awry , they must bee set straight with little swaths , & fit boulsters , made for the purpose : as likewise if eyther the back bone , or the belly , do stand out . But for these they must repaire vnto a Chirurgion : who must shew and instruct the Nurse how she ought to proceed herein , when she shifts the child .

Galen would haue vs , to looke to these deformities betimes , A Precept of Galen , de sanitat . tuend . because the bones ( through their softnes & tendernes ) are more easily made straight and are apter to be set in their right place & forme , then when they are growne dryer : it being then very hard to amend such errors , as the same Galen saith . Gal. de arte medica .

How the Nurse must shift the child . CHAP. IIII.

WE must not onely haue a regard , to such defects of Nature , as the child may bring with him from his mothers wombe , and cure them : but we must also looke , and haue an eye , that the Nurse , or shee that swathes , and dresseth him , doe not make him worse : and of a well fashioned child , in all the parts of his body , do not make him deformed or mishapen , and so spoile him . For in swathing the child , most commonly they bind and crush him so hard , that they make him grow crooked . Some swath all the childs body hard to make him haue a goodly necke , and to make him seeme the fatter : but this crushing makes his brest and the ribs which are fastned to the back-bone , to stand out ; so that they are bended , and draw the Vertebrae to them , which makes the backe bone , to bend and giue out eyther inwardly , or outwardly , or else on the one side : and that causeth the childe to be eyther crump-shouldred , or crooked brested , or else to haue one of his shoulders stand farther out then the other , some also bind the hips so hard that they become very smal , and that hinders them from growing and waxing big . Which doth much harme , especially to maids , Inconuenience of hard swathing the hips . who should haue large hips , that when they come to age , they may bring foorth goodly children .

Galen hath obserued , Gal. decaus . morber . that the too straight and hard binding or crushing of the hams , and legges of little children , when they are swathed , doth make them grow crooked legged and they will remaine , as the Latines call it Vari or Valgi ; going either inward or outward with their knees . This imperfection may also happen through the Nurses fault , by carrying the childe alwaies vpon one arme , and the same side : and by holding the childs knees hard towards her , making them stand like a bow : For the preuenting of which mischances , the Nurses shall carry their children , sometimes on the right side , and sometimes on the left . And they must likewise swath them , but loosely , stretching downe their armes , all along their sides , without binding or crushing them hard together .

Of the childs cradle , and how it is to be placed ; and also how the child ought to be laide when he goes to sleepe . CHAP. V.

WHen the child shall bee thus dressed , and swathed , it will then be fit to let him sleepe and take some rest , for which purpose he must be laid in his cradle : fitted with a little mattresse , which shall be laid deepe to the bottome , that the sides of the cradle may be a great deale aboue the mattresse ; that so the childe may as it were sinke downe in his cradle for feare least he fall out of it . Then vpon the Mattresse shal be laid a pillow , How to order the Cradle . that is somwhat soft , to lay the childe vpon , letting him lye the first month vpon his backe : but afterwards when hee is waxed a little bigger let him lye sometimes on his right side , How to lay the child . and sometimes on the left , hauing his head a little raised vp , that the excrements of his braine may the more easily flow and passe through the emunctoryes thereof : And hee must bee bound and tyed in with strings , least in rocking him , he fall out of his Cradle . At the head of the Cradle let there bee a little Arch made of wood , or Ozier to lay a couerlet ouer it , thereby to keepe away the wind , and that no dust fall vpon him . But it would be more conuenient ( for those that can fitly haue it ) to set the Cradle within a little bed , the Curteynes drawne round about it .

Now , The place where the Cradle shall be set . concerning the place where the Cradle must stand , it will be verie fit , that it be in a chamber that is neither too light , nor to darke , nor too hote , nor too cold : For if it be too light , it spends the spirits of the sight , and hindreth the child from sleeping : if it be too darke , it makes him desire the light , and causes him to be melancholike : if it be too hote , it will stifle him , & make him apt to catch cold , when he comes into the aire : if it be too cold , it brings him to a murre , or stopping in the head : and therefore it will be best to keep a meane in all of them : And especially you must haue a care , that the Cradle , and bed , stand not neare the dore , chimney , or windowes , that the light do not draw the childs sight awrie , and so make him prooue to be squint-ey'd : and therefore the fire , or the candle must be set right against his eyes : For if they were on either side , the glimpse will make the child turne and role his eye aside , to follow the light , and so the vse and motion , which the Muscles would get therby , may make him either squint or goggle-ey'd .

Oftentimes the child cannot sleep after he is laid downe , and therefore he must be gently rock'd , to inuite him thereto , and not hastily or too fast , for feare of making the milke flote in his stomackes ; and his Nurse shall sing by him , because singing prouokes sleepe , and keepes him from crying .

Till the childe be two yeere old , he may sleepe at all times whensoeuer he will , yea he may fall asleepe at his mothers teat as hee is sucking : and if you would obserue the space of time for sleeping which the Ancients did , it must be thus : Till the childe be three or foure yeeres old , let him sleepe more then wake . But according to Galen , he ought heerein not to exceed mediocritie , otherwise it is dangerous : for long sleeping cooleth and moistneth the braine , and there retaines superfluities . And Auicen saith , that it doth be-numme and besot the childs senses , and makes him dull and lumpish .

When the Mother her selfe , or the Nurse , ought to giue the child sucke , and how , and how much . CHAP. VI.

IT is verie fit that either the Mother , or some other Nurse for her , do giue the child sucke after he is borne : if it be the Mother her selfe , it must not be at the soonest , vntill eight daies after her deliuerie : Some also are of opinion , that the mother her selfe , should not giue her child sucke in the month , by reason she hath been troubled and tir'd in her lying in : and because she is not as yet , well cleans'd and purified of her after-purgings , which commonly last a moneth , as Hippocrates saith : In which space she shall let little prettie whelpes sucke her breasts , to make her milke come the better , and that it goe not away .

Some women do make their keepers draw their breasts , and others draw them with glasses themselues : Besides , Auicen commands , that a woman should not giue her child sucke , vntill she be well recouer'd . Now , you know that some are well sooner , and some later , and so there can be no time limited or prescribed : But aboue all it must be obserued , ( as the same Authour saith ) that the Nurse do not giue the child sucke , after she is risen , before she hath milked foorth some of her milke : And likewise , she shall not giue him the breast , if by chance she hath ouer heated her selfe , either by some exercise , or else with going , till first she be come into a good temper , and well cool'd .

Now , in giuing him sucke , The manner how to giue the child sucke . she shall obserue this order : She must sometimes spirt some of her milke , either vpon the childs lips , or else into his mouth ; and when he hath left the nipple , she must crush her breast a little , that he may draw and sucke with lesse labour , and she must be carefull , that he swallow not downe too much at a time , and that the milke come not out againe at the nose : Besides , she must sometimes take away the teat , and giue it him againe , that he sucke not too much at once , and too greedily .

It is verie hard to set downe , What quantitie of milke the child may sucke . the quantitie of milke that a child should take ; But therein the nurse must haue a respect to the age , complexion , temper , and to the desire which the child hath to sucke , increasing it , as the child groweth , or according as he is thirstie , either through some sicknesse , or when his teeth come foorth : for at those times he is more drie , then otherwise . Now to know how often the child should sucke in a day : Paulus Aegineta appoints , that it should be twise a day , or thrise at the most : which he meaneth for the first foure , or fiue daies , that he may be acquainted therewith by little and little , and also because there is then no great need . I haue seen children that haue not sucked in two or three daies , after they were borne ; for they know not then , whether they are yet in their Mothers belly , or no : where they suck'd not at all ; Hippocrat . lib. de princip . although that Hippocrates saith , that the child receiues some nourishment by the mouth , while he is in his Mothers belly . It can neither be told nor limitted how often he ought to sucke in a day ; because it is fit he should haue the teat , as often as he crieth : yet let it be but a little at a time , because the stomacke at first is but weake . And if he wrangles but a little , it will be best to still him , either with rocking , or singing : And though he be not quieted , or stilled , a little crying can doe him no great harme , but rather may serue for some good vse : For it makes him runne at Nose , shed teares , and spit : it purgeth his braine , yea , and stirreth vp his naturall heat , and also dilates the passages of the breast . But if he cry too violently , and eagerly , it may do him much harm , and cause him to be bursten , or breake some vessell in his breast , or else bring the head-ach .

How the child must be made cleane , after he is awake and vnswathed . CHAP. VII .

AFter the Child hath well suck'd , and slept , the Nurse must shift him , and make him cleane : For which purpose the Nurse , or some other , must sit neere the fire , laying out her legges at length , hauing a soft pillow in her lap , the dores and windowes being close shut , and hauing something about her , that may keep the wind from the child . And when she is thus accommodated , she shall vnswath and shift him drie . If he be verie foule , she may wash him with a little water and wine luke warme , with a spunge or linnen cloth .

The time of shifting him is commonly about seuen a clocke in the morning , then againe at noone , and at seuen a clocke at night : and it would not be amisse , to change him againe about midnight ; which is not commonly done . But because there is no certaine howre , either of the childs sucking , or sleeping : therefore diuers , after he hath slept a good while , do euery time shift him : least he should foule and bepisse himselfe . And surely there be many children , that had need to be shifted , as soone as they haue foul'd themselues : which I would counsaile you to doe , and not to let them lie in their filth .

When you change his bed , you shall rub all his bodie ouer , with an indifferent fine linnen cloth : and then his head must be rub'd , and made cleane : and when he is foure or fiue moneth old , his head may be cleans'd with a fine brush : and when he is growen bigger , let it be comb'd .

What cloths and coats the child must haue , and at what time . CHAP. VIII .

AS soone as the childe is somewhat growne , and that hee cannot well keepe his hands swathed in , and hid any longer , ( which is commonly about the twentieth or thirtieth day , according as he is in strength ) then must hee haue little sleeues , that hauing his armes and hands at liberty , hee may vse and stirre them : and then the Nurse shall begin to carry him abroad , so that it be faire weather , to sport and exercise him , not carrying him out into the raine , or into the hot sunne , nor when there is any rough wind .

And therfore he must be kept in the shade auoiding all ill ayres , as of sinkes and the like : And if he should chance to bee frighted with any thing , the Nurse shal endeuor to take away the apprehension thereof , and harten him , without making him afraid . I haue seen some children , that with a fright , haue fallen into the Epilepsye or falling sicknes , the Physitions not being able to giue any other reason thereof , but onely the feare he had taken .

If by chance he doth cry and weepe , then shall you endeuour by all meanes to still him , and not let him cry , obseruing diligently what it is he cries for , and what may be the cause thereof : that as Galen saith , he may haue that he desireth , or else be ridde of that which offends and troubleth him .

But the same Author saith , Gal. de Sanit . tuenda . that children generally are stilled and quieted by three meanes : by giuing them the breast , by rocking , and by singing to them : They may be also stilled by giuing them something to holde in their hand , or by making them looke vpon somwhat that pleaseth them , as also by carrying them abroad .

About the eighth , or ninth month , or at farthest when the child is a yeare old , he must haue coates , and not be kept swathed any longer . And if it bee Sommer , he must be coated sooner because of the heate , which makes the body oftentimes , to be full of wheales and pimples . And some may haue coats sooner , according as their strength will suffer it ; of which an especiall care must be had . And chiefly the Nurse must let him haue a hat , that may be easie and large enough , which may couer all the forepart of the head , without beeing curious ( as they say commonly ) to make him haue a goodly high forhead .

At what age the child may take other sustenance beside Milke . CHAP. IX .

THe childe must bee nourished with milk only , Gal. lib. 1. de sanitate tuenda till his foreteeth be come forth both aboue , and beneath : as Galen writeth : for beeing nothing else yet but as it were milke it is very fit and probable that hee should bee nourished with no other foode : The childs foode . Besides the teeth are chiefly ordained by nature , onely to chaw : and therefore when he hath none , he ought not to be fed with any solide meat . But as soone as they are come forth it sheweth that Nature hath giuen him those instruments , to make vse of them : and therefore hee may then take more solide meate , if you thinke he can digest it . For to giue him any other nourishment , then milke or dish-meate , before hee haue teeth , it might breede great store of crude humors , and winds , which oftentimes ( as Auicen saith ) doe cause the child to haue bunches , or contusions , about his backe bone , . and ribs . Neuerthelesse , though his teeth bee come , yet must you not giue him meat , that is too solide , or in too great quantitie : but at the beginning , you may giue him sops of bread , or Panado , or Gruell : afterward he may suck the leg of a Chicken , the greatest part of the flesh being taken away , that he may the better pull , and gnaw it , and this is but once or twice a day , & that too , when he is almost ready to be weaned ( as Rhasis saith . ) And this also doth serue to whet and rub his gummes which about that time begin to itch . And when hee is fifteene moneths olde , or a little more , then may you giue him the flesh of a Capon , or of Partridge minced and mingled with some broth , made either of Veale , Mutton , or Chicken , adding thereto some sops of bread . For the Ancient writers forbid , that wee should giue them any store of meate , before they are two yeares old : because they are not able to chaw , and digest it , and also for that they haue not so much neede of nourishment ; And therefore you must stay till you haue weaned him , before you feede him more plentifully .

When the child ought to he weaned . CHAP. X.

IT is a very hard thing to set downe a certaine time , when a child ought to be weaned ; Notwithstanding if we wil beleeue Paulus Aegineta , and Auicen , he must be weaned , when he is two yeares old , and hath all his teeth come foorth . Now in some they come foorth sooner , and in others later : and to weane him before they are come foorth , might be an occasion , to make him haue many diseases .

Wherefore to know certainely when a childe should be weaned , and that he should wholy feed vpon other meat , it must first be obserued , whether he take his meat well ; and if hee be able to chaw it thoroughly : whether he be sickly or else strong and lusty .

Concerning the time and season of the yeare it must be when the wether is neither too hot , nor too cold : and therfore the fittest time will be the spring or in Autumn . But somtimes there is necessity to wean him at another time , yea & before two yeares , by reason that his nurse may chance to bee sickly , and that he being come to some knowledge will not sucke another . It may also happen that the child is to be weaned before he be two yeares , old for that the milke ( although otherwise it bee good ) doth curdle and grow sower in his stomacke , which requireth stronger meate .

Now to weane a childe well , let them obserue this methode following : First the teat shall not be wholy taken from him , but hee shall sucke a little , and eate a little meate ; and so continue for a few daies : then afterwards hee shall not sucke in the day time , though in the night , they may giue him a little . Neuerthelesse , it will be very fit in the morning , when he is awake and hath been shifted and dressed , to giue him sucke a little , and then to let him stay two or three houres before hee take any thing , afterward to giue him somwhat to dinner , as some pottage , or panade , with a little flesh minced , or cut very small , and then let him stay two houres without giuing him any thing , at which time you may giue him a little sucke , and lay him to sleepe : And when hee is wakened and hath beene made cleane , then the Nurse shall carry him abroad into the aire , if it be faire wether , and giue him sucke , and then lay him to sleepe againe , without letting him eate any solide meate , or very little . At his dinner they shal giue him to drinke a little boyled water : and this order shall bee kept a whole moneth , That is in France , where they haue not Ale or beere . and when hee shall bee accustomed to eate solide meate then the teate shall bee quite taken from him .

It happens oftentimes that the child will not forsake the breasts , but still cryeth and is very eager after it , and then you must make him loath it , annointing the Nurses breast with Mustard , or else rubbing the top of the nipple with a little Aloes , and likewise make him ashamed of it .

Of the diseases which happen to a child . CHAP. XI .

HItherto we haue shewed what manner of Woman a Nurse ought to be , and how she should Nurse and giue her child sucke , it now resteth that wee speake of some diseases , which happen vnto children in their first age , which is from their birth , to the seuenth month , in which time , they commonly haue their first teeth , then afterwards those which happen in their second age which is from the seuenth month , to the end of two yeares , at which time they commonly are weaned , and their teeth are almost quite come foorth : leauing the third age , which is from two yeares , to seuen : and the fourth also , which is reckoned from seuen years to fourteene .

Hippocr . lib. 3. aphoris . 24. Hippocrates hath obserued in his Aphorismes , that children , when they are young , are subiect to these diseases : to a sorenes of the mouth , with little whelks which doe rise theron , and vpon the tongue called by him Aphthae , to vomiting , the Cough , watchings , or forsaking of sleepe , inflammation of the Nauell , Lib. 3. aph. 25. and moisture of the eares . And in their second age ( which is when their teeth begin to come ) they are troubled with itching of the gums and chiefely when the dog teeth come foorth , and those are most troubled therewithall , which are more fat , and fleshy , and which are bound in their belly . But because there are many other diseases that they are subiect vnto , whether it be that they bring them from their mothers wombe , with them , or that they happen to them afterwards : therefore I will briefly speak of them all , beginning first with those that doe most trouble them .

How some diseases may happen vnto little Children in comming foorth of their mothers wombe . CHAP. XII .

THere be diuers accidents which happen vnto little children , and at their time of comming into the world . Some receiuing bruises , and hurts , either in the head or other parts of their body , through striuing and straining in the deliuery ; as Aches , or breaking of an arme , leg , or thigh : which I haue often seene in a difficult trauaile . The latter must be helped by setting the bones againe in their right place , whether it bee that they were out of ioint , or else broken , and then bind them , and keepe them so till they be well grown together , and haue taken firme hold .

As for hurts and bruises , they must bee bathed with some fomentation , made of Roses , Melilot , & Chamomil flowers , and then annointed with Saint Iohns Wort and Roses , mingled together .

Mad. Maheu was deliuered of a childe so bruised and torne , that euery one iudged him to bee dead , hee was so blacke : whom I dressed and looked vnto , & with the foresaid medicine I healed him perfectly . But the worst is , when there happeneth any hurt about the childs head , by meanes whereof , there comes some great swelling tumor , full of bloud , which may be taken improperly for the Hydrocephalo . If it be but small , then it may bee resolued with the former fomentation and liniment and some plasters of Diacalciteos , and Diachilon Ireatum mingled together . But if the swelling be much and big , then must we not think to heale it by resolution , as Master Pietrae , & I my selfe saw a Chirurgion , who was very confident , and did assure himselfe , to make it resolue only with new waxe spread and laid vpon it . But in the end we were constrained to launce the humor , and in few daies , it was perfectly healed vnder my hands .

Of the greatnesse and swelling of the head which happens to little Children . CHAP. XIII .

IT chaunceth oftentimes , that the childs head after he is born , is bigger then naturally it ought to bee , an accident which is very dangerous , and hard to be cured : whereof there bee three kinds .

The first is called of the Greekes , Macrocephalos , which is , when the head is bigger then naturally it should be : and yet this comes naturally , as when the bones of the head bee large , and of great compasse containing great store of brayne , and proportioned to the compasse and circuit of them , there being neither winde , nor waters , nor any other humors , that are the cause thereof . Nature hauing thus proportioned it : and it is so heauy and vnwildy , that the child cannot hold it vpright , his necke beeing constrained to bow vnder it , with the very waight , so that it had neede to bee prop't vp with some thing or other : Now there is contrary to this another which is called Microcephalos that is a little head , such a one had Thersites the Grecian and one Triboulet who was a French man . Both these accidents are very hard to bee cured , yea almost impossible .

The second kind is called Hydrocephalos , which is , when the head becomes big , by reason of some waters therein contained . Of the which there are diuers sorts : for either the waters are contained betweene the skin , and the Pericraneum ; or betwixt the Pericraneum and the bone ; or betweene the bone and the membranes , called Dura mater , and Pia mater : Some of them are particular , and possesse but onely one part of the head ; others are generall and affect it wholy .

Some of them haue their spring and beginning , The Cause . euen from the Mothers wombe : which hapneth when the Mother , while shee was with childe , through an ill Diet , gathered store of crudities and raw humours , whereof there is bred a watrish and flegmatike bloud , with the which the child being fed , and not being able to digest , or consume it , much lesse to euacuate and void it by the passages appointed by nature , the watrish matter gathers it selfe together in the head .

It may also proceed from the child , being not well purg'd of the superfluities which are gathered in his braine , and diffused ouer all the head , or part thereof : whereunto we may adde the ill nourishment which the child receiueth from his Nurse , whose milke is either serous and watrish , or ouer-heated , which causeth diuers vapours , to ascend vp into the braine , which are there conuerted into watrish humors .

The third kind is called Phisocephalos , when there chanceth to be a wind , which runneth betweene the skin of the head , and the bone ; and also betweene the skull , and dura mater ; which causeth the head to be so swolne , and puft vp , ( as Auicen saith ) that there haue been diuers children which haue dyed of it ; the bones of the head being verie much thrust outward , which is verie painfull : And certainly , there is nothing that causeth greater distention , or more paine , then when there is some wind inclosed , in what part soeuer it be of the bodie .

The watrie swelling hath almost the like causes , by reason of some watrish matter , that is bred in the braine , which through the weaknesse of the naturall heat , cannot well be dispersed , and so it is turned into wind : or else through some vapours , which arise from the neather parts , which do also distend , and stretch out the parts of the head .

They are all of them different one from another : for the Macrocephalos , or great headed , yeelds not any impression when it is crush'd , because it is the bones which make it so big and swolne : but in the watrish swelling , the finger enters easily , and leaues an impression as an O Edema doth : But if you presse the windy swelling , it leaues no marke , or print , but presently it riseth vp againe like a foot-ball .

Now , to know whether the water be contained betwixt the bones of the head , and the membranes of the braine : it may easilie be discerned by the paine , and by the accidents : as if there happen any Vertigo , or Epilepsy , to the child , and that he sleep , little , or not at all ; as also his continuall crying doth witnesse it .

The Cure of the windie swelling shall be performed , The cure of Phisocephalos . by appointing the Nurse to keep a good Diet , vsing meates that shall neither breed wind , nor crudities .

Concerning outward medicines , Outward medicines . it is good to vse Fomentations : for such kind of medicines surely may do him verie much good , if the wind be contain'd between the skin , and the Pericraneum , or betwixt the Pericraneum , and the skull . But if the said wind be inclosed betweene the skull , and dura mater , it will be a verie difficult disease to be cured , ( except the wind be but in small quantitie . ) The Fomentation is this .

A Fomentation . ℞ . Fol. Salu. Betonic . Agrimon . Calaminth . Origan . an . m. j. sem. Anis . Foenicul . an . ʒ ij . flor. Chamoemel . Melilot . Rosar . rubr . an . m. j. Coquantur in aqua communi , addendo Vini parum , fiat fotus .

And with this Fomentation warme , you shall bath all his head with fine spunges : and then applie this Plaster afterwards .

An Emplaster . ℞ . Ol. Aneth . Amygdal . amar. an . ℥ j. Ol. Chamaemel . ℥ j. ss. Baccar . Lauri , Iuniper . an . ʒ ij . sem. Anis . Foenicul . an . ʒ j. ss. Vini alb. lib. j. Bulliant omnia simul ad vini consumpt . passaturae adde Terebinth . Venet. ℥ ss. Ceraeq . s. vt inde fiat Emplastrum , extendatur portio , & admoueatur capiti .

Hydrocephalos . As for the watrish swelling , according to the quantitie , and qualitie of the humour that makes it , and the place where in the said humour is contained , it will be either easie or hard to be cured : for if the humour be thin , and in small quantitie , and that it be contained betweene the skin , and the Pericraneum , or else betweene the Pericraneum , and the skull , or betweene the membranes of the skull ; then Auicen makes a doubt , Auicen . whether it can be cured .

But if it be curable , the best way will be to vse the Fomentations and Plasters following : which haue power to digest , and drie vp the said watrishnesse .

A Fomentation . ℞ . Fol. Absinth . Puleg . Serpil . Betonic . an . m. j. Rosar . rub . flor. Stoechad . an . pug. j. Nucum cupress . Balaustior . Irid. florent . an . ʒ ij . Coquantur perfectè in lixiuio ciner . sarment . & caulium , fiat fotus cumspongia .

After the Fomentation , shall be applied this emplaster .

An Emplaster . ℞ . Pul. Betonic . Salui . Absinth . an . ʒ ij . Ol. Chamaem . Rosar . an . ℥ ij . vng. comitiss . ℥ j. Cerae q. s. fiat emplastrum .

You must likewise applie the Magistrall emplaster de Bettonica . Some take Snayles , shels and all , and beat them , putting vnto them a little powder of Bettonie , and of the rootes of Ireos .

And if these medicines profit not , as indeed it is verie hard they should : then must you determine to open it .

The ancient Writers , as Rhasis , makes no question to applie thereto some gentle Cautery ; others do rather counsaile , that it should be open'd with a launcet : For mine owne part , I haue practiz'd both waies , without any ill accident , when that the waters haue been contained betweene the skin , and the Pericranium , or betweene the Pericranium and the skull : But to say the truth , when the waters is betweene the bones , and the membranes of the braine ; though my selfe I haue been verie carefull in dressing of it : and not long since , being ioined with Mons. Pietre , a sworne Chirurgion of Paris ; yet the successe hath not been according as we desir'd ; And therefore , the cure of it must not be taken in hand , but with foretelling of the danger .

Other imperfections , that accompanie the Child , when he is borne : as excrescences of flesh , the roofe of the mouth cleft , a hare lip , and supernumerarie fingers . CHAP. XIIII .

WEe see many times , that the Child brings with him into the world diuers other imperfections , and effects : As I saw a child of one Peter Ferot , who had a little piece of flesh , which hung in the middle of his chin , like vnto a little sausage , of the bignesse of a quill , and halfe as long : and I tyed it about with a thread , and cured it quickly . I did the like also another time , being accompanied with Mons. Portall , to a sonne of Mons. de Saint Gille , who had as it were a little cherrie hanging at the end of his eare .

I haue seen three little children newly borne , ( and among the rest , The roofe of the mouth cleft . I saw one , being with Mons. Hautin of Paris , ordinarie Physicion to the King , who was the sonne of Mons. de Cheary : ) all these three children had the roofe of their mouth cleft and diuided , euen to the bottome of the Nose : by meanes whereof they could not sucke : because it is necessarie for one that will sucke well , to haue the aire closed in the mouth , and not to be dissipated and lost : which a child that hath a cleft pallet , cannot do : because the aire doth spread it selfe abroad , and gets out by the pallet ot the mouth and the nose . Neuerthelesse , I haue seen little children , that haue been nourish'd by a sucking bottle , the space of two or three moneths : but at length they haue died : because the milke ran out by the nose , it being a verie hard thing , to make an artificiall pallet , that should keep it from going foorth : Neuerthelesse , I would counsaile the Chirurgion to make one , and to fit it with a little spunge tyed to it , which shall be put handsomely into the said cleft with the pallet : and it must be put in when the child would sucke , and then taken out againe when he hath done . And this haue I practized with good successe .

The hare lip . The clouen Lip , called a hare lip , doth often happen vnto children : but the chiefest point is , to know whether it should be cured betimes , or else stay longer before it be taken in hand . I was once present at a Consultation , for a great Lords sonne , who was brought hither from beyond the Sea , for me to take him in hand , and cure him : Sixe Physicions and Chirurgions were of opinion , that the cure should be defer'd longer , ( because the child was not aboue foure or fiue moneths old . ) Notwithstanding , it was put in practize contrarie to their opinion , but the childs life was indangered thereby : And to say the truth , it is fitter to prolong and defer the practize of it , vntill the child haue some more discretion : for otherwise there is danger , least the points of the needles be broken , either by the childs crying , or sucking , or else in rubbing himselfe : A hystoric . as I haue knowen it happen vnto some , their flesh being verie soft and tender : Besides , the operation is hard to be done , by reason of the childs impatience , hauing no discretion , or knowledge , ( the which hapned to the foresaid Lord : ) And also , for that it growes not a whit the worse , for the deferring it , till the child haue more vnderstanding and iudgement .

If the child should haue a finger , or a toe , Extraordinarie number of fingers . aboue the ordinarie number , as there be some which haue sixe , whether it be in the hand , or on the feet : this deformitie hapning , I thinke it best , that it be taken away , as soone as the child is growen any thing big : Which I haue done , A storie . to an honest Gentle-womans sonne , who had two thumbes , which came vnto him , as his Mother told me , by marking and beholding earnestly her Vintager , who had two thumbes , as he told money into her hand when she reckoned with him , whereat she tooke an exceeding pleasure , and delight , to see him wagge the said thumbes , in that manner .

Of the diseases which happen in the Eies , Eares , and Nose , of little Children . CHAP. XV.

MOST commonly little Children , when they are newly borne , are subiect to diuers diseases , which chaunce in their eies , eares , nose , mouth Nauell , and other parts of their bodies , as we will shew heereafter in briefe .

Of the diseases of the eies . Concerning those that happen in their eies ; I referre the young Chirurgion to my booke of the diseases of the eies , which I wrote on that subiect . But because , that for the most part they are troubled with watering , and bloud-shot eies , it will not bee amisse in this case , that the Nurse sprinkle him some of her milke , to make him open his eies , and take away the gumme that holdeth them together . She may likewise wash them with a little rose water , and Plantaine water warm'd , and shall annoint the lids and corners of his eies , morning and euening with a little Vnguentum Tutiae well made & prepared ; for this ointment hath power through his oylines , to keepe the eyelids from sticking and gluing together , to strengthen them and take away any inflammation that may happen there .

Oftentimes the Nose of little Children is so stopped with filth and matter which is dryed , Of the nose . that they can scarcely fetch breath thereby . This accident doth much trouble them , especially when they sucke , and it makes them oftentimes swallow their spittle , and breath with paine : when this chanceth , the Nurse must moisten the inside of the nose , with fine soft linnen tents , rubd ouer with some Vnguentum Rosatum , or Pomatum , or for want of these , she shall take a little of the seething of the pot , and make him snift it vp into his nose ( if he haue discretion to do it . )

Likewise the eares of little children do commonly runne as well within as without , Of the eares . which happeneth because naturally their braine is very moist , and besides there arise many vapors from the entrailes into the head , which fills their braine with moisture , and that runne and flows by the eares : and therefore the Nurse must haue a care to keepe cleane the childs eares , as well within as without , and behind them : dropping into them gently now and then , two or three drops of oile of bitter Almonds , with a little Honey of Roses , a little warm'd . And if there be any fretting or excoriation behind and about the eares : then the nurse shal lay on them handsomely , fine linnen plasters , handsomely , fine little plasters , made with an ointment composed of white waxe , and oyle of Nuts .

Towards the hinder part of the eares , about the bottome of them , there happens oftentimes swellings which the Ancients call Parotides , and the French Orillons : when these happen , they must bee rub'd with oyle of sweet Almonds , laying vppon it a little quilt made of carden cotten , or fatty wooll basted betweene fine linnen clothes .

And the better to resolue the said swelling you may adde to it a little oyle of Chamomile , and Lillies . If these swellings come to suppuration , they must be dressed as other impostumes be , not vsing thereto any repercussiue medicines .

Of the soares and vlcers , which happen in the childs mouth , called Aphthae . CHAP. XVI .

MOst commonly in the mouths of children , there arise little pustules and vlcers which possesse not only the sides of the mouth , the tongue , and the gums , but euen the very almonds , & pallet , of the mouth , and they were called of the Ancients Aphthae . Of these vlcers there bee some that are malignant and creeping , Aphthae , or the vlcers of the mouth . which spread abroad as the Herpes doth : and according to the malignity of the humor , which breeds them , they are eyther the easier , or harder to be cured : those which come of some salt flegme , & which are neither deepe , nor painfull , nor of an ill colour , nor placed at the bottome of the throat . But are onely about the gums , the tongue , and the sides of the mouth , which neyther grow bigger , nor spread farther , they are easie to be healed . But those which creep farther , & are very painful , blackish , and which possesse the bottome of the throat , hauing an Ague ioyned with them , they ( as Hippocrates saith ) are malignant , and hard to be cured . I haue seene some , that for all the care and diligence that could be vsed to them , haue fallen into a Gangrene . Which hath happened to diuers and of late , to a Cutlers child , who was looked vnto by Mons. Habigot a Master Barber Chirurgion of Paris , although hee had sought and vsed all the meanes , both skilfully and faithfully , that Art could require .

For the helping of them that are curable , it is fit , that the Nurse keepe a good dyet , let the vlcers be gently rubbed a little with Hony of Roses , and syrup of Violets : But if they will not yeeld to this , then the Chirurgion shall touch them with a little Aqua fortis , but to euery drop of the said water , he must adde twelue of Plantaine water , according as he would haue it to be in strength : A Gargarism for the vlcers of the mouth . then with a little clout tyed to the end of a sticke , the vlcers shall be touched gently . They may also vse this Gargarisme .

The vlcers must be dried vp ℞ . Hord. integ . Pug. j. Agrimon . Plantag. Rosar . rub . an . m. j. Coquantur perfect . in aqua commuri . in colat . ad ℥ vj. dissolue Mellis Rosat . ℥ i s. Piamor . ℥ s. Alumni . ʒ s. fiat gargarismus , vtatur vt dixi .

After they haue vsed this Gargarisine a while , let there be added to it , of Berberis , flowers of pomgranats , and a little of the iuice of the said pomgranates . For the vlcers of the mouth require medicines to dry them vp , which do their operation speedily . An experiment of the Author But if you perceiue that they spread or creep farther abroad , vse this medicine , which I my selfe vse very often , and find it to be very singular good ; which is to take halfe an ounce of Rosewater , or Plantaine water , adding thereto halfe a dragme of oyle of Vitroil , and to touch the sores with it .

And this medicine did neuer deceiue mee : but the Chirurgion ought to tast it first with his tongue to see that it be neither too strong nor too sharpe .

Of the Inflammation , swelling , and superfluous flesh , which happens in the Gums called Paroulis , and Epoules . CHAP. XVII .

IT is seene oftentimes , that the gummes of little Children are swolne , and inflammed , though their teeth bee not ready to come foorth : which accident the Ancients called Paroulis and Epoulis .

The Paroulis , is a little swelling red and angry , which is either bred of a cholericke , hot , and adust bloud ; or else of some sharp and salt flegme , which falleth out of the brain vpon the gums . It may proceede also , from some vapor , that riseth out of the stomacke ; which causeth not onely the gums to be swolne and inflammed , but oftentimes the iaw , the cheeke and the necke , to be also affected with it , bringing also with it an Ague and paine : The Cure . which is the occasion that these tumors doe often suppurate : and chiefly when there is any grosse bloud mingled therewithall , otherwise it will resolue and be digested well enough .

For the Cure of it you must vse at the beginning gentle Lotions , and Gargarismes , A Gargarism . that are cooling and not much repelling , adding thereto towards the end , some things that may resolue . You may vse this Gargarisme .

℞ . Hord. integ . m. j. Plantag. Portulac . Acetos . Agrimon . an . m. i. Flor. violar . p. i. fiat decoctio . in colatura ad ℥ vj. dissolue syr. violac . ℥ j. syrup . è Rosis siccis ℥ s. fiat Gargarisma .

Herewith shall you cause the child to wash and Gargarise his mouth , if he be able : if not , then you must often rub his gummes therewith . Or else you shall annoint his gummes with the Mucilage of Psyllium and Quince seeds , A medicine for the necke and iawes . drawne with Rose and Plantaine water , adding thereto a little syrup of Iuiubes .

If the iaw bone , cheekes , and necke be inflamed , the Ancients counsaile vs to rub them with a little oyle of Roses warmed , adding thereto some iuice of Nightshade , Mesues Ointment of Roses is also very good for it .

If the child bee any thing big , let him take this drinke .

℞ . Rasur . Eboris in nodulo inclus . ʒ ij . sem. Portulac . ℥ ss. fiat decoctio ad lb. ij . in colatura dissol . syr. Granat . è Limonibus . an . ℥ j. vtatur .

If the tumor cannot bee resolued , but rather grows to suppuration , then you shall make him a Gargarisme with Figs , Raisings , Iuiubes , Licorise , and french barley , well boyled . Let him hold in his mouth a little warm milke : and sometimes lay halfe a fat figge hot to the gummes .

When it is come to suppuration , the tumor shal be lanced , yet sometimes it breakes of it selfe ; then let it be mundified with Mil Rosatum , syrup of dry Roses , or Cherries , or the like .

As for the Epoulis , it is a little excrescence of flesh , rising like a blister vpon the gums , and most commonly betwixt the teeth , but chiefly among the hindermost , sometimes it is painfull and causeth an Ague . The cause therof , is almost the same as we haue said of the Paroulis .

For the cure , at the beginning , you must vse some such Gargarisme as followeth , because it is needfull to vse more astringent medicines in this , then in the Paroulis .

A Drinke . A Gargarism for the Epoulis . ℞ . Rad. Buglos . ℥ is . Plantag. Agrimon . an . m. i. Hord. integ . p. i. Rosar . Rub. m. s. Balaustior . ʒ ij . Dactilos . n. iiij . glycyrrhiz . ʒ is . fiat decoctio in Colatura dissolue syrup . Granator . è Rosis siccis an . ℥ i. fiat Gargarismus .

After they haue vsed this , let them touch the part often with the medicine following .

℞ . Succi Granator . Cydonior . an . ℥ s. succi . Berber . Portulac . an . ʒ ij . cum tantillo decoctionis lentium & Rosarum Rubrarum , fiat Medicamentum .

This medicine hath power to bind and strengthen the part , and to make the tumor resolue .

Oftentimes the said Epoulis groweth so big , that we are constrained to tye it , not being able , eyther to resolue it : or bring it to suppuration . Some of them also are of an ill , & malignant quality which must not bee touched or medled with but with great discretion .

Of the two strings or ligaments that a child hath vnder his tongue . CHAP. XVIII .

IN Children that are newly borne there are commonlie found two strings : the one comes from the bottome of the tongue , and reacheth to the very tip and end therof . This string is very slender and soft , and it hindreth the childe from putting it out at length , and from taking the nipple ( as they say ) that he cannot sucke well . This string must be cut with a sizzer within a few daies after he is borne : and then the nurse must thrust her finger vnder the childs tongue , and lay there at the first a little chaw'd salt to keepe it from growing together againe .

There is also another string , which is both harder bigger , and more firme , then the former : which begins at the root of the tongue , and stretcheth it selfe almost through the middle thereof , the which string is oftentimes so short , that it hinders the child from stretching it , and putting it foorth of his mouth , and also from turning and wagging it , therby to bring backe the meat hee hath chaw'd , that hee may swallow it . This may easily be perceiued , for if you bid the childe to put out his tongue hee cannot doe it ; for when he goes about to doe it , it binds and folds double in his mouth , hee not being able to make it come farther then his lips : which much hindereth him in his speech , and in the deliuery of his words , making him commonly to stammer .

How to cut the string of the tongue . The cure of this is onely to bee done by the Chirurgian , and that after two manners : the first is thus : you must cause the childes tongue to bee lifted vp , and held stiffe on both sides , as well by your owne finger , as by some others , which shall hold the other side of the tongue , to keepe it stiffe , and then let the string be cut with a sharpe instrument , thrusting in the point , as deepe as shall be fit .

Another way The second way also is , by lifting vp the tongue , and holding it fast , ( as hath beene already saide ) and then with a needle with a double thred in it , you shall draw the thred crosse the said string , or ligament ( to wit , as farre as you would cut it ) and tye it hard , cutting away the ends of the thred somwhat neere the knot , and so let it stay there till it hath separated that part of the string or ligament thus tyed . But this way in my opinion , is more painfull then the former . But whether it be cut or tyed , it will leaue an vlcer which must be healed , as wee haue shewed before , taking care that the string grow not together againe .

Of the Cough which happeneth to little Children . CHAP. XIX .

WE see , that little Children are often troubled with a Cough : which happens vnto them , because their lungs are weake and tender , which for euery little thing that troubleth them , they endeuour to discharge and rid themselues of it , with some striuing agitation .

They may also catch this disease by lying vncouered , The causes of the cough . or by being carried abroad in the cold , or in the euening ; which makes them to cough , bringing vp little or nothing . They may also cough with sucking too eagerly , drawing the milke faster then they can swallow it : and so some few drops by chance get into the Trachaea Arteria , which makes them neuer leaue coughing till they haue brought it all vp againe .

The cough may likewise proceede from the distillation of some sharpe , thin humor , which commeth from the braine , and falleth downe vpon the lungs by the Trachea Arteria . There may also bee gathered , some humor in the Pipes or Passages of the lungs , which Nature at length striueth to expell and thrust foorth .

The cough is dangerous for children . Of what occasion soeuer it proceede , it is very dangerous , especially , if it be of long continuance . For feare least through continuall reaching and coughing , the child get a rupture , or bursting , or else an Ague , by reason hee cannot sleepe nor take his rest , onely some headach , paine of the sides and stomacke , and vomiting .

Concerning the cure of it , we must haue a respect to the cause , & so accordingly it must be remedied .

If the Cough proceed of Cold , let the little one bee kept reasonable warme , Medicines against the Cough . and giue him a little oyle of sweet Almonds mingled with suger Candy : let his breast be rub'd all ouer with fresh butter and oyle of sweet Almonds : and then lay vpon it some warme cloth : if his nose be stuffed , let it be vnstopped , with a little ointment of Roses , or some of the liquor you boyle your meate in , whereof you may put a little vp into his nose for that purpose .

If it proceed of some sharpe humor : then it must be mitigated and thickned , by giuing him a little syrup of Violets , and of Iuiubes mingled together . As also let him vse Iuice of Licorise , Oile of sweete Almonds and suger Candy ; and Lozenges of Diatragacant hum frigidum . If the childe bee any thing big , you may giue Barley Cream , with a few white Poppy seeds : and let him drink a Ptisane made with Barley , and Licorise .

Let all his brest and throat bee annointed with Oile of Violets washed in Barley water .

Apply to the nape of his necke a tost of bread hot , or else halfe a loafe new out of the ouen . Means to stay the cough .

If the Cough hinders him from sleeping , you may giue him a little Sirup of Iuiubes , and Violets , with asmuch Diacodium sine speciebus , mingled altogether : Let him also vse Conserue of Roses .

If the Cough come by reason of some fleagme , or grosse and slimie humour , that is gather'd together in the breast : You must giue the child a little Sirup of Maidenhaire , with as much Sirup or Licorise , and Hyssope , or Hony of Narbone , mingled together : Rasis addeth in this case a little Fennell water .

Annoint his breast also with this Ointment .

An ointment for the breast . ℞ . Ol. Amygdal . dulc. ℥ j. Vnguent . Resumpt . ℥ ss. axung . Anseris , Gallinae an . ʒ ij . liquesiant simul lento igne pro litu , vt dictum est .

I haue already set downe diuers other medicines in my former booke , speaking of the Cough , which hapneth vnto women with child ; to which place I refer you for your farther satisfaction .

Of the inflammation and swelling of the childs Nauill . CHAP. XX.

OFtentimes , The cause of the swelling of the nauell . after the childs Nauell is tyed , there commeth some inflammation , swelling , or vlcer , and especially this hapneth when that which hath been tyed is diuided and fallen away , it being not perfectly suppurated . The same Nauell may swell also either through the childes eager crying , or when he coughes much , the tumor and swelling being full of wind , and sometimes also of water .

The Cure . The inflammation may be cur'd by the vse of Vnguentum Rosatum , or with a little Vnguentum Refrigerans Galeni : The bathing it also with Oile of Roses , and a little Vnguentum Populeon , may do verie much good .

As for the Vlcer , if it be but small , you may put vpon it some fine Flower , or the powder of a rotten post , or else a little plaster of Diapompholigos , and Vnguentum desiccatiuum , mingled together : You may also sometimes touch it with a little Allome water , and so cicatrize it .

As for the swelling , you must haue a care that the Nauell stand not foorth too far , and swell not more then it ought . Now to hinder that , you shall lay vpon it , a cloth eight or ten times doubled , and then swath it gently , that the said Nauell stand not foorth too much : which ought to be done , if there be neither wind nor water contained within it . But when either of them are there , Auicen vseth this medicine .

Auicenus medicine . ℞ . Spicae Nard . pul . ℥ ss. Terebinth . ℥ iij. Ol. Amygdal . dulc. parum fiat vnguentum .

But mee thinkes , to giue it a forme and consistence , it were not amisse , to adde vnto it a little waxe .

I vse commonly this plaster , whether there be any wind , or water : which hath power to resolue , consume , and drie vp the said wind , or water .

An approued medicine . ℞ . Vnguent . Comitiss . desiccat . rubr . an . ℥ j. stercor . Columb . ʒ ij . pul . Irid. florent . ʒ iij. Sulphur . viui ʒ j. Ol. Nard . ℥ ss. Cerae & Terebinth . q. s. fiat Ceratum .

But the onely thing is , to keep it downe with a boulster and swathing , that it swell not , or stand foorth the more .

Some vse Emplastrum contra Rupturum for it .

Of Gripings and Fretting in the belly , which troubleth little Children . CHAP. XXI .

THese gripings do trouble little children verie much ; the causes are two : For either they come because the excrement called Meconium , is retained in the guts : ( This humour is black and slimy like melted pitch , which pricketh and wringeth their guts , and puts them to paine , to void it ) Or else these Gripings are bred of the abundance of milke , which the child taketh , or of the ill qualitie thereof : the which being not digested , doth putrifie and corrupt , and turnes either into choller , or into sharpe and salt fleagme : Or else there is bred some wind , which causeth a distention of the stomacke and guts . The cold aire , and the wormes also may cause it , which I leaue to be handled in another place .

The Cure . Concerning the cure , if the said excrement , called Meconium , be the cause of the said gripings , it must be euacuated by little suppositaries made of the rib of a Beete leafe , or of Sope ; and also by Clysters , to draw away this humour , and make it come foorth .

If too much milke be the cause : then the Nurse shall not giue the child sucke so often , nor in such plentie : If it proceed from wind , and that do cause the child to be thus troubled , it shall be discussed with Fomentations applied to the belly and Nauell ; and with Carminatiue Clisters , which shall be giuen him , as this :

A Clister for the wind . ℞ . Malu . Bismal Parietar . an . M. j. flor. Chamaem . Melilot . summitat . Aneth . an . p. j. semin . Anis . Foenicul . an . ij . coquantur perfectè in iure pulli , vel capitis veruec . in colatum ad ℥ vj. dissolue Diacatholic . Mellis Anthosat . Saccar . rubr . an . ℥ ss. Ol. Chamaemel . Aneth . an . ʒ vj. fiat Clyster .

Of the foresaid decoction you may also make a fomentation , with fine spunges : and then let his bellie be rub'd and annointed with oyle of Camomile , Melilot and Dill , mingled together .

Parietary of the wall , with a few Camomile flowers , and tops of Dill , fryed with Oile of Lillies , and Dill , and then layd to the belly hot , are very good .

If you perceiue , that these gripings proceed of some sharpe , biting , or chollericke humor , that gnaws and gripes the stomack , and the guts ( which may be knowne , both by feeling his belly , which will be hotter then ordinary , and also by the stooles which will be yellow and greenish ) then shall you giue him little Clisters of milke , or else of the broth of Veale , Capon , or of a sheeps head , wherein you shall dissolue two drams of Benedicta Lanatiua , and as much Oyle of Violets , and red suger .

Let his belly be rubbed with Oyle of Roses and Violets , or else with Mesues Ointment of Roses .

You may giue him to take inwardly some Oyle of sweet Almonds newly drawne and mingled with Suger candy .

And if the child be any thing big , it will be very fit to giue him an ounce of the compound sirup of Cichory with Rubarbe dissolued into Agrimony water , or of Carduus Benedictus , you may also mingle amongst his pappe or gruell , a little Cassia drawne , the better to make him take it .

Of the Wormes . CHAP. XXII .

THe Wormes doe trouble little children very cruelly , and therefore not without good reason did Hippocrates call them Theriodigastros ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . as cruell beasts in the belly . There be of them of diuers formes , and bignes .

Some of them are round and long , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . named Elminthes , which breed in the small guts , they ascend somtimes into the stomacke , and come foorth at the mouth . There be others that are long and flat , called Teniae , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . which are as it were a band couched , and placed all along the great guts . Some are little and slender as the point of a needle , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . and are called Ascarides , by reason of the itching which they cause in the great gut , & the fundament , in which place they are bred : and oftentimes they are inclosed , as it were with a little purse . I haue seene diuers , that haue voided a million , which haue bene , al of them fastned together .

Touching their generation , Hippocrates obserueth that little children doe bring the wormes euen from their Mothers belly , but most commonly they are bred of putride & corrupted flegm , as also of other ill humors , which lye in the guts .

When children are troubled with the wormes , they waxe leane , they haue no desire to eate , their belly aketh , swels , and grows bigger ; they start in their sleepe , and doe sometimes swoune , and haue a little drye Cough : the colour of their face is pale and wanne , and their eies great : they rub their nose commonly : and when they are troubled with small wormes , their fundament itcheth : But the surest signe that a child hath the wormes of what nature soeuer they be : is when hee voides them with his excrements by stoole , or that they come vp by the mouth , or through the nose , which I haue oftentimes seene come to passe .

Concerning the Prognosticke , as soone as you perceiue that the little one is troubled , you must seeke to help him ; for the deferring of it may breed danger . The Ancients haue written that there are some , which haue come foorth through the groyn , and nether belly : which is witnessed by Paulas Aegineta , and Auicen .

The Wormes that come foorth by stoole , mingled with bloud , shew that they haue gnawne the veines of the guts from whence that bloud floweth . If they are brought vp by vomiting , it shewes that they prouoke and trouble the stomacke .

Some haue obserued , that a child which hath the Wormes , is in danger of death , if he bee taken with a shortnesse of breath , and becomes moist , and cold .

For the Cure , if the child be young , The Cure . it will bee very conuenient , that the Nurse keepe , a good dyet : let her absteine from all white meates , raw fruits , Pease , beanes , Fish , and all other meates that are of hard concoction , and easie to bee corrupted .

Rhasis forbids vs , Rhasis opinion . to giue young children any medicines by the mouth : and appointeth onely some outward medicines , as an Emplaster made of cummin seede , and an Oxe gall , laid vpon the Nauell .

In imitation of whom , I vse to appoint this emplaster .

An emplaster for the wormes . ℞ Pil. sine quib . ʒ s. Pul. Absynth . ʒ i. Myrrhae Aloes an . ℈ ij . farin . Lupinor . ʒ i s. fellis Bubuli . q. s . fi●t Emplastrum admoucatur supra vmbilicum .

You may also giue the child , if hee bee somwhat big , a little of the scrapings of Harts horne , in his milke or other spoonemeate . Those that are rich doe commonly giue their children some Bezoards stone , and Vnicornes horne .

But when the child is grown somwhat older , besides the former medicines , let him take a little drinke made with decoction of Purcelaine , and the shauings of Harts horne , with a little iuice of Citrons : If hee can , let him take a little expression of Rubarbe , infused in the foresaid decoction : or else an ounce of sirup of Cichory . For it killeth and driueth foorth the wormes downeward . But it will be good to giue him first a Clister of milke , red suger , and hony , to draw downe the worms by this sweetnes , to the nether parts .

There is no medicine , that will doe more good if the child can take it , then to take little pils made of Aloes gilded , in an egge , and so sup them vp .

If he refuse these medicines aforesaid , then you may giue him some of the powder for the wormes , in a rosted Apple , or with Prunes or Raisins . The safest way is , rather to driue them foorth , then to kill them : for oftentimes they breed others , when they stay in the body .

Of breeding of teeth . CHAP. XXIII .

Hippoc. lib. 3. Aphoris. 25. HIppocrates writeth that amongst all the diseases , which children are subiect vnto , there is none that troubleth them more , then the comming foorth and paine of their teeth . For the breeding of teeth , The ill accidents which breeding of the teeth brings to children . bringeth diuers dangerous accidents , with it , as Agues , Watchings , Convulsions , scouring , yea , and oftentimes death : From whence commeth the prouerbe , C'est vn bel enfant iusque aux dents . It is a goodly child , if his teeth prooue milde . And therfore , not without cause did Galen say in his Commentary , that the paine of a childs teeth comming foorth , was more grieuous and hard to be endured , then the paine of a needle thrust in any part of the flesh , which continues no longer then the needle stayes there : but in the comming foorth of the teeth , it is not so , because then the gums do pricke and shout continually , which for the most part are much inflamed ; and this pricking and shooting still increaseth , till the teeth be quite come foorth .

Now yee may know whether the childe breeds teeth , by the heate of his mouth , which makes him driuell , and slauer , and his gums will be swollen , he holds his finger still in his mouth , by reason of the itching of his gummes , which increasing more and more , puts him to extreame paine , and makes the bloud ready to startle out of his eies .

Hippocrates in his booke de Dentitione , Aelius . sem. 4. cap. 9. giues this iudgement of it . They that doe scoure , when they breed teeth , are not so subiect to Convulsions , as they that are bound .

If they be taken with a sharpe ague , they are the lesse troubled with Convulsions .

Those that are in good health when their teeth come forth ; if they be very drowsy and sleepy , there is danger least they fall into a Convulsion .

They that breed teeth in Winter , are lesse troubled , then those in Sommer : and if they bee a little helped , they will endure it the easier .

All that are troubled with Convulsions at the comming foorth of their teeth , do not die , but many escape .

Their teeth come foorth hardest , that haue a little cough with all : and if they bee troubled with pricking and shooting of the gums , they become very leane .

Considering all the former accidents , and also the danger wherin the child is , there must be speedy helpe : which shall bee done eyther by ordinary medicines , or else by Chirurgery .

The Cure . First therefore , the Nurse must often rub the childs gums with her finger alone , thereby to open the pores of them , & make them soft , that the moisture may breath out the better : and sometimes let her annoint her finger eyther with Hony , fresh butter , the braines of a Hare ; or such like ( either rosted , or raw ) or else with oyle of Lillies , An experiment or Hens grease . Some hold it for a great secret to rubbe the childs gums , with the milke of a bitch , eyther of it selfe , or mingled with the braines of a pig . Auicen prescribes that they should hold a slice of fat meat betweene their gums , Auicen and chaw it often . And it is to bee noted , that all the foresaid medicines ought to be applied more then luke warme .

The Ancients make mention of some medicines which by a hidden property haue vertue to ease this paine , and help to bring foorth the teeth . Some take the tooth of a Male Viper , and set it in gold or siluer to rubbe the childs gummes with it . Aecius . Aecius bids , that we should hang about the childs necke a Iasper stone , that is very greene , and let it touch the stomacke ; Auicen saith , Auicen . that the roote of smallage hung about a childs necke , doth asswage and ease the paine which happens in the comming foorth of the teeth .

Neither will it be amisse before the paine grow to be great and vehement , to rub the legs , thighs , shoulders , back , and nape of the childs neck drawing still downeward ; thereby to alter , and turn the course of humors which fal downe vpon the gums , and passages of the throat in great quantity , which may stifle him .

But if none of all these medicines doe any good , as oftentimes it happens : then the safest , and speediest way , is to make an incision al along the top of the gumme , iust vpon the teeth . Which the Chirurgion shall know , is fit to be done , when he sees the gumme grows white , and perceiues that the teeth are euen ready to cut the flesh . The Nurses themselues shew vs that this practise is very necessary and fit ; for oftentimes they do scratch and tear the gumme with their nailes , which turneth to the childs great profit , and ease , and keepes him from lying languishing so long in paine : An experience of the Author . And I can assure the young Chirurgion that I haue practiz'd it , and caused it to bee practized with very good successe , aboue twenty times .

Now when you perceiue that the teeth begin to come foorth , whether it be by the foresaid Medicines , by the lancing of the gums : Auicen would haue the Nurse to hold a peece of an Ireos roote , in her hand , and let the childe champe vpon it : or insteede thereof she may vse a sticke of Licorise bruised at the one end , or else a peece of an Althaea root : For this remedy doth asswage the paine , because it maketh the moisture , which is about the childs gums , breast , and roote of the tongue , to come away , and cause the rest of the teeth , to come forward . And therefore they doe vse commonly for this purpose , to hang about the childs necke either a wolfes tooth , or a branch of red Corall set in siluer , for the child to hold in his hand , and to rub his gums with it .

Of the Convulsions which happen to little Children . CHAP. XXIIII .

IT is not my intent in this place to handle particularly all the kinds and differences of Convulsions , but onely I will content my selfe to speak of that which commonly troubleth little children , Hip. de Aero loc. & Aquis . Morbus puerilis . Mater puerorum . and is called by Hippocrates Morbus Puerilis , the childs disease , and by Auicen Mater Puerorum , the mother of little children .

Hippocrates calleth this disease Sacer , and therefore it is easie to be coniectured , that it is an Epilepticall Convulsion .

The cause proceedeth , ( as Auicen saith ) either because that the milke ( wherewith the chid is nourished ) is easily corrupted ; though hee sucke but little : or by reason of the great quantity , that the child taketh , which because of his weake and dainty stomacke cannot be well concocted , and digested : or through the il quality of the milk which the child sucks daily ; or through the weaknes of the sinews , which do receiue easily the moisture that is bred in the childs body , whereof Nature doth vnburthen her selfe , vpon them , which happeneth chiefly , An Aphorism of Hippocrates . ( as Hippocrates saith ) to children that are fat , and haue full bodies , and are bound in their bellies .

This Convulsion oftentimes chanceth through the childs breeding of teeth , Diuers causes of a Convulsion . and especially of his dog teeth , by meanes of the paine , inflammation , feuers , and watchings , which do commonly follow vpon it .

The cold aire also may be a cause , and likewise the Wormes , which the child may haue , or some ill vapor that striketh vp , and offends the braine : which may arise out of the stomacke by reason of some putrifaction ; or else from that which is bred by meanes of the wormes .

As for the Prognosticke hereof , Hippocrates saith , The Prognosticke . Hippo. de morbe Sacro . that the Children , which haue cleane heads , are subiect to Convulsions : And contrariwise that those which haue scabs on their head and breake forth are commonly in good health : For by them , they are purged & clensed of all the ill humors , that they had gathered in their mothers wombe . Good sentences of the Ancients . Galen saith , that the danger is easily perceiued , by the childs shortnes of breath : Auicen & Paulus Aegineta doe assure vs , that the continuance of this disease long , doth oftentimes kill the child . Areteus saith , that one violent fit only , is enough to kill him : they that are younger , are in greater danger of death , then the elder , as Caelius Aurelius writeth , because they cannot so easily beare out the fits , as the elder .

Therefore we must take great heede in the cure of it , The Cure . not thinking that this disease may bee helped by the childs growing older .

The Cure must be varied according to the cause of the disease . As if it proceed of repletion , and fulnesse of humors , then must the Nurse eat lesse , and not giue the child sucke so often : in both which she must obserue a meane : and therfore the Nurse shall rather vse meates , that are somwhat drying : then such as are too moist : And not without good reason doth Auicen allow the vse of Wine well tempeted , rather then Water alone .

If the little one haue neede to be purged , it will bee fitter to giue the Nurse a purgation then the child : which must neither be very strong , nor with any Diagridium , Vomiting good for the child . but gentle and easie , such as Cassia , Manna , and the like .

If the child be subiect to vomit , especially if he be very big , Cupping glasses . the vomiting may do him much good .

When he comes to be 2. or 3. yeres old , you may apply cupping glasses , vpon his neck and shoulders : which is much commended by Auicen , thereby to draw the moisture of the braine to the lower parts .

And concerning particular medicines , they must not be too hot ( as some appoint ) for the affections of the Nerues , because those heate too much : and ( as Rhasis saith ) they doe onely resolue the thinner part . But we must rather vse in the beginning such as mollifye and soften , and do moderately resolue , comforting withall .

Among many other medicines , Dioscorides saith , Dioscorides . that Oleum Irinum cureth the convulsion , which troubleth little children : and it is likewise commended by the ancient Practicioners : This Oile is described by Mesue .

Auicen approueth Oleum Irinum , Keyrinum , and Liliorum : He saith moreouer , that he hath made triall of this medicine .

Auicens medicine . ℞ . Maioran . m. ij . macerentur in olei Amygdalar . dulc. vel Zezamin . ℥ vj. & vini generosi totidem in Balneo Mariae , vel bulliant lento igne ad consumption . vini ; coletur & seruetur vsui .

You may also vse verie safely this Balme .

A Balme for the Convulsion . ℞ . Axung . Anser . Gallin . Anat. Cunicul . an . ℥ j. Medul. cruris vitul . ℥ j. ss. Medul. Cerui ʒ vj. fol. Salu. Maioran . Ebuli , an . m. j. flor. Chamaemel . Melilot . Hyperic . an . p. ij . flor. Rosismar . p. j. Mastich . Myrrh . Irid. florent . an . ʒ ij . Olei Lilior . Lumbric . an . ℥ ij . macerentur omnia in balneo Mariae spatio trium dierum : Deinde lento igne fiat decoctio , coletur & seruetur vsui .

The ancient Practicioners do verie much commend the Balme made of a Goose stuffed with the foresaid ingredients , Balsamum Anserin●m . and rosted : and then vse the dripping of it in steed of a Balme ; which I haue seen practised .

Galen doth attribute much to the hanging of a little chaplet , made of the male Piony roote , about the childs necke .

Oribasius much commendeth the Smaradge or Emerauld , that lookes greenish , which is found either in the stomacke , or neast of a Swallow .

But the safest medicine of all is , to lay a Cauterie to the hinder part of the childs head , A soueraigne medicine . in the nape of the necke , betweene the first and second Vertebra , or ioint : which I haue done to some . And at Florence it is practiz'd to all children , as soone as they are borne : yea , they do it , euen with an actuall Cauterie .

If you perceiue that these Epilepticall convulsions doe proceed from the Wormes in the childs guts ; then you may giue him this Clyster .

A Clyster . ℞ . Hidromel . simpl . ℥ iiij . Butir . recent . ℥ j. Aloes pulu . ʒ ss. fiat Clyster .

Some giue this Powder .

A powder for the Wormes . ℞ . Pul. Lumbricor . terrest . in vino albo lotorum , & extinct . ʒ ij . Sacchar . ℥ j. misce Capiat singulis diebus ʒ ij . per se , velcum aqua , vel succo Portulacae .

You may giue a child , that is somewhat big , as of eight or ten moneths old , a dredge powder made of Worme seed , or of Rubarbe .

Besides , there be many other medicines , which I haue already set downe in their proper place , as Emplasters , Sirups , and Purgations for this disease , to which place I refer you .

If these convulsions come of some ill and maligne vapour , the child may take some Bezoards stone , and Vnicornes horne , three or foure graines at a time of them both , or either of them with a little Purcelane water : or else you may mingle fiue or sixe graines of Triacle , or Mithridat , with the said water , and so giue it him .

Let the Nurse vse to take some of this Opiate , verie often : which the child also may do , when he is growne somewhat big .

An Opiato . ℞ . Rad. Poeniae subtil . pul . ℥ ss. Theriac . veter . ʒ ij . Cons. Rosar . Borag . Buglos . an . ʒ vj. syrup . conseruat . Citri q. s . fiat Opiata , de qua Nutrix capiat singulis diebus ʒ j. mane , & Infans ℈ ss. cum aqua Cardui Benedicti .

As for Vomiting , Scouring , or being bound in the bodie , which accidents happens to little children : I refer you to that which I haue set downe heretofore for the Mother , ( onely diminishing the quantitie ) because I would auoid often repetition .

Of Watchings , wherewith young Children are troubled . CHAP. XXV .

ANd not without good cause doth Hippocrates say , Hippoc. lib. 3. Aphorismor . that too much watching in a child , is a disease : because sleep is naturally proper to a child . And when it fals out that he cannot sleep , there must needs be somewhat that troubles and offends him .

Whereby a child may be hindred from sleeping . A child may be hindred from sleeping , by lying in a chamber that is either too light , too hote , or full of smoake : or else because the clothes lie too heauie on him : or because of much noise , or paine , as it happens to them , when they breed Teeth , as likewise by hauing a pin that prickes them : or else because they are not cleane . Besides , the child may be hindred from sleeping through the ouermuch quantitie of milke , that he hath sucked , as also though it be taken in small quantitie , if it chance to corrupt ; because ( as Auicen saith ) by meanes of this putrifaction , there is commonly bred wind and vapours in the braine .

Signes that the child is amisse . The signes hereof are euident enough ; as when the child crieth continually , and cannot be still'd or quieted at all by the teat . Then ( as Gordonius saith ) their ey-browes seeme swolne , and sometimes their countenance becomes verie wan and pale : which comes so to passe ( as Auicen saith ) through the dissipation of the spirits , and because the braine is fill'd full of vapours and exhalations .

The Cure . Concerning the Cure , we must take away the cause that nourisheth this watching : if it be by lying in a place that is too light , and open to the aire , then must the windowes be shut , making it darker : if the chamber where he lyeth be too hote , or if the child haue too many clothes on him , then must he be laid cooler , and haue fewer clothes , and be without any noise .

If breeding of Teeth be the cause , then shall it be help'd , as hath been already said .

Besides , the child shall be vnswath'd , Diuers means to make a child sleep . and laid in cleane clouts , and then the Nurse shall looke whether there be any pin , or fold of his clothes , or any other thing that hurts him : She must neither giue him sucke so often , nor in so great quantitie : and to helpe to void the corruption that may be in his stomacke , it will be good to giue the child some little Clyster , or gentle purgation . Likewise the Nurse must rocke and sing to him : and if you find , that he cannot take any rest , by all these meanes ; then may you giue him a little Barley water , or Barley creame , with a few white Poppie seeds in it : or else you may let him take a spoonfull of Syrup of Violets and Diacodium mingled together : But you must abstaine by all meanes from giuing him any Narcoticall or stupifying medicines , according to the opinion of all Practicioners . Rhasis bids vs annoint the inside of the childs nose , with Oile of Violets , and iuice of Lettuce , putting thereto also a little iuice of Henbane , and yet he goes farther , for he addeth some Opium to it . But herein we must be verie warie and circumspect , and rather forbeare the vse of it .

Of the affrightings , startings , and raging , which happens to young Children . CHAP. XXVI .

ALl children are naturally very greedy , and gluttenous , and therefore many times , and especially when they grow somwhat big , and are wained , they doe fill them selues with much milke , or with store of diuers other victuals . Beside , they are subiect to breed wormes , which dying , abide still in their guts , by reason of which there grows much corruption both in the stomack and guts , and also in the mesenterie , and this corruption growing hot by the heat and moisture of the child , it sends vp vapors to the brain , from the aforesaid parts , which mingling themselues with the spirits , which are there placed , doe cause dreames , frights and startings in the sleepe , and ( as Auicen witnesseth ) makes children afraide of things which are not at all to be feared .

Gal. in Hip. lib. 3. Aphoris. 24. Galen teacheth vs , that this feare happens then when the stomacke of the child is weake , and the meate which he taketh corrupts in it : which causeth vapors , and fumes to rise to the head , and so bring these terrors .

This may also happen to those which are more in yeares , by the vse of bad meates : especially if the mouth of the stomacke be weake and feeble . And therefore Auicen saith , that bad concoction , makes bad dreames .

As for the signes that belong heere-unto , The signes to know whether a childe be frighted in his sleepe . there can none be obserued in children that can not speak but onely ( as Pliny saith ) that as soone as they bee awake , they wil screech and cry out , as if they were out of their wits , and vtterlye cast away : and commonly you shall finde them all of a water , and quaking euery part of them : And if you aske them , why they cry , they which can speake will say , that they were made afraide , and that they saw some thing in their sleepe . Moreouer they that are thus frighted are much giuen to vomiting , they are pale of countenance and somtimes very red : and also they doe hide their faces , and if anyone come neare them they cry out , and are afraid of him .

Thus may we easily obserue that such dreames , and frights happen not to young children , but when they bee ill at ease , and full of bad humors . Aristot . de hist●r . anim . lib. 4. cap. 10. And this is witnessed by Aristotle , who saith ; that young infants are not subiect to dreames : experience teaching vs , that those who as yet haue not discretion to know good from bad , are not feared with terrible and fearefull sights , but contrariwise , doe laugh at them , and are well pleased .

For the Cure of this accident , The Cure . both the Nurse and also the child ( when he comes to eate ) must auoide all meates , which do corrupt the stomacke , and such as are apt to breede grosse and malignant vapors , such as Pease , Beanes , Leekes , Onions , Coleworts , which ( as Dioscorides reporteth ) doe procure sadde and Melancholike dreames .

The diet , that the Nurse , & the child must keepe . Let them feede vpon good meates , and in a moderate quantity , that so the stomacke may not bee ouercharged , and that the concoction may bee the more easie . Rhasis wisheth the Nurse to drink a cup of good wine .

After that the child hath sucked , and the Nurse hath eaten , they must not ( according to the precept of Auicen ) go to sleepe presently , They must not sleepe presently after meate . because the meate can not descend so soone to the bottome of the stomacke , there to bee embraced and perfectly concocted : And when part thereof stayes at the vpper Orifice of the stomacke , then the fumes and vapours thereof doe easily rise , and ascend to the braine .

If there be any bad humors abiding within the stomacke , Medicines for the child . guts , or mesentery , let them be purged out . Auicen giueth to the child a little hony fasting . If hee bee somwhat big , you may giue him a little Cassia , a spoonefull of sirup of Cichory , and sirup of Damaske roses , or some Manna in broth .

If his stomacke be weake , let it be strengthened with this Liniment .

A liniment for the stomacke . ℞ . Olei de absynth et mastich . qu. ʒ s. puluer . ganophyl . gr. vj. cerae . ʒ s. liquefiant simul . et fiat litus .

But especially let the Nurse , and those that come about the child , embolden him : taking heede that they put him not in feare of any thing , by shewing him any picture or beast , or other thing , which may breed any feare , or terror .

Of the rupture , or falling downe of the gut , in young Children . CHAP. XXVII .

CHildren , and chiefly male-Children are much troubled at this day with the rupture , of which though there be many kinds , The diuers kinds of ruptures . yet will I treat at this present onely of the falling downe of the gut , and caule , and of the watery and windie rupture : for those which are called Camosa and Varicosa doe seldome or neuer happen to young children . I haue obserued , that many children are born with these ruptures , which happen because the child beeing in the Mothers wombe , doth often striue in turning and winding himselfe , or else doth so straine himselfe , that the guts and caule do beare downe vppon the production of the Peritonaeum : which beeing inlarged giueth occasion of a rupture .

As for those which are called Hydrocele , and Physocele , which is the watery and windy rupture , it cannot be denied , but that the child before hee be borne ( if he draw bad humors from the mother , breedes these waters and winds , which may flow downe into the purses of the cod .

Neuerthelesse , The causes of ruptures . most commonly these kindes of ruptures are bred after the child is borne and come into the World : which happens vpon diuers occasions , either because the child hath cryed much , or through a long Cough , or by filling himselfe too full of milke , or victualls ; or by leaping , stretching , or straining himselfe too much going to ride astride vpon somthing .

As for the watry and windy ruptures , they proceede for the most part of the bad nourishment , which the child takes either of his Nurse , or else of himselfe after he is wained : whereupon grows infinite Crudities and Winds , which steale by the production of the Peritonaeum into the cods .

The Cure . For the cure of the falling downe of the gut , if the child bee very young , keepe him quiet , and still him from crying , and if he eate pap , put into it this powder .

A pouder . ℞ . Radic . consolid . maior . ʒ ij . radic . sigilli . beatae . Mari. et . salomonis an . ʒ is . herniar . ʒ ij . puluer . limacum rubror . ʒ i. fiat omnium puluis .

Euery time that you make him pap , put a dram , or thereabout into it , and when you vnswath him , to make him cleane , vse this fomentation to the part :

Afomentatiō ℞ . Radic . consolid . maior . osmund . regal . cortic . vlmi . fraxini . an . ℥ s. folior . plantag. tapsi barbati centinodiae , herniariae , caudae equinae , flor. chamom . meliloti , rosar . rubr . an m. i. s . balaustor . nucum cupressi , calic . gland . an . ℥ ij . fiant sacculi parui , coquantur in aequis partibus vini austeri , & aquae fabrorum , pro fotu partis .

After that you haue vsed this fomentation a quarter of an houre , dry the part , and then lay vpon it this plaster following .

An emplaster ℞ . Vnguentum de siccat . rubr . ℥ ij . puluer . Mastich . olibani sarcocollae , nucum cupressi an ʒ i. cum tantillo cerae , et olei Mastich . fiat Emplastrum satis molle .

Let this Emplaster be laid vpon the part , and vpon that a little bolster , to keep all fast together , that nothing slip of : you shall bind it on , or else vse a trusse ; but it will be fitter for the child to haue it bound on , and then to be swathed vp .

This fomentation and plaster must be vsed for the space of thirtie or fortie daies : Rest necessary for the child . and if the child be somewhat big , let him be kept quiet in his bed for fortie daies together , taking the powder before discribed , with broath , or with a little water of Myrtels , or else making the said powder into small Lozenges .

The fomentations must be made for him , as is alreadie described , wherewith he must be bathed halfe an houre euery morning : and then the plaster laide on , and fastned with a trusse , or cloth bound on it .

He must forsake all windie meats , as Pease , The dyes which the child must keepe . Beanes , raw fruits , Salades , and white meats : feeding vpon good meats that are rosted , and of them but in small quantitie .

Let him drinke a little Red wine , His drinke . mingled with boyled water : if his bellie be bound , giue him a little clyster , or else some broaths , with Sene in it .

And you must remember , that the Fomentation must not be vsed , nor the plaster laid on , nor the trusse , or swathes applied , before the gut or caule be put vp : if so be that they be fallen downe . And especially you must haue a care , that his head be laid somewhat low , How the child must be laid . and his buttockes high , as he lyeth in his bed , that by this meanes nothing may come downe .

Concerning the watrie and windie ruptures , the child must keep the same Diet , as hath been alreadie prescribed . And as for locall medicines , they must be such in both , as haue power to attenuate , drie vp , discusse , and resolue the waters and wind which is within the purse of the cod .

For the watrie rupture , I haue often tried this medicine .

A Plaster . ℞ . Vnguent . comitiss . & desiccatiui rubr . an . ℥ ij . stercor . Columbi ℥ ss. Sulphuris viui ʒ iij. puluer . baccar . Lauri , & semin . Sinapi an . ʒ j. olei Aneth . & Terebinth . Venetae an . ʒ iij. Cerae q. s . fiat Emplastrum .

This Emplaster also is of good vse for a windie rupture , vnlesse you can heal it with this fomentation .

A Fomentation . ℞ . Rosar . rubr . flor. Chamaemel . Meliot . & Aneth . an . m. j. semin . Foenicul . & Anis . an . ℥ s . folior . Origani , Calamenth . an . m. j. baccar . Lauri & Ireos florent . pulueris . an . ʒ ij . fiant sacculi duo , Coquantur in aequis partibus vini albi & aquae , pro fotu .

But when these watrie ruptures grow so hard , that they cannot be dissolued by the medicines aforesaid , then must they be opened : Which I haue practized vpon young Infants ; and amongst others vpon a child of Mons. de Vilantry , being not aboue two moneths old : and this I did by the counsaile of Mr Hautin , and Mr Duret , the Kings Physicions in ordinarie , and Physicions of Paris .

The maner of making this Incision , I haue set downe in my booke , Of the practizes of Chirurgerie : to which I refer the Reader , where he may find all the particularities set downe .

Of the difficultie of making of Water , wherewith young Children are troubled . CHAP. XXVIII .

IT happens oftentimes , The cause why children can hardlie pisse . that young Children can not make water , and that vpon diuers occasions , but chieflie through the fault of vrine , which offends either in quantitie , or qualitie . The ill qualitie of the Vrine is , when it is hote , sharpe , and pricking , which makes the child afraid to pisse : because of the paine which they feele when their water comes . The Vrine offends in quantitie , when it is in so great abundance , and doth so ouer-charge the bladder , that the Fibres being ouer-stretched , can not draw themselues together , to expect the vrine : which happens to them which haue kept their water too long . Children must be often held out to pisse . And for this cause , children must oft be called vpon to pisse , both when they awake , and when they are changed , to be laid downe to sleep . And when they grow bigger , let them make water both before and after they eate : for since they abound with moistures , and haue their bladder but small , they must in no wise keep their water long : and therefore if some-times they bepisse themselues in their sleep , they must not be much chidden , or beaten , for feare least if they hold their water by force , they fall into this difficultie of voiding it .

If there be any fleagme , or slime , or bloud mingled with the water : or if there breed any sand , or stone , this may be the cause to hinder the childs vrine . And this may happen to young children , as Hippocrates noteth : Hippocr . lib. 3. Aphoris. 26. because they eat much , which procures much cruditie , and breeds the matter of the Stone .

The Cure . For the Cure heerof ; you must proceed according to the cause : which if it be , because the vrine is sharpe , and pricking , or too hote ; then if it be a sucking child , it will be good to prescribe the Nurse a dyet , A Diet for the Nurse . to temper her bloud , which it may be is too hote . Let her also be purged , let bloud , and bathed ; and let her vse broaths made with coole herbes .

depiction of probe

If the child be somewhat big , you may giue him this medicine .

A medicine for the grauel in the bladder . ℞ . Ol. Amygdal . dulc. ℥ j. ss. aquae Parietar . ℥ j. succi Limo . ʒ j. fiat potus .

Set him also in a little bath . Galen , and Auicen do much commend the water of Rapes , or Turneps , which you may giue with a little decoction of Parsley roots , Dogs tooth , and Dandelion .

But it happens oftentimes , that the child can not pisse , by reason of some slime that stickes in the passage of the yard , which makes it swell , and puffe vp , and shew as cleare as a bladder .

For the help heerof , you must bring foorth the stone , by the help of a little instrument , like to this heere described , in the fashion of an eare-picker ; which you shall vse in this maner .

You must hold downe the child fast , that he stir not ; and then the Chirurgion must take the yard betweene the fore-finger and the thumbe with his left hand , by that part , which is next toward the groine , that is beyond the stone : for feare , least in the performance of the worke , it slip vp , and goe backe againe : Then holding the little instrument in his right hand , let him put it vp into the passage of the the vrine , so far till he meete with the stone : which when he hath found , let him beare downe the instrument , to make it slip vnder the stone , for to catch hold of it , behind ; and when he hath hold of it , let him draw it foorth in such maner , as shall be needfull . And it will be necessarie to draw it out somewhat strongly , because oftentimes it stickes verie hard .

Sometimes it happens , that the Stone is so big , that it cannot be taken away by this meanes ; and then we are constrained to make an incision in the yard ; which must be done in this manner .

You must hold the yard fast with the left hand , taking it by the midst , so that halfe the thicknesse of it may be betweene you finger and thumbe , and the other halfe out , that so the Stone may rise and swell vp the more , on that side : Then on that side that the Stone swels vp , right ouer and against the Stone , let an incision be made , so deep , till you come to the Stone ; which when you find , you shal put vnder it such a small instrument , as hath been before described , therewith to draw it foorth . And afterward let the wound be healed , as an other ordinarie wound : taking care , that there grow no little excrescence of flesh in the passage of the water . An experience of the Author . I haue practized this with verie good successe : and amongst others , vpon the sonne of Mons. Robert of Chartres .

The meanes to helpe children that pisse in their bed in the night , and cannot holde their water . CHAP. XXIX .

LIttle children doe commonly pisse a bed , & that for many reasons : As because they breed and abound ( as wee haue already shewed ) with store of Vrine which commeth downe into the bladder , and that is so little , that it is not able to retaine and keepe it , being in so great quantity , besides the Sphincter muscle is very soft , and weake , by reason of the childs tendernesse : Againe , they doe so go about all the day long , that when are laid to bed , they sleepe so soundly , that they cannot easily be wakened : wherto may be added , that they vse to dreame often in the night , which makes them pisse , thinking that they are awake . Some thinke that wenches are more subiect heereto then boyes .

Now for the deliuering and freeing them of this accident : diuers Phisicions are of opinion , that it is best to let them alone , til they are grown bigger , and not to trouble them with many medicines : For the fibers of the Sphincter muscle , which keepe the necke of the bladder shut together , grow dry , and stronger , and besides then the child abounds not so much with moisture , and by consequence neither with vrine : but yet they must be hindred from drinking so much ( as they vse in France ) cleere water and also kept from eating so much raw fruite , and moist meats , and the like , which prouoke Vrine .

You must also endeuour to keepe children alwaies loose bellied , which will make them pisse the lesse , as well in the night time , as in the day . And you must warne them to make water before they go to bed , and somtimes also you may waken them out of their sleepe , to put them in minde thereof .

The childe must bee put in minde to make water . You must also threaten them , that you wil whip them , and likewise make them ashamed , of doing it . But yet for all this , you must not correct them too much : for I haue knowne some children ( fearing to bee beaten , if they pissed a bed ) that haue tyed their yard themselues , whereof hath followed a Gangrene : which hapned to Mons. Paraeus , when he was a child , as he himselfe hath told me .

When the child is growne somwhat big , let him eate rosted Chestnuts Filberds and A cornes : and drinke stil'd water , and a little Claret wine well allayed .

Medicines of the Ancient Phisicions . Auicen commendeth the braines of a hare boyled with thicke Wine .

Some hold that the inner skin of a Capons gizzard dryed , and made into pouder , is singular good . Rhasis sets it downe for a secret , that the combe of a Cocke , dryed , and made into powder : as also the bladder of a Bull , or a Goat is very good , which Gordonius approoueth of .

You may giue him a little water of Mirtills , with Conserue of Roses , and sirup of drie Roses .

It wil be very fit to bath the part of the child called Perinaeum with astringent Fomentations , Fomentations for the Perinquin . such as we haue set downe for the Rupture or Hernia .

Of the Gallings and fretting of the skin , which happens in the groine , and betweene the thighs of little Children . CHAP. XXX .

LIttle children , The cause of excoriation , or galling . by reason of the sharpnesse of their vrine , and lying in their excrements are much troubled with galling and fretting , which weares away the thinne skin , called Epidermis and chiefly about their thighs , and groyne , which vnlesse the nurse take the better heede , may grow to some foule and malignant vlcer .

Which that it may be the better helped , The Cure . it will bee very fit , that the Nurse keepe the little one as cleane as shee can , and that in making him cleane and shifting him , she wash his buttocks and thighs gently , with a little water of Plantaine , Roses , or Nightshade . Some adde thereto a little wine : Others make a decoction of Barley , Roses , and Plantaine .

I vse to prescribe a little Pomatum , wherewith I mingle sometimes a little Lime well quenched and powdered : Vnguentum Refrigerans Galeni , wel washed in Plantaine , and Rose water is much commended . Both these medicines , by reason of their oylines , doe hinder the Vrine , and excrements from making the place to smart .

Common medicines . Women doe commonly be sprinkle those parts with meale dust , or with Barley , or Beane flower . Some vse the powder of a rotten post , or else a little Ireos and Roses beaten into fine powder , Rhasis vseth this medicine .

℞ . Amyl . spoelij Rosar . Mirtillor . farin . Hordei . an . fiat omnium pul . subtiliss . asperge excoriationes , post Balneum .

Of the accidents which happen to the childs yard , either before or after his birth . CHAP. XXXI .

THere may happen seuen accidents about the top and end of the childs yard , euen from his birth : Diuers imperfections of the Praeputium . to witte , three in the Praputium or foreskin : and foure in the Glans or top thereof . Touching those of the Praeputium , the first is when it is so straight , and the hole so little , that the vrine beeing come foorth of the Glans , cannot passe through the skinne , but drop by drop , by reason it is shut so close together ; which makes part of the Vrine remaine betwixt the top of the yard and the Preputium . The second is when the passage of the Preputium is not altogether so narrow , but yet it cannot be put backe neither can the Glans bee vncouered ; Phimosis . which the Ancients haue called Phimosis . The third is when the Praeputium cannot couer the Glans , because it is slipped ouer , Paraphimosis and drawne backward ; called by the Ancients Paraphimosis .

Concerning these of the Glans : the first is , when there is no passage at all , in the end thereof : the second is , when there is a passage , but the hole is too little . The third is , when the hole is not in the place where it ought to be , which is at the end , but is placed at the bottom or lower part of the Glans . The fourth is , when the top of the yard bendeth downward and makes the yard stand crooked and awry .

Aristotle hath obserued another kinde more strange then those , where he saith , An obseruation of Aristotle . lib. 4. cap. 4. de generatione Animalium . that there haue beene some male children , which naturally haue had no passage made at the end of the yard , but the hole hath bene lower in the Perinaeum , so that they were constrained to pisse , as it were sitting , & when they held vp their Cods , or Scrotum , they seemed to be both man , and woman .

I haue heeretofore , for all the other accidents aboue named aduised the Nurse to haue a care , and looke to them : But because the cure of these belong properly to the Chirurgion to haue set it downe more at large , , and specified it more particularly in this place that they may the better helpe it , considering the inconueniences , that may follow , as we will shew you .

For the first , What happens when the Praeputium is closed . which is when the skin of the yard is so straight that the water cannot come foorth , but drop by drop , this imperfection causeth a great deale of filth to be gatherd betwixt the Praeputium and the Glans , whereof proceedeth many troublesome and dangerous vlcers , yea , and sometimes a Gangrene . I haue obserued it , in some young children , that the top of the yard , hath become blacke and blew with pissing , through the very paine they endured .

The best way to remedie it , is to cut off the verie top and end of the Praeputium , thereby to take away a piece of it , as they doe in the Circumcision . For the performance whereof , there be diuers meanes , but the safest and least painfull way , is this .

The order of cutting the Praeputium . First , it is to be consider'd , that the Praeputium is double , so that when one thinks to cut both the skins , he cuts but one ; for the second leaps away especially from betweene the Sizzers . Besides , in cutting them both together , oftentimes you may cut more of the vppermost skin , then of the nethermost which is next to the Glans , which causeth it to remaine bare , and vncouered , whereof followeth great paine : it being fitter ( for that occasion ) to cut away lesse , of the first , then of the second .

depiction of pincers

I haue learned this manner of practise , of Mons. de Maverne , the Kings Physition in Ordinary , who hath caused it to bee done after this fashion : and it is the order and Methode , which the Iewes at this day , doe obserue , in their circumcision : If you haue not such an instrument , you may take two little flat peeces of wood , and tye them both together at one end , and then put the Praeputium betweene them , as we haue shewed , afterwards tying both the other ends together , reasonable hard , & then cut away so much of the Praeputium as is without the wood , after the same manner , as you see smiths cut off the tops of horse eares .

depiction of medical instrument

As for the Paraphimosis of little children , The Paraphimosis of little children . it is of two sorts : For the Praeputium being slipped vp ouer the Glans , it either stickes and stayes so , or else it is onely too short , and will easily be brought ouer it againe and couer it , but not staying so , it goes backe againe straight : To that which doth cleaue and stick to it , it is not fit to do any thing , by reason of the youngesse of the child : And for the other , which is onely too short , The Authors opinion . because it breedes no inconuenience , I would aduise the Chirurgion not to meddle with it , but rather to defer the practise of it , till the child be grown bigger , and be able to endure it , which shall bee done in this sort .

You must first of all , The method of doing it . turne backe all the Praeputium , that you may the better come at the inner membrane , which you must hold very fast ; & make an incision round about it , the which incision must goe no deeper then the said inner membrane : then letting it bleed well , you must make such another incision round about the vppermost membrane , which must go no deeper then to the nethermost : and presently as soone as you haue made these two incisions , you must pul out the Praeputium at length which will easily stretch , because both the membranes by reason of the foresaid incisions , wil yeeld . Afterwards you must haue a care , that the said incisions grow not together again , and that the innermost membrane bee not glued , and sticke to the Glans , or top of the yard : which you may hinder by laying betwixt them , fine little linnen rags , spread ouer with some ointment , which may serue also to heale the said incision .

An other way Some after they haue made these incisions , pull the Praeputium quite ouer the Glans , and tye it reasonable hard , that the vrine may haue a passage , as also by this meanes to keepe it from going backe againe , and then afterwards they vntie it , when they would dresse the inner incision .

Cornelius Celsus appointeth this kind of Cure . Some do onely pull ouer the Praeputium , and tie it as we haue shewne : then they make an incision round about the skin of the yard neare vnto the groine , being verie carefull , that they neither cut any veine that is in those parts , nor of going so deep , as to the passage of the vrine : When they haue done thus , they draw the skin , toward the ligature , and lay some lint in the incision , to dilate it , and breed some flesh therein . And it is to be obseru'd , that the Praeputium must be alwaies tyed at the end , otherwise it would turne back againe , and the incision would grow together .

But , Aeginetas opinion . ( as Paulus Aegineta saith ) since these two accidents of the Praeputium , doe neither trouble them much , nor hurt any action : I would not counsaile them , to make the party suffer such paine , whether he be young or old , nor to haue him trie the torment of such experiments .

When it happens that there is no passage at the end of the yard , then must the Chirurgion verie cunningly make an hole there , that the vrine may haue free passage to come foorth : which being done , it must be kept open , and skinn'd ouer with little cearing candles put therein , which must be bow'd at the top , for feare least they should get whole into the bladder ; A good obseruation . which I haue seen happen vnto some : The said cearing candle must be gently rub'd ouer with a little powder of Bole , and Tutia , and vpon it shall be laid a little plaster of Refrigerans Galeni .

If it chance , that the hole be not big enough , it must be widened with fine little cearing candles , fitted to the passage , and made with medicines that are somewhat corrosiue , thereby to fetch away the vpper skin of the hole : Taking great heed , that the candle go but a little way in ; because the passage is narrow and straite onely at the end , the rest being commonly large enough : And when the hole is wide enough , it must be cicatriz'd with the like cearing candles , as we haue shewne already , obseruing the same methode as before .

When the hole of the yard is at the bottome , and not at the end , where it ought to be naturally : If it may bee done possiblie , that the bottome of the Glans must be stopp'd vp , and an other made in the end of it : For those that haue the hole so low , cannot pisse straight , but downeward , or else they are constrained to hold vp their yard toward their bellie . And when they grow to be men , their seed cannot be carried straight , as it ought : which may be a meanes to hinder them from hauing children .

For the performance of the Cure , it will be verie needfull to excoriate the sides of the said passage , and to breed a little flesh there , and afterwards to confirme and skin it : hauing first of all made another little hole at the end of the said Glans , which must be dress'd and skinn'd with little cearing candles , as we haue shewne alreadie .

Besides all the other accidents heretofore mentioned , I haue seen the yard of some children so crooked , that when it rose and grew stiffe , the Glans or top of it was drawne , and bow'd quite downeward , which made them , that they could not pisse straight . This fault proceedeth from the shortnesse of the string , which holds the Glans so straitely tyed , that it cannot stretch it selfe foorth when the yard growes stiffe .

The Cure . As touching the Cure , both the Chirurgion and the Parents must be content to let it alone for a while , till the child be growne a little older , and bigger . And when they would put it in practize , they must watch their time to doe it , when the childs yard doth stand , and is stiffe : Then the Chirurgion turning backe the Praeputium , shall vncouer the Glans , as gently as he can : and as he finds the ligament or string to be too short , he shall cut it in the middle , and presently bring the Praeputium ouer it againe , that the Glans be not left bare : hauing first laid vpon the incision , a little chaw'd salt , as they doe to the string of the Tongue , least it should grow together againe , and then he shall lay a little Emplaster of Refrigerans Galeni round about the yard .

Of Wenches , that haue their naturall passage closed vp , euen from their birth . CHAP. XXXII .

THere be some Maides , that are borne with their wombe quite shut vp , or that haue no naturall passage : which hapneth by means of some membrane , that is placed in that part , which closeth and shutteth vp the entrance , ( for certainly there is none which naturally hath not a passage . ) But because there is something found , that stops vp the entrance of it , therefore we say , that they haue none at all . This membrane is not alwaies seated in the same place , neither is it of the same forme , and composition , nor of the same matter : For in some , it is placed in the verie edge of the passage , and is easilie perceiued : and in others it lies deeper , neare vnto the inner orifice of the wombe .

Difference in figure . In respect of the figure , some are pierced through the middle : Others haue holes , like vnto a Sieue , and some haue none at all .

Matter . Concerning the matter , some are membranous , and others are fleshy : but those which come euen from the birth , are rather membranous , then fleshy children .

The Cure . Those that trouble little children , are cured in this sort . First , we must diligently consider , and take good heed , where abouts the membrane is seated , or placed : for vndoubtedly , the deeper it is , the more dangerous and difficult will be the Cure .

But when it is at the brim , and edges of the outward necke of the wombe , The order to do it . and is plainly seen : the Chirurgion ( after he hath placed the child , as is fit ) shall cut asunder the said membrane , with his instrument directly in the middle , without going any farther : As soone as he hath made the incision , he shall lay vpon it , a little drie lint , that it come not together again : and some daies following , let him vse some drying Ointment , which must bee laid on with fine linnen clouts , as hath bin shewed before .

To defer the Cure of it , till the child were growne elder , it might prooue more dangerous with the time : Aristot . lib. 4. cap. 4. de gene ra● Animal . which hath been well obseru'd by Aristotle , where he saith .

There bee some women , that haue euen from their birth , the necke of their wombe , as it were closed , and incorporated together : which hath continued so with them till the time they should haue their courses , but when they haue beene ready to haue them , with the very paine , in some the saide necke hath broken open of it selfe , in others it hath beene opened by the Chirurgions , and when they haue beene constrained to open it by force , or that it could not be opened , there haue very many died of it .

This accident hath happened vnto diuers , and amongst others to an honest maid who being ready to haue her courses , fell very sick , her belly swelled , with great prickings and shootings downward , and continuall vomiting , that troubled her , by the keeping backe of the said courses , which could not come away by reason of the membrane that stopped vp the passage . Which was very hard ; for all the Physicions and Chirurgions , that looked vnto her , to find it out , who had appointed her diuers medicines , to bring downe her courses : But when they saw , that all their medicines did her no good , they were of opinion to marry her , which was a meanes , that her husband found out her disease sooner then any Phisicion could . I was sent for to helpe her , but by reason of the badnes , and danger of the way in trauaile , Mons. le Fort , and M. Collo sworne Chirurgions of Paris , were sent thither : who after they had perceiued the disease , they cut the said membrane , and made such an incision , that there came out of it aboue three pound of congeled and clotted bloud , and as black as melted pitch which eased the patient very much . But whether it were , that the incision was but halfe made , or that it had growne together againe , about a yeere afterward Mr. Pineau , and I were called to finish the Cure , which wee did with very good successe after this manner .

The manner of doing it . Hauing well considered the membrane ( which was hard and glewie , and had a hole in the middle of it , whereinto you might haue put a large quill ) wee were of opinion to inlarge it , by making three incisions ; which was done with such an instrument as hath beene set downe before to cut the Praeputium ; and then presently we put in a Dilatory , such a one as they vse to dilate the wound with , when they would take a stone out of the bladder ) therby to dilate and teare asunder the rest of the membrane , and to make the passage big enough for her to haue the vse of her husband : and as soone as we had stretched it , wee presently put into it a Pessary made of siluer , of a conuenient bignes , which stayed there three daies together , and was neuer taken foorth , that the parts which had beene cut and torne asunder , might not grow together againe , as it had done before .

At the three daies end , the said pessary was taken foorth , and others put in , made of linnen cloth , and couered with digestiue , A pessary of Lead . and suppurating medicines : And when the saide vlcer was ready to heale , it was skinned with Pessaries of Lead , applied as they ought to bee , and with others made of cloth , couered with cicatrizing medicines . The said Gentlewoman was perfectly healed in three weekes .

Of the fundament that is closed and stopped . CHAP. XXXIII .

AS the yard of a boy , and the naturall passage of a wench , are oftentimes found to bee closed and stopped vp , when they come into the World : So in like manner there are some of both sexes , whose fundament is naturally closed & stopped also , which commeth thus to passe by meanes of a Membrane , which hinders this passage . The fundament that is shut vp must be speedily remedied . Wherfore , considering the accidents , yea and the danger of death , which doth often attend it , it will be very needfull to remedy it speedily . For if the child bee not quickly purged of a certaine matter , and excrement , called Meconium , which he hath gathered together in his guts , all the while he hath beene in his mothers wombe , he is in danger to haue great and intollerable paines and gripings , and also to die in a short space : For the child cannot liue except he haue the benefit of nature that way .

The meanes to helpe it is this : The Cure . The Chirurgion must first open the childs buttocks , & then let him consider , whether there be a hole in the fundament or whether it be stopped by some membrane . If he perceiue , that the membrane is thinne , Paulus Aegineta counselleth vs to teare it . But if it bee tough and strong , the best way will bee for him to cut it with a fine little instrument , and to go as deepe as the very fundament : How the euen Cure must be performed . which hee may know by putting gently into the fundament , after hee hath made the incision , a little fine probe , with some lint at the end of it : or else a peece of cearing Candle . Then the vlcer must be dres't with little linnen tents , couered ouer with some drying medicine , which must bee put into the fundament , least the brims and edges therof , being raw and excoriated , should grow together againe . And it would not be amisse , to let the child take a gentle Clister , to help to vnburthen him of the excrements that haue bin retained . And since that the staying or stopping of them , as I saide before , is oftentimes cause of the childs death , it wil not be from the matter to relate this story .

A story . Not long since , the wife of Mons. de Cugy , Mr. of the Munition in the Arcenal of Paris , was deliuer'd of a little Daughter , which had the passage of her fundament shut vp . After she was born , she was deliuered vnto the Nurse to be carried into the country , where she continued seuen or eight daies , without voiding any thing by stowle , which made her belly swel extreamely . Wherupon she was brought vnto this Citty , and Mons. Rabigois , a Master Barber Chirurgion and sworn at Paris , a very diligent and painfull man was sent for , to see what might be the cause of this swelling : and he inquiring whether the child went to stoole or no : it was answered him by the nurse she had neuer purged her selfe as yet that way , since she was born : then by & by he searched the fundament , and found it to be closed and stopped vp , and therefore he did counsell the childs father to let him make an incision of the membrane , that stopped vp the passage : whereunto the Father and Mother would not consent , till the morrow . But while the matter was debated and argued vpon , the child dyed : And she was opened by the saide Master Rabigois , who found all her guts filled , with the humor , called Meconium , and other filthie matter .

Of the scabbe which comes on the childs head and face . CHAP. XXXIIII .

OFtentimes there commeth vppon the childs head and face a hard crusty scab , which couereth all the head quite ouer ( and therefore it is called the Cappe ) and sometimes the face also : so that you can see nothing but the childs eyes , as though hee had a maske on . The Latines call this scabbe Lactumen , Lactumen . Lactitium . or Lactitium , as being an excrement of the Milke : And because it is of a yellow colour , like vnto waxe , it is also called Cerium . The cause heereof , Cerium . is two fold , for eyther it is engendred of the reliques of the womens courses or purgings : The Cause . or else of the Nurses milke , which being of an ill quality , doth easily corrupt in the childs stomacke , and cannot bee turned into good iuice , and much lesse bee corrected by the Liuer , it being sent thither to bee turned into bloud : which makes it , that being carried vnto the head and face , it cannot be assimilated in those parts .

Least this scab might corrode , and eat into the skinne , and afterwards the very bone of the head and face , and at length Gangrene the eies : it will be very good to remedy it .

For which purpose , the Nurse must keepe a good dyet , as we haue formerly shewne .

The Cure . Concerning Topicall or outward medicines , you must haue an especiall care , that you vse none that do repell , and driue backe , but rather such as gently draw .

You may bath the crusts , especially those of the face , with gentle Fomentations made of Mallowes , Althaea , Violet leaues , Chamomile and Melilot flowers and Linseed , boyled in milke : and with this decoction you may foment the crusts , and afterwards annoint them with Oile of sweet Almonds , Fresh Butter well beaten with Parietary water , and Oile of Violets washed with Barley water .

I am wont to vse an Ointment of Lard melted , and then well beaten and washed with Parietary water , and so annoint the crusts with it .

If there be any vlcer , and that the scabs are fallen off ; you may lay vpon it a Cabbidge , or a Beete leafe , a little heated on a Gridyron . The Ointment made of white Waxe , and oile of sweet Almonds , is very good , when there is any rawnesse , or excoriation .

Of the Meazels , and the small Pockes , what they are , and how they doe differ . CHAP. XXXV .

IT remaineth now , that we speake of the Measells , and the small Pockes : and because there bee few children but haue them eyther first or last , Few children escape the small pocks . I haue thought good , heere to say a word or two of them briefly .

The Measels and the Pocks , What the measels and the pocks are . are little risings or pustules , which appeare most commonly in great number , vpon the outside of the skinne : and at the first , they are so like one another , that you can hardly discerne whether of them it is . But yet the Measels come more suddenly , and the face and skinne of the whole body lookes redder : and the rednesse continues longer without rising ; there beeing ioined with it most commonly a greater itching and pricking . Difference . But the small pockes comes not foorth so suddenly , neither is the skinne so red : nor doth the colour stay so long : the pustules or pimples rise higher , neither itching nor pricking so much , and at length grow white .

The cause of both of them , Cause . are the reliques of the impurer part of the bloud , wherewith the child was nourished in his Mothers wombe ; which now is separated and thrust to the skin , through the help and strength of nature , because the childs bloud boileth in the veines of euery part of the bodie : ( as Auicen saith ) No otherwise then new wine doth in a vessell , A good comparison . which boyleth , casting vp his froath , or scum , and separating it from it selfe . And , ( as Auenzoar saith ) though the child be nourished , with the best part of the menstruall bloud , yet there remaines some little portion behind , which is of an ill qualitie ; and after the child is borne , and is growne strong , he gathering together his forces and naturall heat , thrusts it foorth by the pores of the skin , nature being willing to acquite and rid her selfe of this superfluitie .

Besides , there is a certaine disposition of time , caused through the malignitie of the aire , which raiseth and stirreth vp the reliques of the said menstruall bloud in the childs bodie , wherewith he hath been nourished : vnto which the corrupt aire ( that we breath , and which we cannot auoide ) doth adde an impression , of a second bad qualitie , wherewith nature being ouer-charg'd and offended , she thrusts them out to the skin , which receiueth the filth and vncleannesse of the bodie .

Now , the fuller the bodie is , of this menstruall bloud , the deeper impression doth the outward aire make in it : which is the reason , that some haue them in greater quantitie , and are fuller of them , then others : And so according to the malignitie of the humour , it is also more , or lesse dangerous to some , then to others .

Signes . The marks and signes whereby you may know that the child will haue the Pockes , are these : Headach , together with an Ague , rednesse of the eyes , which water verie often , itching of the nose , a drie Cough , gaping , wearinesse of the bodie , paine of the Hart , desire to vomit , the vrine red , a pricking , and shiuering through all the bodie , and sometimes convulsions , and rauings . When it is the Measels , the face growes red , and ariseth all at once : but when it is the Pocks , neither the face , nor the rest of the bodie looke so red : but you may perceiue some little risings here and there , in the face , backe , breast , and thigh 's , which afterwards increase , and grow bigger .

And when the Pocks begin to shew themselues , then there happens heauinesse of the head , the face swelleth , the eyes are setled , all the bodie becomes as it were puff'd vp , the voice growes hoarse , with difficultie of fetching breath , and sorenesse of the throat : For it is the propertie of this vile disease , to take hold of the Lungs ; and yet we see oftener then we would , that the small Pocks do fall euen vpon the bones , and corrupt them .

The signes to iudge of the euent of them , Good signes . are these : If the Ague be but little , and diminisheth as the Pocks come foorth : if they be but few in number , and those scattered here and there : if they come foorth easily , without much paine , and that the child is not much disquieted , if they grow white and ripen quickly : these are signes of recouerie . But if the Ague continue , and increase at the comming foorth of them , Bad signes . if they thrust foorth in great quantitie , one vpon another ; and if they run as it were all into one scab , not ripening speedily ; if the child be verie hoarse , and not able to speake ; or fall into a bloudie flixe , these are ill signes . The first sheweth , that it hath seized vpon the Lungs : and the second , that it fretteth the guts .

Againe , the small Pocks is verie dangerous , when it comes foorth with paine and griefe , though they be white . When they be small , greene , blewish , or blacke , and that they sinke downe , and grow drie on the suddaine , not comming to maturation and suppuration : if the child pisse bloud , and then by and by after his vrine turnes to be blacke , it is signe of death .

The signes of the Measels . Concerning the Measels , if they be but reasonable red , and haue no ill accidents ioined with them , but go away suddainly , they are not to be feared : But when they are high colour'd , or if they be blewish , or greenish , accompanied with vomiting , paine of the heart , weaknesse , the bloudie Flixe , and the like , they are verie dangerous .

Of the cure of the Measels , and small Pockes . CHAP. XXXVI .

IN all diseases that happen vnto little Children , and especiallie in the cure of this present sicknesse , the Chirurgion must not be too hasty , nor do any thing rashly : For there be many oftentimes deceiued , which think that the child will not haue the Pocks , or Measels , because at the first they haue but a little Ague , or Head-ach , or some other light signe of it : seeing , that this disease lyeth long in the bodie , before it makes any shew .

And therefore , not without good cause , haue the ancient writers obserued ; Hippocrates . that sometimes it is better to do nothing , than to begin amisse , oftentimes altering thereby natures course . Neuerthelesse , you cannot do amisse , in giuing the child some little preseruatiues , as Vnicornes horne , Bezoard stone , and Cordiall waters , causing him to be kept quiet , without taking the aire , especially if it be cold weather .

But as soone as the Chirurgion perceiueth , How the Pocks must be help'd . that the child is taken with an Ague , and that he hath the signes heretofore mentioned , he must proceed in this manner to the cure of them .

First he must haue a care , The Cure . in what place the child is laid , seeing that this disease doth partly proceed of a maligne and contagious aire , which after that it hath beene drawne and carried by the Lungs , to the hart , and other parts of the body , it leaues there an impression of his bad quality , in that part of the menstruall bloud , wherewith the child was nourished in the mothers womb , wherefore let the child be kept in good aire , that is neither too hot , nor too cold . For being too hot , it may cause the childe to haue faintings and swounings , and being too cold , as the Pockes , or Measels are comming foorth , The Place . it may keepe them backe , and driue them in againe , and so hinder nature from expelling and putting foorth the impurities , that are in the body . And therefore he must be kept warme in his bedde , and reasonably well couered . Such as are more nice and curious , doe hang the bed round with red couerlets : If it be winter , it will be good to haue a fire in the Chamber , to rectifie the Ayre , which perhaps is of the coldest , and also to correct some ill quality , which it may haue , as Rhasis and Auicen write . If it bee in heate of Summer it will not bee needfull to make so much fire , nor to keep the child couered so warme .

Concerning his meate and drinke : if the childe sucke , His Diet. then must the Nurse keepe a good diet , as wee haue heeretofore prescribed , and as if she her selfe had an Ague . If the child be weaned , he must absteine from eating all manner of flesh , no not so much as of a little Chicken , till the pocks be whollie come foorth . But ( as Auicen saith ) he may vse Broths made with Capons or Chickens wherein you must put good store of Sorrel , Broths . Cichory , Buglosse , Borage , and Lettuce : Hee may also vse the strained broth of Pease , Lentils , and Barley waters made with Figs , Dates , Raysings of the sunne also , Gelly Prunes , and rosted apples , well sugred . For his drinke let him vse a Ptisane , His Drinke . made of Barley and Licorise , adding thereunto some Raysings of the sunne , Figs , and Dates , but in small quantity . If that drinke please him not , then let him vse this drinke following .

An excellent Drinke . Take of French Barley a handfull , shauings of Iuory , and Harts horne tied in a little linnen cloth , of each two drammes . Boyle them in a quart of water , and when it is almost sodden , put to it halfe an ounce of Licorise , halfe a Citron peal'd and cut in slices : then straine it , and let him drinke of it at his Meales , and when hee is thirsty . When the Pockes are quite come foorth , and begin to looke white , and that the Ague grows lesse & lesse , then he may eate a little stronger meate , and drinke a little water and Wine : his meate and drinke must not be actually cold .

And because the pockes do come in the mouth , tongue , and throat , A lenifying and soupling Drinke . as also all along the wind-pipe you may put to his drinke , a little suger , or sirup of Violets , Iuiubes or Cherries , and chiefly to that he drinketh betweene meales . This drinke lenifieth & suppleth the roughnesse and excoriations , it is good for the Lungs , and the hoarsenesse wherewith they are troubled , and also it cleanseth gently .

For his sleepe , that must be moderate , His sleepe . if at the first hee bee very drowsie and heauie , he must bee wakened , forfeare least his head be filled with vapors : But it is also fit , if he cannot take his rest , to giue him somwhat to make him sleepe . For sleepe doth well concoct the humors , and maketh the Pockes come foorth the better : And for this purpose you may giue him some fine Barley waters , and put into his Broths some Lettuce , and the cold seeds , and at night you may giue him a little spoonfull of sirup of Iuiubes , Nenuphar and Violets , mingled together , absteining from all Narcoticall , or stupifying medicines .

If he be bound , and cannot go to the stoole , you may giue him inwardly a little Oile of sweete Almonds , newly drawne , or a little Hony , as Auicen appointeth : which Auenzoar allows not of , because he had taken some of it , ( as he saith ) when hee had the Pockes , where with he thought he should haue died . It will not be amisse , to giue him a spoonfull of Cassia , and if his belly be not loose , you may giue him this gentle Clister .

A Clyster . ℞ . Sacchar . rub . ℥ s. Ol. Violat . ℥ j. Mell. Mercur. ʒ iij. cum Decoct . Vituli vel pulli ℥ v. fiat enima , cum quo intestina abluantur .

Concerning bloud-letting , if the child bee somwhat bigge , Bloud letting . as of three or foure yeare old , or if he be of a very sanguine complexion , and that the Ague bee accompanied with vnquietnesse , tossing to and fro , rauing , difficulty of breathing , and inflammation of the eyes . I would aduise you to draw a little bloud from him , which I haue seene practized , ( in the first daies of the sicknesse ) by the best Phisicions of this Citty .

Rhasis and Auicen commaund , that at the beginning we doe open the veine of the Nose : and they say moreouer that many haue very happily beene freed of this disease , by bleeding at the Nose : because the matter that breedeth the pockes , hath beene diminished thereby : and also it hindreth the violent ebullition of the bloud , that it ascends not in so great quantity , vp into the head and face , or keepes it from taking hold on any part , as the lungs or guts : So that nature being disburdened of part of this humour , expelleth and thrusteth out the rest more easily .

The same Authors for the bringing of them foorth the sooner , and with the lesse paine doe appoint that the child should take this drinke .

A Drinke . ℞ . Caricar . ping . ℥ j. Lentium excort . ℥ s. G●m . Lacca . ʒ ij . Tragacanth . sem. foenicul . an . ʒ ij ss. fiat decoct . in aqua . font . ad lib. ij . percoletur . Colatura dulcoretur saccharo , vel syrupo Capill . Vener . & de hac in potu exhibeatur , vt aetas consenties manè ieiuno stomacho , & serò cubitum ituro .

If the child be so little that hee cannot take this drinke , then the Nurse must be carefull to drinke a good draught of it her selfe morning and euening .

Whilest that this diet is obserued , and the foresaid medicines vsed , you may giue the child some of this cordiall Iulep .

A Cordiall Iulep . ℞ Aqu. Cordiall . an . ℥ ij . sirup . de Limonibus ℥ j. misce vtatur sape .

Besides he may take foure or fiue daies together the quantity of foure or fiue graines of Bezoards stone , and as much Vnicornes horne .

But because for the most part , this maligne humor seazeth vpon the eies , nose , eares , throate and lungs , it will bee very good to defend and fortifie them , that they may be as little offended , as may bee .

For the eies , To preserue the eies . they take commonly a little saffron mingled with Plantane , and Rosewater , and therewith they rub the eyelids round about .

Auicen . Auicen appointeth the lids to bee washed with the iuice of a Pomegranate .

If there be a great inflammation and rednesse , then this Collyrium shall be applied to the eye .

A water for the Eies . ℞ . Aq. Rosar . Plantag. Euf●as . an . ℥ ij . Album . oui ℥ s. Troch . Albor. Rhas sine Opio ℈ j Corcigrana vi . Agitentur diu omnia simul , deinde colentur per filtrum , de quo oculi saepius tangantur & illinantur .

The Collyrium must be applied alwaies warme .

It will be also verie good to put a little Vnguentum Tutiae into the corners and lids of the Eyes .

To preserue the Nose . That nothing may happen vnto the Nose , you must vse this medicine .

An Errhinon . ℞ . Aq. Rosar . Betonicae , an . ℥ j. Aceti ℥ ss. succi Granator . ʒ vj. in quibus macerentur Santal . Citrin . subtiliter pul . ʒ ij . Croci gr. vj. fiat Errhinum .

You must cause the child to smell often to this water , and sometimes put a little of it into his nostrils : Eares . The like medicine may be vsed to his Eares , with a little cotton .

Let him vse this Gargarisme , to preserue his Mouth , Mouth and Throat . Tongue , and Throat .

℞ . Hord. integ . m. j. fol. Plantag. oxalid . Arnogloss . Agrimon . Verbenae , an . m. ss. fiat decoct . ad ℥ vj. in quibus dissolue syrup . Granator . è Rosis siccis , an . ℥ ss. Croci ℈ j. fiat Gargaris .

The Lungs . The Lungs must be preserued with medicines , that do lenifie and souple the Trachea arteria : which may be done with Syrup of Iuiubes , Nenuphar , and Violets : Also let him hold in his mouth Suger Candie , Lozenges of Diatragacanthum frigidum , and Trochisa bechici .

Three or foure daies after the Pocks are come foorth , you must rub the face with Oile of sweet Almonds , drawne without fire , to make them ripen the sooner , or else with this Liniment .

Take old Lard , and cut it into pieces , and melt it , when it is melted , straine it through a cloth , then wash and beat it well with water , and annoint the face with it .

When the Pocks are come to maturation , and are ripe enough , which you may know by their whitenesse , as also when they feel them begin to itch ( which happens commonly toward the eighth or ninth day , ) that they may be the sooner dried , and leaue no marks or pits behind them , the face must be annointed with this medicine , which I haue vsed , and found to haue done much good .

Take two drams of Chalke , An approued medicine . and two ounces of thin Creame , mingle them well together , and herewith shall you rub all the face ouer with a feather , or else a linnen cloth tyed at the end of a sticke , for the space of two or three daies .

This medicine doth kill and drie vp the Pustules , which will fall away of themselues , without pulling them off : and the skin vnderneath will be smooth , and euen , without any dent or hollownesse .

Some do onely vse the foresaid Ointment made with Lard , and continue it till the Pocks be wholy dried of themselues .

Auicen vseth this medicine .

Auicens medicine . ℞ . Farin . Hord. Fabar. Lentium excorticat . an . ʒ j. Thuris , Myrrh . Lytargir . an . ʒ ss. lactis Nutricis q. s . fiat linimentum satis liquidum , quo illinantur pustulae .

And if there be any excoriation , you shall vse this Ointment .

Another Ointment . ℞ . Litharg . Auri , Cerus . an . ʒ ss. Myrrh . ℈ ss. Ol. Mastich . ℥ j. ss. agitentur omnia simul in mortario , & fiat Linimentum .

And for the beautifying and making the skin smooth , vse the Oile drawne out of Pompion , or Citrull seeds , and of Pistaces ; Oile of Egges maketh the skin looke yellow .

Fresh Butter-milke is excellent good , but you must warme it , that the little pieces of butter which stay behind , may be melted : and with this liquor must you wash or rub the face .

The meanes to preserue little Children from the Measels , and the Pockes . CHAP. XXXVII .

THe small Pockes , and the Measels do much annoy , and bring many inconueniences vnto children : For dailie experience sheweth vs , that many die thereof , and those which escape , do oftentimes beare the marks and badges of this vile disease . I haue seene diuers children , that haue been lame and maymed , both of their armes , and legges , through the verie malignitie of the humour , that fell downe vpon their tender ioints and bones : Diuers accidents . Others haue lost their eyes : or at the least there hath remayned some pearle , or spot vpon them : Others haue had their eyes staring , red , or watring : Some haue been deafe , and dull of hearing : Others haue had their nose and mouth shrunke together , or else puffed vp : and some haue been hoarse afterwards all their life time : The least accident of all is , that many haue remained disfigured with pits and holes in their faces .

So that if they could be preserued from them , To preserue children from the Measels & small Pocks . it would both be a great contentment to their Parents , and an ease to themselues . Now , as this disease is caused ( as we haue said ) of the reliques of the menstruall bloud , wherewith the child hath been nourished , stirr'd vp by the malignitie of the aire ( which it is impossible to shun or auoid : ) So to go about to preserue a child from it , we must do two things ; The first shall be , to shun and auoid this corrupted Aire , and to rectifie it the best we can possiblie : The second is , to euacuate and purge away the reliques of this humour , and to make them lesse hurtfull .

Wherefore , both the Nurse and the child must liue in a house , that stands in a good aire , far from any sinkes , priuies , or Church-yards , from whence there arise many vnholsome vapours , and exhalations : Her chamber must haue a good aire , rather standing high , then low : Let the window looke rather toward the North , or the East , then to the South , or the West . If the weather be not too cold , let the casements stand open , to aire the chamber . If it bee verie colde , they must bee shutte , and you must make a good fire , burning some Iuniper , Rosemarie , or Cypres , vsing also sometimes a little sweet perfume . If the chamber be too hote , you must strew it with Rushes , & a few Vine leaues , Violet leaues , Nenuphar , and Roses , sprinkling it with coole water , and a little Vineger .

The Nurses and the childs dyet . The Nurse must keep a good diet , such as we haue heretofore prescribed : she must drinke water a little coloured with wine , and if the childe bee weaned , he must keepe the same kind of diet : His meate must bee seasoned with the iuice of an Orenge , and you shall also put some iuice of Lemons into his Broths , but you must parboyle it a little that it hurt not his stomacke .

Their sleepe . Both the Nurse and the child must sleepe moderately : she must not sleepe after dinner , vnlesse she haue not rested in the night , by reason her childe hath beene froward , who may sleepe a little in the day time , after dinner , if he be not weaned .

Purging . The Nurse also and the child ( if he be any thing big ) may be gently purged with Cassia , Rubarbe , Senay , sirup of Cichory with Rubarbe ; and sirup of Damaske Roses .

Letting bloud If you perceiue that both their bodies bee plethoricall , or full , it will be fit to draw a little bloud : which must be vnderstood , if the child be three or foure yeeres old .

And concerning medicines , either Generall , or Topicall : I refer you to the former chapter , which haue as much power and vertue to preserue one from the disease , as to cure it after it is come .

Of the French Pocks which happeneth vnto Children . CHAP. XXXVIII .

THe French Pocks may happen to a child , either from his mothers womb or else by the Nurses fault , who may be defiled and infected with it .

The signes are like vnto those , Signes . which are obserued in elder persons : but the most common are Pustules , Vlcers , and Excoriations , which appeare chiefly about the childs buttockes and thighs .

As for the Cure , we must haue a respect , The Cure . both to the nurse , and the child . If the child hath taken it of the Nurse , shee must be put away , and hee must haue another : who must take such a dyet as is commonly prescribed for those , that are infected with this disease .

First , shee shall bee purged , and let bloud , Her diet . shee must keepe a good diet , and eate rather boyled meat , than rosted , because the decoctions she must vse will dry her the better to breed sufficiently : as also milke to nourish the child .

Let her drinke euery morning of this or the like decoction , The vse of the Decoction . hauing a care to make it either weaker or stronger , according to her temper , and the time of the yeare : But before shee takes it , you must giue her some of the Opiate following .

Both of them haue power to make her milke medicinall , and to hinder the child from imparting the disease vnto her so soone , as otherwise he might do , if she tooke no preseruatiue .

The Decoction . ℞ . Rasur . interior . lign . sanct. ℥ i. radic . sarsae , Chinae an . ℥ i ss. lign . sassafras ℥ i. sem. Cardui ●ened . ʒ ij . Trium flor. Cordial . an . m. i. rasur . Eboris . Cornu cerui . an ʒ iij. Macerentur omnia in Balneo Mariae spatio xxiiij . horar. in aq. fontan . lib. x. deinde fiat Colatura per manicam Hippocraticam , & dulcoretur sacchari albi lib. ss. ad vsum .

The Opiate . ℞ . Opiatae Fernel . ℥ i ss. Cons. Rosar . Boragin . Buglos . seorzoner . an . ℥ i. spec. Diamargarit frigid . ʒ i. eum syrup . Conseruation . Citri fiat Opiata . Capiat ʒ ij , ante decoctum , vt dictum est .

She must first take the Opiate , and then drinke some of the decoction or infusion after it , and keep her bed , and sweat an howre or two , without forcing her selfe .

After she hath sweat , she must not giue her child sucke presently : but shee must rest , and coole her selfe a little , and then giue him the teate : But first she shall rub it with a little Aqua Theriacalis , to resist and hinder the infection .

If you cannot find a Nurse , that will venter to giue the child sucke , in stoede thereof , you shall cause him to sucke a Goate ; which I haue caused some to doe .

A Treacle water for the little child . Aqua Theriacalis . ℞ . Theriac . veter . ℥ i. Cons. Rosar . anthos . Borag . Buglos . an . ℥ ij . Rasur . interior . lign . Indi . ℥ i. Rad. sarsae par Chinae an . ℥ ss. Rad. scorzoner . ʒ vi . flor. Cordial . Calendul . Genist . an . m. ij . Aquar Cardui Benedict . Scabios . Borag . Buglos . Melissae an . lib. 3. ponantur omnia in Alembico vitreo , posteà macerentur spatio xxiiij . horar. deinde fiat destillatio , vt artis est .

Let the child take a spoonfull of this water , three times a day , in the morning , at noone and at night , The vse . adding thereto a little suger Candy or sirup of Limons . The nurses may also take two ounces of it in the morning .

And because the true Antidote against this disease , is Quicksiluer , therefore will it be very fit to annoint the childs pustules with some such Ointment , not bringing him to a fluxe of the mouth .

The Ointment . ℞ . Vng. Rosat . Mes. ℥ iiij . Hydrargiri cum succo limonum extincti ℥ s. misce , fiat vng. pro litu .

If the child bee elder , let him bee purged twice with a little Sene ; and sirup of Cichory , with Rubarb , neither will it be amisse ( if hee be bigger and stronger ) to open a veine , and take away a saucer full of bloud : He may also vse the foresaid decoction , and Opiate some eight or ten daies : onely diminishing the doses of the Ingredients .

Of the breeding , and comming foorth of Haires on childrens backes and raines , called in Languedocke Masquelon , and of the Latins , Morbus pilaris . CHAP. XXXV .

IT had been more agreeable and conuenient , to haue set downe this disease , in the Chapter of the Vnquietnesse and Crying of little children : But as this booke was euen almost printed , Mr Toignet , a Barber Chirurgion of Paris , put me in mind of this disease , that happens vnto little Children , which is verie common in Languedocke , and is called in their language Masquelon . Hauing enquired of diuers Physicions , about this disease , and amongst the rest , of Mons. Riollan , Doctour of Physicke in Paris , and the Kings Professor in Chirurgerie , a verie learned and painfull gentleman ; he told me , that Montanus had written of it , Morbus Pilaris . and that he called it Pilaris affectio .

As soone as little Children are taken with this disease , they crie and take on extreamely , and yet one can not perceiue any cause , why they should do so ; which brings them oftentimes euen to their graue , for that this disease drawes along with it Epylepticall convulsions : because the Sinewes which come foorth of the backe-bone , and are scattred on each side , are ouer burthened , and fill'd with some fuliginous vapour , of which Haires are bred , and they by their great length , and continuitie , are carried directlie to the braine : whither when they are come , they cause this disease .

The women of the Countrie of Languedocke , because it is a common disease with them , make no great reckoning of it , and doe helpe it in this manner .

With the palme of their hand , they do rub the bottome of the childs backe and raines downe to the crupper bone so long , till they feele through the pores of the skin , the tops of verie stiffe and pricking Haires to come foorth , like vnto hoggs bristles : which as soone as they see , that they are come foorth , they pull them away by and by with their nayles , or else with such little pincers , as women vse to pull the haire from off their eye-browes .

The same Montanus counselleth the woman , to rub her hand first with some new Milke : which being done , and the Haires pull'd away , the child presently recouers his health , and leaueth his ordinarie cries and laments .

There may also happen vnto little Children diuers other diseases , besides these that I haue spoken of : But because they bee common as others are , and such as may happen to one of any age : as Wounds , Vlcers , Impostumes , Fractures , Luxations , and sorenesse of the Head ; we haue willinglie omitted them for breuitie sake : And also for that you may haue recourse to those , that haue written thereof more particularly in their Chirurgerie .

The end .

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