The sicke vvomans private looking-glasse wherein methodically are handled all uterine affects, or diseases arising from the wombe; enabling women to informe the physician about the cause of their griefe· By Iohn Sadler, Doctor in Physicke at Norwich.

THE Sick womans Private Looking-Glasse . Wherein Methodically are handled all uterine affects or diseases arising from the wombe .

An Introduction . CHAP. I.

IF any one , but of a meane capacity were asked what were the wonder of the world ; I thinke that reason would move him to answer , Man ; he being the a a Quia homo secundum intellectum continet totum mundum . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , or little world , to whom all things are subordinate : agreeing in the Genus with things sensitive , all being Animal , but differing in the Species , for man alone is endued with reason ; Exemplumque Dei quisque est in imagine parvâ . Let us make man in our image , after our likenesse . Wherefore of the Greeks hee is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , of turning his eyes upward towards him , whose image and superscription hee beares : whence the Poet writeth ; Silius Italic . lib. 5. Nonne vides hominum , ut colsos ad sidera vultus Sustulerit Deus ? ac sublimia fi●xerit ora . See how the heavens high Architect hath fram'd man in this wise ; To stand , to goe , to looke erect , with body , face , and eyes . And Cicero saith , Cùm cateras animantium naturas abjecisset ad pastum , solum hominem erexit , & ad coeli quasi cognationi● pristmi conspectum excitavit . Cicero lib. 5. de L●gibus that all creatures were made like Moles , to root upon the earth , man onely excepted ; to him was given an upright frame , to behold that mansion prepared for him above .

Now to the end that this so noble and glorious a creature might not quite perish , hath the Almighty given unto woman the field of generation for a receptacle of humane seed ; whereby that naturall and vegitable soule which lies potentially in the seed , may , by the Vis plastica , bee produced into act ; that man being mortall , and leaving his off-spring behinde him , may become as it were immortall , and live in his posterity .

And because this field of generation , to wit , the wombe , is the subject-matter from whence our ensuing discourse is drawne , like so many lines from the center ; that you may the better judge of that which followes , wee will in briefe lay before you the parts of the wombe , together with the qualities of the menstruous bloud .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . First , touching the womb ; of the Grecians it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the mother ; or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , saith Priscian , because it makes us all brothers .

It is placed in the Hypogastrium , or lower part of the belly , in the cavity called Pelvis , having the a a Columbus Anatom de visceribus . ●ib . 11. ca. 16. streight gut on one side , to keepe it from the hardnesse of the back-bone , and the bladder on the other side , to defend it from blowes . The forme or figure of it is like a b b Fushsius institut. medicin . lib. 1. sect. 5. c ▪ 13. virill member , onely this excepted , the manhood is outward , and the womanhood within .

It is divided into the necke and the body . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The necke consists of a hard fleshie substance much like a c c Weckerus sentax . lib. 1. part. 1. p. 67 cartilage : at the end whereof there is a membrane transversly placed , called Hymen , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . or Eugion . Neere also unto the necke there is prominent panicle , Haec etiam membrana flos virginitatis vocatur , quia cum eclest . Signum est virginitatis . Ostiolum uteri de uterinis offect . p. 9. which is called of Montanus , the doore of the wombe , because it preserveth the matrice from cold and dust . Of the Grecians it is called 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; of the Latines Praeputium muliebre , because the Jewish women did abuse this part to their owne mutuall lust , Rom. 1.26 as Saint Paul speaks , for which Iuvenal turns Satyrist against them .

Nec distare putant humana carne suillam , Qua paterabstinuit moxet praeputia ponunt .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The bodie of the wombe is that wherein the childe is conceived ; and this is not altogether round , but dilates it selfe into two angles , which Herophilus comparing to the hornes of a calfe , calleth them 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The outward part of it is nervous , and ful of sinewes , which are the cause of its motion : but inwardly it is fleshie .

It is fabulously reported , that in the cavity of the wombe there are seven divided cels or receptacles for humane seed . But those that have seene Anatomies , doe know there are but two , and those not divided by a partition , but onely by a line or future running thro●gh the middest of it . In the right side of the cavity , by reason of the heat of the Liver , d d Hyppac . lib. 5. Aph●r . 48. males are conceived . In the left side , by the coldnesse of the Spleene , females are begotten . And this doe most of our Modernes hold for an infallible truth ; Quibus , dextrum vas spermaticum a renali , & sinistrum a vena cava descendit , iis mares sinistrâ , dextrâ verò parte uterifoeminae gestantur . Hipp. 6. Epidem . initio . yet Hyppocrates holds it but in the generall ; for in whom ( saith he ) the spermaticall vessell of the right side comes from the reines , and the spermaticall vessell of the left side from the hollow veine , in them males are conceived in the left side , and females in the right . Well therefore may I conclude with the saying of Empedocles . La interdum vis est seminis ut utr●qu● sinu ●asculos proferat . Such sometimes is the power of the seed , that a male may be conceived in the left side , as well as in the right . In the bottome of the cavity there are little holes , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . called the Cotyledones , which are the ends of certaine veines and arteries , serving , in breeding women , to conveigh sustenance to the childe , which is received by the Vmbilicall veine : And in others to carry the cources into matrice .

Now , touching the menstruals : They are defined to bee a monethly flux of excrementitious and ●●profitable bloud . Aristot. de generatione animali . lib. 1. c. 20.

In which we are to note , that the matter slowing forth is excrementitious ; Sanguis menstruus est benignus non malignus , inquantitate , non qualitute procons . 14. de usu partium 8. which is to be understood of the superplus or redundancie of it : for it is a excrement in quantity , in quality being pure and incorrupt , like unto the bloud in the veines .

And that the menstruous bloud is pure , and simply of it selfe , all one in quality with that in the veines , is proved two wayes : First , from the the finall cause of this bloud , Causa finalis menstrui est propagatio & conservatio humanae speciei . which is the propagation and conservation of mankinde ; that man might bee conceived ; and being begotten , hee might bee comforted and preserved , both in the wombe , and out of the wombe . And all will grant it for a truth , that the childe , while it is in the matrice is nourished with this bloud ; and it is as true , that being out of the womb , it is still nourished with the same ; for the e e Aristot. de generatione animali . lib. 4. cap. 8. milke is nothing but the menstruous bloud made white in the breasts ; and I am sure womans milke is not thought to bee venomous , but of a nutritive quality , answerable to the tender nature of an infant . Secondly , it is proved to be pure from the generation of it , it being the superfluity of the last aliment of the fleshie parts .

It may be objected , if the bloud bee not of a hurtfull quality , how can it cause such * * Fernelius de hominis procreatione lib. 7. cap. 7. venomous effects ; as if the same fall upon trees and herbs , it maketh the one barren , and mortifies the other . And Averroes writes , Aver . 3 Collect . cap. 7. that if a man accompany with a menstruous woman , if she conceive , she shall bring forth a Lepar . Sol. Sanguis menstruus obdiuturnam in utero moram , mala● qua●dam naturam contrahit . I answer , this malignity is contracted in the wombe ; for the woman wanting native heat to digest this superfluity , sends it to the matrice , where seating it selfe untill the mouth of the wombe be dilated , it becomes corrupt and venomous , which may easily be , considering the heat and moistnesse of the place . This bloud therefore being out of his vessels , offends in quality ; In this sense let us understand Pliny , Fernelius , Florus , and the rest of that torrent . * * L●udabilis & alimentarius est hic sanguis , cujus causa efficiens est color foeminae debilis . But if frigidity bee the cause why women cannot digest all their last nourishment , and consequently that they have these purgations : It remaines to give a reason why they are of so cold a constitution more than men ; which is this : The naturall end of mans and womans being , Gen. 1.28.9.1 . is to propagate ; and this iniunction was imposed upon them by God at their first creation , and againe after the deluge : now in the act of conception there must be an f f Aliquod ut materia , aliquod ut efficiens . Agent and a Patient , for if they be both every way of one constitution , they g g Fernelius de morbis partium & symptom . lib. 6 cap. 7. cannot propagate ; man therefore is hot and dry ; woman cold and moist : he is the h h Est enim mas , a quo motus procreationisque origo manat : Agent , she the i i F●mina verò quae materiam segetemque subministrat . Patient , or weaker vessell , that she should * * Semen essusum in ●remium s●scipiendo . be subject unto the office of the Man . It is necessary likewise that woman should be of a cold constitution , because in her is required a redundancy of matter for the infant depending on her ; for otherwise , if there were not a superplus of nourishment for the child , more than is convenient for the mother , then would the infant detract and weaken the principall parts of the mother ; and like unto the Viper , the generation of the infant would be the destruction of the parent . Adde decem ternis , mulierum menstrua cernis , ad quinquaginta durat purgatio tota . These monethly purgations continue from the 15. yeare , to the 46. or 50. Yet often there happens a suppression , which is either naturall , or morbifficall . They are naturally supprest in breeding women , and such as give sucke . The morbificall suppression fals now into our method to bee spoken off .

CHAP. II. Of the retention of the months .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . THe suppression of the Termes is an interception of that accustomary evacuation of bloud , which every moneth should come from the matrice , proceeding from the instrument or matter vitiated . The part affected is the wombe , and that of it selfe , or by consent .

Cause .

The cause of this suppression is either externall or internall . The externall cause may bee heat or drinesse of the aire , immoderate watching , great labour , vehement motion , and the like , whereby the matter is so consumed , and the body so exhaust , that there is not a superplus remaining to be expelled ; as is recorded of the g g Varandeus lib. 1. de morbis mvli . cap. 2. Amozonites , who being active , and alwayes in motion , had their fluxions very little , or not at all . Or it may bee caused by cold , which is most frequent , making the bloud viscuous and grosse , condensing and binding up the passages , that it cannot flow forth .

The internall cause is either instrumentall or materiall , in the wombe or in the bloud .

In the wombe it may bee divers wayes ; by Apostoms , Tumors , Ulcers , by the narrownesse of the veines and passages ; or by the h h H●urnius de morbis mulierum . cap. 1. Omentum or kell in fat bodies , pressing the necke of the matrice : but then they must have Hernia Zirbalis : for in mankinde the kell reacheth not so low . By overmuch cold or heat , the one vitiating the action , and the other consuming the matter . By an evill composition of the uterine parts ; by the i i Galennu● 5 Aphor. 28. necke of the wombe being turned aside ; and sometimes , though rarely , by a k k Paraeus de hominis generatione cap. 51. & 43. membrane or excrescence of fl●sh growing about the mouth or necke of the wombe . The bloud may bee in fault two wayes , in quantity or in quality . In quantitity , when it is so consumed , that there is not a superplus left , as in Viragoes and virill women , Erotis de passionibus mulier . cap. 23. who through their heat and strength of nature , digest and consume all their last nourishment ; as Hippocrates writes of Phaetusa , Hippoc. Epidem . 6 who being exiled by her husband Pythea , her termes were supprest , her voyce changed , and had a beard , with a countenance like a man . But these I judge rather to be Anthropophagae , women-eaters , than women-breeders , because they consume one of the principles of generation , which gives a being to the world , viz. the menstruous bloud . The bloud likewise may be consumed , and consequently , the termes stayed by bleeding of the nose ; by a flux of the Emroides ; by a Dysenteria , commonly called the bloudy flux , by many other evacuations , and continuall and chronicall diseases . Secondly , the matter may bee vitious in quality ; as suppose it bee sanguineons , flegmaticall ; bilious , or melancholious , every one of these , if they offend in grosnesse , will cause an obstruction in the veynes .

Signes .

Signes manifesting the disease , are paines in the head , necke , backe , and loynes ; wearinesse of the whole body , but especially of the hips and legges , by reason of a confinity which the matrix hath with these parts : trembling of the heart . Particular signes are these ; if the suppression proceeds of cold , she is heavie , sluggish , of a pale colour , and hath a slow pulse , Venus combates are neglected , the urine is crude , watrish , and much in quantity ; the excrements of the guts usually are retained . If of heat , the signes are contrary to those even now recited . If the retention be naturall , and come of conception ; this may be known by drinking of Hydromell , Hyppoc . lib. 5 Aph● . 41. that is water and honey , after supper going to bed , and by the effect which it worketh ; for , after the taking of it , if shee feeles a beating paine about the navell and lower parts of the belly , it is asigne she hath conceived , and that the suppression is naturall : If not , that is it vitious , and ought medicinally to be taken away .

Prognosticks .

With the evill quality of the wombe the whole body stands charged ; but especially the Heart , the Liver , and the Braine ; and betwixt the wombe and these three principall parts , there is a singular consent .

First , the wombe communicates to the heart by the mediation of those Arteries which come from Aorta ; hence the termes being supprest , will ensue faintings , swoonings , intermission of pulse , cessation of breath .

Secondly , it communicates to the Liver by the veines derived from the hollow veine ; hence will follow obstructions , cachexies , jaundise , dropsies , hardnesse of the spleene .

Thirdly , it communicates unto the braine , by the nerves and membranes of the backe ; hence will arise Epilepsies , Apoplexies , Frensies , melancholy passions , paine in the after parts of the head , fearfulnesse inability of speaking . Well therefore may I conclude with Hyppocrates , Lib. 5. Apho. 57. if the moneths be supprest , many dangerons diseases will follow .

Cure .

In the cure of this , and of all the other following effects , I will observe this order . The cure shall bee taken from Chirurgicall , Pharmaceuticall , and Diaeteticall meanes .

This suppression is a plethoricke affect , and must be taken away by evacuation : and therefore first we will beginne with Phlebotomie .

In the middest of the menstruall period open the Liver veine ; and for the reversion of the humour , two dayes before the wonted evacution , open the Saphena on both feet . If the repletion be not great , apply cupping glasses to the legges and thighs . And although there be no hope to remove the suppression ( as in some the Cotyledones are so closed up , that nothing but copulation will open them ) yet it will be convenient , as much as may be , to ease nature of her burden , by opening the Hemerhoid veines with a Leech .

After Phlebotomie , let the humours bee prepared and made fluxile with syrrupe of Staechas , Calamint , Betonie , Hysop , Mugwort , Horehound , Fumeterre , Maiden-haire . Bathe with m.j. make a decoction ; take thereof ℥ iij. syrrupe of Maiden-haire , Mugwort , Succory , ana . ℥ s. Misce : After she comes out of the Bath , let her drinke it off . Purge with Pil. de Agarico , Elephang . Coch. Foetid . Galen in this cause commends pil. de Hiera cum Colocyutide , for as they bee proper to purge the humour offending ; so also they doe open the passages of the wombe , and strengthen the faculty by their Aromaticall quality .

If the stomacke be overcharged , let her take a vomit ; yet such a one as may worke both wayes , lest working onely upward , it should too much turne backe the humour . ℞ Trochisks of Agrick ʒij . infuse them i● ℥ iij. of Oximel , in which dissolve of the Electuary Diasarum ℈ is . Ben●dic . La●●t . ℥ s : Take this after the manner of a purge .

After the humour hath beene purged , proceed to more proper and forceable remedies . ℞ . trochiscks of myrrhe ʒis : persly-seed , castor , rindes of cassia ana ℈ i. of the extract of mugwort ℈ is . muske gr.x. with the juce of smallage make 12 pils , tak 2 every morning or after supper going to bed . ℞ . of cinnamon , ℥ s. roots of smirnium , valerian , aristolochia , ana ʒii . roots of Asrum ʒi . castor , saffron , ana ℈ ii . specdiambrae . ʒii . trochisks of myrrhe , ℈ iiii , tartari vitriolati , ℈ ii . make all into a powder ; with mugwort water and suger qs make lozenges , take ʒi of them every morning : or mingle ʒi of the powder with ʒi of sugar and take it in white wine . ℞ of prepared steele , specierum hierae ana ʒii . borace , species of myrrhe , ana ℈ i. with the juce of savine make 38. take three every other day immediatly before dinner . ℞ . of castor ℈ i. wilde carret seed ʒs . with syrrupe of mugwort make 4 pils take them in the morning fasting , and so for three dayes together before the wonted time of the purgations . ℞ . of Agaricke , aristolochia , juce of horehound , ana ʒv . rhubarb , spicknard , anice-seed , galbanum , assafaetida , smallage roots , gentiane , of the three peppers , laccae , ana ʒvi . with honie make an electuarie : take of it ʒiii for a dosis . In flegmaticall bodies nothing better can bee given then the decoction of the wood guaiacum with a little Dictam taken in the morning fasting , and so for 12 dayes together without provokeing of sweate .

Administer to the lower parts by suffumigations , pessaries , unctions , injections , insessions .

Make suffumigations of cinnamon , nutmeg , cloves , bayberries , mugwort , galbanum , melanthium , Amber &c. Make pessaryes of figgs , and the leaves of mercury brused and rowled up with lint . If you desire a stronger ; make one of myrrhe ▪ bdelium , opopanax , Ammoniacum , galbanum , sagapenum , mithridate , agarick , coloquintida &c. Make injections of the decoction of origane , mugwort , mercurie , betonie and figgs powring the same into the wombe by a metrenchyta . ℞ . oyle of sweet and bitter almonds , lillies , capers , chammomill ana ℥ s. ladani , oyle of myrrhe , ana ʒii , with wax make an unguent ▪ with which let the places bee anointed . Make insessions of faengreeke , chammomill , melilote , dill , marjerom , pennyroyall , feverfew , juniper berries , and calamynt . But if the suppression comes by a defect of matter , then ought not the cources to be provoked , untill the spirits bee animated and the blood againe encreased . Or if by proper affects of the wombe , as dropsies , inflammations , and the like ; then must a particular cure bee used , the which I will not insist upon here , but of them as they lie in order .

If the retention comes from repletion or fulnesse ; let the aire bee hote and drie ; use moderate exercise before meales ; Let your sleep bee shorter then ordinary ; and your meat and drinke attenuating . Seeth with your meat garden savorie , time , origan and n n Cicer. Ariel : num . ciche peason . If of emptinesse or defect of matter ; let the ayre bee moyst and moderately hote . Shun excercise and watchings , let your meate bee nourishing , and of a light digestion ; as reare eggs , lambe , chickens , almond milke and the like .

CHAP. III. Of the overflowing of the cources .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . THE Scholearium saith , by comparing of contraries , truth is made manifest . Having therefore spoken of the suppression of the terms ; order requires now , that I should insist upon the overflowing of them , an effect no lesse dangerous then the former . And this immoderate flux of the months is defined to be a sanguineous excrement proceeding from the wombe , exceeding both in quantity and time . First it is said to be sanguineous the matter of the flux being only blood ; wherein it differs from 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 commonly called the false cources , or whites ; of which I will speake hereafter . Secondly it is said to proceed from the wombe : for there are two wayes by which the blood flowesforth . The one is by the internall veynes in in the body of the wombe ; and this is properly called the monthly flux . The other is by those veynes which are terminated in the necke of the matrice and this is called of Aetius the Hemorrhodes of the wombe . Lastly it is said to exceed both in quantity and time . In quantity sayth Hippocrates when they flow above 18 ounces . Hippoc. lib. 1. de morbis mul. In time saith Aristotle when they flow above three dayes . Aristotelis l. 7. de hist. animali ca. 2. But wee take this for a certaine character of their inordinate flowing , when the faculties of the body thereby are weakened . In bodyes abounding with grosse humours , this immoderate flux sometimes unburdens nature of her load and ought not , to bee stayed without the councell of a Physitian .

Cause .

The cause of this affect is internall or externall . The internall cause is threefold ; in the matter , instrument , or faculty . The matter , which is the blood , may be vitious two wayes . First , in quantity , it being so great that the veynes are not able to contayne it . Hippoc. l. 2. de morbis mulierum . Secondly , in quality , it being adust , sharp , watrish or unconcocted . The instrument viz: the veynes are faulty by the dilatation of the orifice ; which may bee caused two wayes : Per 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . first , by the heate of the constitution , climate or season , heating the blood whereby the passages are dilated , and the faculty weakned that it cannot retaine the blood . Per 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Secondly , by fals , blowes , violent motion , breaking of a veyne , &c.

The externall cause may be calidity of the aire , lifting , carrying of heavy burdens , unnaturall child birth , falls , &c.

Signes .

In this inordinate flux the appetite is decayed , the concoctions depraved , and all the actions weakened , the feet are swelled , the colour of the face is changed , and a generall feeblenes possesseth the whole body . If the flux comes by the breaking of a veine , the body is something cold , the blood flowes forth on heapes and that suddenly with great payne . If it comes through heate , the orifice of the veynes being dilated , then is there little or no payne , yet the blood flowes faster then it doth in an Erosion , and not so fast as it doth in a Rupture . If by Erosion or sharpnesse of blood ; shee feeles a great heate scalding the passage ; It differs from the other two , in that it flowes not so suddenly nor so copiously as they doe . If by weaknesse of the wombe , shee abhorreth the use of Venus . Lastly if it proceeds from an evill quality in the blood ; droppe some of it on a cloth and when it is drie , Hippoc. lib. 1. de morbis mulierum . you may judge of the quality by the colour . If it bee cholericke it will bee yellow ; If melancholie , blacke ; If flegmaticall , watrish and whitish .

Prognosticks .

If with the flux be joyned a convulsion ; it is o o Hippoc. lib. 5 ▪ Aphor. 56. dangerous , because it intimates the more noble parts are vitiated ; and a convulsion caused by emptinesse is deadly . If it continues long it will bee cured with great difficulty : for it was one of the miracles which our Saviour Christ wrought to cure S. Math. 9.20 ▪ this disease when it had continued 12 yeares . To conclude , if the flux bee inordinate p p Hi●poc . l. 5.57 . many diseases will ensue ; and without remedy , the blood together with the native heare being consumed , either chacheriall , hydropicall , or paralyticall diseases will follow .

Cure .

The cure consisteth in three particulars . First , in repelling and carrying back of the blood . Secondly , in correcting and taking away the fluxibility of the matter . Thirdly , in corroborating the veynes and faculty . For the first ; To cause a regression of the blood , open a veyne in the arme , and draw out so much blood as the strength of the patient will permit ; Non confertim sed per intervalla . and that not together , but at severall times ; for hereby the spirits are the lesse weakened , and the retraction so much the greater .

Apply cupping-glasses to the q q Hyppoc . lib. 5. Aphor. 50. brests ; and also to r r Riolanus sect. 4. tract. 2. de morbis uteri . the liver that the reversion may be in the fountaine .

To correct the fluxibility of the matter , catharticall meanes moderated with astrictories must be used .

If it be caused by erosion or sharpnesse of blood ; consider whether the Erosion bee by salt flegme , or adust choller . If by salt flegme ; Prepare with sirupe of violets , wormewood , roses , citron-pills , succorie , &c. then take this purgation following . ℞ . myrobolan . chebul . ℥ s. trochiscks of agaricke ʒi . with plantaine water make a decoction : adde thereunto sir. rosat . lax . ℥ iii. make a potion .

If by adust choller prepare the body with sirrupe of roses , myrtles , sorrell , purcelaine , commixt with water of plantaine , knot-grasse , and endive ; Then purge with this potion . ℞ . rindes of myrobolanes , rhubarbe , ana ʒi . cinnamon gr. xv . infuse them one night in endive water : Adde to the straining pulpe of tamarind , cassia , ana ℥ s. sirupe of roses ℥ i. make a potion .

If the blood bee watrish and uncencoct as it is in hydropicall bodies and flowes forth by reason of the tenuitie and thinnesse , the use of of hydragoga will bee profitable . Purge with agarick , elaterium , and coloquintida . Sweating is proper in this cause , for by it the matter offending is taken away , and the motion of the blood is carried to the outward parts . To procure sweate she may take cardvus water with mithridate : or the decoction of guajacum , fassafras , and sarsa-parilla , the gumme of guajacum also doth greatly provoke sweate . Pills of Sarsa-parilla taken every night going to bed are worthily commended . If the blood flowes forth from the opening or breaking of a veyne , without any evill quality in its selfe , then ought onely corroboratives to bee applied ; which is the last thing to bee done in the cure of this inordinate flux .

℞ . Of bole-armonie ℈ i ; London treacle ʒi . old conserve of roses ℥ s. with sirupe of myrtles make an electuarie . Or if the flux hath continued long ℞ . Of masticke ʒii . olibani , troch . de carabe ana ʒi . balaustiorum , ℈ i. make a powder ; with sirupe of quinces make it into pills ; take one alwayes before meales . ℞ . Lapidis haematitis triti ana ℈ ii . aliʒi . troch . de carabe , de scoria ferri , corall , frankincence , ana ℈ i. fine bole ℈ i. beate these to a fine powder ; and with sugar and plantaine water q.s. make lozenges . Asses dung is well approoved of whether taken inwardly with sirupe of quinces , or applied outwardly with steeled water . Galen by conveighing the juce of it through a metrenchita into the wombe 4. dayes together , cured this immoderate flux which no wayes else could bee restrained . Going to bed let her take ℈ is . Philonii Romani in a wafer , make suffumigations for the matrice of masticke , franckincence , burnt froggs , not forgetting the hoofe of a mule . ℞ . Of the juce of knotgrasse , comferie , quinces , ana ℥ i. campher , ʒi . dippe silke cotton therein and apply it to the places . ℞ . Oyle of mastick , myrtles , quinces , ana ℥ s. fine bole , troch . de carabe , sanguinis draconis , ana ʒi . wax and viniger q.s. make an unguent , apply it both before and behinde . ℞ . Of plantaine , shepheards purse , red rose leaves ana M. iii. of goates and asses dung dried ana ℥ is . acatiae , hypocistidos ana ℥ is dried mint ℥ i. bean meale ℥ iii. boyle all these in plantaine water , and make of it two plasters : applie one before and the other behinde . If the blood flowes from those veynes which are terminated in the necke of the matrice , then it is not called the overflowing of the termes but the hemorrhods of the wombe : yet the same cure will serve them both ; only the instrumentall cure will a little differ ; for in the esterine hemorrhods , the ends of the veynes hang over like little teates or pushes which must be taken away by s s Paulum lib. 6. c. 7● . incision , Lege apud and then the veynes closed up with Aloes , fine bole , burnt alum , troch . de terra sigil . myrrh , masticke , with the juce of comfery and knotgrasse laid plasterwise thereto .

The aire must be cold and drie : all motion of the body is forbidden . Let her meat bee Pheasant , Partridge , mountaine birds , Cunnies , Calfes feet , &c. and let her beere bee mixt with the juce of quinces and pomgranuts .

CHAP. IIII. Of the Weeping of the wombe .

THE Weeping of the wombe is an unnaturall flux of blood comming from the wombe by dropps or after the manner of teares ; causing violent pains in the same ; keeping neither period nor time . By some it is referred unto the immoderate evacuation of the cources , yet they are distinguisht in the quantity and manner of their flowing . Distinguu●secundùm magis & minus , & Exeundi ●odo . In that they flow copiously and freely ; In this continually , yet by s s 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 little and little , and that with great paine and difficulty : Wherefore it is likened unto the t t Silvius comment . de mensibus mulierum . strangurie .

Cause .

The cause is in the facultie , instrument or matter . In the facultie , by being enfeebled , that it cannot expell the blood : and the blood resting there , makes the parts of the wombe grow hard and stretcheth the vessells , from whence proceeds the u u Dolor tensivus uteri . paine in the wombe . In the instrument , by the narrownesse of the passages . Lastly , it may be in the matter of the blood , which may offend in too great a quantity , or in an evill quality , it being grosse and thicke that it cannot flow forth as it ought to doe , but by drops .

Signes .

The signes will best appeare by the relation of the patient .

Prognosticks .

Hereupon will ensue paines in the head , stomacke and backe , with inflammations suffocations , and excoriations of the matrice .

Cure .

If the strength of the patient will permit , first open a veine in the arme , rubbe the upper parts , and let her armes bee corded , that the force of the blood may bee carried backward .

Then apply such things as may laxate and mollifie the stretching of the wombe and asswage the sharpnesse of the blood ; as cataplasmes made of bran , lineseed , faengrecke , melilote , mallows , mercurie and atriplex : If the blood bee viscuous and grosse adde thereto mugwort , calamint , dictam , and betonie : And let her take of Venice treakle the quantity of a nutmeg with sirrup of mugwort every morning . Anoint the places with oyle of lillies roses , lineseed , sweete almonds , and calfes marrow . Make injections of the decoction of mallows , mercurie , lineseed , groundfuell , mugwort , faengrecke , with oyle of sweet almonds .

Sometimes it is caused by a winde , and then phlebotonie is to bee omitted ; and in the stead thereof ℞ . Sirupe of feverfew ℥ i. honie of roses , sirupe of staechas , ana ℥ s. water of calamint , mugwort , betonie , hysope ana ℥ i. make a julep . If the paine continues , take this purgation . ℞ . hieraeʒi . diachatholicon ℥ s. Sirupe of roses laxative ℥ i. with the decoction of mugwort , and the 4. cordiall flowers make a potion . If it comes through weaknesse of the facultie , let that bee corroborated . If through grossenesse or sharpnesse of the blood , let the quality of it bee altered as I have shewne in the foregoing chapter . Lastly if the excrements of the gutte be retained , provoke them by a clyster , of the decoction of chammomill , betony , feverfew , mallowes , lineseed , juniper — berries , cummin-seed , aniceseed , melilo●e : adding thereto of diacatholicon , ℥ s. picraeʒii . hony , oyle , ana ℥ i. Sal●iter ℥ is . The patient must abstaine from salt , sharp , and windy meats .

CHAP. V. Of the false cources or whites .

FRom the wombe proceeds not only the menstruous blood , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . but accidentally , many other excrements which by the Ancients are comprehended under the title of 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which is a distillation of variety of corrupt humours through the wombe , flowing from the whole body , or part of the same ; keeping neither cource , nor colour , but varying in both .

Cause .

The cause , is either promiscuously in the whole bodie , by a cachochymia or weaknesse of the same ; or in some of the parts : as in the liver , which by the inabilitie of the sanguifficative faculty , causeth a generation of corrupt blood ; and then the matter is ruddish ; sometimes in the gall , being sluggish in its office , not drawing away those cholericke superfluities , which are ingendred in the liver ; and the matter is yellowish . Sometimes in the Spleene , not defecating and clensing the blood of the dregges and excrementitious parts ; and then the matter flowing forth , is blackish . It may also come from catarrhes in the head ; or from any other putrified or corrupted member . But if the matter of the flux bee white , The cause of the whites . the cause is either in the stomacke , or reynes . In the stomacke by a flegmaticall and crude matter there contracted , and vitiated through w w Ex maerore tristitia & animi affectionibus , vires deiiciuntur & vitiatur prima concocti● : Gal. arte medicina li. griefe , melancholie , and other distempers : for otherwise , if the matter were onely Pituita , crude flegme , and no wayes corrupt or vitiated , being taken unto the liver it might bee converted into blood , for flegme in the ventricle , is called x x Pituita e●● succus alimentarius , & sanguis ex dimidio c●ctus . Fernel . de functionibus & humoribus lib. 6. cap. 9. Dimidio coctum alimē●um ; quòd in jecore concoctum , sanguis ti● . Fuc●s●us institut. med . lib. 1. Sect. 4● . 〈◊〉 . 3. Secunda concoctio non potest co●rigere primam vitiatam . nourishment halfe digested : But being corrupt though sent unto the liver , yet it cannot bee turned into nutriment ; for the second concoction cannot correct that which the first hath corrupted ; and therefore the liver sends it to the wombe which can neither disgest it nor repell it and so it is voided out , still keeping the colour which it had in the ventricle . The cause also may be in the reynes being over heat , whereby the spermaticall matter by reason of its thinnesse flowes forth . The externall cause may bee moystnesse of the aire , eating of corrupt meats , anger , griefe , slothfulnesse , immoderate sleeping , costivenesse of body .

Signes .

The signes are extenuation of the body , shortnesse and stinking of breath , loathing of meate , paine in the 〈◊〉 , swelling of the eyes and feet , melancholie , humidity flowes from the wombe of divers colours , as reddish , blacke , greene , yellow , white . It differs from the flowing and overflowing of the cources , in that it keepes no certaine periods , and is of many colours , all which doe degenerate from blood .

Prognosticks .

If the flux be flegmaticall it will continue long and be difficult to cure yet if vomiting or the flux Diarrhaea hapeneth , diverting the humour it cures the disease . If it bee cholericke , it is not so permanent , yet more perilous , for it will cause ( Rhagadia ) clifts in the necke of the wombe , and sometimes make an excoriation in the matrix . If melancholius , it is most dangerous and contumacious : yet the y y Hippoc. 6. Apho● . 11. flux of the Hemorrhodes administers cure .

Cure .

If the matter flowing forth , bee reddish , open a veine on the arme ; if not , apply ligatures to the armes and shoulders . Galen . lib. de praenot . ad posthum . c. 8. Galen glories of himselfe how hee cured the wife of Boetus labouring of this disease , by rubbing the upper parts with crude hony .

If it be caused by a distillation from the braine , take sirrup of betonie , staechas , and marjerom . Purge with pil. coch . sine quibus , de Agarico : Make nasalia of the juce of sage , hysope , betonie , nigella , with one drop of oyle of cloves and a little silke cotton . ℞ . elect . dianth . aromat . rosat . diamb●e , diamosci dulcis , ana ʒ i. nutmeg ʒ s. with sugar and betonte water , make lozenges , to be taken every morning and evening . Take Aureae Alexandrinae ʒ s. at night going to bed . If these things help not , use the suffumigation , and plaster as they are prescribed pag. 203.

If it proceeds from crudities in the stomacke , or from a cold distempered liver , take every morning of the decoction of lignum sanctum . Purge with pil. . de agarico , de hermodact . de hiera diacolocynthil . fae●idae , agrigativae . ℞ . elect . aromat . ros. ʒ ii . cytron-pills dried , nutmeg , long pepper , ana ℈ i. diagalangae ʒ i. santali albi , lignialoes ana ℈ s. sugar ℥ vi . with mint water make lozenges . Take of them before meales . If with frigility of the liver , there be joyn la repletion of the stomacke , purging by vomit is commendable : for which take ʒ iii. of the Electuary diasaru . Galen allowes of dureticall meanes ; as of Apium , petroselinum &c.

If the matter of the flux bee cholerick● , prepare the humour with sirrup of roses , violets , endive , succorie . Purge with myrobolanes , manna , rhubarbe , cassia . ℞ . Of rhubarbe ʒ ii . anice-seed ʒ i. cinnamon ℈ is . infuse them in ℥ vi . of prune broth . Adde to the strayning of manna ℥ i ; and take it in the morning according to art. ℞ . Specierum diatrionsantalon , diatragacant . frig . diarrhod . abbatis , diacydonit . ana ʒ i. sugar ℥ iiii . with plantaine water make lozenges . If the clyster of the gall bee sluggish and doe not stirre up the facultie of the guts , give hot glisters of the decoction of the foure mollifying hearbes with hony of roses and Aloes .

If the flux be melancholious , prepare with sirrup of mayden-haire , epithimum , polipodie , borrage , buglosse , fumeterre , harts-tongue , and sirrupus bysantinus , which must bee made without vineger : otherwise it will rather animate the disease then nature ; for melancholie by the use of vineger is increased ; and both by Hippocrates , Sylvius , and Avenzoar it is disallowed of , as an enemie Hippoc. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 3. de ratione victus in morbis acutis . to the wombe , and therefore not to bee used inwardly in uterine diseases .

Purgers of melancholie are pilulae fumariae , Iacobus Sylvius comment . de mensibus mulierum . Avenzoar lib. 2. tract. 5. c. 1. pilulae Indae , pil de lapide lazuli , diasena and confectio hamech . ℞ . Of stamped prunes ℥ ii . sene ʒ i. epithimum , polipodie , fumeterre , ana ʒ is . sowre dates ℥ i. with endive water make a decoction : Take here of ℥ iiii , adde unto it confectionis hamech ʒ iii. manna ʒ iii. Or ℞ . pil. Indarum pil. faetidarum , agarici trochiscati ana ℈ i. pills of rhubarbe ℈ s. lapidis lazuli gr . vi . with sirrup of epithimum make pills , take them once every weeke . ℞ . Elect. laetificantis Galeni ʒiii . diamargariti calidi ʒ i. diamosci dulcis , conserves of borrage violets , buglosse , ana ʒ s. citron pills condited ʒ i. sugar ℥ vii . with rose water make lozenges .

Lastly let the wombe be clen●ed , from the corrupt matter , and then corroborated : for the purifying thereof , make injections of the decoction of betony , feverfew , mugwort , spikenard , bistow , mercury , sage , adding thereto sugar , oyle of sweet Almonds ana ℥ ii . pessaries also may bee made of silke cotton , madified in the juce of the forenamed hearbs . To corroborate the wombe , you may thus prepare trochiskes . ℞ . Of mugwort , feverfew , myrrhis , amber , mace , nutmeg , stirax , ligni aloes , red roses ana ℥ i. with the mucilage of tragacanth make trochisks : cast some of them on the coles , and smother the wombe therewith . Make fomentations for the wombe , of red wine , in which hath beene decocted masticke , fine bole balaustia , and red roses : An oint the matrix with oyle of quinces and myrtles ▪ and apply thereto Emplastrum pro matrice ; and let her take of diamoscum dulce and elect . Aromaticum , every morning .

A drying b b Galen . lib. devictu atten●ante . diet is commended to bee best , because in this affect the body most commonly abounds with flegmati●all and crude humours . For this cause Hippocrates councells the patient to goe to bed supperlesse . Hippoc. l. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Let her meat bee Partridge , Phesant , mountaine birds rather rosted then boyled . Immoderate sleep is forbidden moderate exercise is commanded .

CHAP. VI. Of the Suffocation of the Mother .

THis affect which simply considered is none , but the cause of an affect , is called in English the Suffocation of the Mother , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; ab co quòd mulieres praefoces . not because the wombe is strangled , but for that it causeth the woman to bee choked . It is a retraction of the wombe towards the Diaphragme and stomacke , which presseth and crusheth up the same , that the instrumentall cause of respiration the midriffe is saffocated ; which consenting with the braine causeth the Animall facultie the efficient cause of respiration also to bee intercepted ; whereby the body being refrigerated , and the actions depraved , she falls to the ground , as one being dead .

In these histericall passions some continue longer , some shorter . Rabby Moyses lib. 2. directorij cap. 41. Iacobus Ruffius lib. 6. de morbis mulierum cap. 8. Rabby Moyses writes of some , which lay in the paroxisme of the fit two dayes . Ruffius makes mention , of one , which continued in the same passion , three dayes and three nights ; and at the three dayes end shee revived . That we may learne by other mens harmes to beware , I will give you one example more . Ambrosius Paraeus lib. de generatione hominis cap. 64. Paraeus writeth of a woman in Spayne , which suddainly fell into a uterine suffocation and appeared to the judgement of man as dead : her friends wondring at this her suddaine change , for their better satisfaction , sent to the Chirurgian to have her dissected , who beginning to make an incision , the woman began to move , and with a great clamour returned to herselfe againe , to the horrour and admiration of all the spectators .

To the end therfore , you may distinguish the living from the dead , the Ancients prescribe three experiments . The first , is to lay a light feather to the mouth , and by the motion of it you may judge , whether the patient be living or dead . The second , is to place a glasse of water on the brest , and if you perceive it to move , it betokeneth life . The third is to hold a pure Looking-glasse to the mouth & nose ; and if the glasse appeare thicke with a little dew upon it , it betokeneth life . And these three experiments are good ; yet with this caution , that you ought not to depend on them too much : for , though the feather and the water doe not move , and the glasse continue pure and cleare , yet it is not a necessary consequence that shee is destitute of life : for , the motion of the lungs , by which the respiration is made , may bee taken away that shee cannot breath ; yet the internall transpiration of the heate may rem●ine , which is not manifested by the motion of the br●st , or lungs , but lies occult in the heart and inward arteries . Examples c c Arist. l 1. historia animali 1. hereof wee may have in the flie and swallow , which in the cold of winter , to the ocular aspect , seeme dead , inanimate , and breath not at all , yet they live by the transpiration of that heat which is reserved in the heart and inward arteries ; therefore when the summer approcheth , the internall heat being revocated to the outward parts , they are then againe revived out of their sleepie extasie .

Those women therefore that seeme to die suddainly , and upon no evident cause , let them not bee committed unto the earth untill the end of three dayes , lest the living be buried for the dead .

Cause .

The part affected is the wombe ; of which there is a twofold motion , naturall and Symptomaticall . The naturall motion , is when the wombe attracteth the humane seed , or excludeth the infant or secundine . The Symptomaticall motion , of which we are here to speak , is a convulsive drawing upward of the wombe .

The cause usually is in the retention of the seed , or in the suppression of the monthes , causing a repletion of corrupt humours in the wombe ; from whence proceeds a flatulent refrigeration , causing a convulsion of the ligaments of the wombe . And as it may come from humidity or repletion , being a convulsion , it may bee caused by emptinesse or d d Arist. 1. de generatione animali . drinesse : and lastly , by Abortion or difficult childe-birth .

Signes .

At the approaching of the suffocation there is a palenesse of the face , Galenus 6. de locis affectis cap. 5. weaknesse of the legges , shortnesse of breath , frigidity of the whole body with a working up into the throat , and then shee falls down as one voyd both of sence and motion . The mouth of the wombe is closed up , and being touched with the finger feels hard . The paroxisme of the fit once past , shee openeth her eyes , and feeling her stomacke opprest , shee offers to vomit . And least that any should bee deceived in taking one disease for another , I will shew how it may bee distinguisht from those diseases which have the neerest affinity with its selfe . It differs from the Apoplexie , being it comes without shreeking out also in the hystericall passion , the sence of feeling is not altogether so destroyed and lost , as it is in the Apoplecticall disease . It differs from the Epilepsie in that the eyes are not wrested , neither doe any spumy froth come from the mouth ; and that convulsive motion which sometime is joyned to the suffocation , is not so universall , as it is in the epilepsie , onely this or that member is convulst , and that without any vehement agitation . In the Sincope both respiration and pulse is taken away ; the countinance waxeth pale , & she swounds away suddainly ; but in the histericall passion , commonly there is both respiration and pulse though it cannot well bee perceived , her face looks red , and shee hath a forewarning of her fit . Yet it is not denied but that a Sincope may be joyned with this suffocation . Lastly , it is distinguisht from the Lethargie by the pulse which in the one is great in the other little .

Prognosticks .

If disease hath its being from the corruption of the seed , it foretells * * Maguinus Mediolanensis , de regimine sanitatis . cap. de coi●u . more danger then if it proceeded from the suppression of the cources ; because the seed is concocted , and of a purer quality , than the menstruous blood ; and the more pure being corrupted , becomes the more foule and filthie ; as appeares in egges the purrest nourishment , which vitiated yeeld the noysomest savour . If it be accompained with a Sincope , it shewes nature is but weake , and that the spirits are almost exhaust . But if e e Hippoc. lib. 5. Aphor. 35. neezing followes , it shewes that the heat which was almost extinct doth now begin to returne , and that nature will subdue the disease .

Cure .

In the cure of this affect two things must bee observed : first , that during the time of the pararoxisme , nature be provoked to expel those malignant vapours which binds up the sences , that shee may be recalled out of that sleepie extasie . Secondly , that in the intermission of the fit , propper medicines bee applied to take away the cause .

To stirre up nature , fasten cupping-glasses , to the hipps and navell : Apply ligatures to the thighs . Rubbe the extreame parts with salt vineger & musturd . Cause lowd clamours and thundrings in her eares . Apply to the nose Assa faetida , castor and saga penum steeped in vineger . Provoke her to neeze , by blowing up into her nose the powder of castor , white pepper , pellitory , of Spaine , and white Hellebore . Hold under her nose Partridge feathers , haire and old shoes burnt and all other stinking things : for evill odours are an enemie to nature , hence the Animall spirits doe so contest and strive against them , that the naturall heate is thereby restored . The braine is so opprest sometimes that wee are compeld to burne the outward skin of the head , with hot oyle , or with a hot iron . Sharp clysters and suppositories are available . ℞ m.i. anice seed ℥ s. anaʒii . boyle these in lib. ii . of water to the halfe : adde to the straining oyle of castor ℥ ii . picraeʒii . make a clyster . Or ℞ . of hony boyled ℥ ii . euphorbii ℈ s. Coloqnintida . gr. iiii , white hellebore gr. ii . saltʒi . make a suppositorie . Hippocrates writeth of a hystericall woman which could not bee freed from the paroxisme , Hippoc. 5. Epid. but by powring cold water on her : yet this cure is particular , and ought to be administred , in the f f 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hippoc. lib. 5. Aphor. 24. middest of summer when the Sun is in the Tropicke of Cancer .

If it bee caused by the retention and corruption of the seed ; at the instant of the paroxisme , let the Midwife tak oyle of lillies , marjerom , and bayes , dissolving in the same of Civet and Muske ana gr. ii . Let her dippe her finger therein and put it up into the neck of the wombe tickling and rubbing the same .

The fit being over , proceed to the curing of the cause . If it ariseth from the suppression of the months looke the cure , page 25 If from the retention of the seed ; a good husband will administer cure : But those which cannot honestly purchase that cure , must use such things as will drie up and diminish the seed , as Diacyminum , diacalaminthes , &c. Amongst Botanicks , the seed of Agnus Castus is well esteemed of whether taken inwardly , applied outwardly , or received as a suffumigation : It was held in great g g Libra de ortu sanitatis . cap. 11. honour amongst the Athenians , for by it they did remaine as pure Vestales , and preserved their chastity , only by strowing it in the b●d whereon they lay ; hence the name Agnus Castus , is taken from the effect . Make an issue on the inside of each legge , a handfull bredth below the knee . ℞ . Trochisks of agaricke ℈ ii . wilde carrotseed , ligni aloes ana ℈ s. turpentineʒiii . with conserve of Anthos make a bolus . The use of castor is worthily commended , ʒi . of it being taken in white wine . Or you may make pills of it with mithridate and take them going to bed . ℞ . Of white brionie root dried and cut after the manner of carrots ℥ i. Put it into a draught of wine placing it by the fire , Pharm . Dogmat. re●titu●a cap. 25 and when it is warme drinke it of . Quercitane draweth a faecula out of the root , the substance of which is to be taken in white wine or peonie water . ℞ . Of myrrhe , castor , Assafaetida ana ℈ i. saffron , rue seed , ana gr . iiii . make 8 pills , take every night 2. at your entrance into bed . Galen by his owne example commends unto us Agaricke pulveriz'd , of which he gave frequently ℈ i. in white wine . ℞ . anaʒs . ligni aloes , citron pills dried ana ℈ i. sugar ℥ iii. with feverfew water make lozenges . ℞ . Of tryphera magna Nic. ʒi . mugwort water ℥ iiii . Take this every other day for the space of 12 dayes . Hang about her necke little tabulets of Vngula Alces . ℞ . Of bdellium , ammoniacum , and ℥ ii . Agnus castus , Centorie , Cassia-wood , feverfew , marjerom ana ʒis . turpentine q. s. make two plasters applie one before and the other behind . Lay to the navill at bed-time , a head of garlicke brused , fastening it with a sweathing bande . Make a girdle of galbanum for the wast , and also a plaster for the belly , placeing in one part of it , both civet and muske , which must be layd upon the navill . ℞ . anaʒii . mithridate q. s. make a pessarie : It purgeth the matrice of winde and flegme : foment the naturall parts with sallade oyle , in which hath beene boyled rue , feverfew and chammomill . ℞ . Of rose leaves m.i. cloves ℈ ii . twilt them up in a little cloth and boyle them in malmsie , the eight part of an houre ; and then applie them close to the mouth of the wombe as hote as may bee indured : Let her be covered well that the smell passeth not to the nose .

A drieing diet must bee observed , the moderate use of Venus is commended . Let her bread bee Anice seed bisket ; and her flesh meate , rather rosted then boyled .

CHAP. VII . Of the descending or falling downe of the Mother .

THE falling down of the wombe is a relaxation of the ligatures , wherby the matrice is carried backward , and in some , hangs out in the bignesse of an egge . Of this there bee two kindes distinguisht of Fernelius by Descensus , Fernilius lib. 6. de partium morbis cap. 16. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Prolapsus by a descending and a precipitation . The descending of the wombe , is when it sinketh downe to the entrance of the privities , and appeares to the eye , either not at al or very little . The precipitation , is when the wombe , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . like a purse , is turned the inside outward , and hangs bewixt the thighes in the bignesse of a cupping-glasse .

Cause .

The cause is externall , or internall . The externall cause is difficult child birth , violent pulling away of the secondine , rashnesse and inexperience in drawing away of the child , violent coughing , neezing , falls , blowes , carrying of heavie burdens . The internall cause in generall is overmuch humiditie flowing unto those parts , hindring the operations of the wombe , whereby the ligaments by which the wombe is supported are relaxt . The cause in particular , is refer'd to bee in the retention of the seed ; Hippoc. 2. Epidem . Arist. 7. de historia animali . or in the suppressions of the courses .

Signes .

The Arsgut and the bladder oftentimes are so crushed , that the passage of both the excrements is hindered . If the urine doth flow forth , it is white and thick : the proecordia are molested , the loynes be grieved ; the privities payned ; the womb sinkes down to the entrance of the private parts , or else comes cleane out .

Prognosticks .

This griefe possessing an old woman , is cured with great difficultie , because it weakens the faculties of the wombe , and therefore though it bee reduced into his propper place , yet uppon every occurrance it is subject to the like danger it was in before . So is it with the younger sort , if the disease be inveterate . If it bee caused by putrifaction , in the nerves it is incurable .

Cure .

The wombe naturally being placed betweene the streight gut and the bladder , and now fallen down , ought not to be put up againe untill the facultie both of the guts and bladder bee stirred up .

Nature being unloded of her burden , let the woman be placed on her h h Hippoc. l. 2. de morbis mulierum . backe , in such sort that her legs may be higher then her head ; let her feet be drawne up to her hinder parts , with her knees spread abroad . Then mollifie the swelling with oyle of Lillies and sweet Almonds ; or with the decoction of m●llows , beetes , faengreck , and lineseed . When the inflation is dissiputed ; let the midwife annoint her hand with oyle of Mastick , and reduce the wombe into its place . The matrice being put up , the situation of the patient must bee changed . Let her legs bee out at length and layd together . Set cuppingglasses to the brests and navill . Boyle Mugwort , Feverfew , red Roses , and Comferie in red Wine , and foment the places therewith . Make a suffumigation for the matrice of Castor assa faetida , Frankincence and Mastick ; ℞ . anaʒiii , Masticke , Styrax , Franck in●ence , ana ℥ i. boleʒi . with oyle of myrtles and wax make two plasters apply one before and the other behinde . ℞ . Of red roses , Pomgranate pills , Accorne cups , Myrtle berries , ana ℥ ii . Medler leaues , Sage , Rue , Origan , Comferie , wormewood ana mis. boyle all these in water and make an insession . Move sweet odours . to the nose : And at the comming out of the Bath , give her of sirrup of Feverfew ℥ i. with ʒi . of anaʒiii . Galbani ℥ s. Styracisʒ ; ii . make a plaster for the navill . Make pessaries of Assafaetida , Saffron , Comfery , masticke , adding there to a little Castor . The practice of Paraeus , Paraeus de generatione hominis cap. 41. in this cause , was to make them only of corke , in figure like a little egge , covering them over with wax and masticke dissolved together , fastning to it a thred , and so to put it up into the wombe . The present danger being new taken away , and the matrice seared in its naturall abode , the remote cause must bee remooved . If the body bee plethoricke open a veyne ; Prepare with sirrup of betonie , calamint , hysope , and feverfew . Purge with pil. de hier a cum agarico , pil. de colocynthide . If the stomacke bee opprest by crudities , unburden it by vomiting . Sudorifficall decoctions of Lignum sanctum and sassifras taken twenty daies together dries , up the superfluous moister and consequently suppresseth the cause of the disease .

Let the aire bee hote and drie , and your diet hote and attenuating . Abstaine from dancing , leaping , neezing , and from all motion both of body and minde . Eate sparingly ; drinke not much : sleepe moderately .

CHAP. VIII . Of the Inflammation of the wombe .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . THE Phlegmon or inflammation of the matrice , is a tumour possessing the whole wombe or part of it , accompanied with unnaturall heate , by obstructions and gathering together of corrupt blood .

Cause .

The cause of this affect is suppression of the months , repletion of the whole body , immoderate use of Venus , often handling of the genitalls , difficult childe-birth , vehement agitation of the body , falls , blowes ; to which also may bee added the use of sharp pessaries , whereby not seldome the wombe is inflamed . Cupping-glasses also fastened to the pubes and hypogastrium draw the humours to the wombe .

Signes .

The signes are aguish horrours , paines in the head and stomacke , vomitting , coldnesse of the knees , convulsions of the necke , doting , trembling of the heart ; sometimes there is a Dyspnaea or streightnes of breath , by reason of the heat which is communicated to the diaphragme . The brests symphathizing with the wombe are payned and swelled . Particular signes . If the forepart of the matrice be inflamed , the privities are grieved , the urine is supprest , or flowes forth with difficutie . If the after part ; the loynes and backe suffer , the excrements are retained . If the right side ; the right hip suffers , the right legge is heavy slow to to motion , in so much that sometimes shee seemes to hault . And so if the left side of the wombe be inflamed , the left hip is payned , and the left legge is weaker then the right . If the necke of the wombe bee affected ; the midwife , putting up her finger , shall feele the mouth of it retracted and closed up , with a hardnesse about it .

Prognosticks .

All inflammations of the wombe are i i Hippoc. l. 2. de marbis mulierum . 5 Aphor. 43. dangerous , if not deadly ; and especially if the totall substance of the matrice bee inflamed . Yet lesse perilous are they if they bee in the necke of the wombe . A flux of the belly foretells health if it bee naturall ; for nature works best by the use of her owne instruments .

Cure .

In the cure , first , let the humours flowing to the wombe be repell'd ; for effecting of which , after the bellie hath beene loosened by cooling clysters , phlebotomie will bee needfull . Open therefore a veine on the arme ; and if shee be not with childe , the day after strike the Saphena on both feet . Fasten ligatures and Cupping — glasses to the armes ; rubbe the upper parts .

Purge lightly with Seneʒii . Anice seed ℈ i. myrobolanes ℥ s. Barly water . s.q. make a decoction : dissolve in it sirrup of Succorie with Rhubarbe ℥ ii . pulp of Cassia ℥ s. oyle of Anice seed gut . ii . make a potion . At the beginning of the disease anoint the privities and reynes , with oyle of roses and quinces . Make plasters of Plantaine , Lineseed , Barley meale , Melilote , Fengrecke , whites of egges , and if the paine be vehement , adde a little opium . Foment the genitalls with the decoction of Poppieheads , purcelaine , knotgrasse , and water-lillies . Make injections of Goates-milke , rose water , clarified whey , with hony of roses . In the declining of the disease , use insessions of Sage , Lineseed , Mugwort , Penny-royall , horehound , faengrecke . Anoint the lower parts of the belly with oyle of chammomill , and violets . ℞ . Of lilly roots , mallow roots ana ℥ iiii . mercurie m.i. Mugwort , feverfew ana m.s. Chammomill flowers , melilote , ana . p.i. bruse the hearbes and the rootes and boyle them in a sufficient quantity of milke : then adde of fresh butter , oyle of chammomill , lillies , ana ℥ ii . bean meale s.q. make two plasters apply one before and the other behinde .

If the tumour cannot bee removed but tends to suppuration ℞ . Of faengrecke , mallow roots , decocted figgs , line seed , barley meale , doves dung , turpentine ana ʒiii . suetʒs . opium ℈ s. with wax make a plaster . ℞ . Of bay leaves , sage , hysope , chammomill , mugwort with water make an insession . ℞ . Of wormewood , betonie ana ms. white wine , milke ana lib. s. boyle them untill one part bee consumed ; then take of this decoction ℥ iiii . hony of roses ℥ ii , make an injection . Yet beware the humours bee not brought downe unto the wombe . ℞ . anaʒiii . anaʒi , opium gr. ii . with wax make a pessarie .

The aire must bee cold : All motion of the body , especially of the lower parts is forbidden Vigilancie is commended , for by sleepe the humours are carried inward , whereby the inflammation is increased , eate sparingly . Let your drinke bee barley water or clarified whey ; and your meate chickens and chicken broth boyled with endive , succhorie , sorrell , buglosse and mallowes .

CHAP. IX . Of the Schirrositie or hardnesse of the wombe .

OF a Phlegmon neglected , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . or not perfectly cured , Galenus lib. 2. artis curativae ad Glauconem . is generated a Schirrus of the matrice , which is a hard unnaturall swelling insensible , hindering the operations of the wombe , and disposing the whole body to slouthfulnesse .

Cause .

One cause of this disease may bee as●i●ed to want of judgement in the Physitian ; as many Empirickes , administring to an inflammation of the wombe , doe over much refrigerate & astring the humour , that it can neither passe forward no backward ; hence the matter being condenst degenerates as it were into lapidious or hard substance . Other causes may bee suppression of the menstrualls ; retention of the Lochia , commonly called the after-purgings ; eating of corrupt meates , as in the disordinate longing called Pica , unto which breeding women are often subject . It may proceed also from obstructions and ulcers in the Matrix ; or from evill affects in the Liver and Spleene .

Signes .

If the bottome of the wombe bee affected , shee feeles , as it were , a heavy burden representing a mole ; yet differing in that the brests are attenuated , and the whole body waxeth lesse . If the necke of the wombe bee hardned , no outward humour will appeare ; the mouth of it is retracted , and being toucht with the finger feeles hard , that shee cannot have the company of a man without great payne and prickings .

Prognosticks .

A Schirrus confirmed , is i i Riolanus de morbis uteri sect 4. tract. 2. incurable , and will turne into a Canker or a Dropsie , and ending in a Canker proves Hippoc. libro . 6. Aphor. 38. deadly ; because the native heat in those parts , being almost smothred , can hardly againe be restored .

Cure .

Where there is a replection , phlebotomy by our master Galen is both commended and commanded . Wherefore open the mediana on both armes , and then the Saphena on both feet , especially if the termes bee supprest .

Prepare the humour with Sirrup of Borage , Succhory , Epithimum , and clarified Whey . Then take of these Pills following , according to the strength of the patient . ℞ . picraeʒvj . anaʒiis . anaʒis . misce make Pills . The body being purged , proceed to molifie the hardnesse , as followeth . Anoynt the privities and the necke of the wombe with Vnguentum dialtheae and agrippae . Or ℞ Myrrhaeʒij . Saffronʒ9 . Dissolve the gumms in Oyle of Lillies and sweet Almonds ; with Wax and Turpentine make an Vnguent . Apply below the navill the playster of Melilot and Diachylon Fernelij . Make insessions of Figges , Mugwort , Mallowes , Pennyroyall , Althea , Fenell roots , Meliote , Foengrecke , Line seed boyled in water . Make injections of Calamint , Line seed , Melilote , Foengrecke , and the foure mollifying hearbs , with oyle of Dill , Chammomile , and Lillies , dissolving the same ʒiij . of the gumme Bdellium . Cast the stone Pyrites on the coales , and let her receive the fume of it into her wombe . Foment the secret parts with the decoction of the leaves and roots of Danewort . ℞ . anaʒi . Iu●e of Danewort , Mucilage of Fengrecke , anna ℥ s. Calves marrow ℥ i. q.s. make a pessary . Or make a pessary onely of Lead , dipping it in the aforesayd things , and so put it up .

The aire must be temperate . Grosse , viscuous , and salt meats are forbidden ; as Porke , Bulls-beefe , Fish , old cheese , &c.

CHAP. 10. Of the dropsie of the wombe .

THE uterine dropsie is an unnaturall swelling , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ellevated by the gathering together of winde , or flegme in the cavity , membranes , or substance of the wombe , by reason of the debility of the native heat not digesting the aliment received , and so it turnes into an excrement .

Cause .

The causes , are over much cold and moystnesse of the Milt and Liver , immoderate drinking , eating of crude meats ; all which causing a repletion doe suffocate the native heate . It may bee caused likewise by the overoflowing of the courses , or by any other immoderate evacuation . To these may bee added abortion , ulcers , phlegmons , and schirrosities of the wombe .

Signes .

The signes of this affect are these . The lower parts of the belly with the genitals are puffed up and payned , the feete swell ; the natu●all colour of the face decaies , the appetite is depraved , and the heavinesse of the whole body concurres : If she turnes her selfe in the bed from one side to the other , a noyse like the flowing of water is heard . Water sometimes comes from the matrice . If the swelling bee caused by winde , the belly being hit with the hand , sounds like a drum ; the guts rumble , and the winde breakes thorough the necke of the wombe with a murmuring noyse . This affect may be distinguisht from a true conception many waies , as will appeare by comparing this chapter with the 14. It is distinguisht from the generall dropsie in that the lower parts of the belly are most sweld . Againe , in this the s●nguificative faculty doth not apppeare so hurt , nor the urine so pale , nor the countenance so soone changed ; neyther are the superiour parts so extenuated as in the general dropsie .

Prognostickes .

This affect foretels the totall ruine of the naturall functions , by that singular consent the wombe hath with the liver , and therefore that a cachexia or a generall dropsie will follow .

Cure .

In the cure of this disease , imitate the practice of Hypocrates . Hippoc. lib. de morb mulierum . First , mittigate the payne with fomentations of Melilote , Mercury , Mallows , Line seed , Chammomile , Althea . Then let the humour be prepared with syrrupe of Staechas , Hysope , Calamint , Mugwort , de bisant . With the distilled waters or decoctions , of Dodder , Marjorum , Sage , Origan , Sperage , Penny-royall , Betony . Purge with sene Agaricke , Rhubarb , Elaterium . ℞ . Specierum hierae , Rhubarb , trochisckes of Agaricke ana ℈ i. with the juce of Ireos make pills . Or ℞ . pill de Rhubarbaro ℥ s. pill de mezereo ℈ i. with Mugwort water make pills . In diseases which have their being from moystnesse , purge with pills : and in those affects which are caused by emptinesse or drynesse , purge with potions . Fasten cupping glasse to the belly with a great flame , and also to the navill , especially if the swelling be flatulent . Make an issue on the inside of each leg a handfull bredth below the knee . ℞ . anaʒij . Sugar lb. i. with Betony water m●ke Lozenges : take of them two houres before meales . Apply to the bottome of the belly , as hot as may bee indured , a little bagge of Chammomill , Cummin , and Melilot , boyled in Oyle of rue . Anoynt the belly and secret parts with Vnguentum Agrippae , and Vnguentum 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , mingling therewith Oyle of Ireos . Cover the lower parts of the belly with the playster of bay berries ; or with a cataplasme made of Cummin , Chāmomill , Briony rootes , adding thereto Cows and Goats dung . Our Moderns ascribe a great vertue to Tobacco water , distilled and poured into the wombe by a metrenchyta . ℞ . of Baume Sothern wood , Organ , Wormewood , Calamint , Bayleaues , Marjorom , ana m i. Iuniper berries ℥ iiij . with water make a decoction : of this may be made fomentations , injections and insessions . Make pessaries of S●yrax , Alloes , with the roots of Dictam , Aristolochia , and Gentiane . Instead of this you may use the pessary prescribed pag. 77. Let her take of Electuarinus aromaticum , diasat●rion , and Eringo roots , condited every morning .

The are must be hot and dry : moderate exercise is allowed . Much sleepe is forbidden . She may oate the flesh of Patridges , Larks , Chickens , mountaine birds , Hares , Conies , &c. Let her drinke be thin Wine .

CHAP. 11. Of Barrennesse .

Hoe fuit maximum Opus obstetricum , scire conj●ngere invicem corpora apta ad conceptione . Nimole●● Rocheus de morbis ●●l . ●●p . 20. IN times past before woemen came to the marriage bed , they were first searched by the midwife ; and those onely which she alowed of , as fruitfull , were admitted . I hope therefore it will be thought a needles labour , to shew how yee may prove your selves , and turne the stonny ground into a fruitfull soyle .

Barennesse is a deprivation of life and powre which ought to bee in the seed , to procreate and propagate ; for which end both man and woman were made .

Cause .

It is caused by overmuch heat or cold ; Hippoc. 6. Epiden . 5. Aphor. 62. that drying up the seed , and making it corrupt ; this , extinguishing the life of the seed making it watrish and unfit for generation . It may be caused also by the not flowing or overflowing of the cources , by swellings , ulcers and inflammations of the wombe ; by an k k Mauricius Cordo●●● in Hippoc. lib. 1. de mulier●bus , comm●ni . 2. excrescence of flesh growing about the mouth of the matrice : by the mouth of the wombe being turned unto to the backe , or side : by the grossenesse and fatnesse of the body , whereby the mouth of the matrice is closed up , by being prest with the l l Hippoc. 5. Aphor. 46. Omentum or caule ; and the m m Arist. 2. de partibus animal . matter of the seed is converted into fatnesse . Or if shee bee of a leane and exhaust body , to the world shee proves barren , because though shee doth conceive yet the fruit n n Hippoc. 5. Aphor. 44. of the wombe will wither before it comes to perfection for want of nourishment .

Actius libro ultimo cap. 26.

Sylvius libell● de generatione b●mi●●s commeat .

Aetius and Sylvius , ascribe one maine cause of barrennesse to compeld copulation ; as when parents enforce their daughters to have busbands contrary to their liking , therein marrying their bodies but not their hearts , Coitus co●ctus , est coitus inanis . and where there is a want of love , there for the most part is no conception ; as appeares in women which are o o Non concipitur saet●s absque mutu● voluptate . Columbia de Anatom . l. 11. cap. 16. Cuj●sque omplexionis excessus mutuâ qualitatum contrariarum repugn●nti● coerceretur . deflowred against their will . Another maine cause of barrennesse , is attributed to the want of a convenient moderating quality , which the woman ought to have with the man , as if hee bee hot , shee must be cold ; If hee bee drie , she must bee moist : But if they bee both drie or both moyst of constitution , they cannot propagate , p p Sape tamen usu venit , ut ●●●ter coen●●●um sit sterilis s●d quia eorum int●r se s●nt abhorrentes naturae , nihilidcircò exs●s● , es al is verò ge●n rare p●ss●nt . Fernelius de pariium morbit & Symptom . lib. 6. cap. 7. and yet simply considered of themselves they are not barren ; for he or she which before was as the barren fig-tree , being now joyned with an apt constitution becomes as the fruitfull Vine . And that man and women being every way of a like constitution cannot procreate , I will bring nature it selfe for a testimonie , who hath made man of a hotter constitution ,

Cum itaque calidum frigide , commixtum fuerit , ex hisjusmodi c●mmixti●●e aliquid generari potest .

Hortensius Baptista lib. ●1 . divin . instit de aminia vegitiva cap. 19.

then woman , that the quality of the one may moderate the quality of the other .

Signes .

If barrennesse proceeds from the overmuch heat , shee is of a drie body , subject to anger , she hath blacke haire , quicke purfe ; her purgations flow but little , and that with paine ; shee loves to play in the courts of Venus . But if it comes by cold , then are the signes contrary to those even now recited . If through an evill quality in the wombe : Make a suffumigation of red storax , Hippoc. lib. 5. Aphor. 59. myrrhe , cassia wood , nutmeg , cinnamon , and let her receive the sume of it into the wombe , covering her very close ; and if the odour so received passeth through the body up into the mouth and nostrills ; Lege apud Moschionem cap. 161. of herselfe shee is fruitfull : but if shee feeles not the fume in her mouth and nose , it argues barrennesse one of these wayes ; that the spirit of the seed is either through cold extinguisht , or through heat dissipated . If any woman bee suspected to bee unfruitfull , cast naturall brimstone such as is digged out of the mine , into her urine and if wormes breed therein , of herselfe she is not barren .

Prognosticks .

Barrennesse maketh women looke young , because they are free from those paynes and sorrowes , which other women are accustomed to bring forth withall . Yet they have not that full perfection of health which fruitfull women doe injoy , because they are not rightly purged of the menstruous blood and superfluous seed , the retayning of which two , are the principall cause of most uterine diseases .

Cure .

First the cause shall be removed , and then the wombe strengthened , and the spirits of the seed enlived .

If the wombe bee over-hot ; take sirrup of succhorie with rhubarbe , sirrup of violets , endive , roses , cassia , purselaine . ℞ . Ofendive , water lillies , borage flowers , ana m. anaʒiii . with water make a decoction , adde to the strayning of the sirrup laxative of violets ℥ i. sirrup of cassia ℥ s. mannaʒiii , make a potion . ℞ . Of the sirrup of mugwort ℥ i. sirrup of maiden haire ℥ ii . water of succhorie , borage , feuell , ana ℥ iii. pul● . elect . tri●sand . ʒi . anaʒiii . rhubarbe ℈ i. make a bolus . Apply to the reynes and privities , fomentations of the juce of lettice , violets , roses , mallowes , vine leaves and nightshade . Anoint the secret parts with the cooling unguent of Galen .

If the power of the seed bee extinguisht by cold ▪ Take every morning two spoonfulls of cinnamon water with ℈ i. of mithridate . ℞ . Sirrup of calamint , mugwort , beto●y ana ℥ i. water of penny royall , feverfew , hysope , sage ana ℥ ii . make a julep . ℞ . Oyle of anice seed ℈ is . anaʒi . sugar ℥ iiii . themʒis . twice a day two houres before meales . East●n cupping-glasses to the hipps and bellie . ℞ . of stira●● , calamint , ana ℥ i. masticke , cloves , cinnamon , nut●●g , lig . aloes , frankincen●● ana ℥ s. muske gr. 10. ambergrise ℈ s. with rose-water make a confection : divide it into foure equall parts ; Of one part make a pomum odoratum to smell on , if shee bee not hystericall . Of the second , make a masse of pills , and let her take three every night . Of the third , make a pessarie , dippe it in oyle of spikenard and put it up . Of the fourth make a suffumigation for the wombe . If the faculties of the wombe be weakened , and the life of the seed suffocated by over much humidity , flowing to those parts ; ℞ . Of betonie , marierom , mugwort , penny royall , bawme ana m.i. anaʒii . anaʒi . with sugar and water . s. q. make a sirrup , take of ℥ iii. every other morning . Purge with these pills following ; ℞ . Of digridion gr.ii. specierum dacastorei , ℈ i. pil. faetid . ℈ ii . with sirrup of mugwort make vi . anaʒi . cinnamonʒis . anaʒs . sugar ℥ vi . with water of feverfew make lozenges , to bee taken of every morning ▪ Take of the decoction of sarsaparilla , and virga aurea , not forgetting sage ; which Agrippa wondering at the operation of , hath honour'd it with the name of a holy hearbe . Sacra berba . And it is recorded , that after so many of the Egiptians were dead , Heurnius methodus ad praxin . cap. 14. the surviving women that they might multiply the faster , Read D●d●naeus history of plants . lib. 2. cap. 77. were commanded to drinke the juce of sage . Anoynt the genitalls with oyle of aniceseed and anaʒi . anaʒs . turpentine q s. ●●●ke trochis●ks , to smother the ●●ombe . ℞ . Of the roots of Va●●rian , ellecampane , ana lb. i. ●●ulangale ℥ ii . origan , laven●●r , marjerom , betonie , mug●ort bay-leaves , calamint ana 〈◊〉 . iii. with water make an ●●osession , in which she shall 〈◊〉 after shee hath had her ●●ources .

If barrennesse proceeds ●●om drynesse consuming ●●e matter of the seed ; Take very day of Almond milke , ●●d Goates milke extracted ●ith hony . Eate often of ●●e roots Satyrion condited , ●●nd of the electuary diasaty●on . Take three weathers ●●ds , boyle them untill the flesh comes from the bones ; then take of melilote , violets , chammomill ▪ mercury , orchi● , with their roots ana m.i. faengrecke , li●es●ed , vale●an roots ana li. i . Let all these bee decocted in the foresaid broth , then let the woman fit in the decoction up to the navill . ℞ . Of Decres suet ℥ ● . anaʒii . oyle of sweet almonds ℥ ii . with silke cotton make a pessarie . Make injections only of fresh butter and oyle of sweet almonds .

If barrennesse bee caused by any proper affect of the wombe , the cure is set down in the foregoing chapters . Sometimes the woman proves barren when there is no impediment of either side ; except onely in the manner of the act : as when in the emission of the seed , the man is quicke and the woman too slow , whereby there is not a concurse of both seeds at the same instant , as the * * Petrus Bayr●●● prac● . lib. 3.15 . cap. rules of conception require . Wherefore to take away this inconvenience , Muller praeparari ac disponi debet molli complexu , lascivis verbis osculu lasciviora miscenda . If this doth not suffice ; before the act of coition , foment the private parts with the decoction of betony-sage , hysope , and calamint . Annoint the mouth and necke of the wombe with Muske and Civet .

The cause of barrennesse being removed , the wombe shall be corroborated as followes . ℞ . Of bay berries , masticke , Nutmegge Frankincense , Cypresse nuts , Ladani , Galbani , ana ʒi . Styracis liquid ℈ ii . Cloves ℈ s. Amber grise gr. ij . Muske gr. vi . with Oyle of Spiknard , make a pessary . ℞ . of red Roses , Lapidis hematitis , white Frankincense ana ℥ s. anaʒii . anaʒi . Spicknard ℈ s. with oyle of Wormewood make a playster for the lower part of the belly . Let her eate often of Eringo roots condited . Make an injection onely of the juce of the roots of Satyrion .

The aptest time for conception is instantly after the monthes be ceast , because then the wombe is thirsty and dry , Post purgationem siccior est vierus et semen avidius ●●abit . apt to draw the seed , and also to retaine it , by the roughnesse of the inward superficies . And besides , in some , the mouth of the wombe is turned unto the backe , Rhoderic. cast de natura muliebri lib. 2. cap. 13. or side , and is not place right untill the last day of the courses .

Excesse in all things is to be avoyded ; lay aside all passions of the minde . Shun study and care as adverse to conception ; for if a woman doth conceive , the wise parents being otherwise addicted , of ten beget but foolish children , because the animall faculties of the parents viz. The understanding and the rest ( from whence the childe hath his reason ) are , as it were , confused through the multiplicity of cares and cogitations . Examples hereof we have in learned men , who after great study and care , instantly accompanying with their wives , often beget doting children . A hot , and moyst aire is most convenient , as appeares by the women in Aegypt , which usually bring forth three , or foure children at one time .

CHAP. 12. Of the Mola , or halfeconception .

THis disease , is called of the Greekes 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and the cause of this denomination is taken from the loade or heavy weight of it , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . it being a moles , or great lump of hard flesh burdening the woman .

It is defined to bee an inarticulate peece of flesh without forme , begotten in the matrice , as it were , a true conception : In which definition wee are to note two things . First , in that a mole is sayd to be inarticulate , and without forme , it differs from monsters , which are both formata and articulata . Secondly , it is sayd to bee , as it were , a true conception , which puts a difference between a true conception and a mole ; which difference holds good three waies . First , in the Genus , in that a mole cannot be fayd to bee animall . Secondly , in the Species , because it hath no humane figure and beares , not the character of a man . Thirdly , in the Individuum , for it hath no affinity with the parent , eyther in the whole body , or any particle of the same .

Cause

About the cause of this affect , amongst learned authours I finde variety of judgements . m m Avicenna 10 de animalibus et 21. tertij tract. 2. cap. 19. Some are of opinion , that if the womans seed goes into the wombe and not the mans , thereof is the mole produced . Others there be that affirme it is ingendred of the menstruous blood : Aristol . 4. de generatione animali . cap. 7. but if these two were granted , Plinius lib. 10. cap. 64. then mayds by having their courses , or thorough nocturnall polutions might be subject unto the same , Hippoc. 2. Epidem . which never any yet were . The true cause of this fleshy mole proceeds both from the man , Galenus 14. de usu partium . 17. and from the woman , from corrupt or barren seed in the man , and from the menstruous blood in the woman both mixed together in the cavity of the wombe ; where nature finding her selfe weake ( yet desiring to maintaine the perpetuity of her species ) labours to bring forth a vitious conception rather than none . and so instead of a living creature generates a lumpe of flesh .

Signes .

The signes of a mole are these . The months are supprest , the appetite is depraved , the brests swell , and the belly is puffed up and waxeth hard . Thus farre the signes of a breeding woman , and of one that beareth a mole are all one . I will now shew you how they differ .

The first signe of difference is taken from the motion of a mole ; it may bee felt to move in the wombe before the third moneth , which the infant cannot : yet that motion is not to be understood of any intelligent power in the mole , but of the faculty of the wombe , and of the seminall spirits defused through the substance of the mole ; for it lives not a life animall , but vegitative in the manner of a plant . Secondly , in a mole , the belly is suddenly puft up ; but in a true conception the belly is first retracted and then riseth againe by degrees . Thirdly , the belly being prest with the hand , the mole gives way , and the hand being taken a way it returnes to the place againe : But a child in the wombe , though prest with the hand , moves not presently , and being removed returnes slowly or not at all . Lastly , the childe continues in the wombe not above eleven moneths ; but a mole continues sometimes foure or five yeeres , more or lesse according as it is fastned in the matrice . I have knowne when a mole hath fallen away in the fourth or fifth moneth .

If it remaines untill the eleventh moneth , the leggs waxe feeble , and the whole body consumes ; onely the swelling of the belly still increaseth , which makes some thinke they are hydropicall though there be little reason for it ; for in the Dropsie the legges swell and grow bigge , but in a mole they consume , and wither .

Prognostickes .

If at the delivery of a mole the Flux of blood bee great , it shewes the more danger ; because the parts of nutrition having beene vitiated by the flowing back of the superfluous humors , whereby the naturall heate is consumed : and then parting with so much blood , the woeman thereby is so weakened in all her faculties , that she can hardly subsist .

Cure .

Wee are taught in the schoole of Hippocrates , Libro . 5. Aphorism . 31. that phlegbotomy causeth abortion , by taking away that nourishment , which should sustaine the life of the child . Wherefore , that this vitious conception may bee deprived of that vegetative sappe by which it lives ; open the liver veyne , and then the saphena on both feet . Fasten Cupping-glasses to the loynes and sides of the belly : which done , let the uterine parts be first mollified , and then expulsive faculty provoked to expell the burden .

To laxate the ligatures of the mole : ℞ . m.iij. Chammomile , Melilot , Pellitory of the wall , Violet leaves , Mercury , roots of Fenell , Parsly ana m. ij . Lineseed , Faengrecke , ana lb. i. boyle them in water and let her sit therein up to the navill . At the going out of the bath , annoynt the privities , and reines with this unguent following . ℞ . oyle of Chammomile , Lillie● , and sweet Almonds ana ℥ i. fresh butter , Labdani , Ammoniaci , ana ℥ s. with the Oyle of Lineseed , make an unguent . Or instead of this may be used ●nguentum Agrippa or Dialtheae . ℞ . of Mercury , roots of Althea , ana m. s. fol. Branchae Vrsinae m. s. Lineseed , Barley meale , ana ℥ vi . boyle all these with water and honey , and make a playster . Make pessaries of the gumme Galbanum bdellium , Ammoniacum Figgs , Hogges suer , and Honey .

After the ligaments of the mole are loosed ; let the expulsive faculty be stirred up to expell the mole , for effecting of which all medicaments may bee used which are proper to bring downe the courses . ℞ . troch de myrrha ℥ i. castor , aristolochia , Genti●● , dictam , ana ℥ s. likeʒi . in ℥ iiij . of Mugwort water . ℞ . of Hypericon , Calamint , Penny-royall , Betony , Hysope , Sage , Horebound Valerian , Madder , Sabine with water make a decoction , take ℥ iij. of it with ℥ is . of Sirrupe of Feverfew . ℞ . of Mugwort , Myrrh , Gentiane pil. coch . ana ℈ iiij ▪ anaʒs . assa foetida , Cinnamon , Iuniper berries , Borage , ana ʒi . with the iuce of Sabine make pills to be taken of every morning . Make insessions of Hysope , Bay leaves , Assrum , Calamint , Bayberries , Chammomile , Mugwort , Sabine . ℞ . of Sagapenum , Marjerom , Gentiane , Sabine , Cloves , Nutmegge , Bay-berries , ana ℈ ij . Galbanumʒi . hierae picrae , blacke Hellebore , ana ℈ i. with Turpentine make a pessary . But if these things prove not availeable ; then must the mole bee drawne away with an instrument put up into wombe , called a Pes griphius ; which may be done with no great danger , if it bee performed by a skilfull Chirurgeon .

After the delivery of the mole ( by reason that the woman hath parted with much blood already ) let the flux of blood bee stayed as fast as may bee .

Fasten Cupping-glasses to the shoulder , and ligatures to the armes . If these help not ; open the liver-veine on the right arme .

The aire shall bee moderately hot and drie ; and her diet such as doth mollify and attenuate , shee may drinke white wine .

CHAP. XIII . Of the generation of monsters .

BY the Ancients monsters are ascribed to depraved conceptions ; and are defined to bee excursions of nature , which are n n Heurnius institut. medicin . lib. 5. cap. 8. vitious one of these foure wayes . In figure , situation , magnitude , or number .

In figure , when a man beares the character of a beast , as did the o o Ruffius de mul. lib. 5. cap. 3. monster in Saxonia , which was borne about the time of Luthers preaching .

In magnitude , when one part doth not equalize with another , as when one part is too bigge or too little for the other parts of the body ; and this is so common amongst us , that I need not produce a testimonie for it .

In situation , as if the eares were on the face and the eyes on the brest or legges , of this kinde was the p p Conradus Licostenes tractat . de miraculis . monster borne at Ravenna in Italy , in the yeare 1512.

In number , when a man hath two heads or foure hands , of this kinde was the q q Ludovicus lib. 24. cap. 3. monster borne at Zarz●ra in the yeere 1540.

I proceed to the cause of their generation , which is either Divine or Naturall . The Divine cause proceeds from the permissive will of God , suffering parents to bring forth such abominations , for their filthie and corrupt affections which are let loose unto wickednesse , like brute beasts that have no understanding . Wherefore it was enacted amongst the ancient Romans , that those which were any wayes r r Gellius lib. 1. cap. 12. deformed should not be admitted into religious houses . L● 18. epistola and Demetriadem . lib. 2. And S. Hierome in his time grieved to see the deformed and lame offered up to God in religious houses . Lib. de arte conci●●●●di . And Keker●a●e by way of inference excludeth all that are mishappen from the presbyteriall function in the Church : and that which is of more force then all , Levit. 21.18 . God himselfe commanded Moses not to receive such to offer sacrifice amongst his people ; and hee renders the reason , Least hee polute my sanctuaries : Verse 23. because the outward deformity of the body is often a signe of the polution of the heart , Quot natūra nolavit d●mn●vit . as a curse layd upon the child for the parents incontinency . Yet there are many borne depraved which ought not to bee ascribed unto the infirmity of the parents . S. Ioh 9● . 2 . Let us therefore search out the naturall cause of their generation , which ( according to Aristotle and Avicen which have dieved into the secrets of nature ) is either in the matter or in the agent , Arist. t. tertio mat●●r . Avicenna 2. metaph . in the seed or in the wombe .

The matter may bee in fault two wayes , by defect or by excesse . By defect when as the childe hath but one legge , or one arme . By excesse , when it hath three hands , or two heads .

The agent , or wombe may be in fault three wayes . First , in the formative facultive , which may be too strong , or too weake , by which is produced a depraved figure . Secondly , in the instrument or place of conception , the evill conformation or disposition whereof , will cause a monstruous birth . Thirdly in the imaginative power at the time of conception , which is of such force that it stamps the Cardanus de rerum veritate . lib. 8. cap. 44. character of the thing imagined upon the child : so that the children of an adultresse may be like unto her owne husband though begotten by another man ; which is caused through the force of the imagination which the woman hath of her owne husband in the act of coition . Aristotle reports of a woman , who at the time of conception beholding the picture of a Blacke more , conceived and brought forth an Aetheopian . I will not trouble you with any more humane testimonies , but I wil conclude with a stronger warrant . Wee read how Iacob having agreed with L●ba● to have all the spotted sheep for the keeping of his flocks ; Gen. 30.31 . to augment his wages , tooke hasell rodds , and pilled white strakes in them and layd them before the sheep when they came to drinke , and the sheep cuppling there together , whiles they beheld the rods conceived , & brought forth spotted young .

The Imagination also workes on the child after conception : Per imaginationis impressionem , f●tu● in utero matris afficitur figno notabil● sine corporali contactu . Osualdus Crollius praefatione admonitoriâ ad Basilicam Chymicam . for which wee have a pregnant example of a worthy gentlewoman in Suffolcke , who being with child and pas●ing by her butcher-killing of meat , a drop of blood sprung on her face , whereupon she said , that her childe would have some blemish on the face , and at the birth it was found marked with a red spot .

Some are of opinion , that monsters may be ingendred by some infernall spirit . Of this minde was t t Libro de Cometa . Egidius Facius speaking of that deformed monster borne at Cracovie . And u u Lib. de rebus contra ●aturam . Hieroni●us Cardamus , writeth of a maid , which was got with child , by a Divell , shee thinking it had been a faire young man . The like also is recorded by w w De naturali specul● . lib. 21. cap. 30. Vincentius , of the Prophet Marliu , that he was begotten by an evill spirit .

But what a repugnancie would it bee , both to religion and nature , if the Divells could beget men , when we are taught to believe , that not any was ever begotten without humane seed except the Sonne of God . The Divell then being a spirit having no corporall substance , but in appearance , and therfore no seed of generation ; to say that hee can use the act of generation effectually , is to affirme that hee can make something of nothing , and consequently the Divell to be God , for creation solely belongs to God alone . Againe if the Divell could assume to him a dead body , and enliven the faculties of it , and make it able to generate ( as some affirme hee can ) yet this body must beare the image of the Divell ; and it is against Gods glory to give permission so farre unto him , as out of the Image of God to rayse up his owne of-spring . In the schoole of nature wee are taught the contrary , viz. that like begets like ; Omne generans generat sibi sim●l● . therefore of a Divell cannot man be borne . Yet it is not denied , but that Divells transforming themselves into human shapes , may abuse both men and women , Lege apud Ruffium lib. 5. c. 6. and with wicked people use the works of nature . Yet that any such conjunction can bring forth a human creature is contrary to nature and religion .

CHAP. XIV . Of the signes of Conception .

IGnorance makes women become murderers to the fruit of their owne bodies . For many having conceived , and thereupon finding their bodies to bee out of cource , and not knowing rightly the cause , doe either run to the shop of their own conceit and take what they thinke fit ; or else as the custome is they send , to the Physitian for cure , and he perceiving not the cause of their griefe ( seeing that no certaine x x Forestus lib. 2. de incerto urinarum judicio cap. 3. judgement can bee given by the urine ) prescribes what hee thinks best , peradventure some strong diureticall , or catharticall potion whereby the conception is destroyed . Wherefore Hippocrates saith , S●ientiâ multi opus est ut mulier in uteris ges●e● puerum , & ut nutriatur & ut evadat ab ipso partu . lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . there is a necessity that women should bee instructed in the knowledge of conception , that the parent as well as the childe might bee saved from danger . I will therefore give you some instructions by which every one may know whether shee bee with child or not .

The signes of conception shall bee taken from the woman , from the urine , from the infant , and from experiment .

Signes collected from the woman are these . The first day after conception shee feeles a light quivering or chillinesse running through the whole body ; a tickling in the wombe , and a little paine in the lower parts of the bellie . Ten or twelve dayes after , the head is affected with giddinesse , the eyes with a dimnesse of sight : then followes red pimples in the face , with a blue circle about the eyes ; the brests swell and grow hard with some paine and pricking in them : the belly suddainly sinketh , and riseth againe by degrees with a hardnesse about the navill . The nipples of the brests wax red , the heart beats inordinately , the naturall appetite is dejected , yet shee hath a longing desire after strange meates . The necke of the wombe is retracted that it can hardly bee felt with the finger being put up , and this is an infallible signe . She is suddainly merrie and as soone melancholie ; her monthly courses are stayed without any evident cause ; the excrements of the guts are unaccustomedly retained by the wombe pressing the great gut ; and her desire to Venus is abated .

The surest signe is taken from the infant which begins to move in the wombe the third or fourth month , and that not in the manner of a mole from one side to another rushing like a stone , but mildely as may bee perceived by applying the hand hot on the bellie .

Signes taken from the urine . The best clerks doe affirme that the urine of a woman with child is white and hath little motes , like those in the Sunne beames ascending and descending in it , and a clowd swimming aloft of an opall colour ; the sediment being devided by shaking of the urine , appeares like carded wooll . In the middle of her time , the urine turneth yellow , next red , and lastly blacke , with a red cloud . Signes taken from experiment : At night going to bed , let her drinke water and hony ; afterward if shee feeles a beating paine in her bellie and about her navill , shee hath conceived . Or let her take the juce of Card●us , and if she vomiteth it up , it is a signe of conception ; Cast a cleane needle into the womans urine put in a brasen bason , let it stand all night , and in the morning if it bee coloured with red spotts shee hath conceived , Lege apud Hippoc. lib. de sterilitate . but if it bee blacke or rustie shee hath not .

Signes taken from the Sex to shew whether it bee male or female . Being with childe of a male , the right brest swells first , the right eye is more lively then the left , her face well coloured , because such as the blood is , Hippoc. 5. Aphor. 42. such is the colour ; and the male is conceived of purer blood and of more perfect seede then the female . Vide Moschionis caput 162. Red motes in the urine setling downe to the sediment , foretell that a male is conceived , but if they be white , a female . Put the womans urine which is with childe into a glassen bottle , let it stand close stopt three dayes ; then straine it through a fine cloth , and you shall finde little living creatures ; if they be red , it is a male , if white a female . To conclude the most certaine signe to give credit unto is the motion of the infant : for the male moves in the third moneth , and the female in the fourth .

CHAP. XV. Of untimely birth .

WHen the fruite of the womb comes forth before the seventh moneth , ( that is before it comes to maturity ) it is said to bee abortive . And in effect the child proves * * In nostris regionibus praecipuè : In Aegypto autem et Hispania octomestres partus sunt vitales , quia aer ibi calidus est similis loco uteri , in quo perman●bat faetus . abortive ( I meane not to live ) if it bee borne in the eight moneth . And why children borne in the seventh , and ninth moneth may live and not in the eight moneth , may seeme strange yet it is true : The cause hereof by some , is ascribed unto the Planet under which the childe is borne ; for every moneth from the conception to the birth is governed by his proper planet : and in the eight moneth , Saturne doth predominate , which is cold and dry ; and coldnesse being an enemy unto li●e , destroys the nature of the childe . Hypocrates gives a better reason : Libro de Septimestri pari● . The infant being every way perfect , and compleate in the seventh moneth , desires more aire and nutriment than it had before , Septimo mense semper movet infans ad partum . which because hee cannot obtaine hee labours for a passage to goe out : and if his spirits bee weake and faynt , and have not strength sufficient to break the membrances and come forth ; it is decreed by nature that he should continue in the womb untill the 9th month , that , in that time his wearied spirits might be againe strengthned and refreshed ; but if he returnes to strive againe in the eight moneth and bee borne , hee cannot live , because the day of his birth is eyther past or to come ; for in the eight moneth , sayth Avicen hee is weake and infirme , 21. tertij tract . de abortu . and therefore b●ing then cast into cold ayre his spirits cannot but sinke .

Cause .

Vntimely birth may bee caused by cold ; for as it maketh the fruit of the tree to wither and fall downe before it be ripe , so doth it nip the fruit of the wombe before it comes to full perfection , and make it to be abortive . Sometimes by y y Hipoc . 5. Aphor. 45. humidity weakening the faculty that the fruit cannot be retain'd untill the due time : by drinesse or z z 5 Aphor. 44. emptinesse , defrauding the childe of his nourishment ; by one of the three alvine a a 5 Aphor. 34. fluxes ; by b b 5 Aphor. 30. phlebotomy and other evacuations ; by c c 5 Aphor. 43. inflammations of the wombe , and by other d d 5 Aphor. 31. sharpe diseases . Sometimes it is caused by joy , laughter , anger , and especially by e e Gulenus 2. in 3. Epid. 8. feare ; for in all , but in that especially , the heate forsakes the wombe and runnes to the heart , to helpe there , and so the cold strikes into matrice whereby the ligaments are relaxt , and abortion follows . Wherefore Plato in his time , Libro 5. de legibus . commanded that the woemen should shunne all temptations of great joy and pleasure , and likewise avoyd all occasions of feare and griefe : Abortion also may bee caused by the corruption of the ayre ; by filthy odours , and especially by the smell of the f f Aristot. 8. de historia animali . cap. 24. snuffe of a Candle , also by falls , blowes , violent exercise , leaping , dancing , &c.

Signes .

Signes of future abortion , are extenuation of the brests with a flux of watrish milke ; payne in the womb ; heavinesse in the head ; unaccustomed wearinesse in the hippes , and thighes ; flowing of the courses : Signes foretelling the fruit to bee dead in the wombe , are hollownesse of the eyes , griefe in the head , aguish horrours , palenesse of the face and lippes ; gnawing of the stomacke ; no motion of the infant ; coldnesse and loosenesse of the mouth of the wombe ; the thicknesse of the belly which was above is fallen downe ; waterish and bloody excrements comes from the matrice .

A regiment or rule for breeding women .

THe prevention of untimely birth consists in the taking away of the forementioned causes ; which must bee effected both before and after conception .

Before conception , if the body bee ever hot , cold , dry or moyst correct it with the contraries ; if cacochimiall , purge it ; if plethoricall , open the liver veine ; if too grosse , extenuate it ; if too leane , corroborate and nourish it ; all diseases of the wombe must be removed as I have shewed .

After conception , let the ayre bee temperate : sleepe not overmuch : avoid watching , exercise of body , passions of the minde , loude clamours and filthy smells : sweet odours also are to be rejected of those that are histericall . Abstaine from all things which provoke eyther the urine or courses ; also from salt , sharpe , and windy meates : a moderate diet shall bee observed .

If the excrements of the guts bee retayned , lenifie the belly with Clisters made of the decoction of Mallows , Violets with Sugar , and common Oyle ; or make broth with Borage , Buglosse , Beets , Mallows , taking in the same a little Manna . On the contrary ; if she be troubled with loosenesse of the belly , let it not be stayed with out the judgment of a Phisitian ; for all alvine Fluxes , have a maligne quality in them , which must be evacuated before the Flux be stayed .

The cough is another accident which accompaneth breeding women , and puts them into great danger of miscarrying , by a continuall distillation falling from the brayne ; to prevent which , shave away the haire on the coronall , and sagittall commissure , and apply there on this playster . ℞ . Resinae , ℥ s. Ladaniʒi . Citron pills , Ligni aloes , Olibani ana ℈ i. Stiracis liquidae et siccae s.q. dissolve the gumes in Vineger , and make a playster . At night going to bed , let her take the fume of these trochickes cast upon the coales . ℞ . of Frankincense , Stirax , powder of red roses , anaʒis . Sandarachaeʒiij . anaʒi . with Turpentine make trochis●kes . Apply a cautery to the nape of the necke : and every night let her take of these pills following . ℞ . Hypocistidis , terrae sigillatae fine bole , ana ℥ s. anaʒij . Clovesʒi . with sirrupe of Mirtles make pills .

In breeding women there is a corrupted matter generated , which flowing to the ventricle dejecteth the appetite and causeth vomitting : and the stomacke being weake , not able to digest this matter , sometime sends it unto the guts , wherby is caused a flux of the bellie , which greatly stirreth up the faculty of the wombe . For the eschewing therfore of all these dangers , the stomacke shall bee corroborated as followeth .

℞ . anaʒi . Mace , Cloves , Masticke , Ladanum ana ℈ ii . Oyle of Spike ℥ i. Muske gr. ii . Oyle of Masticke , Quinces , Wormewood ana ℥ s. make an ungvent for the stomacke , to be applied before meales . Insteed hereof may bee used Cerotum stomochale Galeni . ℞ . of conserve of Borage Buglosse , Anthos ana ℥ s. anaʒii . Nutmeg , Diambrae ana ℈ ii . Peonie roots , Diacoralli ana ʒi . with sirrup of roses make an electuarie of which shee shall take twice aday , two houres before meales . Another accident which perplexeth women with child , swelling of the leggs , which happens the first three months , by superfluous humours falling downe from the stomacke and liver ; for the cure whereof . ℞ . rosesʒii . anaʒi . shake them altogether untill the salt bee dissolved , and anoint the leggs hot therewith , chaffing it in with the hand . But purging is more proper if it may bee done without danger , as it may in the fourth , fift and sixt month of g g Hippoc. 4. Aphor. pregnation : for a child in the wombe is compared to an Apple on the tree . The first three months it is weak and tender , subject with the apple to fall away : but afterwards the membranes being strengthened , the fruit remaynes firmely fastened in the wombe , not apt to michances ; and so it continues , untill the seventh month ; then growing neere the time of maturity , the ligaments are againe relaxt ( like unto the apple that is almost ripe ) and grow looser every day untill the time of delivery . If therefore her body hath need of purging , shee may purge without danger in the 4 , 5 , or 6. month ; but not before , nor after , unlesse in some sharp diseases in which the mother and child both are like to perish . Apply plasters and unguents to the reynes , to strengthen the fruit of the wombe . ℞ . anaʒi . anaʒis . wax and turpentine s.q. Make a plaster : apply it to the reines in the winter time ; and remove it every fourteen daies , lest the reynes bee over hot therewith . In the interim anoint the privities and reynes with Vnguentum Comitissae . But if it bee summer time , and the reynes hot , this plaster following is more proper . ℞ . Of red roses p.i. anaʒii ; anaʒi . Pomgranate pills , prepared coriander ana ʒiis . barberies ℈ ii . Oyle of Masticke and quinces ana ℥ i. plantaineʒii . with pitch make a plaster , anoint the reynes also with unguentum sandalinum . Once every week wash the reines with two parts of rose water and one part of white wine , mingled together and warmed at the fire : this will asswage the heat of the reynes , and disperse the oyle of the plaster out of the pores of the skinne , and cause the oyntment or plaster the sooner to penetrate and strengthen the wombe . Some are of opinion that as long as the loadstone is layd to the navill it keepeth the woman from abortion . The like also is recorded of the stone Aetites being hanged about the necke . The same vertue hath the stone , Samius .

Thus briefly ( as farre as modestie would give leave ) I have runne through all distempers of the matrice : God make my labour profitable ; for healing commeth of the most High .

Hinc omne Principium huc refer exitum .

Horat.