CHAP. I. Of the Head-ach .

THE Head-ach may be divided into three Kinds .

The first is the momentany Head-ach , Cephalalgia . it is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Caput , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Dolor .

The second is an inveterate Head-ach , Cephalaea . and is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod tegit Calvarium .

The third is a Pain on one Part of the Head , before , behind , or on one side , this is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Hemicrania . from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cranium , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dimidium .

There is little difference between Cephalaea and Cephalalgia ; onely per Cephalaeam affectae partes multo redduntur quam in Cephalalgia debiliores .

These distempers are caused by Halituous vapours , and humours , fuming up ( from the Stomach and other parts ) to the Head .

Signs . 1. If the Pain be external , so that the Combing of the Head be troublesome , then the Pericranium is affected : But if the Pain be internal , reaching to the Eye-roots , then the Dura mater is invaded with the peccant humours .

2. If there be pricking distending Pain with great pulsation , it is from sharp Bilious humours or Halitus ; but if the Pain be heavy , it is caused from viscous Phlegm or Melancholy .

Progn . 1. If a violent Head-ach come suddenly on a healthy Person , and the Party become dumb and snort , 't is a mortal sign , unless a great Fever do immediately happen .

2. If corrupt waterish Matter or Bloud do issue out of the Nostrils , Mouth , Ears or Eyes ( especially on the fourth Day ) the sick will suddenly recover ; but if the Pain be very violent , and do suddenly vanish without a Crisis , 't is doubtfull .

3. If the Pain be without a Fever , accompanied with noise in the ears , deafness , or megrim , with numbness of the extreme parts , an Apoplexy or Epilepsy , is at hand .

4. Those that have Cholerick stomachs , are most subject to a Hemicrania ; and if it continue long , it causeth weakness of the Eyes , and sometimes blindness .

If the Head-ach proceed from Phlegmatick Viscous humours abounding , Cure . first give this Clyster .

Take of Vervain , Betony , Mallows , Clyster . Mercury of each one handfull : Let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a Quart of Posset-drink , 'till half of it be boiled away , then strain it and dissolve in it one ounce of the Electuary Caryocostinum , Oil of Chamomel two ounces ; mix it for a Clyster .

Sour things , and all that have a Lixivial salt , either fixt , or volatile , and all Aromaticks do correct and amend the viscous Phlegmatick humours .

Let these forms serve for example .

Take the Waters of Baum , and Mint , Julep . of each three ounces ; Cinamon-water , and aqua Coelestis , of each half an ounce ; Syrup of Fennel , and Mint , of each six drachms ; Spirit of Salt , as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , mix it , and give three spoonfulls of it often .

Take salt of Tartar vitriolated half a drachm ; Powder . Cream of Tartar one drachm ; white Sugar-candy two drachms ; make it into a fine Powder for four Doses , which may be taken every morning and evening in white or Rhenish wine .

For the Rich you may prepare a medicinal Wine .

This may serve for example .

Take the Roots of Elicampane , Calamus aromaticus , A medicinal Wine . of each one ounce ; of Rue , Sage , Vervain , sweet Marjoram , of each three handfulls ; Anise-seed , sweet Fennel-seed , of each an ounce and half ; Orange-peel half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of White-wine .

It may be given to three or four ounces in the morning fasting , with twenty drops of Elixir proprietatis , you may also give it by it self , at dinner and supper .

When the Wine is used , fresh Wine may be put to the Ingredients , for a second infusion .

But farther to correct , and gently evacuate the viscous Phlegmatick humours .

This opening Apozeme is effectual .

Take of the five opening Roots of each two ounces , Apozeme . Liquorish an ounce and half ; Guiacum half a Pound , Anise-seed , sweet Fennel-seed , the Berries of Bays , and Juniper , of each half an ounce ; Vervain , Betony , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised , and infused in two quarts of Rain-water very hot , for twenty four hours ; then strain it out very strongly , and add the best Manna , Syrup of Roses solutive with Senna , of each four ounces ; tincture of Cinamon three ounces ; salt of Tartar vitriolated half an ounce ; mix it , and give three ounces every morning fasting .

If there be need of stronger Physick you may administer these purging Pills . Purging Pills .

Take of Extract . Rudii , pil . foetidae , Cochiae , of each half a drachm ; Mercurius dulcis twenty grains ; mix it for three Doses .

If the pain be old and stubborn , apply Vesiccatories to the Neck , also Leeches to the Temples , and Haemorrhoids ; or open the jugular , or frontal Vein , which hath often prov'd effectual .

Errhines , Sternutatories and Apophlegmatisms may also be used , and Ventoses with Scarification if need require .

Baths of Sulphur ( whether natural or artificial with Cephalick Herbs ) are good to bathe the Head and whole Body .

Some approve of the fume of Amber , taken into the Mouth and Nostrils .

Also spirit of cranium humanum , or spirit of salt Armoniack , held to the Nose in a narrow-mouth'd Vial , giveth present ease in all cold Pains of the Head .

Also you may touch the Nostrils and Temples with Oil of Amber , or Nutmegs , or apply this Epitheme to the Temples and Forehead with Linnen-rags .

Epitheme . Take the Waters of Vervain and Betony , of each one ounce ; Vineger of Roses , Ointment of Alabaster , of each half an ounce ; Laudanum opiatum one scruple ; mix it .

Cold distempers of the head , may also be corrected by hot Cephalicks quilted in a Cap for the Head .

For a quilted Cap. Take of sweet Marjoram , Stoechas , Vervain , Betony , Sage , Flowers of Chamomel , of each one handfull ; Nutmegs , Cloves , Wood of Alloes , the Roots of Galangal , Cyperus , Calamus aromat . of each half an ounce ; let them be all beaten into Powder for a quilted Cap.

Before you put it on , let the Hair be shaved close , and the Head gently rub'd for some time , the better to open the pores .

Let the Sick abstain from fat and viscous Food , and let the mind be compos'd to chearfulness .

If the Juice of the Pancreas abounding in the Body , be over sour , it causeth a vitious Effervescency , being oppos'd by Choler and Phlegm in the small guts ; from whence sour and ungratefull vapours may be sent to the Stomach , and thence to the Head .

If the humours be over sour , Signs . the sense of hunger will be encreased , notwithstanding the Pain of the Head .

This distemper is to be cur'd by giving those things which temper , Cure . and amend the acid Juice in the Body , and do prevent its encrease .

Those things abounding with either a lixivial or volatile salt , do powerfully destroy this acid Juice ; as Pearl , Crabs-eyes , Coral , Chalk , Amber , Bloud-stone , Filings of steel , &c.

Take this as a form of a Powder .

Take of Crabs-eyes , Pearl , Powder . red Coral prepar'd , of each half a drachm ; white Sugar half an ounce ; let it be made into fine Powder for six Doses ; which may be taken morning and evening in two or three spoonfulls of the following Cordial Julep .

Take Waters of Baum and Mint , Cordial Julep . of each three ounces ; Scurvigrass-water two ounces ; Cinamon-water , Syrup of Worm-wood , of each one ounce and half ; Oil of Juniper one drachm ; mix them together for a Julep , of which you may also give two or three spoonfulls every fourth hour .

I prescribe no Purgers in this Distemper , because I am taught by large Experience , that the four Humours in the Body may be stirr'd up indeed , but not purg'd , unless with very great gripes , which will doe more hurt , than good .

The encrease of the acid Juice , may be prevented by abstaining from the use of acids .

Let the Patient's diet be moist , and fatty , as fat Broths , Jellies aromatiz'd , &c.

When the Head-ach proceedeth from a hot cause , if the Patient be costive , first give this Clyster .

Take of Mercury , Violets , Lettice , Mallows , Clyster . Dandelion , of each one handfull ; Damask Prunes twenty ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two pints of Fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add Electuary lenitive , one ounce and half ; Oil of Lillies two ounces ; mix them for a Clyster .

After its operation , you may open a Vein and draw eight or nine ounces of bloud .

Some Authours will not consent to Phlebotomy in any Head-ach , except the Pain be intollerable ; but I have had sufficient Experience , that it may be done safely in any Pain of the Head .

Elixir proprietatis , taken in Wormwood-wine , to the quantity of half a drachm at a time , a little before meat , doth wonderfully conduce to amend the vitious quality of Choler .

Choler may be evacuated by vomit , most commodiously by Antimonial preparations .

Take of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum one ounce ; Oximel of Squills half an ounce . Give it in the morning . Vomit .

But if the Patient be averse to vomiting , the Choler may be evacuated by stool , by this or the like Cathartick .

Take of Baum-water one ounce , Cinamon-water two drachms , Purging Potion . Syrup of Roses solutive , the best Manna , of each half an ounce ; Powder of Cream of Tartar twenty grains , Diagredium ten grains ; mix it for a Potion , which may be given in the morning fasting .

Also these most gratefull Tablets of Scammony may be prepared , and kept for use .

Take Cristals of Tartar two ounces ; Scammony one ounce ; Troches . white Sugar four ounces ; with Gum Dragon dissolv'd in Rose-water as much as is sufficient ; let it be made into Troches according to Art .

Half a drachm of these Troches may be given to a Child with carefull governing ; a Man or Woman may take two drachms of them .

They who are fearfull of Scammoniats , though safe and potent , let them take the following infusion .

Take of choice Rhubarb two drachms ; Cream of Tartar one drachm ; Purging Infusion . infuse them in four ounces of Endive-water for a night ; then strain it and add Syrup of Roses solutive , Syrup of Cicory with Rhubarb , of each half an ounce , Cinamon-water two drachms ; give it in the morning fasting : This Electuary is also an excellent Cholagogue .

Take the Pulp of Damask-prunes ten ounces ; Electuary . Powder of Scammony , Cream of Tartar , of each two ounces , Rhubarb ten drachms , Cinamon half an ounce ; yellow Sanders two drachms ; the best Manna , Syrup of Cicory with Rhubarb , of each eight ounces ; mix all together into an Electuary according to Art .

The Dose is from two drachms , to half an ounce , taken either in a Bolus , or dissolved in a sufficient quantity of Endive-water , or any other convenient vehicle .

These excellent Medicines do not onely purge Choler abounding , but purify the Bloud and other Humours ; and here we may note , that if a purging Medicine do not operate according to Expectation , Observation . it may safely be repeated the same day without any danger .

If the Head-ach be accompanied with a great Fever , and Thirst be augmented ; the following Medicines will much conduce to asswage it .

Julep . Take of Barley-water two pints ; Cinamon-water two ounces ; Syrup of Violets four ounces ; salt Prunella half an ounce ; mix it , and give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it often .

This Tincture is also very effectual

Take of Barley-water two pints ; Tincture . Red-rose-buds one ounce ; spirit of Vitriol twenty drops , or as much as is sufficient to make it of a good Tincture , let it infuse all Night , then strain it , and add Syrup of Jujubes four ounces ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every three hours .

If an Emulsion may please better , take this following form .

Take of sweet Almonds one ounce ; the four greater Cold-seeds of each half an ounce ; Emulsion . white Poppy-seeds two ounces ; let the Almonds be blanched , and all well beaten in a stone Mortar ; then with four pints of Barley-water , make an Emulsion ; strain it , and add Syrup of the Juice of Limmons , Diacodium , of each three ounces ; Cinamon-water two ounces ; of which let the sick drink often , four spoonfulls at a time .

You may also have a little fine Sugar , and salt Prunella equally mixt , which may be kept in the Mouth , to deceive the Thirst.

But where rest is hindred by the Choler abounding , and cannot be obtain'd by the Emulsion , which gently procureth sleep ; you may dissolve two grains of Laudanum opiat . in two or three spoonfulls of it , and give it at night ; or you may order this or the like Julep .

Take the Waters of Lettice , Water-lillies of each two ounces ; Julep . Syrup of red Poppies one ounce ; Cinamon-water half an ounce ; Laudanum opiatum four grains ; Oil of Vitriol six drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it to cause sleep .

This Epitheme may be applied to the Temples , and Fore-head with Linnen-rags .

Epitheme . Take the Oils of Violets , and Water-lillies of each half an ounce ; the waters of red Roses , Lettice , and Houseleek , of each two ounces ; Vineger of Roses half an ounce ; mix it .

You may also anoint the Temples and Fore-head with this Ointment .

Ointment . Take the Ointment of Alabaster , Populion , Oil of Mandrakes , of each half an ounce ; mix it .

Let the Patient's diet be Mutton or Veal-broth without salt .

When a salt Catarrh , or the like spittle is the cause of Thirst augmented , you may administer a Pill of S●yrax , or Cynoglosson , which will temperate the saltness of the humours ; and if salt serous matter abound in the Bloud , you may purge it b●●●ool and Urine , for which there are variety of Medicines prescrib'd in the Chapter of Catarrhs .

CHAP. II. Of the Palsie , and Apoplexy .

THE Palsie is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. a solvendo , eo quod nervorum genus resolutum , Paralysis . facultate animi defluere prohibita sensu motuque destituatur .

It may be also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. dimidia Apoplexia .

In Latin it is called nervorum resolutio vel relaxatio .

It is a Privation of sense and motion of one side of the Body , or of some particular part .

The Apoplexy is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutior , Apoplexi● . attonitum reddo .

In Latin 't is called stupor corporis , it being an Abolition of sense and motion through the whole Body .

The parts affected are the Brain , Spinalis medulla and Nerves ; the motion of the Animal spirits through them being deprav'd .

The causes are either external , or internal .

The external is much cold and moisture , Cause . which doth chill and over moisten the Head , and extreme parts ; and this seems to prove that phlegmatick and watry Humours abiding about the Ventricles of the Brain , Cause internal . and Nerves , may over moisten , and perhaps so far loosen the Tunicles or Membranes of them , that it may render them unfit to let the Animal spirits pass through them ; hence it is that sometimes one particular Member hath been Paralytick by too much Cold and Moisture ; and sometimes more parts have more or less lost sense and motion .

It is the opinion of most eminent Physicians both ancient and modern ; that the Animal spirits being severed from the Bloud in the Brain , &c. are from thence carried through all the Nerves to exercise the external senses and Animal motion ; which is continual and equal in healthy persons , but changeable and unequal , according to the divers diseases of the Body or Mind .

Wherefore when no Animal spirits are carried to the Organs of the external Senses , or Animal motion ; the functions of seeing , smelling , tasting , hearing and touching : and the sense of heat , as also of motion in the Palsie and Apoplexy , cease all that time .

The Signs of the Palsie are manifest ; to wit , Signs . deprivation of sense and motion of the Paralytick parts ; the Eye , and half the Tongue , ( viz. of that side affected ) is much weakned , and deprav'd .

The signs of the Apoplexy approaching are these , a sudden crying out for help , with an abolition of sense and motion .

1. If the Palsie , or Apoplexy do invade the sick in the decrease of the Moon , Progn . and the Patient be old , 't is an ill sign .

2. If the sick do snort , and is droughty , and cast spume or froth out of the Mouth , and have great sweat with difficult breathing , 't is mortal . But if the Person be young , and a strong Fever immediately happen , 't is a good sign ; for the Fever consumes the superfluous moisture , and makes a Dissipation of the gross and phlegmatick Matter .

3. A Palsie coming after the Apoplexy is ill , and many times turns to the Apoplexy again .

When any of the extreme parts be Paralytical , Cure . or when the Head is ill affected by the external coldness of Air , Water or Snow ; or a stoppage of the Head be also bred thereby , or the defect of the Animal spirits chiefly urge ; then the sick may be cur'd by driving out whatsoever cold has pierc'd into the Head , or any other parts of the Body , which may be done by spirituous and volatile Sudorificks ; for they do not onely alter and correct the cause of Cold , and other Evils accompanying it , but do also amend the harm entring into the Body , containing , and contained .

To this end I commend this following Form .

Take of Treacle-water one ounce ; Cordial to cause sweat . Fennel-water , and Epidemical-water , of each two ounces ; Syrup of red Poppies , and Syrup of the Juice of Scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; Bezoar-mineral , Antimony Diaphoretick , of each ten grains ; Laudanum opiat . three grains ; Spirit of salt Armoniack twenty drops ; Oil of Cloves four drops ; mix it , give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it , and expect to sweat , being meanly covered ; and a spoonfull every half hour afterward , till the sweat break forth ; then give them some pure Broth , with a little Wine in it , whereby strength may be recreated , and the Patient enabled to bear a Sweat longer ; for nothing so much helps the sick as a sweat continued mildly a while , which experience hath often taught me .

For by the help of this spirituous , and volatile , and also Aromatick medicine , or one like it , the troublesome Cold , and dulness of motion are discust .

Observation . They who let bloud in this Distemper caused by external Cold ; or think they can carry out the Cause of this Evil either by vomit or siege , put the sick into danger of death , or at least of most grievous Evils .

But when phlegmatick and watry Humours stick about the Nerves , &c. And too much moistening and loosening their Membranes and Marrow , be the cause of the Palsie and Apoplexy , and if the same humours much abound in the Body ; then Phlegmagogues , and Hydragogues may conduce to the Cure , after Clysters , and internal Aromatick Sudorificks .

Wherefore to begin the Cure of this ; you may first give this or the like Clyster , which must be made strong .

Take of sweet Marjoram , Betony , Sage , Clyster . Penny-royal , Hyssop , Rue , Mercury , Marsh-mallows , the lesser Centaury , the Flowers of Chamomel , and Stoechas , of each half a handfull ; Anise-seed , sweet Fennel-seed , Juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of Fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and dissolve in it the Electuary Diaphaenicon , benedicta laxativa , of each half an ounce ; pil . Cochiae twenty grains ; common Salt one drachm ; Oil of Rue two ounces ; mix it for a Clyster .

The next day ( if the sick have a Plethorick body ) you may draw bloud from either arm , to eight or nine ounces .

If Phlebotomy cannot be done , apply Ventoses with Scarification to the shoulders ; afterward sweat the Patient with the aforesaid Sudorifick .

Sometimes Suppositories may be used in stead of Clysters .

This may serve for Example .

Take the Powders of Coloquintida , Salt-niter , Hiera-picra simple , of each one drachm ; Suppository . Euphorbium half a drachm , Honey boiled as much as will make it into a Suppository . But if it appear that phlegmatick and viscous Humours do abound in the Body , Purgers may be prescrib'd most conveniently in the form of a Pill , because the Gums are most apt ( above all other Medicines ) to loosen and cut viscous Phlegm ; neither can they be easily dissolv'd in any liquour .

Let this , or such a like form of Pills serve .

Purging Pills . Take the Gums Amoniacum , and Galbanum , of each two drachms ; dissolve them in Vineger of Squills , strain it , and boil it , to a due consistence ; then add Powders of Troches , Alhandal , Scammony , Mastick , of each one drachm ; Oil of Anise-seed eight drops ; make it into a Mass of Pills according to Art .

Let the sick take five or six small Pills of this in the morning fasting , and an hour after drink some thin broth .

If the humours be more serous , I commend this Electuary .

Purging Electuary . Take Juniper-berries one pound ; boil them in six pints of Fennel-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then add the Fruit of Tamarind eight ounces , and pulp them both through a Sieve : To which add Powder of Jalap , and Scammony prepar'd , of each three ounces ; Cinamon , sweet Fennel-seed , of each half an ounce ; white Sugar one pound , make it into an Electuary according to Art .

The dose of this effectual Medicine , is to half an ounce , to people of age ; a Child may take from half a drachm , to a drachm , either by it self , or dissolv'd in Whey , or Parsley-water , or in any other convenient Vehicle .

After universal evacuation hath been made , and the Patient's stomach be still nauseous , this vomit may safely be given .

Take the Infusion of Crocus metallor . Vomit . Vinegar of Squills of each one ounce , give it in the morning with Care : After the operation of it , give some of this Cordial Julep .

Take the Waters of Sage , Couslips , Cordial Julep . Lillies of the Valley , of each two ounces ; Cinamon-water one ounce ; Syrup of Peony-flowers , Stoechas , of each six drachms ; Spirit of Castor two drachms ; Spirit of Salt as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , of which you may give the sick three or four spoonfulls every fourth hour .

To correct a slow ferment , and also to amend Phlegmatick viscous humours , a Medicinal Wine may be prepared for the rich , in this form .

Take the Roots of Galangal , Elecampane , Medicinal Wine . of each half an ounce ; the tops of Wormwood , Mint and Calamint , of each one handfull ; Powder of Cinamon , Anise-seed , of each half an ounce ; Nutmegs two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in six pints of White-wine .

The sick may drink of this Physick-wine at dinner and supper , adding to every draught , five or six drops of Elixir proprietatis .

When the wine is almost consum'd , more may be poured on , till it cease to be Aromatical .

External means for the Palsie , and Apoplexy are also to be used .

Bathing is much commended , both natural and artificial ; and how excellent it is daily experience doth manifest .

This artificial Bath , or one like it , may be prescrib'd , where a natural sulphureous or nitrous Bath cannot be had .

Take Sage , Penny-royal , Betony , Organ , sweet Marjoram , Bath . Hyssop , Rue , Time , Ground-pine , of each six handfulls ; Flowers of Chamomel , Melilot , of each four handfulls ; Roots of Briony , Pellitory of Spain , of each four ounces ; Bay-berries , Juniper-berries of each three ounces ; Brimstone six pound ; Salt-niter two pound ; let all be bruised and boiled in twenty Gallons of Spring-water , till the third part be consumed .

Let the sick be well bathed with this as often as strength will permit .

After bathing , anoint the hinder part of the Head and Neck , and down the Vertebra of the Back with this Oil ; upon which let a Fox-skin drest be worn .

Oil. Take Chymical-oils , of Juniper-berries , Turpentine , Spike , of each half an ounce ; Oils of Chamomel , Earth-worms , Rue , Foxes , of each one ounce ; Spirit of Castor two drachms ; mix it .

This plaister may be applyed to the Head .

Take Galbanum , Opopanax , of each half an ounce ; Mustard-seed , white Pepper , Plaister . Euphorbium , Castor , of each two drachms ; Chymical Oil of Sage and Rue , of each twenty drops ; Oil of Spike and Turpentine , of each a drachm ; make it into a Plaister which you may spread on leather , and apply it warm to the Head .

Or you may make the quilted Cap as is prescrib'd in page 6. to wear constantly ; Oil of Nutmegs is good to embrocate the Ears and Nostrils ; also Errhines , Sternutatories , and Apophlegmatisms may be used with good success .

Take Castor , sweet Marjoram , Betony , Sneezing Powder . Root of white Hellebor , of each a drachm ; beat them all into a fine Powder . Blow up some of this Powder ( with a quill ) into the Nostrils , to cause sneezing .

Let the Patient's diet be such as may not breed Phlegm , and let it be thin and spare , as Water-gruel , in which boil some Mace ; or you may make Broth of Mutton , &c. in which boil Sage , Rosemary , Time , sweet Marjoram , Couslips , &c.

Of this broth you may make Panado's with the Crums of white Bread , and the Yelk of an Egg.

Let Anise-seed , or sweet Fennel-seed be baked with the bread .

Abstain from all clammy Diet , as Fish and Milk , &c. and eat little or no supper .