The store-house of physical practice being a general treatise of the causes and signs of all diseases afflicting human bodies : together with the shortest, plainest and safest way of curing them, by method, medicine and diet : to which is added, for the benefit of young practicers, several choice forms of medicines used by the London physicians / by John Pechey ...

THE STORE-HOUSE OF Physical Practice .

Diseases of the HEAD .

CHAP. I. Of a Phrensie .

A Phrensie , in Latin , Phrenitis , is twofold , True and Spurious . A true Phrensie is an inflamation of the Brain and Membranes of it , with a perpetual Delirium , and a continual Acute Feaver . A Bastard Phrensie proceeds from an hot intemperies communicated to the Brain from the whole Body ; as in Burning Feavers , or from the inflamation of some particular part , as of the Liver , Lungs , and especially the Diaphragm .

The Causes of a true Phrensie proceed from Cholerick Blood extravasated .

The Signs of an approaching Phrensie , are Watchings , disturbed Sleep , immoderate Speech , Urine first Thick , then Thin and Clear ; Heat and Pain in the Head , and the like .

A Phrensie is known by perpetual Raving , restless Watching , and by drawing the Breath deep , and seldom , and the Sick does not call for Drink ; though there are great and apparent causes of Thirst ; the Pulse is small , frequent , and quick ; the Feaver is continual , and the Tongue black , yellow or rough .

A Phrensie is generally deadly , because the Noble Parts are generally affected : But there is most hopes of Recovery when they Laugh , and when all the symptoms are moderate , and when the Strength is good ; and if after the Disease is at height , some evacuation happens , as by Sweat , Bleeding at the Nose , or a Loosness : The following Signs shew it to be deadly , trembling of the Hands and Tongue , gnashing of the Teeth , Convulsion , and a shaking at the beginning of it , catching of the Cloaths , black Blood droping from the Nose , white Stools , and a pale Urine .

CVRE . The Blood flowing to the Head must be evacuated , repelled , intercepted , and a revulsion of it must be made . That which is already flown in must be evacuated and discussed ; the intemperies of the part must be corrected , and the strength of it , and of the whole Body must be preserved . All these things may be performed by the following remedies : But first of all , and at any time of the day , Bleeding must be used .

If it be occasion'd by a suppression of the Lochia , or of the Courses ▪ or of the Hemorrhoids , the Vein call'd Saphena must be open'd in the Foot ; afterwards you must open a Vein in the Arm , to evacuate the Blood that is put off upon the Head , Bleeding is to be repeated twice , thrice , or more , according to the height of the Disease , and the Age , and Strength of the Patient .

Note in opening of the Vein , the Orifice must be small ; for otherwise the restlesness of the Sick will force the Blood out , and so make it joyn the sooner ; you may apply a Plaister to it made of Aloes , the White of an Egg , and Hares Down .

After Bleeding you must endeavour to procure Sleep , by applying cooling things to the Forehead and Temples , and Anodine Medicines must be given inwardly .

Take of Lettice and Purslain Water each one Ounce , of Diacodium half an Ounce , or six Drams , of Syrup of Lemons half an Ounce , make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time .

The Sick may take often of the following Julep .

Take of the Waters of Lettice , Purslain , Roses , red Poppies each three Ounces , Syrup of Violets and Pomgranats each one Ounce and an half , of Sal prunella three Drams , make a Julep . The Dose is three or four spoonfuls at a time , four or five times a day .

When Bleeding cannot be used , Cupping-glasses must be applied , with deep Scarification , first to the lower Parts , viz. the Thighs , &c. then to the upper Parts , viz. to the Shoulders , &c. And afterwards you may apply them without Scarification to the Legs and other parts : Blisters may be also conveniently applied to the Shoulders and Arms , and a cooling Glyster must be daily injected . For instance .

Take of the common decoction for Glysters one Pint ; dissolve in it one Ounce of Lenitive Electuary , and four Ounces of Brown Sugar ; make a Glyster .

Note , That the quantity of the Glyster must be varied , according to the Age and Bigness of the Patient .

Bleeding in the Nose , by pricking often with a Lancet , the Nostrils where the Hairs grow , does much good ; and also Leeches applied behind the Ears , to the Nostrils and Forehead .

CHAP. II. Of Madness .

MAdness , in Latin , Mania . This Disease does not kill of it self , yet it is very difficult to Cure , especially if it be hereditary .

CVRE . Bleeding , Vomiting , and strong Purges are to be frequently used ; with which , and severe Discipline , it is frequently Cur'd : But if the Disease be mild , kind words and good usage , and gentle Physick does oftentimes the business : But in most Bleeding must be us'd to a great quantity in the beginning of the Disease , sometimes in the Arm , and sometimes in the Jugular Vein , in the Forehead , Foot , or drawn from the Hemorrhoidal Veins by Leeches ▪ Vomits do also a great deal of good : But such as are Chymical are best , because they work most powerfully , and the Sick may be easily cheated with them .

Take of Sulphur of Antimony eight or ten grains , of cream of Tartar half a Scruple ; mix them and give it in a spoonful of Broth , or with Bread : Repeat this Vomit once in four days .

Strong Purges are also frequently used : As ,

Take of extract of black Hellebore , and Calamelanos each one Scruple , mix them , and make a Bolus to be taken in the Morning .

Betwixt the Evacuations , such things may be used as attemperate the Blood , if the Sick will take them , as Steel-waters , Whey , and the like .

For preservation , such People as are subject to Madness , should Purge and Bleed Spring and Fall .

CHAP. III. Of Giddiness .

GIddiness , in Latin , Vertigo . There are two sorts of it ; in one the Sight is taken away ; in the other it is not . The Cause of Giddiness is a circumvolution of the Spirits . An idiopathick Giddiness is known by Pains , and dulness in the Head , a dulness of the Sight , noise in the Ears , Deafness , and the like . The peccant Matter is discovered by the following Signs ; dulness of the outward and inward Senses , Sloth , much Sleep , much Spitting , want of Appetite , and of Thirst ; a white and crude Urine shew that Flegm abounds ; watching , anger , activity of Body , thirst , a quick Pulse , thin and yellow Urine , signifie that Choler is peccant ; fear , sadness , disturbed thoughts , long watching , dreadful Dreams , soure belchings , and the like , signifie Melancholy abounds : The bigness and stiffness of the Veins , a florid Countenance , and heat of the Face , beating of the Temples , dulness of the Head , weariness , or a red and thick Urine , and sometimes a thin , when there is a translation to the Head , signifie that Blood abounds .

A sympathetick Giddiness is known by the absence of the Symptoms that proceed from the Head , and when there is no apparent Disease in the Brain .

Want of Appetite , nauciousness , soure Belching , Pain , or Wind in the Stomach , signifie that it proceeds from the Stomach ; that a Giddiness proceeds from the Liver , Spleen , or Womb , is known by the following Signs : When it proceeds from the Spleen there are frequent and large evacuations of Wind , inflation of the Belly , soure Belchings , and the like ; when from the Womb , there is stopage of the Courses , or Hysterick Fits .

A Giddiness that is recent , and seldom invades , and that which is occasioned by external Causes is light , and easily Cured ; that which is inveterate and frequent , most commonly ends in the Falling Sickness , or Apoplexy .

CVRE . The Cure is much the same with the Falling Sickness : which see in the Chapter of the Falling Sickness : But when it is small it does not need so large a course of Physick as is requisite for the Cure of the Falling Sickness . But those things will be sufficient which I shall here set down .

First therefore , if Blood abounds , inject a pretty sharp Glyster , and afterwards Bleed ; then Purge with the following Pills .

Take of the fetid Pills two Scruples , of Resin of Jalap five grains , with a sufficient quantity of Galbanum dissolved in Briony Water ; make seven Pills to be taken in the Morning ; repeat them Thrice .

But if the Patient cannot take Pills , the following Purging Potion may be given instead of them .

Take of Gerions decoction six Ounces , boil in it of the Fibres of black Hellebore , and of Agarick each one Dram and an half ; strain it , and add an Ounce of the Syrup of Roses Solutive , and two Drams of Compound Briony Water . Make a Potion .

Afterwards let the Patient use the following Sneesing Powder .

Take of the Leaves of Marjoram , Sage , Rosemary dried , each half a Dram , of the Roots of Pellitory of Spain and white Hellebore each one Scruple , of Musk three Grains ; make a Powder .

Cupping-glasses with and without Scarification , frictions of the extream parts , Bleeding from the Hemorrhoidal Veins may be used to cause revulsion . Blisters are also of use for derivation . Afterwards use such things as are proper to strengthen the Head , which you will find in the Chapter of an Epilepsie . The Conserves of the Flowers of Marrygolds is counted by some a Specifick for Giddiness .

CHAP. IV. Of the Falling Sickness .

THE Falling Sickness , in Latin , Epilepsia , is an universal and violent Convulsion ; the Fit most commonly comes of a sudden , and precipitates in the twinkling of an Eye to the Earth , and deprives a Man of Sense and Understanding ; for they seem rather forcibly thrown down , than to fall ; and that part which first comes to the Ground , is most commonly bruised or wounded . They gnash with their Teeth , foam at the Mouth , and often beat their Heads against the Ground ; their Arms and Legs either become rigid , or tossed here or there . Some beat their Breasts violently , and some cast their Bodies impetuously hither and thither : But in most the Belly swells much . After some time , sometimes sooner , sometimes longer , the symptoms suddenly cease , as if the Tragedy were just ended , and then the Sick come to themselves again , and are sensible ; but there remains after the Fit is gone off a pain in the Head , and a dulness in their Senses , and often a Giddiness .

The Fits are sometimes wont to come at set times of the day , month , or year ; but most commonly according to the greater turns of the year , or according to the Conjunctions , or opposite Aspects of the Moon , or Sun , they return more certainly , and afflict more violently ; and sometimes the Fits are uncertain , and come as occasion is offered , and according to the variety of evident Causes . Sometimes they are gentle , sometimes violent ; sometimes , though rarely , some Signs forewarn the Epileptick person of a Fit before he falls , as a dulness of the Head ; sparkling of Fire before the Eyes , Noise in the Ears , and the like .

Sometimes a Convulsion in some outward part , as in the Arm , or in the Leg , or in the Back , or in the Hypochondres , precedes , which rising from thence like a cold Air towards the Head , occasions the Fit .

CVRE . You must begin with Purging ; but if the Sick bear Vomiting well , a Vomit must be first given , and must be repeated for several months , four days before the Full Moon . Wine of Squills mixed with fresh Oyl of Sweet Almonds ; or half a Scruple or a Scruple of Salt of Vitriol may be given to Infants : But for grown People , and such as are of a strong Constitution , the following forms of Medicines may be prescribed .

Take of Crocus Metallorum , or of Mercurius Vitae four or six grains , Mercurius dulcis fifteen Grains , or a Scruple , grind them together upon a Stone , mix them with the Pap of a roasted Apple , or Conserve of Borrage ; make a Bolus .

Or give half an Ounce , one Ounce , or one Ounce and an half of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum , or of Mercurius Vitae , made in Spanish Wine , according to the Strength of the Sick : Or ,

Take of Emetick Tartar four or six grains .

They that are of a weak Constitution may take a Scruple or half a Dram of Salt of Vitriol , and half an hour after let them drink several Pints of Posset-drink ; and then with a Feather , or with the Finger , let them provoke themselves to Vomit often . The next day after the Vomit , unless any thing forbid , draw Blood from the Arm , or by the Sucking of Leeches from the Hemorrhoidal Veins ; and the next day after Bleeding , give a Purging Medicine , which afterwards must be constantly repeated four days before the New Moon .

Take of Rosin of Jalap half a Scruple , of Mercurius dulcis one Scruple , of Castor three Grains , of Conserve of the Flowers of Peony one Dram , make a Bolus to be taken in the Morning : Or ,

Take of the Fibres of black Hellebore infused in Vinegar , dried and pouder'd half a Dram , of Ginger half a Scruple , of Salt of Wormwood twelve Grains , of Oyl of Ambar two drops ; make a Pouder , give it in the Pulp of a roasted Apple in the Morning .

Of the days the Sick does not Purge , especially at the Seasons of the Moon , give Morning and Evening specifick Remedies .

Take of the Roots of male Peony dried and poudered , one , two , or three Drams ; give it twice a day in the following tincture , at eight in the Morning , and at four in the Afternoon .

Take of the Leaves of Misleto of the Oak two Drams , of the Roots of Peony cut , half an Ounce , of Castor one Dram ; put them into a Glass , and pour upon them , of Bettony Water , or of simple Peony Water , and of White Wine each a Pint , of Salt of Misleto of the Oak , or of Common Salt two Drams : Digest them in a close Vessel in the heat of Sand for two days . Give three Ounces with a Dose of the Powder above prescribed .

At the same time make a Necklace with Peony Roots sliced , and hang it about the Neck , and the Roots fried or boiled till they are soft , may be eat daily with the Meat .

Take of Man's Skull prepared one Ounce , of misleto of the Oak , factitious Cinnabar , and of Elk's Hoof , each half an Ounce . Dose , half a Scruple , or one Scruple .

Some find benefit by Shaving the Head , and by applying to the forepart of it a Plaister .

Take of the Roots and Seeds of Peony , of Castor , of Misleto of the Oak , and of Man's Skull finely powder'd , each one Dram , of the Plaister of Bettony two Ounces , of Carrana , Tacamahaca , each two Drams , of Balsam Copaiba a sufficient quantity : make a Plaister spread on Leather , and apply it to the Sutures of the Head .

Anoint the Temples and Nostrils often with Oyl of Ambar , either by it self , or mixed with Oyl of Copaiba , Sneesing Powders , and Apophlegmatisms must be used every Morning .

Take of white Hellebore one ounce , of Castor and Euphorbium each half a dram , of sweet Marjoram , and the Leaves of Rue each two drams , make a Powder , which you may dissolve with Mustard in a decoction of Sage , or hyssop , and with it wash and gargle the Mouth .

Glysters may be used daily upon occasion . 'T is said that six or eight Ounces of the decoction of Gujacum taken twice a day , and the second decoction of it used for ordinary drink , as is used in the French Pox , will Cure this Disease .

CHAP. V. Of Childrens Convulsions .

CHildrens Convulsions , in Latin , Epilepsia puerorum , are so frequent , that it is almost the only Species of Convulsions .

They are chiefly subject to them in the first Month , and at the time they breed Teeth ; but they also happen at other times , and proceed from other causes in such are disposed to them : Sometimes they do not come presently after the Birth , but lye hid until the breeding of Teeth , or not till a great while after , and take their rise from other evident Causes either Internal or External ; as from an Unhealthy or Big-bellied Nurse , from Milk coagulated or corrupted in the Stomach , from a Feaverish Disposition , from Ulcers or Scabs of the Head , or of other Parts suddenly disappearing ; from changes of the Air , or from the Conjunction or opposite Aspects of the Sun and Moon .

We must endeavour to prevent these Convulsions in Children and Infants , or to Cure them when they are come ; for if the former Children of the same Parents have been subject to Convulsive Fits , this Disease ought to be prevented , by the early use of Remedies , in such as are born after : To this end it is customary to give to new-born Babes , as soon as they begin to breath , some Medicine proper for Convulsions : Some , upon this occasion , give some drops of pure Hony ; others a Spoonful of Canary-wine sweetned with Sugar , or Oyl of Almonds fresh drawn ; others give a drop of Oyl of Ambar , or half a Spoonful of Epileptick water . Besides these things used at first , which certainly do good , some other Remedies ought to be administred ; for instance , give a Spoonful twice a day of the following Liquor :

Take of the Waters of Black Cherries and Rue , each one Ounce and a half ; of Langius's Antiepilectick Water , one Ounce ; of Syrup of Coral , six Drams ; of prepared Pearl , fifteen Grains ; mingle them in a Viol.

The third or fourth day after the Birth , make an Issue in the Neck , and if the Countenance be florid , evacuate by bleeding , an Ounce and an half or two Ounces of Blood from the Jugular Veins , but take care that too much Blood do not flow out in sleep ; rub gently the Temples with the following Linement .

Take of Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two Drams , of Balsam of Copaiba three Drams , of Ambar one Scruple , mix them .

Hang round the Neck the Roots and Seeds of Male-peony , and a little Elks hoof sewed up in a Rag : Moreover Medicines proper for Convulsions must be given daily to the Nurse .

Let her take Morning and Evening a Draught of Whey , wherein the Roots of Male-peony , or the Seeds of Sweet Fennel have been boiled .

Take of the Conserves of the flowers of Bettony , Male-peony , and Rosemary flowers , each two Ounces ; of the Powders of the Roots and Flowers of Male-peony , each two Drams ; of red Coral prepared , and white Ambar , each one Dram ; of the Roots of Angelica and Zodoary prepared , each half a Dram ; with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Peony , make an Electuary . Let her take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening , and be very orderly in her Diet.

But if any Infant be actually seized with Convulsions , because the Issue does not run well , you must apply a Blister to the Neck or behind the Ears ; and if the Infant be not of a cold Constitution , Blood must be drawn from the Jugular Veins by Leeches , and Linements must be used to the Temples , Nostrils and Neck , and to the Soles of the Feet ; and Glisters which empty the Belly plentifully must be injected : Moreover , often in a day , namely every sixth or eighth hour , Specifick Remedies must be given .

Take of Oyl of Copaiba , and of Castor , each two Drams ; of Ambar half a Dram ; make a Linement .

Apply to the Soles of the Feet the Plaister , with Euphorbium spread on Leather .

Take of prepared Pearls , of the Powder de Gutteta , each one Dram , mingle them for twelve Papers , whereof let him take one Morning and Evening in a Spoonful of the following Julap , drinking after it one or two Spoonfuls .

Take of the Waters of Black Cherries , and of Lilly of the Vallies , each two Ounces ; of Fennel-water , and Compound Peony water , each two Drams ; of Syrup of red Poppies , six Drams .

Take of the Powder of the Seeds of Rue , of Castor , of Assafaetida , each a sufficient quantity , mingle them and tye it up in a Rag , sprinkle it with Vinegar , and put it often to the Nostrils .

Vntzerus commends much the Gall of a Sucking Kitlin , all the Juice being taken out of the Bladder , and mixed with a little water of Lime-flowers , and given to the Child : An excellent Physician lately told me , that he had known several Children cured with this Remedy . When by reason of breeding Teeth difficultly , Convulsions happen , this Symptom is Secondary and less Dangerous , and therefore does not require the first and chief work of Healing ; for sometimes we are more Solicitous to ease the Pain , and take off the Feaverish Disposition . And therefore a thin and cooling Diet is ordered for the Eruption of the Teeth , either by rubbing or cutting the Gums , and things that are anodine are applied to the swelled and pained Parts ; and here Glisters and Bleeding are often used ; and we ought to procure Sleep , and to qualifie the Fury of the Blood ; in the mean while Temperate Medicines for Convulsions , and such as do the least stir the Humours , are to be used , and Blisters , because they evacuate the Serum too apt to be poured upon the Head , do often give relief .

When Children are seized with Convulsions , not presently after the Birth , or upon breeding Teeth , but from other Occasions and Accidents ; the cause , for the most part of such , is either in the Head or in the Bowels ; when the former is suspected , as is wont to be known by the signs which shew watry Humours heap'd up in the Brain , the Medicines above mentioned must be used : Moreover , for those who bear Purging well , a Vomit or gentle Purge must be prescribed , Wine and Oxymel of Squills , also Mercurius dulcis , Rubarb , and Rosin of Jalap are of good use , when the cause of the Convulsions seems to be lodged in the Bowels , or when Worms or sharp Humours in the Belly are the cause : For Worms , a Purge of Rubarb , or of Mercurius dulcis , with the Rosin of Jalap must be given , and the following Medicines are also of use .

Take of the Roots of Virginian Snake-weed powdered one Dram , of Coral calcined till it is white half a Dram ; make a Powder . The Dose is half a Scruple or a Scruple twice a day for three days following , drinking upon it the Decoction of the Roots of Grass .

Take of Hiera pitra , and of Venice-Treacle , each one Dram ; make a Plaister for the Belly .

If the Convulsions are thought to proceed from sharp Humours disturbing the Bowels or Stomach , Purging upward and downward by turns is to be observed ; to this end a gentle Vomit of Wine of Squills , or Salt of Vitriol , is to be given .

Take of Syrup of Peony three Ounces , Salt of Vitriol two Scruples , of Compound Lavender-water one Dram , mingle them , give a Spoonful three or four times in an hour , till the Child has once Vomited or went to Stool once .

But if Evacuation downward seem most proper , give the Infusion of Rubarb , or the Powder of it , or Syrup of Succory with Rubarb , or Syrup of Roses with Agarick : And moreover Glisters are to be used frequently in this case , and External Medicines are to be applied to the Belly .

Take of the leaves of Camomil cut small , two handfuls , put them into two Bags made of fine Cloth or of Silk , which being dip'd in hot Milk and pressed out , are to be applied successively to the Belly .

CHAP. VI. Of the Night-Mare or Incubus .

IT is commonly supposed by the ordinary sort of People ▪ that this Disease is occasioned by the Devil , or an Evil Spirit 's lying upon their Stomachs , which perhaps may be so sometimes ; but it also comes from meer Natural Causes , as is supposed , though what those are , or where the Morbisick Matter is placed , is not known , when it is thought to come from Natural Causes , the Cure is to be undertaken in the following manner , Bleeding and gentle Purging is first to be used , and afterward things proper for the Head , as Powders of Ambar , Coral , Pearls , the Roots of Male-peony , Dittany of Crete , Contra yerva , and other things prescribed in the Chapter of the Apoplexy , and the like : But an orderly Diet is first to be prescribed ; windy Meats , and such as are hard of Digestion are to be avoided , and Sleep must not be indulged after Eating or Study , and large and late Suppers , and lying on the Back must be forbid .

Infants and Children are often troubled with this Disease , the sign whereof , is their starting in their Sleep , and crying out violently ; and after they have had these Fits often they fall into Convulsions , wherefore a right Method of Cure ought to be administred as soon as they seem to be disordered in their Sleep : Inquiry must be made concerning the Milk they Suck , whether it be good or not , and whether it agrees with their Stomachs ; after they have Sucked plentifully , they must not be suffered to sleep , the Nurse must use an orderly Diet , and let her take also Morning and Evening a Dose of a Powder or Electuary that is proper for the Head , drinking upon it a Draught of Posset-drink , wherein the Leaves of Sage or Bettany , or the Roots or Seeds of Peony have been boiled . Let the Infant take twice a day a Spoonful of Black-Cherry-water ; let an Issue be made in the Neck , and let it lye sometimes on one side , sometimes on the other , and seldom or never upon the Back : And Coral , or the Seeds of Male-peony being hanged about the Neck , or upon the Pit of the Stomach , may do some good . When they start violently often in their Sleep , apply a Blister to the Neck or behind the Ears . Moreover , Morning and Evening daily give half a Scruple of the Powder de Gutteta in a Spoonful of Lime-flower-water .

CHAP. VI. Of Sleepy Diseases , Coma , Lethargy , Carus and Apoplexy .

THere are four sorts of Preternatural Sleep , Coma , Lethargy , Carus and Apoplexy , which because for the most part they proceed from the same Causes , and require the same Methods of Cure ; therefore they shall be treated of together in this Chapter .

The first and principal cause of these Diseases , is a Flegmatick or Watry Humour , contained in the Brain contrary to Nature .

Secondly , Sleepy Diseases are wont to be generated by Blood abounding in the Brain , and from extravasated Blood stopping or oppressing the Ventricles of the Brain , sleepy Disease , and especially an Apoplexy is sometimes occasioned .

Thirdly , It is certain that a Comatose Disease proceeds from a Tumor that oppresses the Brain by its weight .

Fourthly , Immoderate Vapors carried to the Head , may be the cause of a Sympathetick Coma.

Fifthly , From the immoderate use of Narcotick Medicines inwardly taken , so deep a Sleep is occasioned , that many , by the imprudent use of Opium , have slept their last .

That Sleepy Diseases are occasioned by Flegmatick Humours stagnating in the Brain , is known by a Flegmatick Habit of Body , by old Age or Childhood , by a cold or moist Season or Country , by the Suppression of the Excretion of Flegm , by the Mouth and Nostrils ; and for that the Sick , before the coming of this Disease , was afflicted with a Dulness of the Head , Dimness of Sight , and Unaptness for Motion ; and because in the Disease Flegm flows from the Mouth and Nostrils , or falling upon the Throat , is frequently swallowed down by the Sick .

That Blood produces a sleepy Disease is known by a Plethorick Disposition , by Redness of the Face , and by a Pain in the Head foregoing this Disease : That the Sympathetick Disease arises from Vapors elevated to the Brain , is known by the absence of those Signs , which signifie an Idiopathetick Disease , also by the signs of the peculiar disorder of the Parts , from whence Vapors are transmitted to the Brain .

A very thin Diet is to be ordered at the beginning of these Diseases , and when the Fit is off , the Sick , to prevent a Relapse , must forbear all strong Liquors , and be fed with Barly and Oat-meal Broths , or with Chicken Broth ; and sometimes , especially when he Purges , with Chickens , Lamb , and the like .

When a Physician is first called to a Patient , that is seized with a sleepy Disease , he must endeavour by all means to rowse him , by offering Violence to all his Senses ; and therefore he must expose his Eyes to the Sun-beams , or to a clear Light ; his Ears must be filled with violent Noises and Clamours , and the Sick must be sure to be called aloud by his own name ; sharp things are to be blown up his Nostrils ; the Sense of Touching is to be revived by Frictions , Vellications , plucking of the Hair , Ligatures , Squeesing of the Fingers together , and the like ; he must be presently Blooded if he has Strength ; but his Strength is not to be judged of by the present Circumstances , but by such as he was in before the Disease invaded him . You must first Bleed in the Arm , and then in the Jugular Vein , presently after give the following Vomit .

Take of the Blessed Wine one Ounce and an half , of Carduus water one Ounce , of Spirit of Juniper-berries two drops ; make a Vomit .

Inject two or three sharp Glisters in a day .

Take of the Carminative Decoction , with Bay-berries and Juniper-berries ten Ounces , of the Electuary of Bay-berries one Ounce , of Vinum Benedictum three Ounces , and of brown Sugar three Ounces , of Chymical Oyl of Juniper ten drops ; mingle them , make a Glister .

If the Glister be not rendred in due time , provoke the Belly by a Suppository .

Take of Hiera picra half an Ounce , of Sal Gemma one Dram , of Hony a sufficient quantity ; make Suppositories .

The Spirit of Sal Armoniack must be held to the Nostrils , and things of all kinds that cause Revulsion must be used , not only Frictions and Ligatures , but also Cupping-glasses set on the Back , Shoulders , Arms and Thighs : But in an Apoplexy you must not apply Cupping-glasses to the Back , or to the Hypochonders , least the Muscles of the Breast and Belly should be contracted , and so Respiration more hindred : Cupping-glasses applied to the Head are counted very proper ; apply a Blistering Plaister with Euphorbium to the Neck : Some , according to the Custom of the Ancients , hold a red-hot Frying-pan to the Head , at such a distance as it may burn the Hair but not the Skin .

Take of the Waters of Rue , Balm and Black-Cherries , each three Ounces ; of Compound Peony water , and of Compound Syrup of Peony , each one Ounce and a half ; of Tincture of Castor one Dram , of Spirit of Sal Armoniack half a Dram ; mingle them , make a Julep , give four or five Spoonfuls often .

In the general Cure of these Diseases you must take notice , that in those which proceed from Blood , Medicines that heat the least are to be used ; but Bleeding is to be used more freely , and afterwards the Vein in the Forehead is to be opened , and things that purge Choler are to be mixed with those that purge Flegm : If the Brain be very much cooled , the Sick , after universal Evacuations , may use Tablets made in the following manner .

Take of Amber-grease half a Scruple , distilled Oyl of the Seeds of Anise , Cinnamon and Nutmegs , of each three drops ; Oyl of Cloves one drop ; of Sugar dissolved in Orange-flower water , four Ounces ; make Tablets , let him take a dram or two drams every Morning .

The following Powder is also commended and is much in use .

Take of white Ambar half an Ounce ; of the Powder called Diarhodon Abbatis two drams ; of the Roots of Peony one dram and an half ; make a Powder , whereof give a dram in two Spoonfuls of Simple Peony water before the New Moon .

It is also proper to hold Nutmeg often in the Mouth , and to chew it ; and Perfumes are to be held often to the Nostrils , especially Apoplectick Balsam ; Spices are to be used with Meats , and the following Digestive Powder after Meals .

Take of the Seeds of Coriander , sweet Fennel , Caraways , each fifteen Grains , of white Ambar one Dram , of the yellow peel of Citrons , and flowers of Rosemary each one Dram and an half , of Nutmegs half a Dram , of white Sugar three Ounces ; powder them grosly , and give half a spoonful after Meals .

If from too great a quantity of Blood a sleepy Disease is feared , the Patient must be sufficiently Blooded , and the utmost endeavours must be used to make the Hemorrhoids flow , than which nothing can be more advantageous .

Purging is to be ordered to prevent a Relapse .

Take of the Pill of Ambar , and of the lesser Cochie , each two Scruples , of the best Castor six Grains , of Oyl of Ambar a sufficient quantity ; mix them and make 12 Pills . Take six for a Dose , and the other six three days after .

Or ,

Take of the Pill of Ambar one Scruple , of Rosin of Jalap six Grains , of Tartar vitriolated eight Grains , spirit of Lavender eight drops , of Elixir Proprietatis a sufficient quantity ; make 4 or 5 Pills to be taken in the Morning .

After Purging prescribe the following Medicines .

Take of the Conserves of the Flowers of Male peony , and of Rosemary each one Ounce , of the Bark of Citron Candied six Drams , of the Species Diambra , and Dianthos , each one Dram , of Castor powdred two Scruples , of Compound Spirit of Lavender half a Dram , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrups of Gilliflowers , and Compound Peony ; Make an Electuary , give the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening daily ; and let the Sick take four spoonfuls of the following Julep after it .

Take of the Waters of Black Cherries , Rue , Pennyroyal each three Ounces , of Compound Peony Water , and Langius's Epileptick Water , each one Ounce , of the Syrup of the Flowers of Male Peony one Ounce , mingle them . Or ,

Take of the Powder e gutteta three Drams , of Castor half a Dram , of Syrup of the Flowers of Peony a sufficient quantity ; make forty Pills , whereof let him take four every Night at Bed-time , drinking upon them two spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of the Waters of the Flowers of Peony , Black Cherries , Rue , Pennyroal , each two Ounces , of Compound Peony Water , and of Compound Briony Water , and Tincture of Castor , each one Ounce , of Syrup of Male Peony an Ounce and an half , mingle them .

Take of Ambar one Ounce , sprinkle the fourth part of it every Night at Bed-time upon the Head .

CHAP. VIII . Catalepsis , or Catoche .

THis Disease is very rare and very wonderful . Galen mentions an Observation of one of his Scholars , who upon hard Study was seized with a Catalepsis . He lay , says he , like a piece of Wood , extended , rigid , and inflexible ; his Eyes were always kept open , but he could not speak .

When he recovered , he told us he could hear us speak , though not plainly ; he remembred what was done , and saw all that were with him ; but he said he could not speak nor move a Limb : And Fernelius mentions two Observations of this kind : He says , that a person studying very hard was seized with this Disease , and that he was so stiff , that sitting with his Pen in his Hand , and looking earnestly upon his Book , he was supposed to be hard at Study ; till being called , and pull'd , he was perceived to have no Sense nor Motion . Another lay as it were Dead , who neither saw nor heard , nor felt when he was pricked . He breathed well ; and whatever was put in his Mouth he readily swallowed : Being taken out of his Bed he stood alone ; and being push'd he went forward ; and in what manner soever his Hand , or Arm , or Leg was Bent , it stood fix'd ; so that he look'd like a Statue .

The like Observations are to be found in many other Authors ; from whence you may gather , that there is most commonly an abolition of the internal and external Senses , and a stiffness of the Limbs : But sometimes the Senses are not wholly abolished ; for sometimes they can hear , and their Limbs may be moved by the By-standers ,

The Cure is twofold , one in the Fit , the other out of the Fit : In the Fit , those things are proper which are prescribed for Sleepy Diseases . Out of the Fit , such things as are used for Cure of Melancholy are proper ; for from thence it most commonly proceeds : But if it come from a Cold intemperies , such things are proper as serve to mend such a Constitution ; if it proceed from abundance of Blood , Bleeding is to be used .

CHAP. IX . Of a Palsie .

A Palsie , in Latin , Paralysis , is a privation of Sense and Motion , by reason the influx of the Animal Spirits is hindred . There are various differences of it ; for either it seizes all the parts of the Head , then it is called Paraplegia ; or only half the Body , then it is called Hemeplegia ; or it seises only one part , then it is called a particular Palsie . It is also called perfect , and imperfect : It is said to be perfect when Sense and Motion are wholly abolished ; imperfect when the Functions are weakned : And then it is also called Numbness , which is a fore-runner of a Palsie . There is also another Species of an imperfect Palsie , when Motion is hurt , and the Sense remains perfect ; and so on the contrary .

The causes of a Palsie in general , are all those things which hinder the influx of the Animal Spirits into the Nerves and Muscles ; the most frequent of all is a Flegmatick Humour ; which by obstructing , compressing , thickning or cooling the Nerves , hinders the said influx of the Animal Spirits .

The Pituitous humour flows from the Brain into the Nerves and spinal Marrow ; so a small Apoplexy degenerates into a Palsie ; because the humour occasioning it is cast from the Brain upon the Marrow , or beginning of the Nerves ; and so it either insinuates it self into the substance of them , and shuts the insensible passages through which the Spirits pass ; or passing by the Vertebra's of the Back , and spinal Marrow , and following the Course of the Nerves compresses them , and so hinders the passages of the Animal Spirits ; and the same Humour may thicken the substance of the Nerves by its Coldness ; so that it cannot make way for the Animal Spirits .

There are other Causes of a Palsie , but they are not so common ; as taking Cold , a Blow or Fall , the frequent handling of Quicksilver , tumors near the Spine or Nerves ; cutting of the Nerves , dislocation of the Vertebra , or other Joints . The kind of the Disease is easily known ; for want of Motion and Sense may be soon perceived ; but the knowledge of the part affected is more difficult : But it may be known by those that are skilled in Anatomy , who know the Originations and Insertions of the Nerves . For if the right part of the Face becomes Paralytick , or the left , the other parts being sound , they know the Brain is only affected according to that part from whence the Nerves are carried to those parts : But if the parts under the Head are also afflicted with the Face , the Brain and the Spine of the Back are also affected ; and if the parts below the Head are seised , and the Face well , the fault is only in the Spine ; and in the beginning of it , if all the Parts are affected : But if only half the Body is Paralytick , only half the Spine is affected . When the Legs are Paralytick , the seat of the Disease is about the end of the Spinal Marrow , near the Vertebra's of the Os Sacrum ; and so in the rest , the place is to be sought for from whence the Nerves arise . And sometimes enquiry after the external Cause much helps to find out the Part affected ; of which there are two Instances in Galen , one of a certain Man , who in a Cold and Rainy Season wore a long while a wet Neckcloath about his Neck , his Hands became Paralytick . The other is of one who lost the Sense of three of his Fingers ; and when Galen understood that he fell out of a Cart upon his Back , he conjectured that some Part was hurt by the Fall under the seventh Vertebra , where the Nerve begins ; and therefore he applied the Medicine which was used before to the Fingers , to no purpose , to that part .

The knowledge of the Causes is to be fetched from the Procatarctick Causes , the foregoing Diseases , and the Constitution of the Sick ; and so the external cooling and moistening Causes going before , Old Age , a Flegmatick Constitution , Winter , cold and moist Diet : An Apoplexy going before , signifie that the Disease proceeds from a cold intemperies , and a Flegmatick humour .

Feavers foregoing , and sometimes a present Feaver , Cholerick , or Melancholy Constitution , Summer-time , or Autumn , the use of Spices , of Salt or hot Meats , violent and long Passions of the Mind , the excretion of Cholerick and Melancholy humours , or of Acid , or Acrid Serum , hot defluxions upon various parts , and Pains arising from thence : And lastly , when Pain and Convulsions accompany the diminution of Sense and Motion ; and when such as are so afflicted are injured by hot and drying Medicines , and relieved by cooling and moistening Remedies , the Palsie proceeds from Cholerick or Melancholy humours . Tumors , and luxations ; and Wounds causing a Palsie are easily known .

The Prognostick Signs .

A Palsie coming from a pituitous humour stuffing the substance of the Nerves , is difficult to Cure . A Palsie following an Apoplexy is seldom Cured , and most commonly turns to an Apoplexy again . A trembling coming upon a Palsie is good : If the paralytick Part be hot there is hope of Recovery ; but if it be always cold it is hardly Cured . A wasting of the Part , and great Paleness renders it incurable . If the Eye of the Paralytick side be lessened , there is little hopes of a Cure . A Palsie of the Legs or Feet is easier Cured , than of the upper Parts . A Palsie in old People is incurable . A Palsie cannot be Cured in the Winter . A violent Feaver coming upon a Palsie is good , so is a Loosness coming upon a small , and new Palsie .

The Cure of a Palsie is to be varied according to the variety of the Causes ; but because it chiefly comes from Flegm , and a cold intemperies , we must chiefly endeavour to remove this Cause , and you must begin with an universal evacuation of the whole Body : As to Bleeding that can scarce do any good , for the Blood is not in the fault , but Flegm ; and for the most part this Disease seises Old People , such as are Flegmatick , and naturally Cold : But if an abundance of crude Blood should seem to produce the Flegmatick Humour , and to nourish it , a Vein may be opened in the Arm of the well-side : But Blood must be drawn sparingly , lest the languid Heat should be extinguished .

Therefore Bleeding being omitted , or used as is said , sparingly , the Cure must be begun by removing the antecedent Cause , which is a cold intemperies of the Brain . To which end the following Remedies must be used .

Take of the Roots of Cyperus , Florentine Orris , Angelica , Zedoary , Elecompane , each one Ounce , of the Leaves of Bettony , Marjoram , Balm , Peniroyal , Calaminth , each one handful ; of the Tops of Thym , and Sage , each half an handful , of the Seeds of Anise , Sesely , and Fennel , each three Drams ; of Liquorish rasped , of Raisins of the Sun cleansed , each one Ounce ; of the Leaves of Senna cleansed , and sprinkled with Aqua Vitae two Ounces ; of the Seeds of Carthamus bruised , and of fresh Polypody of the Oak , each one Ounce ; of Agarick newly trochiscated ; of Turbith , and Hermodactil's , each three Drams ; of Ginger and Cloves , each one Dram ; of the Flowers of Staechas , of Rosemary , Sage and Lavender , each one pugil ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water to a Pint ; dissolve in it four Ounces of White Sugar , clarifie it , and aromatize it with two Drams of Cinnamon , and make an Apozem for four Doses , to be taken in a Morning .

In the first and last Dose dissolve three Drams of Diaphaenicon . Or ,

Take of the Mass of Pill Cochiae Minor two Scruples , moisten them with Bettony Water ; make five or six Pills , guild them , and let him take them early in the Morning .

The Pills of Agarick , and of Cochiae major are used for the same purpose .

Take of Gujacum , and of Sarsaparilla , each two Ounces ; infuse them twenty four hours in two Quarts of Fountain Water over hot Ashes , then boil them over a gentle fire to the consumption of half , strain it , give half a Pint hot in the Morning , and cover the Sick well that they may Sweat . The use of this may be continued for fifteen or twenty days , or longer .

In the use of Sudorifick Decoctions , this is always to be observed , viz. let some Purging Medicine be given once a Week , omitting for that day the Sudorifick Potion . Sneezing , Apoplegmatisms , Blisters , Head Powders , and Baths are also used . After the use of the Diet Drink , give the following Pills once a Week .

Take of the faetid Pill , Coch. Minor , each half a Dram : Troches of Alhandal four Grains ; mingle them , and make Pills to be taken in the Morning .

But because the Humour wants preparation before every Purge , therefore two or three days before every Dose of the Pills , give three or four Ounces of the following Water , in the Morning two hours before Eating .

Take of Gujacum four Ounces , of the Bark of the same one Ounce , of Sarsaparilla one Ounce and an half , of China one Ounce , of Sassafras six Drams , of Wood of Aloes , and of Galingal each one Dram and an half , of the Roots of Angelica , Peony , and Fennel , each three Drams and an half , of the Seeds of Peony two Drams , infuse them twenty four hours in six Pints of Fountain Water , and two Quarts of White Wine . Afterwards add the Leaves of Bettony , ground Pine , Sage , each one handful ; of the Flowers of the Lime-tree , Primrose , Staechas , and Rosemary , each two Pugils ; of Lavender Flowers one Pugil , of Old Venice Treacle half an Ounce , of the Seeds and Bark of Citron each two Drams and an half , of Polypody half an Ounce , of Cinnamon six Drams ; distil them in a Bath , to two Pints and an half of the Liquor , add four Ounces of Penids .

If the Purges abovementioned are not successful , it will be convenient to give Chymical Vomits , as Vinum Benedictum , and the like , if the Sick is able to bear them .

After general Evacuation , we must use Topicks , both to the Paralytick part to recall the Heat and Spirits , and to the Spinal Marrow ; where for the most part resides the Cause of the Disease ; therefore let the part affected be rubbed daily gently with hot Cloaths , and let Cupping Glasses be applied to the Heads of the Muscles of the part affected , let them have a narrow Mouth , and much Flame : But they must not be kept on long , lest what is attracted should be dissipated . Afterwards apply a Plaister of Pitch and Rosin of the Pine ; that what is attracted may be kept in . All the Paralytick part may be Stung gently with Nettles . Afterwards the part affected may be anointed with proper Oils , Ointments , and Balsams . The following Ointment is very good in this case :

Take of the Juice of Squills four Ounces , of the Juice of Wild Cucumber , and of the Juice of Rue each one Ounce , of Euphorbium , Castor , Sagapenum , Ammoniacum , Bdellium , dissolved all in Vinegar , each one Dram and an half ; of Myrrh , Frankincense , Pellitory of Spain , Niter , each one Dram ; of Oils of Elder , Turpentine , and of Euphorbium , each half an Ounce , of Wax a sufficient quantity to make an Ointment . After the anointing the part , wrap it about with hot Cloaths .

If the Disease goes not off by these means , Plaisters are to be applied to the Spine of the Back ; the following is of excellent use for this purpose .

Take of Ship-pitch , Galbanum , Sagapenum , and Gum Ammoniack , each one Ounce , of the Roots of Pellitory of Spain , and of Mustard Seed each half an Ounce , of Euphorbium two Drams , of Yellow Wax three Drams , of Oyl of Turpentine a sufficient quantity ; make a Plaister .

It is also very good to Sweat the Part affected by the Vapours from a Decoction of Cephalick Herbs and Roots made in White Wine ; but the Decoction must not touch the Part. A Decoction of the Roots of Burdock is also much commended in this Case : These sorts of Baths are to be used twice or thrice a Week ; and after Bathing you must put the Sick to Bed , and give him a Dram of Venice Treacle . The green Leaves of Tobacco infused in Malago Wine , and the Parts bathed with it after Sweating , is reckoned the best outward Remedy for a Palsie .

But lastly , the Bath Waters are best ; if the Sick drink of them some days , Bath and Wash the Head with them , and afterwards rub the Parts with the Infusion of Tobacco Leaves .

The Paralytick Parts must be always kept warm : If it can be , with the Skins of Foxes , Hares , or Lambs .

CHAP. X. Of a Convulsion .

A Convulsion , in Latin , Spasmus , is an involuntary and perpetual Retraction of the Nerves and Muscles towards their Original .

It is twofold , one properly so called , to which the Definition above mentioned agrees ; the other is rather a Convulsive Motion ; and they are thus distinguished : In a true Convulsion , the retraction of the Muscle is continual , and the Member immoveable : In a Convulsive Motion , the Member is variously agitated , as in the Falling-sickness .

They also differ in their Causes ; for a true Convulsion proceeds from fulness or emptiness , a Convulsive Motion from Irritation .

A true Convulsion is divided into universal and particular ; an universal takes its rise either from the Brain , and then the Muscles of the Face are also seised with Convulsions ; or it arises from the beginning of the Spinal Marrow , then the Muscles of the Head , or those that move the Spine forward or backward are seised with Convulsions : Upon which account there are three sorts of Convulsions ; the first is called Emprosthotonos , wherein the Body with the Head and Neck are violently contracted forward , so that the Chin touches the Breast , and the Body represents the Keel of a Ship , and sometimes is bent like a Bow , and the Head touches the Knees : In this sort , two Muscles that bend the Head forward are chiefly affected .

The second is called Opisthotonos ; and in it the Body is bent backward : The twelve Muscles that extend the Head , or some of them , being Convulsed .

The third is called Tetanos , wherein the Muscles before and behind are equally contracted , and the Parts kept as it were in Aequilibrio . This is the strongest of all ; it arising from a Contraction of all the Muscles .

A particular Convulsion is caused by the Contraction of some one part , the Nerve that serves for its Motion being ill affected , which has sometimes a peculiar Name from the effect or symptom ; as a Convulsion of the Muscles moving the Eyes is called Strabismus , that of the Jaws and Muscles of the Temples 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . A Convulsion of the Mouth , from a Contraction of the broad Muscle arising only from one part , is called the Dog Convulsion : But if there be a Contraction in both sides , it is call'd Risus Sardonicus ; but sometimes the Mouth is distorted by the Palsie , by Relaxation of the other Muscle . A Convulsion of the Yard is call'd Satyriasis , or Priapismus . Other Convulsions have no proper Names .

The immediate Causes of a true Convulsion , according to Hippocrates and Galen , are repletion and inanition , the mediate Causes which occasion a repletion , and inanition are various ; a Flegmatick humour flowing into the Nerves is supposed to distend them , as to their Breadth , and so they must be necessarily contracted as to their length . Another cause of Convulsion from repletion , is an inflamation of the Nervous Parts .

The Causes of Convulsions by Emptiness , are all immoderate Evacuations by Bleeding , Vomiting , Sweat , and a Consumption of innate Moisture , which is occasioned by Burning and Coliquative Feavers , by immoderate Labour , by Watchings and Cares , and immoderate Venery .

A Convulsive Motion proceeds from Matter that Vellicates and Pricks the Nervous Parts , which most commonly is malignant ; for such a humour commonly happens in malignant Feavers : It is also occasioned by Worms , Poison , and by Hysterick Fits .

A Convulsion which seises many Parts , especially near the Head , is dangerous ; and that which seises the Muscles of the Breast , is also dangerous ; for the Sick may be suffocated by it .

A Convulsion arising from great Fluxes of Blood , or over-purging is dangerous , if not deadly ; so is a Convulsion arising from a Phrensie , and upon a Feaver . Hypocrates says , that those who are seised with a Tetanos , die within four days ; but that if they live longer , they recover .

CVRE . The Cure of this Disease is to be varied according to the variety of the Causes . That which happens from Emptiness is incurable . After Bleeding , or it being omitted , if it be not convenient , strong Purges must be used : but respect must be had to the strength of the Patient : After Bleeding , apply Cupping-glasses , with Scarification , if Blood has not been drawn before , otherwise without Scarification : They must be first applied to the remoter parts , afterwards to the parts near the affected part : But if the Legs are Convulsed , they must be applied to the Buttocks and Loins ; if the Arms , to the Neck and Shoulders : Blysters are also applied with good success to the parts opposite to the part affected . In the mean time , after the first Purge , the Matter is to be prepared , with Medicines proper for the Head . Note , that Castor ought to be added to Purges in this case . Sharp Glysters are frequently to be injected , such as were mentioned in the Chapter of an Apoplexy . The part affected must be anointed with the following , or some other proper Linement .

Take of the Oyntment of Marsh-mallows six Ounces , Oyl of Turpentine and Camomile each one Ounce , Oyl of Lavender three Drams , of Oyl of Foxes half an Ounce , Liquid Storax two Ounces , wherewith anoint the affected part , and the Spine of the Back frequently , with a hot Hand .

After anointing the parts , wrap them in a warm Sheep-Skin , just taken from the Sheep . Sheeps Lungs , Pidgeons or Hens cut in the middle , and applied hot , are also good . It is also good to put the affected part into the Belly of an Ox , or Sheep newly kill'd , and keep it there as long as it is warm : but the use of Sulphurous Baths is most successful .

When a violent Pain accompanies the Convulsion , use the following Linement .

Take of the Oyls of Violets , Lillies , Camomile , each one Ounce and an half , of Oyl of sweet Almonds , Mastich , and Roses , each one Ounce ; mingle them , and anoint the part affected .

Sneesing Powders and Apophlegmatisms are also proper in this Case .

CHAP. XI . Of Trembling .

TRembling , in Latin , Tremor , is a depraved Motion of the Members , whereby they are involuntarily moved . The chief Cause of it is weakness of the Nerves , occasioned by Old Age , by long Sickness , by immoderate Venery , by Fear , and other passions of the Mind ; or by such things as are wholly offensive to the Nerves , as the Fume of Quicksilver . Hard Drinking will also occasion it , and a partial Obstruction of the Nerves by gross humours .

CVRE . It is Cured by the same Medicines that are used in the Palsie .

CHAP. XII . Of a Catarrh .

A Catarrh , in Latin , Catarrhus , according to the Ancients , is a preternatural fluxion of Humours from the Head upon the Lower Parts : But the ingenious Dr. Lower is of the Opinion , that it is put off by the Blood upon the Glands that are seated in the Throat and Jaws ; and he says there are no passages to convey it from the Head .

CVRE . Whatever precipitates the Serum through the Reins , or carries it off by Stool , or by Sweat , is good in this case , or whatever else lessens the Serum .

Wherefore , nothing is better for Curing a Catarrh , if a Feaver does not accompany it , then abstaining a long while from Drink ; for several have been Cured , by not drinking in three or four days time ; for by this means the source of the Disease is dried up ; just as R●vulets become dry for want of Rain .

But if you have reason to imagin from the Pulse , the Urine , or restlesness of the Body , that there is some Feaver : Having first purged the Body , you must presently Bleed , and the Sick must be kept to a thin Diet ; and other things are to be done which the Cure of the Feaver requires : but respect must be had to the Flux of the Serum .

But if by reason of abundance of Serum , the Catarrh continue obstinate , in this case nothing is better , then after Purging to use Diureticks ; if the Catarrh yet continue , you must make Issues in the Neck , Arms , or Legs , or apply Blisters there .

But because these things require time to do the business , if need require ; or if there be danger of Suffocation , you must Bleed again , and presently Sweat the Patient once , or twice a day , if his Strength will bear it ; which by casting forth the serous Humour through the Pores of the Body , will perform the Cure .

Take of the decoction of Senna Gerionis four Ounces , of Syrup of Buckthorn six Drams , of Spirit of Sulphur five Drops , of Aqua Mirabilis one Dram , mingle them , and make a Potion to be taken in the Morning .

At Bed-time after Purging , give the following Pills .

Take of Pill Storax eight Grains , of the Juice of Liquorish half a Scruple ; make three Pills : Repeat the Purging Potion every third day for thrice .

Of the days the Sick does not Purge , let him take of the following Electuary .

Take of the Conserve of Red Roses vitriolated , of the Electuary of Sassafras one Ounce , of Frankincense powder'd one Dram , of Diacodium a sufficient quantity , make an Electuary ; let him take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening , drinking upon it three Ounces of the following Decoction .

Take of the pectoral Decoction one Pint , add to it in boiling , of Balsam of Tolu three Drams , of the Leaves of Ground-Ivy half an handful . To the strained Liquor , add two Ounces of Diacodium , and one Ounce of Spirit of Carraways ; mingle them .

Diureticks , and Diaphoreticks must be also used . Lastly , He that would wholly prevent this Disease , must be well Cloathed ▪ and must remove into a hot and dry Country .

CHAP. XIII . Of the Head-ach .

HEad-ach , in Latin , Cephalalgia . This word is used for all Pains of the Head in general ; but properly it only signifies a new Pain of the Head . Cephalaea is an inveterate Pain of the Head : Hemierania the Pain of one side of the Head . It is also divided into external and internal ; Idiopathick and Sympathick ; and of these , some are pricking , others heavy , and some beating ; an inward pain of the Head is seated upon the Meninges , which lies deep , and reaches to the Roots of the Eyes ; but the outward pain is seated upon the Pericranium , and is exasperated when the Head is prest , or the Roots of the Hair turned back .

An Idiopathick Pain is continual . This does not proceed from the disorder of other parts : but a Sympatick Pain does . What that part is which communicates the pain to the Head may be easily known by the proper Signs of the affected part . The pain of the Head proceeds from a cold Cause , and from a hot Cause . For the Cure of the former , the Flegmatick Matter is to be evacuated by the following Pills .

Take of the Pills of Ambar one Scruple and an half , of Cochiae Minor two Scruples and an half , of Tartar vitriolated ten Grains , of Peruvium Balsam a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , make twelve Pills , give six of them once a Week in the Morning .

The Bath is very effectual in this case , the party being bathed , and his Head washed with it . Sneezing Powder is also very proper . Sudorifick Decoctions are also very beneficial in iinveterate pains .

Take of Sarsa parilla , and Gujacum , each two Ounces , infuse them twenty four hours in two Quarts of Fountain Water , upon hot Ashes , and boil them over a gentle Fire till half is consumed ; add to it Coriander Seeds and Liquorish , or of Sugar and Cinnamon as much as is sufficient to give an agreeable taste . Strain it , and keep it in a Glass ; let him take half a Pint hot in a Morning , for fifteen , twenty , or thirty days ; and let him have more Cloaths on than ordinary .

But this is to be noted in the use of Sudorifick decoctions , that some Purging Medicine must be given once a Week from the very beginning of the Cure : Specifick Remedies should be used , and such an one is the following Epithem .

Take of the Powder of Zedoary one Draw , of the Waters of Bettony , Vervain , and Elder , each one Ounce ; mingle them , apply it hot to the pained part , with Scarlet Cloth .

Among the Specificks for the pain of the Head , from whatever Cause it arises , Vervain is the chief , whereof the distilled Water is applied to the Head , and taken inwardly to four Ounces , with four Drops of Spirit of Salt ; and Forestus says , that he knew two sick People that were Cured , by only hanging green Vervain about their Necks , when other Medicines were used to no purpose .

If the pain of the Head proceed from a hot Cause , give first a Glyster , and then Bleed : But a greater quantity of Blood is to be taken away when the Pain proceeds from Blood , than when Choler abounds . Afterwards some Medicines that Purge Choler must be given ; not only when Choler is the chief Cause , but also when Blood is Luxuriant ; for the thinner part soon turns to Choler . If by one Evacuation , the peccant matter is not sufficiently purged , the Purging Medicine must be repeated at due distances of time , in the whole course of the Disease if the Belly be not fluid , Glysters that are emollient , cooling , and gently Purging , are to be injected every day .

For pains of the Head , which come upon continual Feavers : Sheeps Lungs taken out hot and applied to the Head , do powerfully asswage the Pain : Or ,

Take of the Seeds of white Poppies two Drams , of Saffron half a Scruple , of Camphor one Scruple , with a sufficient quantity of Populeon Oyntment , spread them upon Leather , and apply them to the Forehead .

And after general Evacuations , derivation may be successfully used , by Bleeding in the Forehead with a Lancet , or with Leeches , and by applying Blisters to the Neck . In the mean while , the Humours must be attemperated by Juleps and Emulsions .

Lastly , If the Pain be very violent , we must use Narcoticks outwardly and inwardly .

In every Pain of the Head , from whatever Cause it arises , and will not yield to other Remedies ; the Head must be shaved , and a large Blister applied all over it .

Diseases of the EYES .

CHAP. XIV . Of a Gutta Serena .

WHen the Sight is lost , and there is no apparent fault in the Eye , it is occasioned by the hindrance of the influx of the Animal Spirits into the Eyes .

An Obstruction is the most ordinary cause of a Gutta Serena , which is generated by a Flegmatick Humour falling from the Brain into the Optick Nerves : But it is also certain , that this Disease is occasioned by the compression of the Optick Nerves ; by Flegm coleated about them , or with Blood , or some other Matter heap'd up in that place , whereby Tumors are made in those places ; and Experience shews , that an inflamation of the Brain , or Phrensie in malignant Feavers occasion Blindness . Lastly , Wounds in the Head , whereby the Optick Nerves are cut , hinder the influx of the Animal Spirits to the Eyes .

This Disease is known by the Eyes seeming to continue in their Natural State , only the Pupil appears blacker and larger . But there is great difficulty in distinguishing the Causes of it ; for though when it proceeds from Blood , or Pus , an Inflamation , Abscess , or Wound go before , yet no sure Sign can be given to distinguish a compression by a Flegmatick Humour from an Obstruction . Yet we may in some sort guess , because in an Obstruction only of the Optick Nerve , the Eyes are only affected : But if there be a compression by Flegmatick Humours , gathered together about the Roots of the Eyes , and the mamillary processes , that Matter will either seise other parts of the Brain , and then the rest of the Senses , or all of them will be injured . But if it be seated only about the Optick Nerves , a Flegmatick Matter will be evacuated by the Nostrils more plentifully than is usual , and there will seem a weight to lie upon the forepart of the Head , especially about the Eye-lids .

As to the Prognosticks , if the Sight be quite taken away by an Obstruction of the Optick Nerves , the Disease is most commonly incurable ; for we see that Obstructions of other Nerves whereby a Palsie is generated , is seldom or never Cured , especially in those that are Old . But if the Obstruction be partial , and the Sight be only diminished , there is more hope of Recovery , though a long course of Remedies , and a great deal of time is requisite for the Cure .

But if this Disease proceed from Humours collected in the forepart of the Head , it is easier Cured . Fabritius Hildanus mentions an Observation of one that lost his Sight by taking a violent Vomit , and recovered it again by taking another : For the first by its Violence stirred the Humours too much , and forced them upon the Optick Nerves ; but the other evacuated the Humours , and so Cured . There are other Observations of this kind ; but it is reasonable to suppose , that in these cases where the Cure is so easily performed , the Humour is not stopt in the substance of the Nerves , but collected in the Brain about the Nerves .

For the Cure of this Disease ; the Matter impacted into the Nerves , or adhering to them , which causes the Obstruction or Compression , is to be evacuated , which cannot be , unless the whole Body be first evacuated : As Galen says , the Eye cannot be Cured before the whole Head , nor that before the whole Body .

That the Remedies may be described orderly , a Diet convenient for th●● Disease is first to be appoin●ed , which ought to be attenuating , and moderately drying . And first an Air inclining to hot and dry ought to be chosen ; but thick , cloudy , cold and rainy Air must be carefully avoided . Meats of easie Digestion , and of good Juice , must be eaten ; and such as breed a thick Juice must not be used , as Pork , Geese , Pease , Cheese , and the like ; also those things that fill the Head with Vapours , as things made of Milk , and hot Spices , as Pepper , Ginger , and the like . The Bread must be made with Fennel-water , or the Seed of it must be mingled with it : But great Care must be taken , that Darnel is not mixed with the Wheat wherewith the Bread is made , which has been always accounted very injurious to the Eye . In Sauces and Broths , let the Sick use those things which have an attenuating Faculty , as Hyssop , Fennel , Marjoram , Bettony , Sage , Eye-bright , and especially Nutmegs , which strengthen the Brain , and clear the Sight . Turneps should be often eaten , and also Sparrows , and Pidgeons ; Cold Herbs must be avoided , especially Lettice , which is injurious to the Eyes . The Sick must be moderate in his Diet , and the Supper sparing ; and once or twice a Week , let him go to Bed without Supper : At Meals , instead of Salt , let him use the following Powder .

Take of common Salt two Ounces , of Eye-bright dried two Drams , of Nutmeg one Dram , of Cinnamon two Scruples ; make a Powder .

After every Meal let him take one Spoonful of the following Powder :

Take of the Seeds of Coriander prepared half an Ounce , of the Seeds of Anise and Fennel each two Drams , of Cinnamon and Nutmegs each one Dram ; of Eye-bright dried three Drams , of Sugar of Roses , twice the weight of all .

Wine is not good in this Disease ; because it fills the Head with Vapours , and promotes fluxion ; but a Decoction of Sarsaparilla sweetned with Liquorish , and aromatized with Coriander Seeds , is a proper Drink : But all cannot abstain from Wine , or strong Beer , and therefore dried Eye-bright infused in small Wine or Beer , may be used sometimes .

Sleep must be shorter than usual ; and lying on the Back must be avoided as much as may be ; and the Sick must not Sleep after Dinner : He must be moderate in his Exercise , and his Body must be always kept Loose .

These things being thus ordered , the Cure must be begun with universal Evacuation ; and he must be first purged with the following Medicine .

Take of Senna cleansed half a Dram , of the Seeds of Fennel one Dram , of the Leaves of Bettony , Eye-bright , and Vervain , each half an handful ; of Liquorish three Drams ; boil them in Fountain-water to three Ounces , strain it , and dissolve in it three Drams of Diaphaenicon , and an Ounce of the Syrup of Roses ; make a Potion to be taken in the Morning

After the first Purge , the Physician ought to consider with himself , whether Bleeding is to be used : In Old People , or such as are of a Flegmatick Constitution , certainly it is not : But in those that are young ; and of a hot Constitution , especially if there be Signs of Blood abounding , without controversie , if it be used in time it may do much good ; and where there are such indications for Bleeding ▪ After Blood has been drawn from the Arm , the particular Veins of the Head may be opened , and those which are near the Eyes , viz. the Forehead Vein , the Vein of the Temples , and in the Corner of the Eyes , near the Nose : But it is more proper to apply Leeches to the Temples ; and if they are set behind the Ears too , they may do much good . Some Practitioners relate , that some blind People have been Cured by Wounds in the Forehead , whereby the turgid Veins and Arteries have been emptied .

But if a suppression of the Courses has preceded this Disease , Blood is to be drawn from the lower Veins , or Leeches must be applied to the Hemorrhoids ; afterwards the Body must be purged more exactly with the following Apozem .

Take of the Roots of Fennel , Sarsaparilla , Florentine , Orris Elecampane , each one Ounce , of the Leaves of Bettony , Marjoram , Balm , Eye-bright , Fennel , Vervain , the greater Celandine , each one handful , of Liquorish rasped , and Raisins of the Sun cleansed , each one Ounce , of the Seeds of Anise and Fennel each three Drams , of Senna cleansed two Ounces , of Gummy Turbith , and Agarick newly trochiscated , each two Drams , of Ginger and Cloves each one Scruple , of the Flowers of St●chas , Rosemary , and Lavender , each one pugil ; boil them in Fountain-water to a Pint ; strain it , and dissolve in it four Ounces of White Sugar , make an Apozem for four Doses , to be taken in the Morning ; Clarifie it , and Aromatize it with two Drams of Cinnamon .

When all the Apozem is taken , give the following Pills .

Take of the Pill Coch. minor two Scruples ; make six Pills to be taken early in the Morning .

Universal Evacuation being thus performed , Revulsion of the antecedent cause is to be made , and the conjunct cause is to be discussed , and carried off by derivation ; to this end frictions of the extream Parts , especially the lower Parts , are to be used : Cupping-glasses are to be applied to the Back and Shoulders without Scarification , especially to the hinder part of the Head with Scarification , whereby the Humours are so powerfully drawn from the fore●parts and beginning of the Nerves , that some upon the application of it , have immediately recovered their Sight .

At the same time , a Blister must be applied to the Neck ▪ An Issue made in the Neck with a Skean of Silk is very beneficial in this case .

A Potential Cautery applied to the Coronal Suture , has been successful sometimes , when nothing else would do good .

After universal Purging , a sudorifick Diet is to be ordered , of Sarsa , and the like ; and after the use of the sudorifick Decoction , the use of a sulphureous Bath is very proper , to Bath in , and to wash the Head with . Apophlegmatisms are also of use .

During the whole Course , the Sick is to be purged often ▪

And care is to be taken to strengthen the Head and Eyes ; to which end , a Dram of Old Venice Treacle must be given at Bed-time , twice or thrice a Week , dissolved in Fennel , or Eye-bright Water ; Nutmeg also chewed i● a Morning Fasting is much commended ; so are Candie● Myrobalans eaten in a Morning .

In a desperate case , after all Remedies have been used to no purpose , a large Blister applied to the shaved Head has sometimes done much good , and repeated twice o● thrice , when the Excoriation begins to be dry .

CHAP. XV. Of Diseases of the glassy Humour .

THE glassy Humour is placed under the Cristaline , and is therefore made by Nature clear , that the Species may be conveyed pure and clear to the Optick Nerves ; if therefore the perspicuity of it be sullied by the mixture of any Humour , and it become dark , the Sight is more or less diminished , proportionably to the degree of darkness of it .

Moreover , this Humour may be injured by being misplaced , namely , if part of it by a Blow or Contusion is thrust before the Cristalin Humour ; for then the Sight is darkned , for the glassy humour is thicker than the watry , and so the Species of Objects cannot be brought pure and sincere to the Cristaline Humour .

The former of these Diseases can be known by no Signs ; but be imagined only by reason : For this Humour cannot be seen , nor the disposition of it known ; therefore Practitioners , when they perceive no fault in the Eye , confound this with the Gutta Serena , and that without any damage to the Patient ; for extraneous Humours poured upon the glassy Humour must be discussed by the same Remedies wherewith a Gutta Serena is wont to be Cured . But the vitiated situation of the glassy Humour may be known , by appearing like the White of an Egg under the Pupil ; but it cannot be distinguished from a suffusion , unless the antecedent and procatarctick causes are well considered ; for a suffusion proceeds from a simple influx of the Humours : But this from the glassy Humour misplaced by a Blow or Wound .

This Disease is incurable by Art : But sometimes it happens to be Cured by Nature ; and therefore the whole business is to be left to her .

CHAP. XVI . Of the Diseases of the Cristaline Humour .

THE Christaline Humour is the chief Instrument of Sight , and therefore more than the other Humours of the Eye , ought to retain its Purity and Perspicuity , that it may render the Sight perfect ; and if it recede from that Purity , the Sight is much obstructed .

The chief Disease of the Cristaline Humour is the change of it to a grey Colour , and this Disease happens in old Age , from a drying and thickning Cause : It is known by a deep and great whiteness that appears about the Pupil , and all things are seen through a Smoak and Cloud ; but it is difficultly distinguished from a Suffusion , which represents such a Whiteness in the Pupil ; upon which account , many Authors confound it with a Suffusion : But those that look carefully , may distinguish these two Diseases ; for in a Suffusion , the whiteness is in the Pupil , but in this it appears deep .

This Disease is incurable , especially in old People , in whom the driness of the Parts cannot be mended .

Besides , the Cristaline Humour may be vitiated in Situation , namely , when its broad part which is like a Lentil , is not exactly opposed to the hole of the Pupil , but is moved upward to downward , and then things appear double : But this fault of Sight is also occasioned by Vapours , or by thin Flegm , that sullies the Christaline Humour . This often happens to People that are drunk . The second ill Situation of the Christaline Humour is , when it inclines forward or backward ; if forward towards the Pupil , then things that are near are not plainly seen ; but things that are at distance are ; this happens most commonly to old People : If it be placed backward towards the Optick Nerve , things that are near are plainly seen ; but things at distance not at all : This is called Purblindness , which is to be remedied only by Spectacles .

The third ill Situation of the Cristaline Humour , is when it proceeds too much to the right or left , and this is called Squinting . But this is not only occasioned by the vitious Situation of the Cristaline Humour , but also from the ill Disposition of the Muscles that move the Eyes , which is either natural , or occasioned by a Convulsion or Palsie ; which is to be cured by Paralytick Remedies .

Lastly , From a greater or lesser Inversion of the Cristaline Humour , other Vices of Sight may proceed ; as when things that are streight appear crooked ; or upside down ; which happened to a Physician , as Sennertus relates , who looking earnestly upwards , removed the Cristaline Humour .

CHAP. XVII . Of the Diseases of the Watery Humour , and especially of a Suffusion .

THE watery Humour is alter'd from its natural Constitution , when it is peccant in Quantity or Quality ; when it is encreased or diminished beyond measure , it causes a Dilatation , or Contraction of the Pupil , which are to be treated of in their Place : But when it is vitious in quality it becomes thick ; it is caused by some other Humour flowing into it ; this is called a Suffusion , which is to be treated of here . This Disease , when it begins , and when the Sight is a little darkned , is called , A Suffusion : But when something is collected in the Pupil , like Water , it is called Water . Lastly , when the Matter is wholly concreted in the Pupil , and wholly obscures the Sight , it is called a Cataract .

There is also a Suffusion , which is Spurious , which proceeds from Vapours , translated from the Stomach , and other Parts . A Flegmatick Humour is the chief and most ordinary Cause of a Suffusion , yet some other Humours may be mixed with it , at least in a small Proportion ; if Choler be mixed with it , it appears yellow ; when Melancholy , black .

These Humours are wont to flow to the Eyes , wh● they are weak , either naturally or occasionally : To the natural Weakness belongs a prominence of the Eyes ; for those that have such Eyes , are subject to Suffusions ; for prominent Eyes are wont to be large , and so fitter to receive Humours and Vapours . Some external Causes also occasion weakness , as a Blow , Contusion , Bathing , a Southerly and Rainy Season , long continuing in the Sun , Smoak , hard Reading , especially by a Candle , which occasions a Fluxion of Humours upon the Eyes . The differences of Suffusions arise from the thickness , quantity , or place where the Humour resides , that occasions them .

By reason of the greater , or lesser thickness , the Obstruction of the Sight is more or less ; for if the Humour be thin , and serous , the Sight is but little obstructed ; if very thick , blindness is occasion'd .

By reason of the quantity and place , the Humour possesses either all the Pupil , and then the Sight is equally obstructed , which way soever it is directed to the Objects ; or it covers one part of the Pupil more than another , and the Objects are not seen whole , by looking directly , nor many at one time : But if the Humour be very small , and is seated in the middle of the Pupil , the Objects appear as if there were holes in them : But if the Matter be torn into various Corpuscles , seated in various Parts of the Pupil , the appearance of Gnats is always before the Eyes . Also Hair , Cobwebs , Circles about a Candle , and many other things .

The Diagnostick of this Disease is first to be directed to a legitimate Suffusion , to distinguish it from a spurious , afterwards the various Sorts of a legitimate Suffusion are to be enquired into .

A true Suffusion seizes only one of the Eyes most commonly ; or if both , not at the same time , nor alike , which happens in a Bastard Suffusion .

Secondly , in a legitimate Suffusion , something dark appears in the Pupil , which is not in a Spurious ; but this Sign is not constant ; for if the Suffusion be generated from a thin and serous Humour , there is no change in the Eye , that Humour being scarce thicker than the watery Humour ; upon which account , Physicians mistake it for a Gutta Serena . But this Suffusion is easily distinguished from a Gutta Serena ; for in a Gutta Serena , the Sight is wholly taken away , or much diminished , no fault appearing in the Eye : But in a Suffusion , which does not appear to the Sight , the Sick can see tolerably well ; because the serous Humour , from whence it is produced , is thin and clear ; so that the species of the Objects can pass through it like Glass ; and then in a Suffulsion , the Sight is not for the most part obstructed in althe Parts of the Pupil ; but the Objects are sometimes seen best , when they are placed directly opposite to the Eye , and sometimes when they are placed towards the Corner ; because most commonly , there is a greater thickness , or thinness , in one part of the Pupil , than in another .

Thirdly , In a true Suffusion , the Symptoms are continual ; but in a Bastard Suffusion , they are encreased or lessened by intervals , as the Vapours rise more or less to the Head ; and so when the Stomach is empty , they are much less , than when it is full , for then a greater quantity of Vapours arise from the Head , and then the Gnats , Cobwebs , and the like , appear only by intervals . Besides , in a true Suffusion , the Sight seems to pass always through a Cloud , or thick Glass , which is the proper and Pathognomonick Symptom of it : But in a Bastard Suffusion , the Sight is sometimes very good .

CVRE . The Cure is easier performed in Summer than in Winter . If a Suffusion come upon an acute Fever , after a Peripneumonia , Frensie , or violent Pains of the Head , it is very hard to cure . A confirm'd Suffusion can be cured only by Couching . In a confirm'd Suffusion , if having shut the other Eye , the Pupil is dilated , there is hope of a Cure by Couching , otherwise there is none ; for then the Optick Nerve is obstructed ; and so the Spirits cannot come to the Pupil . A black Suffusion can never be cured ; and but very rarely , a green or yellow . A Suffusion which represents the Objects by holes , is not to be Couched . Couching succeeds best when the Eye is full , and at its natural bigness , for if it be withered and small , it will not succeed . This Operation must not be attempted in old Age , or in Child-hood , nor when , the Eye being pressed with the Finger , the Suffusion appears broader , and then returns to its wonted bigness and shape ; for then it is not ripe : But if , being pressed with the Finger , it does not alter its shape , it may be Couched . When it is ripe , it is like a thin Skin , and may be wrapped round the Needle , and thrust to the lower Part of the Eye .

The Cure of a Suffusion is not to be directed only to the conjunct Cause ; but also to the antecedent , and therefore the whole Body , especially the Brain , must be first well Purged , afterwards , the Humour obstructing the Pupil must be difcussed , or removed some other way .

Which Indications being the same in a manner , as were proposed for the Cure of a Gutta Serena , may be sought for there .

Therefore all that Cure being premised , which was instituted for a Gutta Serena , we must proceed to those Remedies which respect peculiarly the taking off the Matter , that is seated near the Pupil ; and though Topical Remedies may seem not to do much good , yet a due use of them is not to be rejected ; for experience teaches , that incipient Suffusions have been cured by Topical Remedies , when they have been used after general Evacuations .

First therefore , you must begin with gentle Resolvents , which must not dry too much , lest the Matter of the Suffusions should be hardned , and so rendred unfit for Resolution ; and Emollients are therefore to be mixed with the Resolvents , to prevent the hardening of the Matter , and to render the resolving of it more easie ; to which end , the following Fomentation may be used at the beginning .

Take of the Leaves of Rue , Fennel , Eyebright , and the greater Celandine , each one handful , of the Seeds of Foenugreek one ounce , of the Flowers of Camomil and Melilot , each one pugil ; boil them in three parts of Fountain Water , and one of Wine added at the end . Strain it , and foment the Eyes with it , with a soft Spunge Morning and Evening , and the Head being covered , the Steam of the Decoction may be received into the Eyes .

At the very beginning of the Disease , when the Fluxion is beginning , and when Medicines are used for Revulsion , it will be proper to foment the Eyes with Red Wine , to hinder the Fluxion .

In the Progress of the Disease , a Fomentation of White Wine , wherein Crocus Metallorum has been infused , is very beneficial ; and the Breath of a Child , having first chewed Fennel-seeds , received into the Eyes ; and a Child , or a Whelp , licking the Eyes in the Morning , is also good ; and Bread hot out of the Oven , mixed with Fennel-seeds , held to the Eyes , till they are moist with the Vapour of it . The foresaid Remedies must be used in the Morning chiefly . At Night apply the following Cataplasm .

Take of the Flower of Foenugreek-seed one ounce , of Aloes half an ounce , of Saffron one dram , make a fine Powder , mix it with White Wine , wherein Crocus Metallorum , has been infused , make a Cataplasm to be applied hot at Bed time .

Many commend Pidgeons Blood dropped hot into the Eye ; but because the heat of it soon goes off , it were better to apply a young Pidgeon , before it has Feathers , cut in the middle , to the Eye . The Suffusion being cured , either by Resolving Medicines , or by Chirurgical Operation , care must be taken to preserve the Eyes ; for the Eyes being much weakned by the Disease , are ready to receive Fluxions ; therefore Purging is to be used frequently , and Issues are to be made to turn the Humours , and such strengthening things are to be used as were proposed in a Gutta Serena , and the Eyes must be washed in the Morning , with Wine held in the Mouth till it is warm , and mixed with Sage chewed in the Mouth .

Moreover , Spectacles that represent the Objects , neither greater nor lesser than they are , preserve the Sight much .

Lastly , all those things are to be avoided which injure the Sight , and such as help it are to be used .

CHAP. XVIII . Of the Dilatation of the Pupil .

THE Wea Tunica is subject to many Diseases , especially Rupture , Distortion , Dilatation and Constriction .

A Rupture may be occasioned by an external Cause , as by a Bruise or the like , or by an internal , namely , by a great quantity of Humours extending , or breaking it : But this can never be cured by Art ; the distorting of it happens from the first Conformation , when it sticks on every side to the horny Tunick ; and this also can never be cured .

The Dilatation of the Pupil , which is the hole of the Wea Tunica , through which the Species of the Objects enter the Eye , injures the Sight , for that the Light enters in too great quantity ; upon which account , such as are troubled with a Dilatation of the Pupil , see better where there is a little Light , than where there is a great deal ; and this shews the natural and the ordinary changes of the Pupil , which happen according to the more or less Light of the place we are in , for in a very light place the Pupil is contracted ; and this is the Reason , that when we come out of a very light Place into another that is more obscure , we can at first scarce see any thing , till the Pupil is gradually dilated to receive more light , and then things that could not be seen at first , plainly appear : and on the contrary , they that come put of a dark place into a very light place , can scarce bear the Light .

The preternatural Dilatation of the Pupil is either from the Birth , or arises from preternatural adventitious Causes , which are either internal , or external : The next and immediate of the Internals , is Extension of the Tunica Wea , which is either from driness , or repletion ; driness stretches the Wea , and renders the hole of the Pupil larger , as holes in Leather are larger when they are dry . This dry Intemperies is occasioned by long Watchings , by Fevers and other drying Causes . The Repletion of the Tunica Wea , it being extended on every side , renders the Pupil larger , and this is produced either by Wind or Vapours , or by Humours flowing upon the Eye , or by the watery Humour encreased above measure ; and lastly from a Swelling of the Tunica Wa . To these Causes may be added a Convulsion of the Tunick , which chiefly appears in Fits of the Falling Sickness , and in Chldrens Convulsions .

The external Causes are a Fall , a violent Shaking , holding of the breath in Women in Travail , and in Trumpeters .

The Diagnostick of this Disease is not difficult , for the Dilatation of the Pupil may be perceived by the Eyes , especially if before the Disease , the Physician know the natural largeness of it , and also if with the largeness of the Pupil , the Sight is obstructed ; besides , the natural largeness of the Pupil is known by shutting one Eye , for then the Pupil of the other is more dilated , which does not happen in a Dilatation , that is , a Disease , because the Tunica Wea is so much distended by the preternatural Cause , that it can be distended no further .

As to the Prognostick ; A Dilatation of the Pupil from the Birth , is incurable ; and that which arises after , is difficult to Cure , especially if Driness be the Cause .

CVRE . The Cure is to be varied , according to the variety of the Causes ; and if it come from Driness , the whole Body must be refreshed with moistning Medicines , and Nourishment , such as is used in Hectick Fevers , the Body is also to be moistned with a Bath of hot Water and new Milk , if it be also frequently drop'd into the Eyes , especially Womens Milk .

If it proceed from an Humour that fills the Eye , the-whole Body is to be Evacuated , and presently the Hu , +mour wherewith the Eye is stopped must be discussed which may be sufficiently performed by the Remedies prescribed in the Cure of a Suffusion : But after them Astringents may be used , to contract the Pupil of the Eye ; to which end the following Collyrium may be used .

Take of Red Roses dried two scruples , of Saffron , Spikenard , and the Bark of Frankin●ense , each half a scruple , of Tutty prepared , Spodium , Acacia , each one scruple ; reduce them to a Powder , and tie it up in a fine Rag , and infuse it in three ounces of Rose-water : Drop the Water in the Eyes often , and press the Rag every time you use the Water .

If it proceed from Wind , after general Evacuations , those Medicines are to be used , which expel Wind , and the Eyes may be fomented with a Decoction of Fennel , Rue , Dill , Red Roses and Myrtles , made in Rose-water , and a fourth part of White Wine . Lastly , if it be occasioned by a Bruise , it must be cured like an Ophthalma , if there be an Inflammation ; but if there be no Inflammation , apply at the beginning a Cataplasm made of Bean Flower , the Leaves of Plantane , Red Roses , and Rose-water : But afterwards , Pidgeons Blood must be often drop'd into the Eye ; which is an excellent Remedy for all Wounds and Bruises of the Eyes .

CHAP. XIX . Of the Narrowness of the Pupil .

THE Narrowness of the Pupil is also injurious to the Sight : It is either narrow from the Birth , and then it is no great Injury ; for though they cannot see so well as others in a Place where there is not much light , yet they see better in a very light Place ; or the Narrowness of the Pupil is occasioned by preternatural Causes , as from too great moisture , or driness , from a Defect in the Watery Humour , or for want of Spirits .

The Cure of this Disease is the same with the former , though they produce different Effects .

CHAP. XX. Of an Albugo , Spot , and other Colours of the Cornea changed .

THE natural Constitution of the Cornea is altered , when it loses its Perspicuity , or changed into another Colour . It loses its clearness , when it grows thick by driness , which often happens in old People , and is never to be cured : Or it is thickned by gross Humours stuff'd into it ; which frequently happens in an Ophthalmia ; when , by reason of too great an use of Resolvent Remedies , the thinner Parts of the Humours are discussed , the thick remaining behind : Or when by cooling Medicines used too often , the Humours are thickned ; and then the Horny Tunick is not only thicker in that Part where the Humour is impacted ; but it also turns white , and is called Leucoma , or Albugo ; but such a Disease is also occasioned by the Cicatrix of a Wound , whereby the Cornea is rendred thicker , and loses its clearness ▪

There are several sorts of it , as it is more or less thick ; one only possesses the Superficies of the Cornea , another is seated deep , and penetrates the whole Cornea ; one is greater , and possesses the whole Pupil , or the greatest Part of it ; another is small , and covers only a small Part of the Pupil , and then it is called a Spot .

The Cornea is also infected with a different Colour , when Blood is poured off upon it , and then it is called Suggillatio , and then all the Objects appear red ; or when Choler insinuates it self into it , which often happens in the Jaundice , and then the Objects appear yellow .

Those Diseases do not want peculiar Diagnosticks ; because they are apparent .

As to the Prognosticks : An Albugo which proceeds from Flegm , or from a gross Humour remaining after an Ophthalmia , is easily cured , if it be not inveterate : But that which is occasioned by a Cicatrix , is very difficultly cured ; because Parts of exquisite Sense , can scarce bear such sharp Remedies , as are necessary to take off the Cicatrix .

The Cure of an Albugo , occasioned by Flegmatick Humours , concreted in the Cornea , must be performed by emollient , discutient , and attenuating Medicines : But universal Remedies mush be premised , which carry off the antecedent Cause , and prevent a new influx of Humours , such are set down in the Cure of a Suffusion , and Gutta Serena ; afterwards a Fomentation is to be applied with soft Spunges , to mollifie the concreted Matter , made of the Decoction of Foenugreek , Melilot , Celandine and Fennel , or the Vapour of this Decoction , may be received into the Eyes : Presently after discussing Remedies are to be used , such as are prescibed for the Cure of a Suffusion ; and attenuating Eye Medicines , and such as resolve the Humour impacted in the Eye , especially such as are made of Honey distilled , are to be used ; for the Water of distilled Honey , is very good to take out Spots from the Eyes ; if the use of it be long continued . Sugar-Candy dissolved in Eyebright , Celandine , or Fennel-water , is also good , and let the Eye be often licked , with a Boy 's or Girl 's Tongue , they having first chewed Fennel in their Mouths . Amatus Lusitanus says , that he cured a Girl of twelve Years of Age , that had thick Clouds in her Eyes with the following Collyrium , having first used the Decoction Sarsa for three Weeks .

Take two Pound of Honey in the Comb , of the Tops of Fennel , of the Flowers of Elder , and Eyebright , each two Pugils , of Sugar-Candy two ounces ; distil them in a Bath , and drop the Water into the Eyes .

The Juice of Fennel fresh drawn with one drop of Peruvian Balsam in it , discusses powerfully an Albugo ; the Oil of burnt Rags mixt with the Spittle of a Boy , being applied with a Feather , is also good . This Oil is drawn by firing a Rag , and extinguishing it between two Platters ; when it is cold , the drops of Oil will stick to the Platter .

But an Albugo , or a Spot , occasioned by a Cicatrix , is cured by those Remedies which mollifie , attenuate , and dissolve ; but because those things that take off the Cicatrix are Acrimonious , the greater care ought to be taken , that universal Evacuations and Revulsions are first used ▪ lest Humours should flow to the Part ; afterwards it will be convenient to use such Fomentations which are mentioned above ; and then discutient and abstersive Remedies are to be applied . First , those that are gentle , especially the Compound Water of Honey above described : But afterwards stronger , as the Galls of Fish , of the Pike , and the like : Also of other Animals , as of the Partridge , Cock , Goose , Bull , and the like ; also the Juices of the greater Celandine , the lesser Centaury , Brooklime , and the like , which are to be mixed with Honey , both because the Honey is discutient , and abstersive , also because Liquors drop'd into the Eye , run presently to the Corners , and will not stay upon the Pupil , upon which they ought to work ; but when they are mixed with Honey , they easily stick to it ; but by reason of their sharpness , the foresaid Juices or Galls may be thickned with the Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth , Psyllium , or Quinces extracted in Penny-royal or Eye-bright Water , the form of a Collyrium with Juices may be such as follows .

Take of the Juice of Fennel , Celandine and Brook-lime , each three Drams , of the Juice of the lesser Centaury half an ounce , of white Honey one ounce ; mingle them like a Liniment ; if with the Albugo there is a redness of the Eyes , the Collyrium made of White Wine , Salt and Wheat , described in the Chapter of an Ophthalmia , is good , or the following may be used .

Take of Aloes and Agarick , each one scruple , powder them , and tie them up in a Rag , and infuse them in Eye-bright or Fennel-water , and rub the Eyes with it , Morning and Evening . The Aloes cleanses , strengthens , and stops Fluxions , and the Agarick is very abstersive .

Suggilatio , or the red Colour of the Eyes , occasioned by Blood pour'd upon them ; if it be fresh , may be easily cured , by dropping Pidgeons Blood into the Eyes , or for want of it Womans Milk with a little Frankincense and Saffron , or the Yolk of an Egg with Wine may be used . But if the Disease be obstinate , the Eye must be fomented with a Decoction of Foenugreek , Marsh mallows ▪ Fennel , Rue , and Celandine ; or the Steam of the Decoction may be received into the Eyes . Lastly , all those things that we prescribed for a Suffusion , are proper for the Cure of this Disease : But when the Disease is inveterate , and when that which was red begins to turn black , the Tops of Hyssop wrap'd in a Rag , and dipp'd in boiling Water , and applied to the Eye , are particularly recommended by Galen ; and Experience shews , that this Remedy is so very effectual ; that the Blood is apparently drawn out , and sticks to the Rag.

Lastly , the yellow Colour , which appears in the Eyes of those that have the Jaundice , goes off of its own accord when the Disease is cured : But if you desire to hasten the Dissipation of it , the Steam of Vinegar received in the Eyes , will do it .

CHAP. XXI . Of an Ophthalmia .

THE Tunica adnata is so nearly joined to the Cornea , that many Diseases possess both Tunicks , so an Inflammation of the Eyes , though it properly belong to the Tunica adnata , yet is very often extended to the Cornea , and produces various Diseases in it , viz. Ulcers , Hypopyon , Albugo , and others , and Pustles and other Tumours and Wounds and Ulcers are common to both Tunicks : So that all the Diseases of these Tunicks cannot be treated of a part ; and therefore we are forced to enter upon the Diseases of the Tunica adnata , before we treat further , of the Diseases of the Cornea .

Therefore , beginning from an Ophthalmia , which according to the Signification of the Word , is nothing but an Inflammation of the Eye , and is called in English , Blearedness of the Eyes .

The conjunct Cause of an Ophthalmia , is Cholerick , Flegmatick , or Melancholy Blood , flowing into the Eyes , or accumulated there . There are many Causes of Fluxion , both External and Internal . The Causes of Congestion , are all those things which occasion an Intemp●ries , or Weakness in the Eyes .

The Diagnostick of an Ophthalmia is easie ; for the Blood pour'd upon the Tunica adnata , may be perceived by the Eyes ; if it be occasioned by Blood , the whole Face ▪ as well as the Tunica adnata , will look red , and the Veins will appear large : If it proceed from Cholerick Blood , the Acrimony of the Tears will corrode the Angles of the Eyes and the Cheeks , and there will be a violent pricking Pain : If it proceed from Flegm , the● will be a dull Pain , and little Heat ; the Tears will not be sharp , but the Eye will be much blear'd , and full of viscous Matter : If it proceed from Melancholy ▪ the Tumour will be small , and the redness will incline to a brown Colour , the Tears few , and the clammy Matte● little , but thick .

If the Fluxion arise from the inward Parts of the Head , there will be a Head-ach , that reaches to the Roots of the Eyes : But if the Fluxion pass by the outward Vessels into the Eyes , the Pain of the Head is more external ; the Veins of the Forehead are distended , and a Pulsation is perceived in the Temples .

In order to the Cure of an Ophthalmia , a cooling and moistening Diet must be appointed , and such Meats as easily digest ; and rather boiled than roasted ; Spoon ▪ Meats rather than solid ; the Patient must avoid Acrid , Salt , and Pepper'd Meats , and such as fill the Head with Vapours ; Milk , Sugar , and all sweet things , must be avoided . Wine is not good in the beginning ; but instead of it , a Ptisan of Liquorice and Barly , or some other cooling Liquor must be used .

Sleep is very beneficial , because the Motion of the Eye then ceases , whereby the Pain and Fluxion are excited , the Sick should lie with his Head high on the well side : All Motion of the Body must be forbid ; and Talking , and the Belly must be kept open : The Patient must keep himself free from Passions , especially from Anger .

The Air must be temperate , and pure , and free from Smoak , Dust and Winds , and the Room must be darkned , and the Eye must be covered with Black , Green or Sky-coloured Cloth ; the well Eye must be also covered ; because , when that moves to view an object , the other is also moved .

The Course of Diet being thus appointed , the external Causes , from whence it most commonly arises , must be removed . A Collyrium must be presently prepared , made of Rose and Plantane-water , the white of an Egg , and of Womans Milk , and let it be dropp'd into the Eyes often in a Day ; and a Rag dipp'd in it must be applied over at the same time Sleep must be indulged as much as may be ; for it much furthers the Concocting , or discussing of the Morbifick Matter . If the Disease be not taken off with these things , Remedies for a true Ophthalmia are to be used in the following manner .

A Clyster must be first injected , and Blood must be drawn from the Part opposite to the Part affected , and Bleeding must be repeated , till a sufficient Evacuation and Revulsion are made ; for this Disease has been often cured by Bleeding alone ; but respect must be had to the Age , the Sex , and Constitution of the Sick ; and in those that have had some accustomed Evacuation suppressed , as of the Courses or Hemorrhoids , the inferior Veins must be opened , or Leeches must be applied to the Hemorrhoids . But after a sufficient Evacuation of Blood has made , by Vene-section , Revulsion must be also undertaken , by applying Cupping-glasses , with , and without Scarification , to the Back and Shoulders , Frictions and Ligatures are also used to the Inferior Parts ; and to the foresaid Revulsions , Derivation is to be joined , which is made by opening the Veins of the Forehead and Temples , and in the Angle of the Eye ; some apply Leeches to the Temples , or behind the Ears ; all which kinds of Derivation are very useful after sufficient Evacuations .

Galen commends the opening of the Arteries of the Temples , when the Ophthalmia proceeds from very hot and boiling Blood : And though this kind of Remedy is seldom used in our Age ; yet it is very beneficial , and without danger ; for in those lesser Arteries , by Ligature only , the Blood may be stopp'd .

Blisters are also of good use applied to the Neck , and behind the Ears ; and after Bleeding has been sufficiently used , Purging must be ordered , that the hot Humours may be evacuated ; but you must Purge with gentle Medicines , and such as cool the Blood ; as ,

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of Sena two drams , of Rhubarb one dram , and an half ; infuse them in Fountain Water : To three Ounces of the strained Liquor , add of Manna , and of Syrup of Roses solutive , each an ounce . Make a Potion to be taken in the Morning ; or the following Bolus may be used .

Take of Cassia newly extracted six drams , double Catholicon three drams , Pouder of Rhubarb one dram , with a sufficient quantity of Sugar ; make a Bolus .

In a Flegmatick Ophthalmia , Pills are frequently prescribed , as Pills of Agarick , and the like ; which although they be very proper when the Disease is at its height , yet in the beginning , it is better to let them alone , lest the Humours being put in a Commotion by the sharpness of the Medicine , may cause a greater fluxion upon the Part. Neither is one Purge sufficient , but they must be frequently repeated , if the Disease prove tedious ; convenient preparations being premised , as Apozems and Juleps proper for the peccant Humour : In the first place , the heat of the Humours is to be temperated from the beginning of the Disease , by refrigerating and thickning Juleps , or with an Emulsion of the four greater cold Seeds , Lettice and white Poppy Seed , made with some cooling Decoction ; to which may be added Rose-water .

Universal Evacuations and Revulsions being premised , Topicks are to take place , and such as are repelling from the beginning ought to be used . Nevertheless , the more rational Practitioners do advise , not to apply repelling Collyriums at the beginning of the Disease : Because for the most part , they six the Humour that slows upon the Part , and so augment the pain and inflamation . Galen does censure an Oculist , because he proposed repelling Medicines to be used at the beginning of an inflamation . Nevertheless , astringent Medicines may be applied to the Forehead and the Temples at the very beginning of the Disease ; because by them the Veins by which the Humours fall upon the Eyes are compressed , and the Humour repelled . They may be made after this manner :

Take of Bole-armenick , Dragons blood , Frankincense , Mastich , each one Dram ; red Roses , Balaustins , and the Flower of Lentles , each two Scruples , mix them with the White of an Egg , and Vinegar of Roses . Make a Cataplasm to be applied to the Forehead and Temples .

A Cataplasm made of the Juice of Nettles , and Wheaten Flower is esteemed very effectual for stopping the Flux of Humours upon the Eye , being applied to the Forehead and Temples ; sometimes the Juice of Nettles by a specifick quality does stop all manner of Fluxes of Blood , being either applied outwardly to the place , or taken inwardly .

In the mean time , if the pain be very violent , which causes a Fluxion more and more upon the Eyes , anodine Medicines must be applied to the Eyes ; of which the new Milk of an healthful Woman is the best , which is to be milk'd from the Breast into the Eye , instead of it new Cheese made of Sheeps Milk may be used : But it must be often changed , lest it turn to Butter , and so augment the inflamation .

The White of an Egg beat into Water , is greatly commended by Galen , because it eases Pain , and stops the Fluxion gently .

An Apple roasted under Cinders does also greatly mitigate the pain of the Eyes .

The Mucilages of the Seeds of Fleabean , Quinces , and Fenugreek Seeds extracted with Rose-water , do greatly ease Pain ; they must be changed once in two days , lest they become sharp . Of these , several Compositions may be made upon occasion : For example .

Take of the Pap of a sweet Apple roasted under the Cinders one Ounce , of the Mucilages of the Seeds of Psyllium and of Quinces extracted in Rose-water , each six Drams , of the Liquor of the White of a new Egg , and Womans Milk , each one Ounce : Make a Cataplasm to be applied to the Eyes .

Pieces of Kids , Calves or Sheeps Flesh new kill'd , frequently applied to the Eyes , powerfully ease Pains .

A more simple Cataplasm may be made of Crums of Bread moistned in Womans Milk and Rose-water .

But if the Pain be vehement , and intolerable , Narcoticks must be used , but sparingly , and with Caution ; because they condense the Spirits that serve for Sight , and thicken the Coats of the Eye , and the Humours , and so dull the Sight . Amongst the Ocular Narcoticks , Trochisci Albi Rhasis with Opium , are the best , which may be prescribed after this manner .

Take of Rose Water two Ounces , the White of an Egg strongly beaten one Ounce , Trochisci Albi Rhasis with Opium one Dram ; make a Collyrium to be dropt into the Eyes .

After the Pain is abated , repelling Medicines are to be used , which ought to be moderate , and anodine Medicines are to be always mixed with them ; to this end the following Collyrium uses to be prescribed .

Take of Plantane-water , Rose-water , each an Ounce and an half , Liquor of the White of an Egg an Ounce , Trochisci Albi Rhasis , without Opium , one Dram ; make a Collyrium to be often dropt into the Eyes .

If the Pain be more sharp , Womans Milk , and the above mentioned Mucilages may be added to the Collyrium .

The following Remedy powerfully abates the Inflammation , and stops the Fluxion .

Take the white of one Egg , beat it with a pretty big piece of Allum in a Tin Platter ; stir it until it has got the consistence of an Ointment : spread it upon a Rag , and apply it warm to the Eyes ; romove it in the space of two Hours ; lest by staying too long , it fix the Humours in the Eye , by the astringent force which is in the Allum .

Sal Saturni dissolved in Rose-water or Oxycrate , or mixed with Pomatum , does powerfully extinguish the Inflammation of the Eyes .

In the augmentation of the Disease , digesting Medicines are to be mixed with repelling Medicines ; therefore to the above-mentioned Collyriums may be added , Waters of Eye-bright , Fennel , Celandine , and the Mucilages of the Seeds of Flax , Marsh-Mallows , Foenugreek . Galen chiefly commends the Decoction of Foenugreek Seeds ; because it Digests , Concocts , and moderately repels .

When the Disease is at a height , Sarcocol is also added to Collyriums , which digests a little more powerfully : But because it hurts the Eyes by its Acrimony , it is fit to infuse it some days in Milk , often changed before it be used , and a small quantity of it ought to be prepared at once ; for after it is long kept it turns sharp , and is hurtful to the Eyes , it may be used after this manner .

Take of Flowers of Melilot , Camomil , red Roses , each one pugil , of the Seeds of Foemigreek well cleansed one dram ; boil them in Plantane-water : in four ounces of the strained Liquor , dissolve a dram of Sarcocol prepared , of Tutty prepared , and Trochisci albi Rhasis without Opium , each half a dram , make a Collyrium .

There are some Waters commended by Authors , as very effectual . Quercetan in his Dispensatory , commends the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum , in Eye-bright and Plantane-waters .

Crollius , and the rest of the Chymists , greatly commend Salt of Saturn dissolved in Rose-water , to which may be added some Grains of Sal Ammoniacum : It may be prescribed after this manner .

Take of Sacharum Saturni three grains , of Salt Ammoniacum three grains , Rose-water three ounces ; mix them , and drop of it into the Eyes Morning and Night .

A Water made of white Vitriol , it being dissolved in Red Rose-water or Plantane-water is commonly used ; as , Take of White Vitriol one scruple , dissolve it in four ounces of Plantane or Rose-water ; strain it , and drop it into the Eyes : If it be too sharp , it must be qualified by mixing more Water with it .

Many Ointments are also commended for the Cure of an Ophthalmia .

Take of prepared Tutty an ounce and an half , of Camphor one dram , of Verdigrease grains twelve ; powder the Camphor and the Tutty together in a Mortar , and the Verdigrease by it self , all of them must be very finely powdered ; then take of fresh Butter one Ounce , of Rose-water one dram , boil them together gently , and having taken them from the Fire , mix by degrees , first the Tutty with the Camphor , afterwards the Verdigrease ; strain them through Silk , and make an Oyntment ; Anoint the inward part of the Eye-lids , especially about corners , with this Oyntment .

This is of excellent use for Inflammations of the Eyes , and for itching of the Eye-lids .

When the Disease is come to its State , resolving Remedies ought to exceed Repellents , and the same Remed●es which were used at the beginning are also good , when it is at its height , if you increase the quantity of the Resolvents , and lessen the quantity of the repelling Ingredients .

A Fomentation made in the following manner , is convenient to be used to discuss the Morbisick Matter when the Disease is at height .

Take of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , Roses , each one Pugil , of the Seeds of Fenugreek two Ounces , make a Decoction , wherewith foment the Eyes with linnen rags four times double .

This Fomentation may be also used at the beginning or declination of the Disease ; it must be applied hot in the Winter and warm in the Summer .

The Oyl of Rags , or the Liquor which is drawn from Rags , burnt and extinguished betwixt two Platters , is excellent to discuss an Ophthalmia , a drop of it mixed with a Childs Spittle , being put into the Eye with a Feather .

And Collyria that are more resolvent may be used at the declination .

Take of Frankincense and Aloes each half a dram , of Sarcocol moistned with Womans Milk one dram and an half , of Saffron half a Scruple , of the Mucilage of Fenugreek Seeds half an Ounce , of Fennel and Eye-bright Water each an Ounce , make a Collyrium .

Fennel Water mixed with Astringent Wine , is good to be used in the manner of a Fomentation , to discuss the Relicks of the Disease , and to strengthen the Eye .

A Decoction of Hyssop is excellent to take off the Redness which remains at last .

But an inveterate Ophthalmia , which has continued many Years , requires a somewhat different and longer Method of Cure . If it proceed from a hot Intempories , then such Remedies as correct it are to be used ; after Bleeding , and convenient Purging Baths , Whey , and Vitriolick Mineral Waters , and Leeches applied to the Hemorrhoids , do much good .

But if the matter of an Ophthalmia arise only from an Intemperies of the Brain , from whence Flegmatick Humours flow to the Eyes with somewhat of Blood ; then care must be taken to purge the Brain twice , thrice or four times in a Month , and a Seaton must be made in the Neck , and Masticatories are of use .

But if the Brain want to be more dried , Sudorifick Decoctions of China , Sarsaparilla , and the like , must be used , and the Resolvent Fomentation and Oyntment mentioned above are to be applied , and the following Water is very effectual .

Take of the best Aloes , and of Tutty prepared , each six drams , of white Sugar one Ounce , of Rose-water , and of White-wine that is not acid , each six Ounces , infuse them in the Sun for forty days , in a Glass well stop'd , drop in a few drops of this Water , not strained , into the Eye .

Sometimes in an inveterate Ophthalmia much Filth like Matter is collected in the Eyes , and in this case Cotton finely carded and well dried , and applied over the Eyes for many nights together , will draw it out .

To conclude , Zacutus Lusitanus cured a desperate Ophthalmia , that had continued , notwithstanding all other Remedies for a Year , with Fluxing .

CHAP. XXII . Of Matter collected under the Cornea .

INflan●ations of the Eyes , when they are Violent , and a great Tumor is raised , cannot sometimes be dissolved but turn to Matter , which is greatly to be feared ; for then Ulcers succeed , and sometimes a Collection of Matter under the Cornea , which is called Hypopyon : This also often happens by Contusions of the Eyes .

This Disease is known , not only by the white colour that resembles Matter , but also by the Inflammation that went before ; and when the Eye is moved , the Matter seems to move under the Cornea ; the Eye looks red , and there is a throbbing Pain in it , or at least it went before .

In order to the Cure , Universal Remedies being premised , if any relicks of the Inflammation remain , they must be taken off by Remedies prescribed in the foregoing Chapter , and afterwards use a Fomentation made of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , the Seeds of Psyllium , and Fenugreek , afterwards you may use the following Collyrium .

Take of the Waters of Vervain , Rue , Celandine , Roses , Fennel , each half an Ounce ; of the best Aloes , Tutty prepared , each half a dram ; of Sugar-candy one dram ; powder them and mingle them , and add to them a little Womans Milk ; make a Collyrium .

Drop a few drops into the Eye twice or thrice a day .

The following Medicine is also very effectual .

Take of Saffron , Aloes , Myrrh , each one dram , of Wine three drams , of Hony six drams , dissolve the Saffron in Wine , then mingle the Aloes and Myrrh , and lastly the Hony , anoint the Eyes with it .

And those Remedies are also proper , which were prescribed for Spots of the Eyes , and for a Suffusion ; but if the Matter cannot be discussed by resolving Medicines , other Remedies must be used . Galen mentions an Oculist of his time , that cured many of this Disease with placing the Patient upright in a Chair , and holding his Head on both Sides , and suddenly shaking it , the Matter sunk down : But if this will not do , Galen proposes to Cure it by Puncture , as in a Suffusion : But for this Operation , the most skilful Chirurgion must be procured .

CHAP. XXIII . Of Bladders called Phlyctaenae .

IN the Tunicks , called Cornea and Adnata , as in other Parts of the Body , are wont to be generated small Bladders full of Water , like the Bladders which arise from Scaulds ; they are of the bigness of Millet Seeds , and are occasioned by acid and watery Humours , they are easily known , for they appear to Sight : Those that arise in the Adnata , are of a red Colour ; but those in the Cornea , are blackish , when they are placed upon the Superficies of it ; but they are white , if they lie deep . Those that are seated in the Adnata , are not so dangerous as those in the Cornea , the superficial is less dangerous than they that are deep .

The Cure of then must be performed , by resolving the conjunct Matter , and by turning the antecedent Cause the other way , and great care must be taken to hinder Suppuration ; wherefore universal Evacuations , Revulsions and Derivations , which were propos'd in the Cure of an Ophthalmia , are also of use here . Afterwards Topicks are to be applied , which gently repel in the beginning ; but in the Progress of the Disease , such things as dry and and resolve are to be used , which you may see in the Chapter of an Ophthalmia .

CHAP. XXIV . Of the Vlcers of the Tunicks called Cornea and Adnata .

ULCERS in those Tunicks use to follow an Ophthalmia , when it comes to Suppuration ; they also follow the breaking of the Bladders in the Cornea : They are also occasioned by sharp and corroding Humours , that fall upon the Eyes . Great variety of them are proposed by Authors , according to the various Circumstances .

They are easily known , because they appear to Sight : If the Ulcer be in the Cornea , it appears white in the black of the Eye ; if it be in the Adnata , a red Spot appears in the white of the Eye . These Ulcers are very hard to Cure , and dangerous ; but much more in the Cornea , than in the Adnata . That which is near the Pupil is most dangerous ; because when it is cured , a Cicatrix is left behind , which spoils the Clearness of the Sight .

The Cure of this Disease , as of other Ulcers , is to be perform'd by cleansing and drying Medicines , but they must be very gentle , by reason of the softness and exquisite Sense of the Part ; but those things are to be used first which stop the Fluxion : Such are to be found in the Chapter of an Ophthalmia . If there be also an Inflammation and Pain , Medicines respecting both must be added to the former .

Moderate cleansing and drying Medicines are , Sugar , Honey , Saffron , Myrrh , Frankincense , Aloes , Sarcocol , Tutty , and Ceruss , whereof the following Forms may be composed .

Take of the Decoction of Barly and Foenugreek four ounces , of the best Hony half an ounce , or of Syrup of dried Roses one ounce ; make a Collyrium , wherewith wash the Eye often ; or ,

Take of Vervain and Plantane Waters each two ounces , of Sugar-Candy half an ounce , mingle them for a Collyrium ; or ,

Take of Hony Water distilled in a Bath , and of Rose-water each equal Parts ; or ,

Take an Egg boiled hard , and clear'd from the Shell , divide it into two parts , take out the Yolk , and fill the hole with Sugar-Candy powder'd , bind it up , and set it in a Cellar , and a Liquor will drop from it , which is very fit to cleanse Vlcers ; if you would have it operate more powerfully , you must mix powder'd Myrrh with the Sugar-Candy .

In the Progress of the Disease , if it is necessary to cleanse and dry more powerfully , add to the forementioned Collyria , white Troches of Rhasis , Frankincense , Aloes , Myrrh , Sarcocol , and such like in a small Dose : You may also add Milk , the White of an Egg , Mucilages , and other Anodyns ; but Tutty is better than the rest , because it dries without causing Pain . The following Collyrium is very drying and cleansing .

Take of Sarcocol moistned in Rose-water , of Ceruss , Aloes wash'd , Myrrh , Tutty prepared , each half a dram , of Sugar-Candy one dram , with the Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth extracted in Rose-water ; make a Collyrium , wherewith anoint the Eye-lids .

CHAP. XXV . Of the Cancer of the Cornea .

AS Cancers are wont to happen in all Parts of the Body , so also they sometimes grow in the Eyes .

A Cancer of the Eye , is either occult or ulcerated : An occult is called a Cancerous Tumor ; when it is ulcerated , it is called a cancerous Ulcer ; in both there is an unequal hardness , and a leaden and livid Colour , great and pricking Pain , especially about the Temples , the Veins appear swoln like a Varix , in the Tumour , and in the Neighbouring Parts , sharp Blood frequently flows our , when the Cancer is ulcerated ; and the Pain is very much exasperated by Medicines , that are never so little heating .

This Disease is incurable , both in the Eye and in other Parts of the Body when it is rooted , unless it be irradicated by a Chirurgical Operation .

Two sorts of Cures are proposed by Authors , viz. a true one , and a palliative .

The true one can be performed only by Chirurgery , the palliative Cure , which mitigates the Symptoms , is perform'd by Evacuations and convenient Topicks . But first of all , a cooling and moistning Course of Diet must be ordered , afterwards Blood must be drawn from the Part opposite to the Eye affected , and Leeches must be applied behind the Ears of the same side , and to the Hemorrhoidal Veins , if they are any whit swelled : Cupping-glasses must be also applied to the Shoulders , and other sorts of Revulsions must be used .

Purging , and the prepara●ion of the Humours by Potions , Apozems , medicated Brothes , and the like must be frequently prescribed : But above all , Black Hellebore rightly prepared , or the extract of it ; for an incipient Cancer has been cured by using of it twice or thrice .

These Remedies hinder the influx of the Humours into the Eyes , and much lessen the Pain and other Symptoms : But Topical Remedies , such as are described in the Chapter of an Ophthalmia to ease pain , do also much good , especially Collyria made of Mucilages , of the white Troches of Rhasis , of Tutty prepared , and with the Water of Roses , Night-shade and Plantane .

The following Water is excellent for washing the Eye .

Take of the Roots of the greater Figwort , and of Herb-Robert , each two handfuls , of Ribwort , Night-shade , Borrage , Bugloss , Purslain , Eye-bright , Betony , each one handful , of green Frogs , and of the white of Eggs , each number seven , of the Seeds of Foenugreek and Quinces each one ounce ; the Roots and Seeds must be beat , and the Leaves cut ; then pour upon them of Rose-water and Eye-bright water , each one pint : mingle them , and distil them in a leaden Still .

The Flesh of Pullets eases the Pain much , and some say this Disease has been cured by this Remedy only .

A Lady that had an ulcerous Cancer upon all the right side of her Face a long while , and had used various Medicines that were prescribed by Italian , French , German , and Spanish Physicians , was cured by a Barber by this common Remedy . He cut Chickens into thin and broad Pieces , and applied them often in a day to the Part affected .

Lastly , The true Cure of a confirm'd Cancer can only be perform'd by the Extraction of the Eye , which Fabricious Hildanus says may be safely and successfully done ; and he describes at large the manner of Extirpation , and all the Circumstances of it in his Observations .

CHAP. XXVI . Of the Rupture of the Cornea .

THERE is such a Solution of the Continuum in the horny Tunick sometimes , that the watery Humour comes out of the Tunica Wea ; this is call'd a Rupture of the Cornea . The cause of this is either a Rupture , or a Wound , and it is most commonly incurable ; but if the Wound be small , and if but part of the watery Humour flows out , the Cure may be undertaken : For Galen says that the watery Humour is sometimes regenerated .

The Cure of this Disease must be entred upon , by conglutinating Remedies : Universal Evacuations , namely , Bleeding and Purging , if they are necessary , being first used ; drop into the Eye the White of an Egg mingled with the white Troches of Rhasis , and foment the Part , with the Decoction of Red Roses , of the Leaves of Knot-grass , Brambles , Shepherds Purse and Plantane , made in astringent Wine , if there be not an Inflammation ; if there be , it must be made in Simple Water . Or ,

Take of Quinces paired , the Seeds and Cores being taken out , half a pound , of red Roses three pugils , of Acacia two drams , of Saffron one scruple ; boil them in astringent Wine , and make a Pul●ise to be applied to the Part ; and to strengthen the whole , the following Collyrium must be used .

Take of Aloes wash'd , of prepared Tutty , and of Sarcocol moistned with Womans Milk , each half a scruple , Saffron grains eight , with Mucilage of Gum Tragacanth ; make a Collyrium .

CHAP. XXVII . Of the Falling out of the Uvea .

THE Falling out of the Wea often succeeds the Rupture of the Cornea ; the Cure of it is very difficult : But if it be very small , it may be oured by moderate Astringents , such as are proposed in the foregoing Chapter .

CHAP. XXVIII . Of a Fistula Lachrimalis .

HItherto the Diseases of the Eyes , which happen in the Tunicks or Humours of them , have been treated of . It remains now , that we speak of the Diseases of the Eye-lids , and of the Corners of the Eyes . And first , the Tumour appearing betwixt the greater Angle of the Eye , and the Root of the Nose offers it self , it is called Oegylops , and Anchylops . Anchylops , before it is broken : But Oegylops , after it is broken . This Tumor , or rather Tubercle , is sometimes with an Inflammation , and sometimes without ; when it is accompanied with an Inflammation , it is red about and painful , and is occasioned by thin and cholerick Blood , brought by the Veins of the Temples , Forehead , and Face to the Part , and for the most part degenerates into a sinuous Ulcer , and then it is called Fistula Lachrimalis ; which if it continues a Year , occasions a Caries of the Bone , which may be known by the Cavity it makes , by the stinking Matter , and the roughness that is perceived by the Probe .

This Tubercle also comes without an Inflammation , and then it is generated by a gross and viscid Humour , that resembles Honey ; then it is to be reckoned with those Tumors which are called Atheroma , Steatoma , and Meliceris , which are wont to be without Pain .

The Cure of an Oegylops is very difficult , because Medicines can be hardly applied , by reason of the nearness of the Eye , and because by reason of the softness of the Parts , it easily degenerates into a Sinous Ulcer : But is yet more difficult to Cure , if the Abscess pass through the Nostrils , and Matter flow through them ; because the Bones that are under , are most commonly fouled thereby .

But sometimes an Oegylops is of the Nature of a Cancer , which may be known by the pricking pain , the swelling of the Veins , and the hardness and livid Colour of the Skin ; and then it is better not to meddle with it , for Medicines make it worse , and increase the Pain .

A new Fistula Lachrimalis , which hath an outward and plain Orifice , is cured by Medicines ; but that which is deep and inveterate , and joined with a Caries of the Bone can scarce be cured without a Cautery .

The various Seasons of this Disease require different Applications and Remedies , and first at the beginning of an Oegylops , Revulsion of the Fluxion to the Part must be made by Bleeding and Purging , and at the same time repelling Medicines must be applied to the Forehead , whereby sometimes the Progress of the Disease is stopp'd , and the suppuration hindred . To which end the following Cerate may be applied .

Take of Pomgranate Peel , of Acacia , Balaustins , Cyperus Nuts , Roch Allum , and Bole Armoniack each one Dram , of white Wax four ounces , of Turpentine three drams ; make a Cerate .

Having used this or the like , resolving Medicines are to be applied to the Part for some time , as is the following Decoction .

Take of pure Honey , and of Aloes each two ounces , of Myrrh one ounce , of Saffron one dram and an half , of Water a quart ; boil them with a gentle Fire , to the Consumption of half : dip a piece of soft Spunge , press it a little , and apply it hot , afterwards bind it on , and change it often .

If the Tumor cannot be dissolved by the foresaid Remedies , but tends to Suppuration , it must be helped by a Plaister of simple Diachylon , or if the Pain and Inflammation be violent , a Cataplasm of Crums of Bread may be conveniently applied . If the Abscess does not break of its own accord , it must be presently opened ; for otherwise the Matter will corrode the neighbouring Parts , and occasion an incurable Fistula .

The Abscess being opened , the Ulcer must be cleansed , and cured after the manner of other Ulcers : But if it prove obstinate , and turn to a Fistula , the following Method of Cure must be used .

And first , universal Evacuations , as Bleeding and Purging are to be repeated : The Fluxion from the Head is to be averted by Cupping-glasses , Blisters , and Causticks applied to proper Places ; after which a Decoction of China or Sarsa may be used for a considerable time : In the mean time , the Brain is to be dried by Suffumigations , Cephalick Powders , and other Medicines proposed in the Chapter of a Catarrh .

In place of an Issue , a Seton may be put in the Neck , by which alone a Fistula Lachrimalis was cured , according to the Relation of Fabritius Hildanus .

In using of Topicks , the Orifice of the Ulcer is to be opened , and dilated slowly and by degrees , by a Tent made of the Pith of Elder , prepared Spunge , or the Root of Gentian . The Ulcer being sufficiently opened , the following Medicines may be used .

Take of common Hony two ounces , Verdigrease one dram , Water of Rue four ounces , the Verdigrease being powdered , boil them altogether , to the Consumption of the third part . The strained Liquor warm may be put into the Eye by a Syringe solftly .

This Remedy is to be continued for three Weeks , putting upon the Ulcer a convenient Plaister , and defending the Eye by washing it with Rose-water .

The Ulcer being sufficiently cleansed , the following Collyrium may be used to Incarnate and Cicatrize .

Take of Frankincense , Sarcocol , Aloes , Dragons Blood , Balaustins , Allum , Antimony each one dram , Verdigrease five grains : powder them all finely , and with a sufficient quantity of Rue-water make a liquid Collyrium , to be drop'd into the Eye thrice a day ; and also the Tent may be dipp'd in it , and after it is put in the Ulcer , a Plaister of Diapalma may be put over it .

If there be a Caries in the Bone , it can only be cured by an actual Cautery ; the manner of applying it is exactly described by Paraeus , Fallopius and Aquapendens .

CHAP. XXIX . Of Rhyas and Encanthis .

TO a Fistula Lachrimalis ordinarily succeeds another Distemper , which is called Rhyas , which is the Consumption of the Caruncle of the greater Angle of the Eye , whereby it becomes larger . It is also produced by other Causes , as by sharp Humours falling upon and corroding the Part , or by cleansing Medicines which are used to Cure the Fistula Lachrimalis ,

To a Rhyas is opposed an Encanthis , which is the immoderate growing and standing out of the above-named Caruncle ; which is occasion'd by the too great abundance of Blood falling upon the Part , or from an Ulcer of that Part , not timely dried up .

A Rhyas is cured by Consolidating and Sarcotick Medicines , such are the following :

Take of Red Roses one pugil , Cyperus Nuts , Myrtles , each two drams , Aloes a dram and an half , rough Wine one pint , boil them to the Consumption of the fourth part . Wash the affected Part with this Wine often : Or ,

Take of Aloes , Frankincense each one dram , Dragons Blood half a dram , of Red Roses , and berries of Sumach each one scruple , Rosewater a pound ; boil them to the Consumption of a fourth part , make it in the form of a Collyrium .

An Encanthis is cured by taking away the superfluous Flesh that grows in the Corner of the Eye , which is performed by Medicines which eat away proud Flesh , beginning with the more moderate , and proceeding to those that are more powerful .

Therefore burnt Allum is to be first applied , and if that be not effectual , Vnguentum Apostolorum , Aegyptiacum , or Vitriol burnt is to be used . But if these be not sufficient , the Caruncle is to be cut off , or consumed with an actual Cautery .

In taking off the Canruncle care must be taken , that it be not altogether taken away , lest the contrary Distemper , viz. a Rhyas , be produced .

CHAP. XXX . Of an Epiphora .

BY the Name of an Epiphora in general , a flux of Humours into any part whatsoever is understood . Nevertheless , it is most commonly taken for the flux of a thin Humour from the Eyes , which is also called involuntary Tears , which use to flow from the Corners of the Eyes continually .

To the Production of these Tears ; which preternaturally flow from the Eyes , the ill disposition both of the part sending and the part receiving do concurr . The part which sends is the Brain , which being affected with a cold or hot Intemperies , generates watery Humours , and sends them to the inferior Parts , which are fit to receive them .

The recipient Part is the gland by the greater Corner of the Eye , and the Caruncle placed above the same Corner : The thinness or thickness of which Parts , or any other weakness , is the Cause why they so easily receive the Humouts that flow into them .

This Humour is carried from the Brain into the Corners of the Eyes , sometimes by the internal Veins , and sometimes by the external .

The Humour causing an Epiphora is sometimes cold , and then it produces no other Inconvenience to the Sick , but the troublesomness of the Fluxion . But sometimes it is accompanied with Saltness and Sharpness ; and then it produces Pain , Redness , and also the Exulceration of the Eye-lids .

As to the Prognostick ; A new Epiphora , occasioned by external Causes , is easily cured , especially in those that are Young . When it is of long continuance , and in an old Person , it is very hard to be cured . That which proceeds from other Distempers , as from an Oegylops , Fistula Lachrimalis , and the like , altogether depends upon the Cure of those Diseases .

The Cure of this Disease consists in taking away of the Fluxion , and in strengthening the recipient Part.

The Fluxion is to be removed by Evacuation , Revulsion and Derivation of the Peccant Humour , and the strengthening of the Part from which it is transmitted .

The Peccant or Serous Humour abounding in the Brain , is evacuated by Bleeding and Purging .

Bleeding in a cold Intemperies of the Brain , is not proper , unless there appears manifest Signs of a Plethora . But in a hot Intemperies , when the Humours are sharp , Bleeding is very proper , and may be repeated twice or thrice , if it be needful .

Such Purging Medicines must be used as agree with the Nature of the Patient .

Revulsion of the Humour must be made by Cupping-Glasses applied to the Shoulders often , by Blisters frequently applied to the Neck , or by Issues in the hinder Part of the Head , or in the Arms. Forestus says , when the Disease is obstinate , a Blister applied to the forepart of the Head does much good .

For Derivation , Leeches applied behind the Ears are proper , and Masticatories used in a Morning .

And least the Humours once evacuated should be generated again , the Brain must be strengthened and dried ; and if it be of a cold Intemperies , such things must be used , as are proper to correct it ; if of a hot , such coolling Medicines must be used , as peculiarly respect the Head .

And whilst the foresaid Remedies are in use , Topical Remedies must be applied to the Part receiving , and first , if the Humour flows by the external Veins , astringents must be applied to the Forehead and Temples ; and if the Fluxion proceed from an hot an acrid Humour , the following Cataplasm must be applied .

Take of Bole Armenic , Dragons Blood , Balaustines , and of Myrtles each one dram and an half , of Acacia and Hypocistis each one dram of Frankincense and Mastich each two scruples , of red Roses one pugil ; pouder them , and mix them with the white of an Egg , and a little Vinegar , make a Cataplasm , wrap it in a Rag , and apply it to the foresaid Parts , and when 't is dry renew it .

If it be occasioned by a cold Humour , the following Cerate must be applied .

Take of Frankincense and Mastick each one dram , and an half , of Gum Anime Tacamahacca and Blood-stone each one dram , of Gum Juniper two scruples , of Turpentine and Wax a sufficient quantity , make a Cerate .

But to the part affected , astringent and drying Collyria must be applied , made in the following manner .

Take of Tutty prepared one dram , of Sarcocol moistned half a dram , of Frankincense and Mastich each half a scruple , of Spikenard grains six ; make Troches , mix them with the White of an Egg , and Juice of Quinces , and apply them to the Corner of the Eye . Or ,

Take of Aloes , Cypress Nuts , Frankincense , Mastich , Myrrh , each two drams , of prepared Tutty , Sarcocol moistned , each one dram and an half , of Dragons Blood , Barberries , Summach , Red Roses each one scruple , powder them finely , and mix them with Fennel-water , and make a Collyrium .

When the Fluxion is hot , the following is best :

Take of white Troches of Rhasis without Opium , of Sarcocol moistned , of Acacia and Olibanum each one dram , of the Stones of Myrobalans burn'd , of white and red Coral each half a dram , of Pearls half a scruple , of the Juice of Pomgranates boil'd half away , a sufficient quantity . Make a Collyrium .

If redness of the Eyes accompanies an Epiphora , the following is proper .

Take of grains of Sumach bruised one scruple , of Plantane-water one ounce , infuse them for some time ; then press then out hard , and add of Rose-water , and Eye-bright-water , and of the White of an Egg well beaten , each half an ounce , of Sugar-Candy finely powder'd one scruple . Make a Collyrium .

CHAP. XXXI . Of the Disease of the Eye , called Unguis Oculorum .

IT is a hard and nervous Membrane that arises from the greater Angle of the Eye ; it first covers the White of the Eye , and then the Black , and the whole Pupil , and so it hinders Sight . Sometimes it is thin , and white , and sometimes fleshy , and consists of many bloody Veins .

This Disease arises from an Ulcer of the Flesh in the Angle of the Eye , upon which account an inequality arises in the part , which in time grows to this covering .

It is difficultly cured ; for the sharp Medicines that are necessary for taking it off , must be used leasurely and by degrees , by reason of the exquisite Sense of the Eye . When it is of a moderate bigness , it may be cured by Medicines ; but when it hath extended it self to the Black of the Eye and is become inverate , it can be cured only by manual Operation .

When it is thick and hard , and of a blackish Colour , it is of a Cancerous Nature , and can never be cured .

The Cure must be directed to the antecedent , and conjunct Cause .

With respect to the antecedent Cause , such course of Diet must be ordered , as hath been propos'd for other Diseases of the Eyes arising from Fluxion , Evacuations and Revulsions are also to be used ; and after sufficient Evacuation , such Topicks are to be applied , as may consume it , beginning with those that are gentle , such as are prescribed for taking off Spots ; but if they are not sufficient , stronger must be used . Forestus commends the following Collyrium very much .

Take of the Juice of Fennel four ounces , of the Juice of Celandine three ounces , of the Juice of Rue two ounces , of the Juice of Mallows two ounces and an half , of Aloes one dram , of Vitriol two scruple , of Verdigrease one scruple , of Ginger and Cinnamon half a scruple , of the Gall of an Eele , of Ox Gall , or Hogs Gall two drams , of Sugar-Candy two scruples ; boil the Juices , add the rest and clarifie them , so make a Collyrium .

But before , and after the use of these things , the Eye must be fomented with an emollient Decoction .

But if it cannot be cured by Topical Remedies , you must proceed to Chirurgical Operation ; the manner whereof is describ'd by Celsus , and others .

Of Diseases of the EARS .

CHAP. XXXII . Of Deafness and Difficulty of Hearing .

WE treat of Deafness and Difficulty of Hearing in the same Chapter , because they proceed from the same Causes , and differ only in degree .

They are either occasioned by Diseases of the Head , or by a fault in the Ears .

A Cold Intemperies of the Brain , repletion or weakness , or any other Disorder , especially in that Part from whence the Nerves of Hearing arise , may occasion Deafness of Difficulty of Hearing . The fault of the Ear may be in the inward or outward part of it . In the outward Cavity , a perfect or imperfect Stoppage , by reason of a Tumor , Abscess , Blood , Matter , Flegm , or other things from within , or without , may occasion a difficulty of Hearing : But it is to be noted , that though the outward Cavity be quite stopped , yet perfect Deafness will not follow ; for sounds can pass through the Mouth to the Ears : for there is an open Passage from the Pallate to the inward Cavity of the Ears , which serves for the cleansing the Ears , aad those that are Deaf , are wont to open their Mouths , that they may hear the better : And if Travelling by Night , you put one end of your Stick , or the point of your Sword betwixt your Teeth , and the other end on the Ground , you will easier hear a noise from a far , and Footsteps of those that follow you .

In the inward part of the Ear , Humours collected in the inward Cavity flowing principally from the Head , most commonly Flegmatick , but sometimes Cholerick , occasion Deafness , or Difficulty of Hearing : But these Humours are sometimes transmitted to the Ears from the whole Body , as in continual Fevers , especially when they are malignant ; but it also proceeds from an ill Conformation of the Organs of Hearing , as when the Tympanum is relaxed by a violent noise , or from moisture . And for this reason very many deaf People hear worst in a Southerly Constitution , because the Membrane is relaxed by the moisture of the Air : But sometimes the Tympanum is stretched and dried too much , as after acute Diseases , Watching or Fasting , and sometimes it is broke by violent Motions , or corroded by Matter : But sometimes Matter and Blood flow from the Ear in great Concussions , without any injury to the Hearing , when they break out betwixt the Bone , and the Membrane ; or if other Parts of the Ear are disordered from the Birth , or by reason of some external Cause , as from a Fall , a Blow , or the like . Lastly , a cold Intemperies occasioned by cold Air , or cold Water falling into Ear , or the immoderate use of Narcoticks , or of other Medicines , may occasion this Disease .

To distinguish particularly all those Causes by their Signs is very difficult , yet they may be guest at in the following manner .

If Deafness happen by reason of a Disease in the Head● some other Senses are also hurt , or some peculiar Disease appears in the Brain , as pain or dulness of the Head , Apoplexy , Lethargy or the like .

The Stoppage of the outward Cavities of the Ears may be perceived by the Eyes , if by the Sun you look into the Cavities ; for then you may see , whether it be a Tumour or gross Matter , or any other Heterogeneous Substance ; and then you may know , by the relation of the Patient , whether any thing is fall'n into the Ear.

But if the inward Cavity be filled with some Humour , we may reasonably suppose it is Flegm , if a Flegmatick Fluxion troubled the Sick before , or if he has been frequently subject to such Fluxions .

But if a Cholerick Humour occasions this Disease , a Cholerlck Fever afflicts the Sick , or went before , and it is also accompanied with violent Pain , if it proceed from Blood , the Pain is heavy , and Blood abounds in the whole Body .

The looseness and moisture of the Tympanum is known by moist Causes going before , and by a moist Intemperies seizing some other Part ; for it can scarce be imagined that moisture should only seize this part . Too much driness or tensity of Tympanum may be known by the driness of the whole Body , and drying Causes going before .

We may also guess at the Rupture or Errosion of the Drum , if the violent corroding and tearing Causes above-mentioned went before .

As to the Prognosticks of this Disease . Deafness from the Birth , or which has continu'd a long while , and is absolute , is incurable . And that which is not absolute , but of a long standing , is seldom or never cured .

That Deafness which proceeds from Choler or Blood , in acute and continual Fevers , commonly goes off when the Fever ceases .

Difficulty of Hearing , if it be not soon cured , degenerates into a perfect Deafness ; if the Drum be broke , and if a Cicatrix be left upon it , the Deafness is incurable .

That Deafness which encreases and decreases by intervals , is curable .

As to the Cure : That Deafness which proceeds from a Disease of the Head , requires no other Cure than what is requisite for the Cure of the said Disease ; that which arises from a Tumour that is hard and inveterate is incurable : But if it be hot and inflamed , the Cure of it is proposed in the Chapter of Pains of the Ears : But if it proceed from Matter collected in the Ear , see the Chapter of the things that come preternaturally from the Ear. If it proceed from driness , it must be cured by a moistning Diet , by long Sleep , and by washing the Head with warm Water , and dropping moistning things into the Ear , as Oil of sweet Almonds and the like : If it proceed from any thing dropp'd into the Ear , that must be forthwith wash'd out , shook out , or extracted ; and if some little Animal has crept into the Ear , it must either be allur'd out , or kill'd . The Ears are wash'd by pouring in such things as moisten , smoothen and dilate them as Milk , Oil of sweet Almonds , or some mollifying or loosning Decoction . Things are shook out of the Ears by Sneezing . It is also good in this case to bend the Ear downwards , and to hop upon the Leg of the same side ; for by this means , Boys shake Water out of their Ears when they have been swimming . But if those things do not succeed , you must endeavour to extract it by carefully putting an Ear Pitcher beyond it , or with a pair of Forceps fitted for the purpose .

But if this does not succeed , you must endeavour to break them , and afterwards wash them out ; and to this purpose , a Probe with Cotton on the end of it , and dipp'd in Turpentine , or the like , is put into the Ear , to clear the Passage ; and if any of the clammy Matter remains behind , it may be cleared by an Ear-Picker . Some cut a Quill , and put one end into the Ear , and endeavour to suck out what is in it .

Animals are allur'd out of the Ear , by putting such things to it , as are pleasing to them ; as a Spunge dipp'd in Milk and Sugar , or the Pulp of a sweet Apple , or Lard wherewith little Worms are much pleased , and soon come out of the Ear , if it be turned to the Sun . If a Leec● happen to get into the Ears , it may be enticed out , by putting Blood to the Ear ; Gnats may be drawn out , by putting Dogs Hairs into the Ears ; but if you cann't get them out , alive , 't is best to kill them , because then they will not disturb the Ear so much , and may be easier drawn out ; they may be kill'd by dropping Spittle or Urine into the Ear. But bitter things kill them soonest , as the Juice of Wormwood , a Decoction of Aloes , or any Gauls , sharp things do also the same , as Vinegar , the Juice of Onions , and the like .

But because a cold Intemperies is the most frequent cause of Deafness , rhe Cure must be chiefly directed to the amendment of it ; wherefore an attenuating , drying , and moderately heating course of Diet being ordered , as is prescribed for the Gutta Serena ; and Southerly Winds being avoided as much as possible , and the Ears defended from them ; Vaporous Aliments must be avoided , especially Garlick and Onions , which are very injurious to the Hearing , and also those that generate gross and flegmatick Humours ; these things , I say being first observed , general Evacuation must be entered upon by Head Purges . Bleeding must be also used if there be an indication for it ; and if the Disease be obstinate , a Sudorifick Diet , afterwards particular Remedies that cause a Revulsion of the Humours , as Blisters , Issues , Sneesing Powders , Masticatories , Apophlegmatisms , but especially Masticatories .

But Sulphureous and Bitumenous Baths are peculiarly proper for the Cure of this Disease , the Body being bathed , and the Head washed with them ; afterwards topical Remedies are to be applied , to discuss the Matter in the Ear.

Take of the Leaves of wild Marjoram , Wormwood ; Penny-royal , wild Thym , Sage , Mint , the lesser Centaury , Mallows , Marsh-mallows each one handful , of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , Stechas , and Rosemary each one pugil , of Cinnamon and Cloves , each half an ounce ; boil them in equal parts of Fountain-water and White Wine added towards the end . Strain it , and foment the Ear with it hot with a Spunge Morning and Evening ; and the Vapour of the Decoction may be received into the Ear through a Tunel .

It certainly does much good by passing into the innermost Parts of the Ear. Instead of the Fomentation , Bread made up with Carraway-seeds , cut and applied hot from the Oven , may be used ; or common Bread just taken out of the Oven , the under Crust being cut off dipp'd in Spirit of Wine , and applied as hot to the Ear as can be born , is also of good use : But the Bread will be more effectual , if with the common Flower , the Seeds of Carraways , Juniperberries , Bayberries , and Nutmegs are mixed with it .

If you 'll have a stronger Decoction , you may add of the Pulp of Coloquintida , or of the Roots of white Hellebore each one dram : After fomentation , some Liquor must be instilled into the Ear , and afterwards you may stop it with Cotton perfum'd with Musk.

Take of Oil of bitter Almonds , and of Rue each one ounce , mingle them , and pour it hot into the Ear. Or ,

Take of Oil of Castor , and white Lillies , each one ounce , of Oil of Dill half an ounce , of white Hellebore half a dram , of Aqua Vitae one ounce : boil them in a Bath , till all the Aqua Vitae is evaporated . Strain it for the use above-mentioned .

Chymical Oils are are very effectual , as of Marjoram , Rosemary , Sage , Fennel . Spike , Cloves ; but because they are very strong , they must not be used alone ; but they are to be mixed in a small quantity with the foregoing Oils , half a dram of them , may be sufficient to be mixed with two ounces of the foresaid Oils .

The Water that drops out of an Ash-stick when it is burning , is much commended for Deafness , when it proceeds from a hot Cause .

The Fat of an Eel is much in use ; it is gathered from the Water wherein a Fat Eel is boil'd , being Scum'd off with a Bay-leas , and dropp'd hot into the Ear.

In applying topical Remedies , this must be always observed , viz. that they are applied warm or hot , and what hath been used before must be taken out of the Ear , before other things are dropp'd in ; and when any thing has been dropp'd in , the Ear must be stopp'd with Cotton perfum'd with Musk , which of it self is very good for Deafness .

CHAP. XXXIII . Of Noise in the Ears .

THE Sense of Hearing is obstructed by a Noise in the Ears ; for as the Eye ought to be void of Colour , that it may rightly perceive all the Colours of Objects : For if it be preternaturally affected with any Colour , as in the Jaundice , the Sight must be necessarily depraved , so the Ear should have no sound in it , that it be able to receive all Sounds that come from abroad , for if any Sound is preternaturally in the Ear , it hinders Hearing .

This Noise in the Ear proceeds from a preternatural Commotion of the inbred Air ; for though this inbred Air moves naturally , yet no noise is heard from its Motion , unless we stop the Ear with the hand , or with some such thing .

The Causes of this extraordinary Motion are Vapours , Wind , or Spirits , transmitted to the Ear from other Parts , or bred in it ; if it be brought from other Parts , it proceeds either from the whole Body , or some peculiar Part. It flows from the whole Body in Fevers , and this Sound in the Ear comes from a windy Spirit conveyed through the Arteries from the whole Body to the Ears : But it most frequently happens at the beginning of Fits , and just before a Crisis by a Bleeding at the Nose . Wind is also elevated to the Ears , from some peculiar Part , viz. from the Stomach , Liver , Spleen , Mesentery , Womb , and from some other Parts ; upon which account , inviolent Vomiting , Hypochondriack Melancholy , and Mother-Fits , there is frequently a Noise in the Ears . It is also occasioned by windy Spirits flowing from the Head , that arise from Cold and Flegmatick Humours . Wind is also generated in the Ear by Flegmatick Matter contain'd there . Upon which account , difficulty of Hearing is commonly accompanied with a Noise in the Ear , for the Obstruction is occasioned by Humours , Other Causes occasioning this Noise in the Ears , are Ulcers , a hot Intemperies , Weakness , exquisite Sense , a violent shaking in the Head , and violent Sounds .

The Cure of this Disease is to be varied , according to the variety of the Causes ; and first the Cure of the Noise proceeding from a consent of other Parts , depends on the Cure of the Diseases of those Parts : But that which arises immediately from the Ear requires a peculiar Cure ; and if it be generated by a cold Intemperies , and from gross Wind , it requires the same Cure which is described in the Chapter above . If it proceed from an Ulcer in the Ears , it requires the same Cure , which is proposed for Curing the Ulcer in the following Chapter . If it proceed from Weakness , after long Sickness , it will decrease gradually as the Strength increases . But you must drop into the Ear Oil of Camomil , of Dill , or Oil of sweet Almonds . And lastly , if it takes its rise from a hot Intemperies , or an exquisite Sense , a cooling and moistning Diet must be ordered , and cooling things must be dropp'd into the Ear , and first a Decoction of Barly , Violets , Lettice , Water Lilies , to which may be added , to make it more penetrating a little Balm or Camomil ; and if these do no good , the Juice of Lettice , Purslane , and Henbane may be used . Galen proposes the Juice of Poppies , and Opium it self ; but these are to be used sparingly , least by weakning the Native Heat of the Part , they should too much dull the Hearing .

CHAP. XXXIV . Of Pain of the Ears .

PAIN of the Ears is a very violent Disease . The chief Causes of it are Intemperies immaterial and humoral , Wounds , Ulcers , and external Things falling or thrust into the Cavity of the Ear.

A cold Intemperies often occasions a Pain in the Ears ; it is occasioned by cold Winds , cold Water , and other cold thlngs ; for cold things are injurious to those Membranous and nervous Parts .

But a cold Matter occasioning Pains in the Ears , is either Flegmatick , or Serous flowing from the Brain , or Wind transmitted from the Brain , or lower Parts .

Hot Matter occasioning those Pains is either Cholerick , or Sanguinious , whereby an Inflammation is raised .

If an immaterial Intemperies be the Cause , there is no weight peceived in the Ear , nor no Tumour . A cold Intemperies is known by cold Causes going before , as travelling in the Winter time , the increase of Pain by external Cold , and its being eased by the Application of hot things . A hot Intemperies may be known , by the external things that heat , as a hot Air , the heat of the Sun , pain arising from the use of hot things .

If the pain arise from a Flegmatick Humour , there is a weight perceived in the Ear and in the Head , and a Flegmatick Fluxion has sometimes fallen upon some other Parts . Besides , cold Causes went before , as cold and a Northerly Wind , cold Aliments , Winter time , old Age and the like .

If the Pain arise from Wind , it will be violent , but not continual , and a noise of the Ear will be joined with it .

That it comes from a Serous Humour , may be known by other Diseases produced by it , and afflicting the Sick at the same time , as sharp and thin Fluxions on the Teeth , the Eyes , the Ears , the Breast , and other Parts , and by an Evacuation of serous Humour by Vomit , Stool , Urine and Sweat .

If it arises from a Cholerick Humour , it will be pricking and sharp , with a sense of heat ; it will be eased by cooling Medicines , and the Constitution is hot and cholerick , the Sick young , the Course of Diet hot , it is Summer , and some other heating Causes went before .

An Inflammation is known by the Violence of the Pain , Pulsation , by great heat and redness , that extend themselves sometimes to the Cheeks and Temples ; a violent continual Fever accompanies it , sometimes a Delirium , Convulsion , Fainting , and Coldness of the extream Parts .

A Wound may be known by Blood pouring from the Ear , an Ulcer by Matter flowing out : But because a Flux of Matter sometimes flows from the Brain through the Ears , there is need of distinction ; for if it proceed from the Brain , the Pain of the Head , and other Signs of an Imposthume went before , the Matter is evacuated in great quantity , and is lessen'd by degrees , till at length it quite ceases . But it may proceed indeed in a great quantity from an Abscess of the Ear ; but then the Signs of an Inflammation went before , afterwards an Ulcer follows , which afterwards may be known by the following Signs , whether it takes its rise from an Abscess , or from a Flux of some sharp Humour , A small quantity of Matter flows continually , pain and heat , and pricking in the Ear , especially when the Ear-Picker is put in . Moreover , we may guess at the differences of the Ulcer ; for if the Ulcer actually exists , it may be known by the thin Sanies , that is of a Citron Colour : And by the length of the Disease , you may know if it be deep by the quantity of Matter ; if it be sordid , by the thickness and quantity of it ; if it be virulent , by the thin Sanies ; if putrid , by the stinking Matter ; if corrosive , by Blood flowing out after the Sanies ; if it be Fistulous , by the duration of the Ulcer , the virulent Sanies , and by the hard and callous Flesh . Things fallen into the Ear , or thrust into it , may be known by the relation of the Sick , and may be perceived in the Cavity of it .

The Prognostick of the Pain of the Ear is various , according to the variety of the Causes ; that which proceeds only from an Intemperies , is easily cured . That which proceeds from cold , flegmatick , serous , or windy Matter , is not dangerous , but is most commonly long in curing : But that which proceeds from hot Humours , and especially if they cause an Inflammation , is very dangerous for the Brain , by reason of its nearness , suffers by consent , and a Delirium and a Convulsion often follow ; and young Men are in most danger of this Disease ; for they being of a hot Constitution , and their Blood being hot , the Inflammation is so great , that it destroys the Native Heat of the Brain , and kills the Sick within a Week ; but old Mens Humours are colder , and the Inflammation less , and so they are less in danger .

Ulcers in the Ears are difficultly cured , because the Brain puts off its Excrements upon them , but those that follow an Abscess are easier cur'd , and also those that yield good Matter : But when the Sanies is virulent , fetid , or otherwise ill qualified , the Cure will be very difficult , and especially if the Ulcer be Fistulous , or the Bone foul .

The Cure must be varied according to the variety of the Causes , if it proceed from a cold Intemperies alone , bo●● Medicines applied to the Ear may be sufficient for the Cure , such as were proposed for the Cure of Deafness A hot Intemperies , if at any time it happen without Matter , may be cur'd by cooling Topicks .

If it proceed from a cold Intemperies joined with Matter viz. Flegm , or Wind , or serous Matter , the same Cure is to be administred , which was proposed for the Cure of Deafness ▪

If it arise from a hot Intemperies with a Fluxion o● Cholerick Humours ; first the Humout flowing to th● Part must be drawn away by Bleeding , whereby also th● hot Intemperies of the whole Body , may be moderated ▪ afterwards the peccant Humour must be evacuated by proper Purgers ; and afterwards cooling Juleps and Broth● ▪ Goats Milk , Mineral Waters , Baths of warm Water , and the like , must be used ; and lastly , all those things are to be used , which are proposed for the Cure of a Head-ach , proceeding from a hot Intemperies : But the Pain must be asswaged by cooling and anodyn Topicks .

For the Cure of an Inflammation of the Ear , an emollient , cooling , and loosning Clister must be injected , and so much Blood must be taken away , as may answer to the fulness of it , and to make a sufficient Revulsion of the Humour flowing to the affected Ear , the Cephalick Vein opposite to it must be opened , and a great quantity of Blood must be taken away at several times ; and if the Disease seem to arise from a Suppression of the Courses , or of the Hemorrhoids , the inferior Veins must be opened , a good quantity of Blood being first taken from the Arm. And if those Causes are absent , the opening of the inferior Veins will make an excellent Revulsion to the most distant Parts , to which end Leeches applied to the Anus are also proper .

Revulsions may be also commodiously made by Frictions , and Ligatures of the Arms and Legs , and by Cupping-glasses applied to the Shoulders and Back .

And sometimes Cupping-glasses applied behind the Ears for to make Derivation , do much good .

Zacutus Lusitanus also commends Leeches applied behind the Ears , four of a side , which he says , gave much relief to a certain young Man , who was afflicted with a violent Inflammation of the Ear : The opening of the Artery of the Temples has also sometimes admirable Success . Purging is also very proper in this Disease , with Cholagoges ; afterwards the whole Mass of the Humours is to be attemperated with cooling Juleps made of a Decoction of Lettice , Purslain , Plantane , Sorrel , and the like , also of the Syrups of Lemons , Pomegranates , and of red Poppies .

In the mean time , whilst the foresaid Remedies are used , Topicks are to be continually applied , which must be always anodyn , by reason of the Violence of the Pain , the Mitigation whereof is principally to be taken care of ; but at the beginning and increase , gentle Repellents are to be mixed with the anodyns ; at the State and Declination , Resolvents are to be mixed with them .

Take of Womans Milk , fresh drawn , two ounces ; of the white of an Egg beat to a Liquor half an ounce ; mix them , and drop it warm into the Ear.

Or the Milk alone milk'd into the Ear.

Take of the leaves of Plantane , and Night-shade , each one handful ; of the flowers of Camomil and Melilot , each one Pugil ; make a Decoction ; let the Vapour be received into the Ear by a Tunnel .

Take of Oyls of Violets , Water-Lillies and Roses , each one Ounce , mingle them , drop it warm into the Ear.

Millepedes infused in the foresaid Oyles , and press'd out , make an excellent Anodyn ; for they have an excellent Faculty to ease Pain , and for that reason they are used for Pains of the Teeth , the Piles , and other Pains .

If the Heat is very violent , cooling Juices are to be mixed with the foresaid Oyls in the following manner .

Take of Oyl of Water-Lillies , and Oyl of Roses , each one ounce , of the Juice of Night-shade and Plantane , each half an ounce , mingle them , and drop it into the Ear.

Oxyrrhodinum is used by many Practitioners , made of Oyl of Roses two parts , and one part of Vinegar ; but it may be suspected as may be also all other things which repel powerfully , for there is danger , least the Humour should flow back upon the Brain ; and it is a general Precept always to be observed , not to apply strong Repellents in Inflammations that are near noble parts ; but gentle Repellents may be mixed with Loosening and Anodyn things ; for so the Fluxion may be moderately suppressed , and not driven far back .

But in violent Pains we are forced to use Narcoticks , but they must be used rarely , and with great caution , for they are offensive to the Head . I know a Person , says Galen , who lost his Speech and Sense by the use of Opium , nor could he be restored by any Medicines : But if there be absolute Necessity , they may be prescribed in the following manner .

Take of the Oyl of the Seeds of Poppies one ounce and an half , of Camphor and Opium each two grains , mingle them , and drop them into the Ear. Or ,

Take of Oyl of Sweet-Almonds two ounces , of the Juice of Mallows half an ounce , of Myrrh half a dram , of Saffron half a scruple , of Opium three or four grains , mingle them , use it as above .

In the Application of Topicks the Precept of Galen must be carefully observed , viz. That the inflamed Ear be not touched , but Medicines must be dropt into the Ear by a Probe wrapt round with the softest Wool dipt in the Medicines , and the Sick must be ask'd whether it be warm , and whether he can bear it any hotter , and you must drop it in as hot as he can bear it ; the Probe must be dipt in the Medicine and applied gently to the passage of the Ear , that it may flow into it ; you must continue doing of it till the passage is full , and then apply over it to the mouth of the passage and over all the Ear , Wool dipt in the Medicine .

At the state of the Disease , Oyls gently resolving are to be mixed with Anodyns in the following manner .

Take of the Oyls of Camomil , Sweet-Almonds , and Violets , each one ounce , Oyl of Lillies half an ounce , mix them .

But Fomentations and Fumes resolve more powerfully , which may be prepared of the following Decoction .

Take of roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce ; of the leaves of Mallows , Nightshade and St. Johns Wort , each an handful , of the Seeds of Flax half an ounce , of the Seeds of Mallows , Marsh-mallows , white Poppies , each two drams ; of the flowers of Camomil , Dill and Roses , each one Pugil , make a Decoction in Water or Milk for a Fomentation or Fume .

The Water drawn from Ash-sticks , being dropt into the Ear eases the pain wonderfully ; it is drawn by burning green sticks in the Fire , it drops from the ends of them .

If the Tumor cannot be resolved , but tends to Suppuration , which may be known by the increase of the pain a great Pulsation , and a violent Feaver , Nature must be furthered in her Motion , and the following Cataplasm must be applied .

Take of Crums of white Bread one pound , boil them in Milk to the consistence of a Poultis ; then add the yolks of Eggs number two , of Oyl of Roses two ounces , of Saffron one scruple , make a Cataplasm . Or ,

Take one Onyon , fresh Butter two Ounces , Oyl of Camomil and Roses , each one ounce , of Saffron one scruple ; make a Cataplasm , which must be applied moderately hot to the part .

When the Abscess is broken , and the Matter comes out through the Membrane of the Ear , either rarified or corroded ; then the Sick should lye on the Ear affected , that the Matter may flow out easily , and such things should be dropt into the Ear , as may wash and cleanse it .

Take of the Decoction of Barly four ounces , of Honey of Roses one ounce , mingle them , drop it warm into the Ear.

If the Ulcer be generated by Acrimony of Matter , it requires a peculiar Cure , which may also be used for an Ulcer arising from Fluxion of Humours .

And first , according to the Opinion of Galen , Topical Medicines must not be applied to any Member , before the whole Body is purged ; wherefore Evacuation by Bleeding and Purging being administred , agreeable to the Nature and Constitution of the Patient , and repeated through the whole course of the Cure as often as there is occasion , drying and astringent Topicks may be used , beginning with the Mild , and proceeding to Stronger by degrees . For instance ,

Take of the best Honey , and of old White-wine , each three ounces , boil them till all the Scum rises , drop it into the Ear ; afterwards stop the Ear with Cotton dipt in the same Liquor ; when you would have the Medicine stronger , mix the Juice of Horehound , Smallage , Wormwood , the lesser Centaury , or of Sow-bread with Honey ; boil them gently , and drop them into the Ear. Or ,

Take of the Juice of Beets one ounce , of Horehonnd half 〈◊〉 ounce , of the best Honey six drams ; boil them a little ; afterwards add two drams of Syrup of Wormwood , mingle them .

You may make a stronger Medicine in the following manner ▪

Take of the Juice of Sow-bread one ounce , of Myrrh on● ounce , of Saffron half a scruple , of Frankincense one scruple , of Verdigrease half a scruple , of old Wine one ounce an● an half , boil them till the Wine is consumed , drop th● Liquor into the Ear twice or thrice a day .

Note , Before any Liquor is dropt in , the Ear must be well cleansed with warm Hydromel , a Probe wrap● round with a Cotton , being dipt in the Liquor , and used for that purpose .

The Ulcer being well cleansed it must be cicatrized by Epulotick Medicines used in the following manner .

Take of round Birthwort , of the bark of Pomegranates , and of Galls , each half an ounce , boil them in equal parts of Wine and Smith's-water to half a pint ; strain it , and add to it of the Juice of Plantane and Knot-grass , each one ounce , of Honey of Roses two drams ; mingle them , and drop it into the Ear ; or drop into the Ear burnt Allum mixed with the Wine , for it is very drying .

If the Ulcer be very obstinate , and has continued a long while , it is certainly promoted by Fluxion , which therefore you must endeavour to remove , by Purging and a Diet-drink of Gujacum or Sarsaparilla , by Errhins , Masticatories , Issues , and by other Remedies that divert the Fluxion .

If Pain arise by reason of the Sharpness of the Remedies , Oyl of Sweet or Bitter Almonds , with Myrrh , Aloes and Saffron , must be dropt into the Ear : If the Pain be violent , a little Opium must be mixed with them , or the Oyl of the Yolks of Eggs beat in a leaden Mortar may be used .

If the Ulcer be very Sordid , Aegyptiacum must be mixed with the foresaid Juices .

If the Pain of the Ear be occasioned by something thrust into the Ear , you must endeavour to draw it out , by wrapping Wool upon a Probe dipt in Turpentine , or made glutinous by Rosin , or some other Gum : But if this will not do , warm Oyl must be often dropt into the Ear , to relax it , and to Lubricate the Matter contained in it , and so it may the easier be drawn out , and Sneesing-powder must be given , and these things must be used continually till the Sick is freed ; for if any thing remain long in the Ear , an Inflammation will arise , and afterwards it will be much more difficult to extract any thing from the Ear ; and there will be besides great danger .

Lastly , If the foresaid Remedies are not sufficient , Chirurgical Instruments must be used . See the manner of Extraction in Fabritius Hildanus , Cen. I. Observ. 4 , 5 , 6.

Gnats sometimes insinuate themselves into the Ears , and moving in the Cavity of it , they cause much Trouble , but they may be extracted by a Probe wrapped round with Cotten , and dipt in Turpentine .

Sometimes water runs into the Ear in swimming , or when the Head is wash'd , and is often very troublesom and causes Pain , but is most commonly easily shook our , by hopping upon the Leg of the same side , and by holding the Ear downwards : But if this will not do , you must endeavour to suck it out with a Pipe wrapt round with Wool to stop the hole of the Ear , that the external Air should not enter in . It is also dried by a small soft piece of Spunge often put in .

CHAP. XXXV . Of things that come out Preternaturally from the Cavities of the Ears .

MAny Things come out preternaturally from the Ears , which must be particularly mentioned , and peculiar Remedies must be prescribed for them . First therefore , an Abscess being broken arising from an Inflammation , or from an Ulcer , proceeding from the Acrimony of Humours , Matter or Sanies , is wont to flow ; the Cure of which depends on the Cure of the forementioned Diseases , which are proposed in the foregoing Chapter .

Blood also sometimes flows from the Ears , as in Wounds and Concussions of the Head , whereby the Veins of the Ears may be broken or torn : But if this Flux be moderate , it must be left to it self , for if it should be retained within it might cause an Inflammation ; but if it be immoderate , or continue a long while , it must be restrained by bleeding in the Arm , and by applying Cupping-glasses with Scarification to the Shoulders ; afterwards cooling and astringent things must be dropt into the Ears , as the Juice of Plantane , Knot-grass , or the Decoction of Bramble-tops , red Roses , Mastich , Acacia , Hyposistis , Balaustins , Sumach , and the like , in Wine and Vinegar , or Smiths Water .

A watry Humour sometimes flows from the Brain to the Ears , this most commonly happens to Children , and ought not to be stop'd , for being suddenly stop'd , it occasions the Falling-sickness , or some other great Disease of the Head .

For Nature puts off Excrements , and the too great Moisture that abounds in Childrens Heads , not only by the ordinary ways appointed for this use , viz. The Nostrils and Pallate , but also through the Eyes , the Ears , and the Superficies of the Head , where Ulcers and Scabs often happen : But when such an Evacuation is Symptomatick , and when the Humour flowing to the Ears causes Ulcers in them , and hinders the Hearing , you must endeavour to cure it by a convenient Method . And First , the Superfluous Humours in the Brain must be evacuated by gentle Purges often repeated , and also by Derivation , by Blisters in the Neck , and an Issue there ; afterwards the Ears must be cleansed and dried by the following Medicine .

Take of the Juice of Agrimony , and Worm-wood , each four Ounces , of Whitewine , and Honey of Roses , each one Ounce , boil them a little , and drop them into the Ear the Filth being cleansed away , afterwards the Ears must be stopped with Cotton dipt in the same Liquor .

But if a watry Humour flows from the Ears of grown People and continues so a long while ; the whole Body and the Brain must be evacuated , afterwards , the superfluous Moisture must be dried up by Sudorifick Diet-drinks , and the Course of it must be endeavoured to be turned by Blisters , Issues , and Cupping-glasses .

Lastly , Worms are sometimes generated in the Ears , from putrid Ulcers , which being cured they cease to come out . But Because the healing of the Ulcer requires Time you may endeavour to kill the Worms in the mean while by convenient Remedies . For Instance ,

Take of the Oyl of bitter Almonds , of the Juice of Smallage , and the lesser Centaury , each two Ounces , of Vinegar two Drams ; boil them a little , then add of Mirrh , and Aloes , each one Scruple ; mingle them , and drop it into the Ear. If you would have it stronger add ten Grains of Coloquintida .

Of Diseases of the NOSE .

CHAP. XXXVI . Of Vlcers of the Nostrils , and of an Ozaena .

AN Ulcer of the Nostrils is either fresh and simple , or old and putrid , which is called an Ozaena .

The fresh and simple proceeds either from extetnal Causes ; as a Wound or Contusion , or from internal , viz. From Acrimony of Humours flowing thither , espeally from Salt Flegm .

But an Ozaena comes from a simple Ulcer neglected , or by reason of greater Acrimony of Humours .

A simple Ulcer hath little or no Pain ; and Blood flows frequently from it , especially when it is touched or rubd , or it is covered with a dry and black Scab , which is sometimes blown out ; but an Ozaena is accompanied with a greater Pain , the Scab is more filthy , and the Snot stinks , and it often eats the Back Bones , and perforates the Pallat , especially if it be of a cancerous Nature , or from the French Pox , or an Elephantiasis .

As to the Cure , such a Course of Diet must be ordered as may attemperate the Acrimony of the Humours , and hinder its Generation ; afterwards the whole Body must be evacuated by Bleeding and proper Purges ; and Cuping-glasses must be applyed with Scarification . And if the Fluxion of sharp Humours to the Nostrils be very obstinate , Derivation must be made by Blisters in the Neck , and Issues there , and things that strengthen the Head must be used .

After universal Remedies , Topicks must be applyed , and first you must see whither the Ulcers are crusty , if they are , the Scabs must be taken off before you go any farther ; and first you must foment them with warm Water , or anoint them with fresh Butter , with fresh Goose or Hens Grease , or with rhe Oyl of sweet Almonds , or the like .

When you have mollified them , they must not be forcibly pulled off , but you must suffer them to fall themselves , or gently remove them with your Finger , anointed with Oyl of Almonds .

When the Scabs are cleared , you must use drying and astringent Medicines ; in a simple Ulcer it may be sufficient to wash it with Barly-water sweetned with Honey of Roses , and to anoint it , with Oyntment of Tutty , or with the white Oyntment of Rhasis , or with the Oyl of the Yolks of Eggs rub'd in a leaden Mortar .

But for an Ozaena you must prepare the following Medicines .

Take of whole Barley one Pugil , of the Leaves of Agrimony , Plantane , Wormwood , and the lesser Centaury , one Handful ; of red Roses half a Pugil ; boil them in Smiths Water , in the Liquor strained dissolve four Ounces of Honey of Roses , make an Errhine , which must be often snuffed up .

After it hath been cleansed , the following Decoction must be used .

Take of Balaustins , and Pomegranate-peel , each two Ounces , of the Leaves of Plantane , Horse-tail , Mouse-ear , Rupture-wort , each one Handful , of the Roots of Bistort one Ounce , of Crude-alum , one Ounce and an half ; make a Decoction .

The Water of Allum is also very good , and also those Medicines which are to be proposed to dry a Polypus in the following Chapter . Egyptiacum also dissolved in Barly-water is good .

Afterwards use the following Oyntment .

Take of Omphacine Oyl half an Ounce , of Pomegranate-Bark and Balaustines , each three Drams ; of Mirrh , Allum , and Labdanum , each two Drams ; of Chalcitis , Aloes , and the Bark of Frankincense , each one Dram ; of the Oyl of Roses , and Mirtles , each two Ounces , of red Wax , a sufficient Quantity to make an Oyntment ; apply it to the Vlcer , or dissolve it in Wine , or Plantane-water , snuff it up often , the Mouth being filled with Water .

When the Ulcer is well cleansed , you must dry it with the Powder of red Roses snuft up . Rondeletius says , that nothing is so effectual to dry the Ulcers as Fumes of Orpiment and Cinnabar : As for Instance ,

Take of Pure Labdanum , of Hypocistis , Mastich , and Mirrh , each three Drams ; red Storax , and Storax calamit , of the Bark of Frankincense , Sandarach , and Orpiment , each two Drams ; mix them all with Turpentine , and make Troches , wherewith let the Sick be fumed , Morning and Evening in his Chamber .

It is also of great Use to burn Candles made of red Wax in the Patient's Chamber , which ought to be small , and the Windows and Doors must be kept close shut . And this Way , says Rondeletius , I have cured Ulcers which the Italian and French Physicians left off as incurable .

CHAP. XXXVII . Of a Sarcoma and Polypus .

UPon Ulcers of the Nose comes sometimes fleshy Excrescences which constitute another Kind of Disease , viz. A preternatural Tumour , whereof there are two Sorts , one a Sarcoma , and the other a Polypus .

A Sarcoma is a fleshy Excrescence in the Nose , which has no certain Shape , and is much like proud Flesh in other Ulcers ▪ But a Polypus is a fleshy Excrescence arising with small Roots , and afterwards spreads broad and hangs down in the Nose , and resembles the Fish Polypus , from whence it takes its Name . It is a soft Caruncle , sometimes white sometimes red , and sometimes livid ; and if it grow much , it sometimes hangs out of the Nostrils : But if it be rooted high in the Nose , it sometimes hangs down to the Pallat , and obstructs the common Passage of the Mouth , and it may be plainly seen behind the Uva : It swells much in a southerly Constitution , and at full Moon , and is much diminished at the new Moon : It may be distinguished from a Sarcoma , because a Sarcoma , is wont to grow at the Bottom of the Nostrils , but a Polypus near the Root of the Nose .

The Cause of both Tumours is a thick viscid and flegmatick Humour flowing from the Brain mixed with some Blood , and sometimes a melancholly Humour is mixed with it , and then there is Danger lest it degenerate into a Cancer . A Sarcoma is also generated often from a superfluous Nutriment of the Nostrils .

A Sarcoma is most commonly easily cured , but a Polypus very difficultly : But that which is soft , and white or red , or redish , is cured most easily ; but when it is hard and livid it is very hardly cured ; and there is Danger least it should turn to a Cancer . That which is seated below or in the Middle of the Nostrils , is easier cured than that which grows at the Root of the Nose , because Medicines can scarce reach thither .

Both of them are to be cured the same Way , viz. The superfluous Flesh must be taken off : But first the antecedent Cause must be removed , which is a Flegmatick Humour falling from the Head . To this End an attenuating Course of Diet must be ordered , and universal Evacuations , Revulsion and Derivation . Afterwards the superfluous Flesh must be taken off , either by a caustick or by an Instrument , and the Ulcer remaining must be cicatrized : But at the Beginning , when the Disease is fresh , it is sometimes cured by astringent and very drying Medicines , and such gentle Means are always to be used before you proceed to greater .

Take of unripe Grapes three Pounds , of the Bark of Pomegranate , of Balaustins , and Sumach , each two Pounds ; infuse them in Vinegar , and distil them ; then add of Allum a Pound , of Vitriol three Ounces ; distil them all again , and touch the inward parts of the Nostrils frequently with the Water .

If this is not sufficient more powerful things must be used , and you must add Sandarach , and Orpiment to the foregoing Water ; or the Polypus must be frequently touched with Spirit of Vitriol tempered with Plantane Water : But red Precipitat often washed is reckoned the best Medicine . It may be mixt with Honey of Roses , and applyed with a Tent dipt in it . Plaisters are also used in this Case .

Take of Verdigrease , Orpiment , Vitriol , Crude-alum , each one Ounce and an half , of Antimony six Drams ; infuse them in Vinegar , and then powder them very fine ; when they are dry , infuse them and powder them eight Times more ; then lastly infuse them in Plantane Water , and dry them ; afterwards take of Oyl of Roses four Ounces , of Thithargo two ounces , mix them and boyl them ; and towards the End , two Ounces of the foresaid Powder , boyl it to a sticking Plaister , and make Tents of it to be put up the Nostrils .

Note , That before the Use of Causticks , the Nostrils must be defended by Galen's cooling Oyntment , or with Populeum , or with the White of an Egg mixt with the Oyl of Roses , or the like . Secondly , you must take Notice , that caustick Medicines must be conveyed through a Silver Pipe , which must incompass the Polypus so that the Medicine may work and not touch the Nostrils . Thirdly , you must take Notice , that such Medicines must be used when the Moon is waneing , for then the Tumour is much diminished , and so the Medicine may the easier reach the Root of it . Lastly , if it cannot be cured by Medicines , you must proceed to Chirurgical Operation , which is described by Cornelius Celsus and by late Authors .

CHAP. XXXVIII . Of the Loss of Smelling , and other Faults of it .

SMelling , as all the other Actions of the Body is hurt three Ways , it is either diminished , abolished , or depraved .

The Cause of Smelling diminished and abolished are the same , they only differ in Degree ; they are Intemperies , Obstruction and Compression .

A cold and moist intemperies , joyned with Flegmatick Matter , lessens Smelling , or quite abolishes it ; upon which Account in a Catarrh and Coryza , the Sense of Smelling is frequently lessened , or wholly destroyed .

Obstruction is occasioned by a Flegmatick Humour , which stops the Passages of the Nostrils , and the Pores of the Mamillary Processes , so that Smells cannot come to them ; it may also be occasioned by a Sarcoma , Polypus , or any thing else that stops the Passages of the Nostrils .

A Compression also sometimes may happen from a Flegmatick Humour collected in the fore part of the Brain , compressing the Mamillary Processes , as happens in Diminution of the Sight by compressing of the Optick Nerves . It also may happen from a natural Defect in the Confirmation of the Nostrils , as when the Nostrils are so narrow and low that there is not a free Passage .

The Cause of depraved smelling , is a bad Savour continually striking upon the Nostrils , which either proceeds from an Ulcer of the Nostrils , or from putrid Flegm gathered together about the Nostrils or the Os Ethmoides : For that Flegm that putrifies in the Sense of Smelling , or near it , betwixt the Coats of the Brain , does not affect the Sense it self , nor those that labour under it ; but any one that sits near them will easily find it out , for nothing can be smelt but what is carried to the Sense from some other Place . A nasty and stinking Vapour may be carried to the Processus , Mamillares from other Parts , as from the Stomach , Gums , and the Brain it self , that spoil the Sense of Smelling , so that all Savours are thought to be such ; even as the Tongue being disordered by bitter Choler , tasts all things bitter .

Any of these Causes are easily known , a cold Intemperies and Abundance of Flegm are known by a cold and moist Intemperies of the Brain , and a slimy Flegm dropping from the Head .

An Obstruction , if it be occasioned by Flegm , is known by the same Signs . If it proceeds from a Sarcoma , or a Polypus , the Diagnostick is to be taken from their proper Chapters .

The Place wherein the Matter causing the Obstruction resides , is known from this , If it sticks in the Passages of the Nostrils , there is a Defect of the Speech , because the Nostrils do greatly contribute to the forming of Words .

But if the Matter stick in the fore part of the Brain , or the Mamillary Passages , the Speech will be perfect .

You may know by the peculiar Diseases of each Part , from whence the ill Scent arises that offends the Organ of Smelling .

As to the Prognostick Smelling , if it be lately lost , or if it arises from a simple Coriza , may be easily cured .

The cure must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes , if it arise from a cold Intemperies , those things are proper which are used for a cold Catarrh : But to open an Obstruction occasioned by Flegm thrust into the Passages of the Nostrils , or into the Mamillary Processes , such Remedies are to be used as purge those Parts , viz. Errhins , Sneazing-Powders , and Apoplegmatisms .

Lastly , If the Nostrils are obstructed by a Sarcoma , or Polypus , it must be cured by the removing of them .

CHAP. XXXIX . Of an ill Scent in the Nostrils .

AN ill Scent in the Nostrils and a stinking Breath , are very different , for that comes wholly from the Nostrils , but this from various Parts , viz. From the Stomach , Lungs , Gums , or from Ulcers in the Jaws , which are either apparent to Sense , or may be known by their proper Signs ,

But an ill Scent in the Nose , is occasioned by putrid Vapours , arising either from the Nostrils , as in an Ozena , a Sarcoma , or Polypus , or from Air transmitted to the Nostrils from putrid Humours contained in the Brain , and in rhe fore Part of it , or about the Mamillary Processes , or Os Cribrasum : But Flegmatick Humours putrifie in the said Parts when they are retained in them beyond Measure , especially if there be also a hot and moist Intemperies of the Brain , they are retained by reason of an Obstruction of those Parts , or too great an Oppression of them , as in those that are flat-nosed .

The Disease of the Nose occasioning such a Stink , may be known by its proper Signs . But if there be no such Disease in the Nostrils , we may conjecture that it arises from a putrid Humour contained in the Brain , or Mamillary Processes , or in the Os cribrosum .

The Prognostick of an ill Scent in the Nostrils , which is occasioned by an Ulcer , Polypus or Sarcoma , depends on the Prognostick of them ; But that ill Scent which proceeds from Corrupt Humours contained in the fore part of the Head , if it be lately come may be easily cured , if it be inveterate , it is incureable , especially if it come from an ill Confirmation of the Nostrils , as in such as are flat-Nosed .

The Cure is performed by taking away the Causes , and by moderating the Symptoms .

The Cure of an Ulcer , Sarcoma and Polypus , are mentioned above , but a putrid Humour contained in the Brain . Mamillary Processes , or in the Os Ethmoides , must be carried off by Purging and Cleansing .

And first , universal Evacuations are to be ordered which free the whole Body and the Brain from Flegmatick Excrements ; and if there be abundance of Humours , a Sudorifick Diet-drink must be also ordered ; afterwards cleansing Errhins must be prescribed to remove the conjunct Matter .

And first , Whitewine , wherein Centaury has been infused , must be put into the Hand , and snuft up Morning and Evening , or the Juice of Beet drawn with Marjora● Water may be used , but the following is more Powerful ,

Take of the Roots of Florentine-orris half a Dram , o● white Hellebore , and long Pepper , each half a Scruple of the Seeds of Anise , and of dried Marjoram powdered each one Scruple ; of the Oyls of Nard , Wall-flower , and Violets , each as much as is sufficient : Make a soft Oyntment wherewith anoint the Top of the little Finger and anoint the Nostrils within , or a Tent besmeared with the Oyntment , may be applied .

Lastly , To palliate the ill Stink , sweet-smelling things may be often drawn up the Nostrils , as an Infusion of Nutmegs in fragrant Wine , Angelica Water , and the like .

CHAP. XL. Of a Coryza .

COryza is a sort of Catarrh , wherein the Fluxion falls on the Nostrils , it 's easily known by the abundance of Moisture that is evacuated by the Nostrils , 't is commonly call'd a Cold , or Stoppage in the Head .

It requires the same Method of Cure as is used for a Catarrh , but in this Case you must not use Errhins , least they should draw Humours to the Part affected . Masticatories and Apoplegmatisms may be prescribed after general Evacuation , and some-things are reckned peculiarly proper for this Disease , as the Vapour of a Decoction of Marjoram received into the Nostrils , or of Vinegar wherein red Roses have been infused , the Venegar being poured upon red hot Iron , if it be occasion'd by a very cold Fluxion , the Fumes of Frankincense cast upon live Coals corrects the cold Intemperies of the Brain , and dries up the Superfluous Moisture .

CHAP. XLI . Of Sneezing .

THo Sneezing often happens in Health , and is generally so small a thing that it scarce deserves the Name of a Symptom , yet sometimes 't is so very troublesome that it requires Medicines and the Physicians help , and the ancient Custom of saying God bless you upon sneezing , shews that some time or other it has proved dangerous ; some say 't was an Epidemical Disease in the Time of Gregory the Great , and that the Sick died sneezing .

As to the Prognostick 't is of it self without Danger , but 't is very injurious at the Beginning of a Catarrh or Coryza ; and in Feavers when it is frequent it sometimes occasions bleeding at the Nose , but most commonly it does good by expelling Superfluities from the Brain .

When Sneezing is injurious , as in a Plurisie , Peripneumonia , and the like , or when it becomes a Disease , the Cure must be undertaken by Revulsions and Evacuations ; and if by Reason of a hot Intemperies of the Brain , or of any other Part , sharp Vapours are transmitted to the Nostrils , Bleeding must be used and proper Purges ; and to qualifie the Acrimony , and to asswage the Irritation of the Nostrils , it will be proper to snuff up warm Milk into the Nose , or to anoint the Nostrils wlth Oyl of Violets , or of sweet Almonds , or with fresh Butter .

CHAP. XLII . Of Bleeding at the Nose , or Spitting of Blood .

BLeeding at the Nose comes at any Time of the Year , and seises chiefly those that are of a weakly Constitution , and have hot Blood , and oftner when they are in Years , than when they are Young ; at first there are some Signs of a Feaver , which goes off by bleeding at the Nose , but a Pain and a Heat in the fore part of the Head remains ; the Blood flows for some Hours , then stops a while , and afterwards breaks out again , and so it does by turns , till at length it is quite stop'd , either by the use of Remedies , or of its own accord , by reason the Quantity is diminished ; but the Sick is in danger of a Relapse yearly , either upon drinking of Spirituous Liquors , or from being over-heated upon any other account .

In order to the Cure , I endeavour to qualifie the Head and Ebullition of the Blood , upon which account the preternatural Extravasation arises . Wherefore I bleed often in the Arm , and take away a large Quantity of Blood ; I order a cooling and thickning Course of Diet , as three parts of Fountain Water , and one of Milk boil'd together , and drank cold , roasted Apples , Barly-broths , and the like ; forbidding the use o● Flesh : I also prescribe thickning and cooling Juleps , and Emulsions and the like .

Take of the clarified Juices of Plantane and Nettles , each six Ounces , of the Aqua Lactis Alexiteria four Ounces , of Cinnamon Water hordeated three Ounces , of white-Sugar a sufficient Quantity , mingle them , make a Julep ; let him take four Ounces in the Morning , and at four in the Afternoon , and so daily for three Days following .

Take of the Waters of Plantane , and of Cinnamon hordeated , each four Ounces , of distill'd Vinegar half an Ounce , of true Bole , and of Dragon's Blood , each half a Dram , of London Laudanum three grains , of Syrup of Myrtles one ounce and an half ; mix them , make a Julep ; let him take five or six Spoonfuls every Night at Bed-time .

Take of the Syrup of Juice of Nettles four ounces ; give half an ounce in his Liquor every time he drinks , and he may drink of Tincture of Roses every time he drinks .

Take of the Seeds of Henbane , and of white Poppies , each half a dram ; of Sugar of Roses three drams , of Syrup of Comfry a sufficient quantity ; make an Electuary , give the quantity of a small Nutmeg twice a day , and let him drink a draught of Tincture of Roses presently after it . Or ,

Take of the four greater cold Seeds , each one dram and an half ; of Sweet Almonds two pair , of the Seeds of white Poppies two drams , Plantane-water eight ounces , of Red-Poppy-water four ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated one ounce and an half ; make an Emulsion , to which add three drams of pearled Sugar , and half an ounce of the Juice of Citron ; mingle them , give four ounces thrice a day .

I order that the Sick should keep from Bed daily for some time , and that a gentle cooling Glister be injected every day , and a Paregorick Draught to be taken at Bed-time : But because sharp Humours often accompany such Hemorragies , besides Cooling and Revulsion , I order gentle Purging , even when the Disease is at height ; and when it has done Working , I give an Anodyn that is stronger than usual ; and when the Symptom is quite abated , I give another Purge .

As to External Applications , Rags four times doubled , and dipt in cold Water , wherein Sal Prunella has been dissolved , and gently press'd out , may be applied often in a day to the Neck ; and after general Evacuations the following Liquor may be applied .

Take of Hungarian Vitriol , and of Alum , each one ounce ; of the Flegm of Vitriol half a pint , boil them till all are dissolved ; filter the Liquor when it is cold , and separate it from the Cristals that sometimes arise ; to the remaining Liquor add a twelfth part of Oyl of Vitriol ; dip a Tent in this Liquor , and put it up the Nostril from whence the Blood flows , and leave it there two days .

Rags dipt in this Liquor and applied , stop Blood in any external part .

A Spitting of Blood , which I shall now treat of , seises Weakly People of a hot Constitution , whose Lungs are weak ; it happens chiefly to young People in the Spring or Summer-time .

It must be cured much the same way as the Bleeding at the Nose , only Purging must not be used often , for if it be the Sick will quickly fall into a Consumption .

Take of Lucatellus's Balsam one dram , of true Bole one scruple ; mingle them , and give it Morning and Evening , with a draught of the Traumatick Decoction .

Take of Plantane-water two ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated one ounce , of distill'd Vinegar half an ounce , of red Coral prepared half a dram , of Dragons Blood half a scruple , of London Laudanum two grains , of Syrup of Myrtles one ounce ; mingle them , give a Spoonful every hour till the Blood stops . Or ,

Take of Tincture of Roses one pint , of Comfry one ounce and an half ; mingle them , give a draught every fourth hour . Or ,

Take of Conserve of red Roses , and of Comfry , each three drams ; of Cutle-bone finely powdred two drams , of Crabs Eyes one scruple ; boil them in half a pint of Milk to four ounces ; let him eat and drink all . Or ,

Take of the Lohoch of Purslain one ounce and an half ; give three drams every fourth hour .

And lastly , Bleeding frequently used , a Glister every day injected , and Diacodium taken every Night at going to Bed , and also a Diet , and Medicines that thickens and cools , will perfect the Cure .

Of Diseases of the TONGUE .

CHAP. XLIII . Of an Inflammation of the Tongue , and other Tumours of it .

AS all parts of the Body , especially such as are fleshy , are wont to be inflamed , so also is the Tongue sometimes , by reason of Blood flowing into it ; and as it is Pure , Cholerick , Flegmatick or Melancholly , it occasions either a Flegmon , or an Erysipelas , an Oedema , or a Scirrhus , and sometimes it ends in Suppuration ; whereof Forestus mentions an Observation , of a Brewer who had a great Inflammation of the Tongue , which Suppurated .

But most commonly the Swelling of the Tongue is soft and loose , and purely Oedematous , of which Galen proposes an Example , of a Man whose Tongue was so tumified , that it could not be contained in his Mouth .

And sometimes also the Tongue grows excessively big , when there is no Oedema , no Scirrhus , nor any other kind of Tumour , and without any kind of Pain , and is only an increase proceeding from too great Nourishment of the part .

The Diagnostick of these Tumours is not difficult , for they may be seen ; but the differences of them may be so distinguish'd , if there be an Inflammation , Pain and Heat , and Redness attend it , and the Face is also affected therewith ; but if the Swelling proceed from Flegm , the Tongue is white , and much Flegm flows out , which tasts sweet and insipid : But if it be only an increase of the Tongue , there are no signs of other Tumours or ill Humours .

As to the Prognostick ; Tumours of the Tongue , for the most part , do not endanger Life , unless they grow so great , that Suffocation should be feared from thence , or take their rise from some Malignant Humour , which may generate a Cancer , which is known by Hardness , pricking Pain , and a livid Colour .

The Cure of an Inflammation of the Tongue , must be begun with such things as cause a Revulsion , and with repelling Medicines : And then first a loosening Glister must be injected , and a large quantity of Blood must be taken away ; presently after Cupping-glasses with Scarrification must be applied to the Shoulders ; afterwards cooling and repelling Gargarisms must be used . Galen commends the Juice of Lettice wherewith the Tongue must be washed ; or a Gargarism may be prepared , of a Decoction of Plantane , Nightshade , of Syrup of dried Roses .

After Bleeding Purging may be prescribed , with a Medicine made of Cholagogs and Flegmagogs .

The Fluxion being stopt by Evacuation , Revulsion and Derivation , the Derivation of the Humour stuft into the Tongue must be endeavoured ; to which end the Veins under the Tongue must be opened : But if it cannot be done , by reason of the bigness of the Tongue , a Cupping-glass , with Scarification , must be applied under the Chin.

If the Tumour tends to Suppuration , it must be promoted by applying a Fig cut in the middle , which must be frequently changed , or by a Gargarism made of a Decoction of Barly , Mallows , Violets , Figs , Raisins of the Sun , of the Seeds of Quinces and Fenugreek , adding to them Syrup of Violets and of Jujubs .

Suppuration being made , if the Abscess does not break of it self , let it be opened with a Knife , and the Ulcer must be presently cleansed with a Decoction of Barly , Agrimony and Plantane , with Honey of Roses .

But a soft and loose Tumour arising from Flegm , is cured first by Revulsion made by Bleeding , if the Sick abound with Blood ; afterwards some strong Purge must be given , as is the Pill Coch minor : But if the Sick cannot take Pills , a strong Purging Potion must be used .

After these Evacuations , cooling and repelling Medicines must be applied at the beginning : The Tongue may be washed with the Juices of Lemons , Pomegranates , Sorrel , of Plantane , or with Simple Oxymel , to which may be added in the increase of the Disease , a little Ginger , Sal Gemma , or Sal Armoniack . Zacutus Lusitanus in a very dangerous case , when Suffocation was feared , by reason of the bigness of the Tongue , applied four Leeches to it , and soon after a great quantity of Blood was evacuated , and the Tongue asswaged . The same Zacutus Scarrified the Tongue deep in a Boy of Ten Years of Age , when the Tongue was soft , and by that means a great quantity of Salt-water flowed out , and the Patient was presently cured .

Lastly , When the Tongue is much increased , Claudinus proposes the Cutting off the Superfluous Flesh , necessary Preparations being first used .

CHAP. XLIV . Of the Ranula under the Tongue .

THough in the foregoing Chapter we treated of the Tumours of the Tongue , yet one remains , which we thought best to treat of in a Chapter by it self , because it is of a different Nature from the others , and requires a different way of Cure .

A Ranula is a Tumour under the Tongue , in that part wherein it is joyned to its bridle ; and so great is this Tumour most commonly , that it rises higher than the lower Teeth ; a cleft is in the middle of it , whereby it is divided into right and left , and by this means it resembles the hinder part of a Frog , from whence it takes its name : It is of the Nature of a Meliceris , and the Matter which flows from it is like Honey , and contained in a Bag , and in this Bag a Stone is sometimes found .

It is most commonly without danger , but it is dangerous when it looks black and brown , and is hard , for then it is of a Cancerous Nature , and ought not to be medled with .

As to the Cure of this Disease , First the antecedent Cause must be taken away ; and if it be Inveterate , then you must use Cauteries and Sudorifick Decoctions , Afterwards you must endeavour to dissolve it by Topical Remedies .

Take of Pomegranate-peel , of dried Hyssop , and of common Salt , each two drams ; make a Powder to be held under the Tongue , and to be repeated often .

Forestus says , That a Girl of Twelve Years of Age was cured by this Remedy within two days : But in grown People it is best to use Sal Armoniack , which dissolves and penetrates more powerfully .

But if the Tumour cannot be cured by Medicines that discuss , it must be opened , which most commonly must be done ; for it is seldom dissolved ; but a large Apertio● must be made , that all the Matter may come out together ; afterwards the Ulcer must be washed , first with gentle things , as with a Decoction of Mallows , afterwards with cleansing things , as with Whitewine ▪ mixed with Honey of Roses : Lastly , With Oxymel : When the Ulcer appears clear , and free from the Bag , it must be cicatrized , by washing the Mouth often with Allum dissolved in Claret .

If the Ulcer be Inveterate , and cannot be cured by the foresaid Remedies , touch it twice a day with the Oyl of Sulphur , tempered with Rose-water , viz. Mix one drop of the Oyl with five or six drops of the Water ; for so the Intemperies will be corrected , and the part dried ; which may be also strengthned by washing the Mouth often with a Dissolution of Allum in Claret : But if it will not be cured by these means , the actual Cautery must be used . You may see the manner of using of it in Paraeus , Book VII . Chap. 5.

CHAP. XLV . Of Tasting diminished , abolished or depraved .

TAsting , as the other Senses , and all the Actions of the Body , is injured three ways , it is diminished , abolished and depraved . It is diminished when it scarce perceives Tasts that are not strong , and but little such as are . It is abolished when it cannot taste any thing . And lastly , It is depraved , when it supposes the Object tasts differently from what it really does .

The Causes of Diminution , and Abolition of Tasting are the same , they only differ in degree ; for if they are small , they only diminish the Taste ; if they are great they abolish it .

The Causes are either a Defect of the Animal Spirits in the part , or an Intemperies of the Nerve , that comes from the third Pair to the Tongue , or the Tongue it self is some way preternaturally indisposed .

The Spirits are in fault , either by reason of the Paucity of them , as in People that are Dying ; or upon account of Obstructions of the Nerves of the third Pair through which they are conveyed ; or by reason of a Tumour in that part of the Brain from whence the Nerves rise .

The Tongue is either covered with a moist and Flegmatick Humour , or it is affected with Tumours , Pustles or Ulcers ; and by these its proper Action , or the Sense of Tasting , may be either diminished or abolished .

The Taste is depraved when the Tongue is affected with some vitious Humour , as in Feavers , when it is infected with Choler , all things seem bitter ; and when it is infected with Salt Flegm , or a Melancholly Humour , all things taste Acid or Salt ; for the External Objects coming upon the Tongue move the vitious Juice of it ; and so all things that are tasted seem of the same Taste with the Humour in the Tongue : But sometimes the Tongue perceives the Taste of the Juices contained in it , although no External Object come near it . This is daily seen in Feavers , when the Tongue is infected with Choler , for if it be very bitter , there is continually a bitter Taste in the Mouth .

The Diversity of the foresaid Causes may be known by the Variety of the Tasts , and by the Disposition of the Tongue ; A sweet Tast , and a Redness of the Tongue signifies Blood , bitter Taste and a Yellow Colour signifies Choler ; whiteness with Sweetness Flegm ; a brown Colour and Sharpness Melancholly ; an abominable Taste shows ill Humours contained in the Stomach : Pustles , Tumours , and Ulcers may be easily seen . But lastly , if there be no Alteration seen in the Tongue , and yet the tast is either diminished or abolished , we must suppose that the Cause lies hid in the Brain or Nerves .

The Cure is various according to the Variety of the Causes , and therefore if the Disease be in the Brain or Nerves , such Medicines must be ordered as are used for the Cure of a Palsie : But when the Taste is depraved by vitious Humours , that Symptom most commonly proceeds from other Diseases , especially from Feavers , which being cur'd the Symptom ceases ,

If the Taste be injured by Tumours , the Cure of it depends on the Cure of them .

Lastly , If the Fault arise from Pustles or Ulcers of the Tongue , the Cure of those must be undertaken by bleeding , and purging , and with the Application of cooling drying and astringent Topicks , in the Form of a Gargarism . But if the Ulcers are sordid , they must be cleansed with Honey of Roses , sharpned moderately with Oyl of Vitriol , or of Sulphur . But when you would dry more powerfully , the affected Part must be touched once and again with the Oyls unmixed . And so may be cured Aphthae and all Ulcers of the Mouth and Tongue presently .

CHAP. XLVI . Of a Palsie of the Tongue , and of the Motion of it Hurt .

THe chief Action of the Tongue is Speech , and that is abolished , diminished and depraved by various Causes , which have Reference to Simular , Organick , or common Diseases . As to Simular , a moist Intemperies joyned with Matter renders the Tongue too soft and loose , so that it cannot move readily ; also too much Dryness hinders Speech , which happens in Feavers ; but Organick Diseases are magnitude increased , as was said before of Tumours , which hinders the free Motion of the Tongue ; the Figure of it faulty , as when the Tongue is naturally too short , or when the Top of it is cut off , or when the Bridle is too strait , and an Obstruction of the Nerves of the seventh Pair , which are brought to the Muscles that move the Tongue .

Lastly , Common Diseases are a Solution of the Continuum , and Wounds of the Part.

Too great a Moisture of the Tongue causes Stammering , and such so affected cannot pronounce the Letter R , and it is either native as in Children , who by reason of too great Moisture are troubled with it , and are freed from it in Progress of Time , whereby the Superfluous Moisture is consumed ; But in some it remains all their Life long , and they always Stammer .

But in some Stammering is accedental , and comes from a Catarrh , and from a great Fluxion of a Flegmatick Humour falling upon the Jaws or Tongue , and is cured by Evacuation , Revulsion , and Derivation , and by strengthning and drying the Head .

The Cure of a Palsie of the Tongue , is performed by taking off the antecedent Cause , viz. The Humour abounding in the Brain , and by discussing the Conjunct Cause , viz. the Humour thrust into the Nerves moving the Tongue . And first , Purging must be ordered , and Bleeding must be used if Blood abound , and such a Quantity must be taken away as is agreeable to the Age and Strength of the Patient ; afterwards Cephalick things must be used , and if the Diseases be obstinate , a Sudorifick Diet-drink .

After universal Evacuations , Derivation of the Morbifick Matter must be made by Cupping-glasses , and Blisters applied to the Neck , and by an Issue in the hinder part of the Head .

Avicen applies a Cupping-glass to the Chin , which is also approved of by late Authors . Bleeding under the Tongue is also used successfully after general Evacuations ; and to discuss the Humour the following Gargarism is frequently used .

Take of the Roots of Florentine-orris half an ounce , of the Leaves of wild Marjoram , Sage , Staechas , Rosemary , each half an handful , of Cubebs three drams , of Liquorish , one ounce ; boil them in equal Parts of Water , and Whitewine added towards the end ; to one Pint strain it , and dissolve in it two ounces of Oxymel of Squils ; mlke a Gargarism . But if it be not strong enough to do the business , two or three drams of the Roots of Pellitory of Spain , or the like quantity of Mustard-seed may be added to it . Castor also may be added if it be not too unpleasing .

The Juice of Sage is much commended the Tongue being rub'd with it , you may also add Mustard-seed to it . The following Pills may be also held frequently upon the Tongue .

Take of the Juice of Bettony , and Liquorish , each one dram and an half , of Castor , and Assa-faetida , each half a dram , of Nutmeg , and Spicknard , each one scruple , make them up into small Pills with Honey ,

Fumes and Powders sprinkled into the Hair , and the like , must be used to strengthen the Brain , and to discuss the Relicts of the Flegmatick Humour .

And lastly , To hinder the Growth of new Matter , which the Intemperies of the Brain is wont to cause , after general and particular Evacuations things that strengthen the Head must be used .

Of Diseases of the Gums , Teeth , Jaws , Uvula , and Larynx .

CHAP. XLVII . Of Pains of the Teeth .

THe Pain of the Teeth is occasioned by the Influx of Humours , which are either Cold , Flegmatick , Hot , Serous , Salt , or Acrid ; Worms also bred in rotten Teeth occasions Pain , and some think that the Pain proceeds sometimes from Wind.

The External and Procatarctick Causes occasioning Pain in the Teeth , are all those things which promote Fluxion of Humours ; the chief whereof are cold Air , or Southerly Winds , standing long in the Heat of the Sun , or abroad in the Night , surfetting , and all Errors in Diet. To these add Rottenness of the Teeth , which weakens them and renders them more apt to receive Fluxions .

The Diversity of the Causes may be known by various Signs , when the Pain arises from hot Humours it is very violent , the Constitution hot , the Age flourishing , it is Summer , there is great Heat in the Part , and often an Inflammation of the Gums , cooling Medicines give Ease ; hot increase the Pain ; But if the Pain arise from cold Humours , Signs contrary to these appear .

If Worms are the Cause the Pain is by Intervals , and the Motion of the Worm is sometimes perceived in the Part.

Pain is likewise produced by a Flatuous Spirit , which appears by the vehemency and tearing Pain which is felt in the Part , and which goes off in a little time , and is easily cured , by applying discutient Remedies to the place .

The Prognostick is various according to the Variety of the Causes . A Pain which is occasioned by a hot , thin , or sharp , acrid and salt Humour , is the more vehement indeed , but sooner goes off , by reason of the sudden Changes of the Humours ; that which proceeds from a cold and Flegmatick Humour , is more gentle but of longer Duration .

A Tumour arising in the Gums or Jaws , eases the Pain of the Teeth , by reason that the Fluxion is carried to the exterior Parts ; so that it falls no more upon the Cavity of the Teeth .

As to the Cure , the Cause of the Pain must be taken away , and the Pain it self mitigated . And although Anodyns have no great Effect , unless the Fluxion be taken off , yet it is often so violent , that it must not only be mitigated with Anodyns , properly so called , but also with Narcoticks before the Cause be removed . Therefore the Humour which flows to the Teeth must be drawn back , evacuated and repelled ; that which is already flown in , must be discussed and carried off by Derivation .

First therefore , If the Pain arise from hot Humours , Bleeding must be used in the Arm of the same Side , whereby a Revulsion of the Humour may be made ; but if the Pain proceeds from cold Humours , Bleeding is not so proper , but by reason of the Fluxion it may be used because it principally makes Revulsion ; but a small quantity of Blood must be taken away , unless the Signs of a Plethora appear ; for in that case large Bleeding may be allowed , which is the best means to ease the Pain in the Teeth , and all other Pains .

The next Day some purging Medicine must be given , that is proper for the peccant Humour ; afterwards if the Pain continues , Cupping-glasses with Scarification must be applied to the Shoulders , or a large Cupping-glass without Scarification ; a Blister may be applied to the Neck or behind the Ears , for it draws powerfully the Humours backward .

And to stop the Flux Astringents are properly applied to the Temples ; such are the Plaisters of Gum-elemi , of Mastich alone , or ad Herniam .

The fresh Roots of Comfrey , bruised and applied to the Temples are excellent for stopping of Fluxion , also the Powder , of Allum and Galls made into a Plaister with Pitch are very effectual .

Riverius , chief Physician to Henry the Great , kept the following Plaister as a great Secret .

Take of Pine-nuts , and red Roses , of the Seeds of Cresses torrified , of Mastich , and seal'd Earth , each one dram and an half , infuse them in Rose Vinegar twenty four Hours , afterwards dry them , and add of Opium dissolved in Aqua Vitae three ounces , of Ship Pitch and Colophony , each one Ounce , of Yellow Wax melted in the Oyls of Henbane , and white Poppies , by Expression a sufficient quantity , make a Plaister , which must be applied to the Arteries and pained Part.

Medicines also are put into the Ears for Pain in the Teeth , because the Arteries which nourish the Teeth do pass by the Ears ; upon that account , Oyl of bitter Almonds is put into the Ear next to the Tooth affected , also a Suffumigation of Vinegar , in which Penyroyal , or wild Marjoram hath been boiled , is often used .

Vinegar is also dropt into the Ear , by which the Fluxion is powerfully stopped , and it is most effectual in a hot Fluxion .

But in a hot Fluxion , Juice of Garlick mixed with Venice Treacle , and dropt warm into the Ear , mitigates the Pain powerfully : Also the Root of Garlick , the Bark being taken off , and made in the form of a Suppository , and put into the Ear , produces the same Effect .

Astringents are also applied in the beginning of the Fluxion , and they ought to be cold if the Matter be hot ; but if it be cold , hot Medicines mixed with those that are repelling are to be used ; in whatever Cause , if the Pain be violent , Anodyns are to be mixed with Discutients . To which Purpose the following Medicine may be prescribed .

Take of the Roots of Cinquefoil , Bistort , Tormentill , each one dram , of the Leaves of Vervain , Plantain , and Mullein , each one handful , Cypress-nuts , Galls , and Cups of Acrons , each two drams , of red Sanders , a dram and an half , of red Roses , and Balaustines , each one pugil , boil them in astringent Wine and Vinegar , fomeri● the pained Part with this Decoction frequently .

This Decoction may be used in the beginning of a hot Fluxion , in a cold one you may add the Roots of Cyperus , the Bark of Box-wood , Ivy-leaves and the like .

A more Simple Medicine may be prepared of Plantain , and Rose Water , with a little Vinegar , after the manner of an Oxycrat .

Or the Teeth must be washed with a Decoction of Galls in Vinegar . Or ,

Take of Cinquefoil-roots half an ounce , of Willow-leaves half an handful , boil them in astringent Wine , and wash the Mouth with the Decoction .

This Decoction stops the Fluxion , and eases Pain .

After that these Remedies have been used which mitigate the Pain , and discuss the Cause of it , of which there are a great Number proposed by Authors , and also by the common People . We shall in the next Place propose those that are more effectual ; of the which such Choice is to be made , that these which not only resolve , and discuss , but also stop the Flux , being mixed with astringents , in the beginning and increase of the Disease , those which only discuss in the Height and Declination .

Take of the Juice of House-leek , and Night-shade , each two ounces , of Cow or Sheeps-milk , eight ounces , Oyl of Roses , Omphacin , one ounce and an half , of OpiUm and Saffron , each three grains , mix them and apply a Rag dipt in the Liquor warm often to the Jaws where the pained Tooth is . Or ,

Take of the Pap of sweet Apples boiled two ounces , of Bra● infused in Vinegar , three ounces , Oyl of Roses , Omphacin one Dram , Saffron half a scruple , of Opium two grains , mix them and make a Cataplasm to be applied to the part affected . Or ,

Take of wheaten and Bean-flower , each three ounces , of Oyl of Roses compleat , and of sweet Almonds , each half an ounce , of the Juice of the greater House-leek an ounce and an half , of Milk a sufficient quantity , make a Cataplasm , to be often applied warm to the Part affected . Or ,

Take the Whites of two Eggs , beat them with Rose-water , with Rags whereon two drams of Pepper powdered has been sprinkled , apply them over the whole Cheek affected .

Nevertheless it is carefully to be noted , that Astringents be not applied to the Jaws if they be tumified , least the Humour be repelled back , and should suffocate the Patient .

Cotton dipt in Oyl of Cloves , and put into the Hollow Tooth is frequently used to ease the Pain , Oyl of Box also does the same .

But if the Pain be so violent that it cannot be quelled with the foresaid Remedies , we must use Narcoticks , which may be applied to the pained Tooth , but they most certainly give Ease being taken inwardly ; you may give three or four grains of the London Laudanum , it gives ease and stops the Fluxion .

Take of Opium , Mirrh , and Labdanum , each one Dram , powder them , and boil them in Whitewine to the Consistance of a Liniment , mix Cotton with it , and stop the Hollow Tooth .

If Worms are in the Teeth , they must be killed by bitter things .

Take of Aloes one Dram , of Champhor ten Grains , of Aqua Vitae half a dram , mingle them , and apply them to the Teeth with Cotton ,

It is to be noted , that there is seldom a Pain in the Teeth , unless they are Hollow , and untill they are eaten through to the Nerve ; wherefore that the Pain may be taken off , the Nerve must be burnt , either with an actual Cautery , or with Aqua fortis , or Oyl of vitriol put into the Cavity .

But if notwithstanding all these means the Pain continues , the Tooth must be drawn , but care must be taken that the Tooth be not drawn when the Fluxion rushes violently upon it , or when the Headach accompanies it ; or the Gums are swelled , and when the Pain is violent ; and the Tooth-drawer must be admonished , that he does not pluck it out violently at once , least a concussion of the Brain shou'd follow , or the breaking of the Jaw-bone , upon which violent Bleeding , a Feaver , and sometimes Death comes . As soon as the Tooth is drawn , the Part from whence it is taken must be pressed on every side , that it may be restored to its natural State , afterwards let the Sick wash his Mouth with warm Oxycrat , and let him be careful least he catch cold , whereby a new Fluxion may fall upon other Teeth .

But if Blood flow so much as that it can scarce be stopt , which sometimes happens , though the Jaw be not broken , by reason of a Vein or Artery torn . This Flux of Blood is most commonly stopt by applying Lint rolled up hard , and pressing it hard down an hour or two with the Fingers . But if this does not succeed ; burnt Vitriol must be applyed , and a Rag dipt in Vinegar over it , which also must be pressed down with the Finger , till it be crusted . The last Remedy is an actual Cautery , which presently stops the Blood .

But if any timerous Person cannot bare the drawing of a Tooth , but desires to have it extracted by Remedies .

Those things are to be tryed , which are proposed every where by Authors for the same purpose , as a Paste made of Frankincense powdered , a little Starch , and the Milk of Spurge , the Root of Crow-foot , the Bark of the Root of Mulberry Tree , the Ashes of Earth-Worms , Pellitory of Spain steep'd in Vinegar , the Root of wild Cucumber infused in Vinegar , and the like . But Bears-foot is the most effectual , the Tooth being rub'd with the Leaf of it bruised , but great care must be taken , that the other Teeth be not touched with it ; for if so , they wou'd be in danger to drop out . A certain Country Fellow being grievously afflicted with the Toothach , desired another to rub his Teeth with Bears-foot , who unwarily rub'd almost all his Teeth with it , and in a few hours almost all of them dropt out . Wherefore if any one intends to use so violent a Medicine , I wou'd advise him to cover the rest of his Teeth with Wax to secure them .

Though the Tumour arising in the Jaws most commonly takes off the Pain of the Teeth , the Matter being translated to the outward parts ; yet to procure Ease the sooner some Remedies must be used : The following Liniment does good .

Take of Fresh-Butter and Hens-grease each one ounce , of the Powder of Florentine Orris one dram , of Saffron half a Scruple , of Oyl of Camomil , and Oyl of Sweet-Almonds , each half an Ounce ; make a Liniment to be applied to the Jaws .

A Cataplasm made of Figs bread and Vinegar operate sooner .

Nettles bruised and applied to the Jaws soon ease the Pain .

This Cure is for the present Pain , but if it be wont to return frequently , the generation of Humours flowing to the part must be hindred , and the Teeth must be strengthned , that they may not so easily receive the Humours flowing to them .

CHAP. XLVIII . Of Black and Rotten Teeth .

THE Teeth are often Black , Yellow or Livid , by reason of vitious Humours sticking to their Superficies , which by lying long on them corrode , and make them rotten ; ill Vapors do the same , which arise from unwholsome Meats eaten , or from an Intemperies of the Stomach ; Quick-silver used to the whole Body , or to the Face to Beautifie it , blackens the Teeth : Upon which account Women that use Paint are wont to have black or foul Teeth .

In order to the Cure , the antecedent Cause must be first removed , and if ill Humours abounding in the Stomach occasion this Disease , they must be evacuated , and the Intemperies producing it must be corrected , and a good Course of Diet must be ordered , and such Meats must be avoided as are apt to corrupt the Teeth , especially those that are Sweet .

There are a great many Medicines proposed to whiten the Teeth by Authors , which every one may make trial of ; we use only one , which presently frees the Teeth from all Filthiness , and renders them white ; and also preserves them from a Caries , that is , the Spirit of Vitriol or of Sulphur , in which a small Stick wrapt round with a Rag may be dipt , and the Teeth rubbed with it , and presently after the Teeth must be dried with a clean Linnen Cloth .

When the Teeth are very foul , the pure Oyl may be used , or mixed with Honey of Roses , or it may be corrected with Simple Water , least the use of it corrode the Gums . Montanus relates that he learned this from a Woman at Rome , whom he had seen when he was very young , and she about the Age of Twenty ; he found her afterwards when she was Fifty in the same Condition , who had preserved her Beauty and Strength by the use of the Oyl of Vitriol ; and that her Teeth which were very ill in her Youth were become firm and clean in her old Age by the use of it ; for she was wont daily to rub her Teeth and Gums gently with a drop or two of it .

The Ashes of Tobacco are also excellent to cleanse and whiten the Teeth .

But to preserve them and to keep them clean , they must be daily cleansed from Filth , and Meat that sticks in them , by a Tooth-picker , made of the Lignum Leutiscinum . Afterwards you must wash the Mouth with Wine , and the Teeth must be rubbed with the following Powder .

Take of the Roots of Bistort , Allum , and White Coral , each one ounce ; make a fine Powder wherewith rub the Teeth .

CHAP. XLIX . Of the Errosion and Vlceration of the Gums .

THE Gums are eaten and ulcerated by Acrid and Corroding Humours flowing to them from the Brain , Stomach , Spleen , and other Parts . Splenetick People are more especially troubled with Ulcers of the Gums , and such as are Scorbutick ; and sometimes also the Gums are corroded by Worms , or by the Humours that occasion them ; so that when they continue long to be so , they signifie Worms to be in the Body . Fabritius Hildanus mentions an Observation of a Boy , that was much troubled a long while with corroded Gums , and after he had tried many Medicines both inward and outward , at length he died , and his Body being opened , there were found great numbers of Worms , which had eaten through his Guts , and lay in the Cavity of the Belly .

The Cure must be first directed to the Antecedent Cause , and the Peccant Humours must be evacuated by Bleeding and Purging . The Acrid and Hot must be attemperated by Apozems , Juleps , and medicated Broths , and the like . And the Fluxions of the same Humours is to be turned , by applying Cupping-glasses to proper places . And lastly , The Diseases of the Part principally affected must be cured .

And afterwards we must use Topicks , which are to be varied according to the greatness of the Disease , for in a simple Errosion those things are only to be applied which are Astringent and dry : And first the following Lotion must be used .

Take of unripe Galls , of the Cups of Acorns , and of Balaustins , each one dram ; of red Roses one Pugil ; of Crude-allum three drams ; boil them in two parts of Smiths water , and one of rough Wine : The Teeth must be often washed with this Water , and if the Errosion is not cured with it , the following Opiat must be used .

Take of Dragons Blood three drams , of Wood of Aloes , red Roses , Spodium , Harts-horn burnt till it is white , and Cypress Nuts , each one dram ; of Myrrh , and the Ashes of Tobacco , each one dram ; of Allum two drams ; make of all a Powder , mix it with Honey , and add to it a few drops of Spirit of Vitriol or Sulphur , make an Opiat , which you must spread upon a rag , and apply to the Gums at Bed-time .

Spirit of Sulphur either by it self or mixed with Honey of Roses , cleanses and whitens the Teeth , and cures the Corruption of the Gums .

If the Ulcer is deep or sordid , you must use the following Balsam .

Take of choice Myrrh , and of Sugar-candy , each equal parts ; powder them , and fill the white of an Egg with them first boiled hard and cut in the middle , afterwards bind it up with Thread , and hang it in a Cellar , put a Glass under for the Liquor to drop into , wherewith anoint the part affected often in a day .

But if the foresaid Remedies will not do the business , and if the Tooth near the Ulcer be rotten , it must be drawn out , and the Ulcer will be soon cured , otherwise it will be incurable .

CHAP. L. Of Blood flowing from the Gums .

BLOOD sometimes flows in a great quantity from the Gums , either Critically or Symptomatically : But though a Critical Hemorrhage seldom happens by the Gums , yet that it does so sometimes , Experience and the Observations from Authors show .

It flows Symptomatically from the Gums , by reason of its Acrimony , and of the vitious Constitution of the Spleen , and also the Scurvy : It also sometimes flows plentifully after the drawing of a Tooth ; the little Artery being torn , which was inserted into the Root of the Tooth ; upon which account sometimes so much Blood flows as kills the Patient .

The Cure of a Symptomatick Flux is performed by Bleeding , and Purging , and other Remedies that correct the Disorders of the Bowels ; afterwards Topicks must be used that are of an Astringent Nature , in the form of a Gargarism , Lotion , Powder , Liniment , or Opiate .

If a great quantity of Blood flows upon drawing a Tooth , Revulsion first must be made by Bleeding , and Cupping-glasses and Astringent Medicines must be applied to the part ; as a Cataplasm made of Bole-armenick , Dragons Blood , sealed Earth , and other Astringents mixed with the white of an Egg.

If these things do not do , the Patient must apply his Finger to the part from whence the Blood flows , and must be kept there so long , till the Blood coagulated upon the Orifice of the Artery stops the Flux .

If the Blood cannot be stopt by these gentle means , stronger must be used . Chalcitis burnt and applied , stops Blood wonderfully , Gum-arabick powder'd , and the Cavity fill'd with it , is also of use : So is also the Powder called Thuraloes , applied with the white of an Egg and Hares Down .

CHAP. LI. Of Vlcers of the Mouth and Jaws .

SMALL and Superficial Ulcers of the Mouth are called Aphthae , and when they are large they go under the common name of Ulcers , as those are that happen to Pocky People .

These Ulcers are wont to be generated by Acrid Humours , or Vapors translated from various parts of the Body to the Jaws . So in Malignant Feavers , such Ulcers frequently happen , and to those which are of a hot Constitution , and are subject to an Intemperies of the Parts , and to others that abound with corrupted Humours , upon which Account Children are frequently troubled with Aphthae .

These Ulcers are various , not only for that some are small , some greater , and because some trouble Children , and some grown People , but also because an Inflammation accompanies some of them , and others it do's not . These various Degrees happen according to the variety of Humours from whence they are generated , for either they proceed from Blood , Choler , Flegm , or Melancholy , or rather from black Choler , which is of a burning and malignant Quality .

But these Differences may be known by their proper Signs , for red Ulcers proceed from Blood , yellow from Choler , white from Flegm , livid from black Choler , a stinking Ulcer signifies Putrefaction .

As to the Prognostick , Aphthae properly so called are easily cured , but deep Ulcers , or such as are putrid are difficultly cured , and they are most dangerous in Children , both because they spread more by reason of the Softness of their Flesh , and also , because they cannot bear strong Medicines ; upon which account Children sometimes die of them , if they are accompanied with Putrefaction and Malignity .

And with respect to the Cause from whence they proceed , they are more or less Dangerous ; if they proceed from Flegm there is little Danger , if from Blood , or Choler , there is more , if from black Choler most of all .

Black and crusty Ulcers are deadly , especially in Children .

Ulcers of the Jaws accompanied with a Feaver are dangerous .

As to the Cure , a cooling and drying Diet must be ordered to hinder the Generation of the Antecedent Cause ; wherefore if in Children , the Disease arises from a Fault in the Milk , either the Nurse must be changed , or her Milk must be corrected by proper Meats and Drinks , and by Bleeding and purging if there be Occasion .

But you must be sure to prescribe a cooling and astringent Diet to the Nurse , as Quinces , Pears , Medlars , Lettice , and Purslain . The same must be prescribed for grown People , and they must avoid acrid , salt , and peppered Meats .

Moreover with respect to the antecedent Cause , universal Evacuations must be prescribed , according to the Age of the Sick , and first , Bleeding makes a powerful Revulsion of Humours flowing to the Part , and attemperates their Acrimony , and cools the whole Body . Afterwards Cupping-glasses with Scarification must be applied , Leeches behind the Ears , and under the Chin , and a Blister must be applied to the Neck . The next Day after Bleeding Purging must be ordered suitable to the peccant Humour , and the Age ,

At the same time , viz. From the very beginning of the Cure , Topicks must be applied ; but such as are gentle must be first used , as Gargarisms , or Lotions made with the Waters of Plantain , or Honey-suckle , and sweetned with Syrup of dried Roses , or of Mulberries , or of a Decoction , of Plantain Leaves , Bramble-tops , knot-grass , Balaustins , red Sanders , and the like , with the foresaid Syrups . And if there be an Inflammation , it is proper to add the Juice of Night-shade , House-leek or of Purslain , and Sal Prunella , in such Quantity as may not sharpen it too much , or instead of them a small Quantity of Crude Allum may be mixed with it . If there be no Inflammation , Spirit of Vitriol , or Sulphur is the only Remedy which may be used by it self to grown People ; The Ulcer being touched with a Stick wrapped round the top , with a Rag dipt in it , and so simple Aphthae will be cured immediately .

But for Children the Spirit must be mixed with Honey of Roses to mitigate the Sharpness , and must be used with a Stick , as above directed .

If the Ulcers are very painful , and accompanied with Inflammation ; the Mouth must be often gargled with Milk , or with an Emulsion of the cold Seeds , or with a Mucilage of the Seeds of Fleabean , and of Quinces extracted with Plantain and Rose-water .

Lastly , If the pain be so very obstinate that it cannot be appeased by the Revulsions and Topicks proposed ; but by Reason of the Violence of it , sharp Humours are continually attracted , and long Watchings occasioned , and a Wasting of the whole Body , whereby the Life is much endangered , the last Remedy are Narcoticks , which ease the Pain , and hinders the Influx of the Humours , they are to be dosed according to the Age and Strength of the Patient .

I cured a Boy , says Riverius , of four Years of Age , when he was just dying , by giving him a grain of Laudanum . His Jaws and Tongue were full of deep Ulcers , and the Inflammation so great , that he cou'd not bear Topick Remedies , and the Flux of Humours so much , that they flowed perpetually out of his Mouth like a Stream , and the Child cryed Night and Day .

If the Ulcer be putrid , and sordid , it must be first washed with a Decoction made of Barley and Honey of Roses , and in Children , with Milk wherein Steel has been quenched , mixed with conserve of Roses ; afterwards you must use things that are stronger , Honey of Roses is the chief , made acid with the Spirit of Vitriol .

If these are not sufficient , burnt Allum may be added to the things abovementioned , or Unguentum Aegyptiacum , in a greater or lesser quantity , according to the Degree of the Diseases .

Lastly , If the Ulcer of the Jaws proceed from the French Pox , it cannot be cured until that is taken off .

CHAP. LII . Of the Relaxation of the Uvula .

THe Relaxation of the Uvula , happens by reason of a Flegmatick Humour , falling from the Head upon it , wherewith some Blood is often mixed , and then an Inflammation accompanies the Relaxation , which also frequently happens to the Almonds , concerning the Cure of which Inflammations we shall say nothing ; because the Cure of them is performed by the same Remedies which were proposed for the Cure of an Inflammation of the Tongue , and for Ulcers of the Mouth with Inflammation .

The Flegmatick Humour falling upon the Uvula , moistens , softens , and so relaxes it , that it touches the upper part of the Oesophagus , and creates Nauseousness , and those that are so affected , always endeavour in vain to swallow something that lies at the top of the Oesophagus , and by this Sign without Inspection , the Relaxation of the Uvula may be known .

The Cure of it must be first directed to the anticedent cause , wherefore the Humours flowing from the Head , must be evacuated , and diverted by those Remedies which are proposed for the Cure of a Catarrh .

The Topicks which are used in the Beginning must be astringent and repellent , such as were proposed for Ulcers in the Jaws and Gums ; afterwards the things that are drying and astringent must be mixed with them ; and though the Gargarisms proposed in the said Places , are profitable in these Cases ; yet when there is no Inflammation , the use of Powders is more effectual . For by them the relaxed Uvula is more powerfully dried and contracted . And therefore the Bark of Pomegranates finely powdered should be first used , and in progress a little Pepper may be used with it . Or ,

Take of red Roses , Balaustines , Pomegranate-peel , each half a dram , of the Roots of Bistort , Tormentil , and unripe Galls , and of Florentine-orris , each one dram , of burnt Allum two Scruples , make a Powder .

Common Chyrurgeons apply long Pepper powdered to it , but it is not safe , for there is Danger least the Humours should be drawn violently to the Part affected , and so should occasion some great Mischief .

The manner of using these Powders is as follows : The Tongue must be depressed with a Speculum-oris , and then with a Spatula , or with a small Spoon for the Purpose ; the Powder must be conveyed to the Uvula , often in a Day , till the Humour imbibed be wholly consumed .

But if the Uvula relaxed cannot be reduced by the foresaid Remedies to it's former State , but still continues troublesome by being so long , the top of it must be cut off ; but care must be taken that too much of it be not cut off , for if so the Speech and Respiration wou'd be injured .

CHAP. LIII . Of a Quinsie .

IT comes at any Time of the Year , especially between Spring and Summer , and chiefly seizes young Men , and such as are of a Sanguine Constitution , and red hair'd People , ( which I have often observed ) more than any other , they shiver and shake presently , a Feaver follows , and a little after a Pain and Inflammation of the Jaws , and if the Patient be not presently relieved , he can neither swallow nor draw his Breath through his Nostrils ; so that he is under the apprehension of strangling , by reason the Jaws are stopt by the Inflammation and Tumour of the Uvula , Almonds , and Larynx , and is indeed in a manner suffocated . There is great Danger in this Disease , for it sometimes destroys a Man in a few Hours .

In order to the Cure , I presently take away Blood plentifully from the Arm , and presently afterwards from the Veins under the Tongue , and then I order that the inflamed Parts shou'd be touched with Honey of Roses , made very sharp with Spirit of Sulphur , and that the following Gargarism shou'd be used not after the common Way , but that it shou'd be kept in the Mouth without any Agitation till it wax hot , and then that it shou'd be spit out , and that it should be repeated now and then .

Take of Plantane-water , and red Rose-water , and of the Water of the Spawn of Frogs , each four ounces ; the Whites of three Eggs turned to a Water by beating , of White Sugar-candy three Drams , make a Gargarism .

I likewise order , that the Patient take dayly of the Emulsion prescribed in the Cure of a Pleurisie or the like . The next Morning I bleed again , unless the Feaver , and difficulty of Swallowing somewhat abate , and defer Purging till the next Day : But if both these are lessened , I presently give a lenitive Purge . If the Feaver and other Symptoms are like to be troublesome , after purging they are to be quelled by Bleeding repeated as before , by applying a large and strong Blister to the Neck , a cooling and emollient Glister is to be injected every Morning , except when the Patient purges , through the whole course of the Disease . The use of Flesh of all kinds , and their Broths are to be forbid , and the Patient is to be dieted with Oatmeal and Barley Broths , and roasted Apples , and the like , let him use a Ptisan of Barley or small Beer . Let him keep up some Hours every Day , for the warmth of the Bed heightens the Feaver , and other Symptoms . But it is to be noted , that such a Quinsie which is only a Symptom of a Feaver I call stationary , is to be cured by that Method which is requisite for the Feaver , and so is either to be taken off by Sweat and Transpiration , or by any other Method of Cure which is necessary for the primary Feaver whereon it depends , which is worth Observation .

CHAP. LIV. Of an Asthma .

THough an Asthma is taken for a Difficulty of Breathing in general , yet it principally Signifies that which proceeds from a stoppage of the Lungs , and an Obstruction of the Bronchia , which of its own Nature is without a Feaver , though sometimes a Feaver accompanies it .

An Asthma is divided into three Species , one is called Dyspnoea , another Asthma , the third Orthopnoea .

A Dyspnoea is a difficulty of Breathing , arising from an Obstruction of the Lungs ; this is less than an Asthma , or Orthopnoea , and arises from a smaller Quantity of Matter that obstructs more the Substance of the Lungs , than the Bronchia ; upon which account there is no Wheezing , which is occasioned by a Commotion of the Humour contained in the Bronchia .

An Asthma is a great and frequent Respiration , wherein the Diaphagma , the intercostal Muscles , and the Muscles of the Abdomen are violently moved , and a Wheezing accompanies it .

But an Orthopnoea , is the greatest Difficulty of Breathing , wherein the Sick can only breath , as the Word signifies , sitting upright .

The Cure of an Asthma is twofold , one in the Fit , and the other out of it ; in the Fit a Glister being first given , Bleeding must be used ; if Blood seem to abound in any Degree , and the Sick must be placed upright in a free Air , and Smoak , or the Breath of the Standers by must not offend him ; and his Cloathes , or any thing else that covers his Breast must be loosned .

After Bleeding , or it being omitted , if it be not thought proper , a Phlegmagogue Purge must be given .

As to Vomits , though some dislike them , yet are they very proper in this Disease , as is evident by Experience , and frequently the Fit is taken off by this Remedy alone . Sharp Glisters are often to be injected to make a Revulsion , nevertheless their Quantity ought to be small Frictions in the inferior Parts are also to be used , and many Cupping-glasses are to be applied to them , and to the Neck ; afterwards the gross Humours must be moistned and attenuated , and the Wind arising from them must be discussed , to which Purpose the following Medicines must be given .

Take of Gum Ammoniack and Bdellium dissolved in Vinegar of Squills , each one dram and an half of Castor , and of the Flowers of Sulphur , each half a dram , of Millepedes prepared one dram , of Salt of Ambar one scruple , of Elixir Proprietatis half a dram , with a sufficient quantity of Oxymel , make small Pills ; Let him take four Morning and Evening , drinking upon them three Spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of the Waters of Rue , Black-Cherries , Lime-flowers , each two ounces , of compound Peony , and compound Briony-waters , and of Spirit of Castor , each one ounce , of Syrup of Staethas , and Gilly-flowers , each one ounce and an half , mingle them and make a Julep .

Take of the Nerve Plaister half an ounce , of Oyl of Amber four Drops , of Balsam of Sulphur half a dram , mingle them , spread a Plaister upon Leather , and apply it to the Breast .

Take of the Cephalick , Plaister with Euphorbium a sufficient Quantity , make Plaisters for the Soles of the Feet .

In the mean while , things that expectorate the gross Matter must be used .

Take of the Pectoral Decoction a quart , add to it of Spirit of Salt-armoniack half a dram , of Oxymel of Squils half an ounce , of Tincture of Castor one dram , of Ground-ivy Water three ounces , mingle them , let him take six Spoonfuls every two Hours . Or ,

Take of the Seeds of Annise finely powdered , and of Powder of Liquorish , each three drams ; of the Flowers of Sulphur one dram and an half ; mingle them , add two ounces and an half of the best Honey , dissolved in three ounces of Cinnamon-water hordeated ; make an Electuary ; add to it of Balsam of Sulphur fifteen drops ; of Oyl of Annise-seeds ten drops ; let him take one dram every third or fourth hour , drinking upon it five Spoonfuls of the following Decoction .

Take of the Roots of Elecampane one dram and an half , of the Leaves of Ground-ivy half an handful ; boil them in three pints of the Pectoral Decoction strained ; add three ounces of Canary-wine , Syrup of Maiden-hair two ounces and an half ; mix them .

The Breast must be anointed with Oyntments and Liniments that soften and discuss .

Take of the Oyntment of the Flowers of Oranges , and Pomatum , each three drams ; of Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two drams ; of Oyl of the Berries of Juniper and Annise , each half a dram ; mingle them , make a Liniment , wherewith anoint the whole Breast Morning and Evening .

Take of the Oyntment of Marsh-mallows one ounce and an half , of Oyl of Annise-seeds thirty drops ; make an Oyntment .

If the Fit Continue , apply a Blister to the Neck ; when the Fit is off , the Fluxion of the Humour must be hindred , and that which has already flowed upon the Lungs must be incided , cleansed away , and expectorated , and to restrain the Force of the Fluxion , a clear and pure Air must be chosen , and Southerly and rainy Air must be avoided , and the Air in the Night ; Sleeping and Watching must be moderate , and the Humour must be purged off by the following Medicines .

Take of the bitter Decoction , made with a triple quantity of Senna , three ounces and an half , Manna half a ounce , mingle them , make a Purging Potion . Or ,

Take of the Pilulae Ruffi one Dram , of the Species Hiera half a dram , of Salt of Wormwood half a scruple , of Aloes Rosat , and of Rhubarb powdered , each one scruple , of Elixir Proprietatis a sufficient quantity ; make Ten Pills of a dram , let him take four at bed-time .

Of the Days he does not Purge , let him take of the following Medicine .

Take of the Seeds of Annise finely powdered two drams , with a sufficient quantity of Lucarellus's Balsam , make Pills , of each drams Six , let him take three in the Morning , and as many at four in the Afternoon , drinking upon them four ounces of the bitter Decoction .

It is to be noted , that Purging must be often used in this Disease , and the Form of them must be varied , least Nature should be too much accustomed to one and the same Remedy .

CHAP. LV. Of a Pleurisie .

THis Disease that is as frequent as any other , comes at any time , but especially about the Spring and Summer ; for at that Time the Blood being heated by the nearness of the Sun , rushes violently into effervescences and inordinate Motions .

It chiefly seises those that are of a sanguine Temperament , and often country People , and those that are accustomed to much Labour . It most commonly begins with a Shaking and Shivering , and then Heat , Drouth , and Restlessness , and other Symptoms of a Feaver follow , after a few Hours , though ( sometimes it is much longer before this Symptom comes ) the Patient is taken with a violent pricking Pain in one of his Sides about the Ribs , which sometimes reaches towards the Shoulder-blades , sometimes towards the Back-bone , and sometimes towards the Breast , he coughs frequently , which occasions great Pain , so that sometimes he holds his Breath to prevent coughing ; the Matter which is spit up at the beginning is little and thin , and often sprinkled with Particles of Blood , but in the Process of the Disease 't is more and more concocted and mixt with Blood ; the Feaver in the mean while keeps the same Pace , and is helpt on by those Symptoms that proceed from it , and the said Feaver with all its ill Train ( viz. The Cough , the Spitting of Blood , the Pain , and the like ) is gradually lessened , according to the Degree of the free Expectoration of the Morbisick Matter .

But the Matter occasioning this Disease , does not always in the Process of it attain the Concoction that is due to Expectoration ; for it often happens , that the Matter spit up is yet little and thin , as at the beginning of the Disease ; and consequently the Feaver and other Symptoms do not at all remit till they have destroyed the Sick . In the mean while he is sometimes bound in his Body , and sometimes too loose , the Stools being frequent and very liquid ; it sometimes happens when the Disease is very high , and Bleeding has not been used , the Patient is not able to Cough , but labouring under a great difficulty of breathing , is in a manner suffocated by the Violence of the Inflammation ; which is sometimes so very great that he can't open his Breast large enough for Respiration , without exquisite Pain . And sometimes after a violent Inflammation , and when Bleeding has been ommitted which ought to have been used at the Beginning of the Disease , an Imposthume is presently occasioned , and the Cavity of the Breast is filled with Matter ; in which case tho the Original Feaver either wholly ceases , or is at least lessened , yet the Patient is not out of Danger , for an Empyema or an Hectick Feaver following , the Poor Wretch dies Consumptive .

But now though a Pleurisie commonly takes its rise from the proper and specifick Inflammation of the Blood , which is wont to produce it when it is an Original Disease . Yet it comes sometimes accidentally upon other Feavers , of what kind soever they be , from a Precipitation of the Febrile Matter upon the Pleura , or intercostal Muscles , and it happens for the most Part at the very beginning of the Feaver ; the Febrile Matter being as yet crude , and not subdued by a fit Ebullition , and so not prepared for a due Separation ; but this Inconvenience most commonly arises from an unseasonable and preposterous use of hot Medicines . For Nature being disturbed by this means , is forced to expel the Humour , as yet crude by any Way ; and so sometimes the Feaverish Matter is impetuously cast upon the Meninges of the Brain , and then a Frenzy is occasioned ; and sometimes upon the Membrane covering the Ribs , and from thence a Pleurisie arises ; especially when the Age and Temperament of the Patient , and the Season of the Year , betwixt Spring and Summer contribute to it . For certainly at that Season Feavers are prone to turn to Pleurisies .

Though this Disease has an ill Name , and is of it self more dangerous than any other , yet if it be well managed it is easily cured , and indeed as certainly as other Diseases .

As to the Cure , as soon as I am called , I order that ten ounces of Blood be taken away from the Arm of the Side affected ; and afterwards , I prescribe the following Potion to be taken presently after Bleeding .

Take of Erratick Poppy-water four Ounces , of Sal Prunella one dram , of Syrup of Violets one ounce , mingle them , make a Draught .

At the same time I prescribe the following Emulsion .

Take of sweet Almonds number seven , of the Seeds of Melons , and Pompions , each half an ounce , of the Seeds of white Poppies two drams , beat them together in a marble Mortar , pouring gently upon them a Pint and an half of Barley-water , of Rose-water two drams , of Sugar-candy half an ounce , mingle them , make an Emulsion , give four ounces every fourth Hour .

I also order Pectorals to be taken frequently : For instance ,

Take , of the Pectoral Decoction a quart , of Syrup of Violets and Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; mingle them , make an Apozem ; let him take half a pint thrice a day .

Take of the Oyl of Sweet-Almonds two Ounces , of Syrup of Violets , and Maiden-hair , each one ounce ; of Sugar-candy half a dram ; mingle them , make a Linctus , of which let the Patient lick often in a day .

Oyl of Almonds by it self , or Oyl of Flax-seeds , is often used with good Success .

As to Diet , I forbid the use of all Flesh , and all Broths of it , though never so thin : I advise that the Patient be fed with Oaten and Barly-Broths and Panada , and let him drink of a Ptysan made of Barly-water , with the Roots of Sorrel and Liquorish , and the like , and sometimes Small-beer .

Moreover , I prescribe the following Oyntment .

Take of the Oyl of Sweet-Almonds two ounces , of the Oyntment of Marsh-mallows and Pomatum each one ounce ; mingle them , make a Liniment , with which anoint the affected side Morning and Evening , applying upon it a Cabbage-leaf .

I also order he should persist in the use of the said Remedies through the whole Course of the Disease .

Of the same day I am first called ; if the Pain be very violent , I take away again the same quantity of Blood , or else the day following , and so the third day ; and after this manner four times one day after another ( unless the Patient be well before ) when the Pain and other Symptoms rage violently ; but if the Disease , being more moderate and less dangerous , permits me to proceed more gently ; or if the Patient , being weak , cannot well bear Bleeding so often , I do not repeat it again after it has been twice used , till a day or two be past betwixt each Bleeding .

I have seldom observed , that a confirmed Pleurisie has been cured in grown People with less than the loss of forty Ounces of Blood , or thereabout ; though in Children , once or twice Bleeding is most commonly sufficient ; nor does the Diarhea , which sometimes comes upon this Disease , hinder the foresaid repeated Bleeding ; for indeed it may be soon stopt by this very Method , without any Astringent Medicine : But I either wholly omit Glisters , or take care that they be injected at as great a distance as may be betwixt the Bleedings ; and they should be only made of Milk and Sugar .

All the time of the Disease , I take care that the Patient be not over-heated , and therefore I give leave that he be taken every day out of his Bed , and that he keep up some hours according to his Strength ; which is of so great moment in this kind of Disease , that if the Patient be kept continually in Bed , neither this so large Evacuation of Blood , nor other Remedies , how cooling soever , will sometimes do any good for the taking off the said Symptoms .

Presently after the last Bleeding , unless perchance it happens before that all the Symptoms abate , and that the Patient ( who has been kept hitherto for some days from all Spirituous Liquors and Strong Nourishment ) soon recovers his Strength , it will be convenient to give a gentle Purge .

But now if any one should say , That proceeding in this way , we scarce touch upon Expectoration , so far are we from discoursing largely of the ways by which it is to be promoted , through the various Seasons of the Disease , he is to know that these things were not unwarily past over : But after good consideration designedly neglected ; for I always thought that they were in very great danger , who committed the Cure of this Disease to Expectoration ; for it often happens that part of the Morbifick Matter being concocted , and perhaps spit up , the rest remains crude ; the best maturating and expectorating Medicines having been used in vain ; for sometimes the Expectoration goes on very well , and sometimes is wholly suppressed . The Patient in the mean while being in Jeopardy on every hand , and for any power I have over Expectoration , which indeed is none at all , may be adjudged for Life or Death ; whereas on the contrary by Bleeding , the Morbifick Matter is in my power , and the Orifice of the Vein may supply the use of the Aspera arteria ; for I confidently assert , that this Disease , which if it be treated by the Method we have spoken against , is deservedly reckon'd among the most dangerous , may be as certainly and as safely cured , by the Method I have now prescribed , as any other Disease whatever ; nor could I ever find the least Injury befall any one by so large an Evacuation of Blood , though unskilful People think otherwise ; but for as much as the Cure of this Disease almost wholly consists in Bleeding repeated , which being performed in places far distant from populous Towns by unskilful Surgeons and Farriers , Poor People are often in danger of losing their Arms , and their Lives are hazarded by the Pricking of a Tendon . I thought sit to add here the Cure of such Punctures when they happen : They whose Tendons are prick'd do not presently perceive a Pain , but twelve Hours after Bleeding they complain of it , not so much in the Orifice lately made , as in the Parts tending to the Arm-pits , where at length the Pain fixes , and is chiefly perceived when the Arm is extended : But the part hurt has no great Swelling , that scarce exceeding the bigness of a Hazel-nut ; an Ichor continually distills from the Orifice , which is the chief sign of a Puncture of a Tendon , I have known it cured in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of white Lillies four ounces ; boil them till they are soft in a quart of Cows Milk ; then take of Oat-meal , and of the Meal of Flax-seeds , each three ounces , boil the Meal to the consistence of a Pultis , in a sufficient quantity of the Milk strained from the aforesaid Roots , and mingle the Roots mash'd ; make a Cataplasm , apply it hot Morning and Evening to the part affected .

CHAP. LVI . Of a Peripneumonia .

A Peripneumonia is an Inflammation of the Lungs , with an acute Feaver , a Cough , and a difficulty of Breathing : They that have this Disease perceive a great Inflammation in the Breast , with a Swelling of the Lungs , and sometimes a pricking Pain ; they labour for Breath , and Breath is short ; the Feaver is accompanied with great Thirst , Watchings , and a troublesom Cough , and the Spi●tle Bloody , or streaked with Blood .

The formal reason , and the conjunct cause of a Peripneumonia , consist in the Febrile Effervescence of the Blood , together with the Stopage of it in the narrow passages of the Lungs , which occasions an Inflammation there .

It is observed that a Peripneumonia frequently follows , or comes upon a Pleurisie , or succeeds a Quinsie .

As to the Prognosticks of this Disease , common Experience does attest , that 't is a very dangerous Disease ; for many either dye of it , or very difficultly recover Health ; and this is manifest from its Aetiology ; for a Wound with a great Extravasation or Stagnation of Blood made in the Lungs , is very difficultly cured , and the affected place is never restored to its Pristine State .

The Prognostick Signs which are of chiefest note , are taken from appearance of the Symptoms , and from the nature of things evacuated , and from the degrees of Strength .

A Peripneumonia coming upon a Pleurisie or Quinsie , most commonly is worse than when it comes of it self , or succeeds either of them . But if upon this Disease , after what manner soever begun , an acute Feaver presently follows , with great Thirst , Watchings , and an Orthopnoea ; it is ill , and yet much worse , if a Delirium , or Phrensie , or Convulsive Motions , or an Hemiplegia come upon it .

Moreover , The Patient is as much indangered if he be very Short-breathed , if he be troubled with Vomiting , or frequent Swooning away , a weak Pulse , or cold Sweats : For while these Symptoms are urgent , the Obstruction of the Blood in the Lungs is not at all removed , nothing is digested or spit up ; but the Circulation of the Blood being more and more obstructed , and its Accension by Respiration hindred , the Animal Spirits are much disordered ; so that at length the Strength is quite spent , and the Vital Flame extinguished .

As to the Prognosticks from things evacuated , we observe a Peripneumonia to be dangerous when nothing is spit up ; Next to this , when the Spittle is thin and crude , mixed with Blood ; it 's far better when the Spittle is yellow and thick , streaked with a little Blood . The Urine being yellow from the beginning , and of a good Consistence , with a cloud in the midst , shews that almost all the Impurities are lodged in the place affected ; when from that state it is changed into a thick and turbid Urine , it shews that the Morbifick Matter is resorbed from that part into the Blood : But if such kind of Urine be suddenly changed into a thin one , then a Delirium , or Death it self , is at hand . Much Sweat , and plenty of Urine , a Diarrhaea , Bleeding at Nose ; the Flux of the Courses , or of the Hemorrhoids , are good Signs in this Disease ; yea , any of these Evacuations happening seasonably , do frequently discharge the Disease .

The condition of Strength is ever of great Moment in making a due Prognostick in this Disease ; for oftentimes when there be dreadful Symptoms , as a violent Feaver , a difficulty of Breathing , with a Cough , Watchings , and other ill Signs , if the Pulse be as yet strong , and the Animal Spirits vigorous , there is more hope of the Patient , than when these things are more sedate , if the Pulse be weak , and the Spirits torpid and oppress'd .

The first Indication of Cure in a Peripneumonia , is , That the Blood impacted in the Vessels of the Lungs , and causing Obstruction and Inflammation , may be discussed from thence , and restored to its wonted Circulation ; but if it cannot be done , the second Indication will be , that the Matter be duly digested , or suppurated , and presently spit up .

While the former Indication prevails , the Intentions of Healing may be these following : First , That the more plentiful Flux of Blood to the part affected be prevented : Secondly , We must endeavour that the Blood stagnating or extravasated in the Lungs , be resorbed again by the Veins into the rest of the Mass , and restored to Circulation : And that it may be the better done , the Blood ought thirdly to be freed from its Clamminess whereby its Fluidity is hindred . Fourthly , We must take care of the most urgent Symptoms , viz. The Feaver , Cough , Watchings , and difficulty of Breathing : But if notwithstanding all these things , the other Indication shall come into use ; it will be requisite to prescribe maturating and expectorating Medicines vulgarly so called , together with these Remedies just mentioned .

That we may answer the first and second Intention together , Bleeding is for the most part requisite in every Peripneumonia , yea , sometimes it ought to be frequently repeated ; for the Vessels being emptied of Blood , do not only withdraw the Nourishment of the Disease , but do often resorbe the Matter impacted in the part affected : Wherefore if Strength remain , and the Pulse be strong enough , large Bleeding is convenient at the very beginning ; but otherwise let it be used in a small quantity ; which however may be repeated as occasion offers it self . It is to be noted , that Blood drawn in a Peripneumonia , and also in a Pleurisie , after it 's cold , contains in its Superficies a small viscous and discoloured Film . Moreover , we may observe one while the Blood entirely bad , another while only part of it is subject to this change ; for when the Blood is received in three or four Dishes , sometimes in all , but oftner in the second and third Dish , it is apparently bad , and in the first and last good enough . Wherefore it is commonly ordered , that the Blood is always to run so long , till that which is so depraved begins to come forth ; and if there be sufficient Strength , the flowing out is to be continued till it runs good again : Indeed as frequent Experience does approve of this Practice , so doth Reason it self ; for in this Disease , seeing the whole Mass of Blood does not presently acquire that Clamminess , the depraved Portions are chiefly accumulated about the place of the Obstruction , and adhere on every side in the lesser Vessels ; wherefore the Blood first flowing out by Phlebotomy is often good : Afterwards , the Vessels being emptied , receive the other Morbifick Stagnating before , and restore it to Circulation ; and when Portions of it placed near , troop together to the Orifice of the Vein , they flow out together ; and after that the corrupted Blood hath flowed out , the residue more pure doth succeed . Wherefore in this case , let Incision be ever made with a large Orifice , and let the Blood be drawn out with a large and continued Stream ; for otherwise , if in the midst of Bleeding , the bad Blood issuing out , the Orifice ( as the Manner of some is , that the Spirits should not faint ) be closed with the Finger ; when it is opened again , the pure Blood will flow next , but the bad sliding by , if there be any remaining , will not presently return to that Orifice . Besides Phlebotomy , many other Remedies , namely , whatever does repress that Urgency of Blood , and empty the Passages thereof , are to be used , wherefore a very thin Diet is prescribed , for the most part meerly of Barley and Oats ; and though Catharticks are altogether prohibited , because they disquiet the Blood , and hurry it impetuously upon the Part affected , yet Glisters which gently loosen the Belly , and draw the Impurities of the Blood towards the Belly , ought to be daily used . Moreover Juleps , and temperating Apozems which restrain the Feaver of the Blood , and evacuate the Superfluous Sorosities of it , and gently open the Passages of the Breast , are used with good Success .

The third Intention of Healing which respects the taking off the Clamminess or Obstructing Viscosity of the Blood , is wholly to be performed by Remedies , which unloose the Frame thereof too much bound , and dissolve the Combinations of the Salts , as testaceous Powders , the Tooth of a Boar , the Jaws of a Pike , and other things indued with an Alkali Salt , also Sal-prunella . I have frequently known the Spirit of Sal-Armoniack , and Harts-horn to have yielded notable Relief in this Disease , and the Infusion of Horse-dung , by reason of its volatile Salt is of great use , though it be a common Remedy .

As to the Symptoms and their Cure , very many Remedies appropriated to these , fall in together with the former , for against the Feaver the same Juleps and Apozems , which appease the Heat of the Blood , and withall recreate the Animal Spirits are to be used ; to which , in respect of the Cough and Difficulty of breathing , temperate pectoral Remedies are added . The greatest Difficulty is what ought to be exhibited against want of Sleep , when it is very urgent ; for Opiats because they further the Difficulty of breathing in this Disease , are scarce safely taken ; yea sometimes they are very pernicious ; wherefore Laudanum , and the strong Preparations of Opium , are to be shunned in a Peripneumonia , more than a Dog or a Snake .

Nevertheless , Anodyns and gentle Hypnoticks , as Water and Syrup of Red Poppies are not only allowed , but are accounted Specifick Remedies in this Disease , and in a Pleurisie ; and sometimes it will be expedient to use Diacodiats , if the Strength be sufficient , and the Pulse strong enough ; for the Pain of the Breast , if at any time it be troublesome , it is necessary to apply Liniments , Fomentations , and Cataplasms .

The second curative Indication which intends the Digestion of the Matter impacted in the Lungs , ( if it cannot be dispersed or resorbed , ) and to throw it up by Spittle requires ordinary , maturating , and expectorating Medicines that are temperate , such as asswage Thirst , and appease the Feaverish Heat . The more select Remedies , that are chiefly accommodated to this Disease shall be now mentioned .

The Medicines conducing to the first and second Intention are prescribed according to the following Forms .

Take of the Waters of Maries Thistle ten ounces , of red Poppies three ounces , of the Syrup of red Poppies one ounce , of Pearls prepared one dram , make a Julep .

The Dose is six Spoonfuls every fourth Hour .

Take of Black Cherry Water , of the Water of Carduus Benedictus , and of Baulm , each four ounces , of the Powder of Boars Tooth one dram , of Syrup of Violets ten drams , make a Julep to be taken after the same manner .

Take of Grass-roots three ounces , Shavings of Ivory , and Harts-horn , each three drams ; Raisons stoned one ounce and an half , Liquorish two drams ; boil them in Spring Water , from three Pints to two ; to the strained Liquor add , Syrup of Violets one ounce , Sal-prunella one dram ; make an Apozem . Take three or four ounces thrice a Day ,

For the same Intention , viz. that the Vessels being emptied may substract the Nourishment of the Disease , or resorbe the morbifick Matter , Purging is prescribed by many .

The Ancients in this Disease as in many other , used after Phlebotomy , Preparatives and Purgatives in a constant Course ; and of late the Chymists with greater Boldness give Vomits , and prefer them before all other Remedies in Peripneumonia ; yea neglecting or forbidding Bleeding , they chiefly depend on Stibiate Vomits , but I think there cannot be a more pernicious Course ; for though sometimes they do no hurt in rustick and robust Bodies , yet they are without Success ; but in tender Constitutions they are in a manner as destructive as Poison .

But as to Purging , though it may not be convenient at the very Beginning , for indeed it 's then most commonly injurious , yet the Fluxion of the Morbifick Matter being stopt , and the Effervescence of the Blood being appeased , we may safely evacuate the Body with a lenitive Purge .

Take of the Decoction of Senna gerionis four ounces , of Syrup of Roses solutive one ounce , mingle them , make a Potion . Or ,

Take of the best Senna three drams , of all the Cassia , and Tamarinds , each half an ounce ; of Coriander Seeds two drams , let them be boiled in a sufficient Quantity of Fountain Water to six ounces ; when it is strained add one ounce of Syrup of Violets ; let it be clarified with the white of an Egg , and give it .

Purgatives are not always to be given , nor ever unadvisedly in this Disease , but Glisters are used frequently , and most commonly daily ; they must be gentle and emollient , such as easily move the Belly , without any great Agitation of the Humours or Blood ; for this purpose , Milk or Whey is often convenient , with brown Sugar , or Syrup of Violets . Or ,

Take of the Leaves of either Sort of Mallows , of Melilot and Mercury , each one handful ; of Linseed , and sweet Fennel-seeds , each half an ounce ; of sweet Prunes Number six ; boil them in a sufficient Quantity of Spring water to a Pint , to which add Syrup of Violets one ounce , Sugar ten drams , Sal Prunella one dram , make a Glister .

Medicines for the third Intention , viz. for dissolving the Clamminess of the Blood , are wont to be administred in the Form of a Powder , of a Spirit , or a Potion , according to the Manner following .

1. Powders .

Take of Crabs-eyes two drams , of Sal prunella one dram and an half , of pearled Sugar one dram , make a Powder for six Doses , one to be taken every Sixth Hour , with a proper Julep or Apozem . Or ,

Take of the Tusk of a Boar , of the Jaw of a Pike , or of Crabs-eyes , each one Dram and an half ; of the Flowers of Sal Armoniack , of the Powder of red Poppy Flowers , each half a dram ; mix them for four Doses ,

2. Spirits and Chymical Liquors .

Take of Spirit of Sal-armoniack distil'd with Olibanum three drams , the dose is from fifteen drops to twenty , thrice a day . Or ,

Take of the Spirit of Vrine , or Soot , after the same manner .

Take of the sweet Spirit of Nitre three drams , the dose it from six drops to ten .

3. Potions .

Take of Carduus-water one Pint , fresh Horse-dung three ounces , dissolve it warm , and filter it ; the dose is three or four ounces twice or thrice a day ; add half an ounce of Syrup of Violets , or of red Poppies . Or ,

Take of the Leaves of Dandelion two handfuls bruised , and infused in half a Pint of the Water of Maries Thistle , Treacle-water half an ounce , press them out , add Powder of Crabs-eyes one dram ; take four or six Spoonfuls thrice a day .

The fourth Intention of Healing in respect of the Symptoms greatly urging , does suggest divers Sorts of Operations . First , in respect of the Feaver , the Juleps and Apozems above prescribed are convenient . Moreover the Use of Sal-prunella ought to be frequent . Secondly , for the Cough and difficulty of Breathing , Lambatives and Decoctions , or Pectoral Juleps are administred with Success .

Take of the Syrups of Jujubes , and Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; of Syrup of Violets one ounce , Flowers of Nitre one Scruple , make a Linctus to be lick'd now and then .

Take of Syrup of Marsh-mallows one ounce , of Diacodium , and of Syrup of red-poppies , each half an ounce ; Powder of Crabs-eyes two Scruples , make a Linctus to be taken the same Way .

Take of the Syrups of Hyssop , and Liquorish , each one ounce and an half ; of the Powder of red-poppy Flowers one Scruple , of Crabs-eyes one dram , of the Lohoch of the Pine six drams , make a Lohoch , take the Quantity of a Nutmeg four times , or oftner in a Day .

Take of the Roots of Grass , Chervil , Marsh-mallows , each one ounce ; Figs Number four , Jujubs , and Sebastines , of each Number six ; Raisins one ounce , Liquorish three drams , Barley half an ounce , boil them in three Pints of Spring-water to a Quart , strain them , the Dose is three or four ounces .

Take of Raisins stoned one ounce and an half , Filberds number four , of Liquorish sliced three drams , of Hyssop Water one Pint and an half , infuse them warm in a close Vessel six Hours , strain them , and add one ounce and an half of Syrup of Marsh-mallows , make a Julep ; the dose is three or four Spoonfuls often in a day , swallowing it by degrees .

Thirdly , Against Watching .

Take of Red-poppy water three ounces , of Syrup of the same six drams , of Epidemick-water two drams , make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time .

If the Pulse be strong , and the Strength remains .

Take of Cowslip Water three ounces , of Diacodium half an , ounce , make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time .

Fourthly , If the Pain be much about the Place affected .

Take of Oyntment of Marsh-mallows two ounces , of Oyl of sweet Almonds one ounce and an half , mingle them , make a Liniment to be applyed with thin Paper .

Fifthly , For the last Intention of healing , ( which assisting the Secundary Indication prescribes Medicines maturating , and expectorating ) the following Forms are convenient .

Take of Linseed Oyl fresh drawn three ounces , Syrup of Violets two ounces , of Hissop water half a Pint , mingle them in a Glass , take two or three ounces twice or thrice a day , shaking the Glass first .

Take of Olibanum powdered one dram , put it into an Apple made hollow , roast the Apple in the Embers , let him eat it at Bed-time , repeating it three or four times .

Take of Oyl of Almonds fresh drawn , of Syrup of Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; Sugar-candy , two drams , stir them in a glass Mortar till they are perfectly mixed , make a Linctus to be taken often in a day with a Liquorish Stick , also let a Spoonful be taken thrice a day in a Draught of Posset drink .

It would be easie to produce many Observations of Peripneumonick Patients , but seeing the Type of the Disease , and the Reasons of the Symptoms , are in all almost the same , it will be sufficient to mention only one or two ; and while I was writing these Things , I was sent for to a Patient very Sick of a Peripneumonia , he was about fifty Years old , lean and cholerick , he fell into a Feaver by taking Cold , he was troubled with a Cough , a pain in the Breast , and a Difficulty of Breathing , when he had continued thus four days without any Remedy or Physical Administration , I found him in a great Feaver , with Thirst , and a great Inflammation in the Breast , breathing very difficultly and painfully , and ratling , insomuch that he seemed in the Agony of Death ; but because his Pulse was strong enough , though quick and disturbed , I presently ordered him to be blooded , and that eight or ten ounces of Blood should be taken away , and seeing he was little relieved after three Hours Intermission , a Glister being first administred I ordered twelve ounces more of Blood to be taken away ; moreover I prescribed Spirit of Harts horn , twelve drops of it to be given every sixth Hour with a proper Julep , and between I ordered a Dose of the following powder to be administred ,

Take Powder of Crabs-eyes , and Sal-prunella , each one dram and an half ; of Pearl one dram , Sugar-candy two scruples ; make a Powder to be divided into eight Doses .

Moreover , he took as often as he pleased a Draught of a pectoral Apozem ; by the use of these within three hours all the Symptoms began to abate , and the Night after he sweated and slept a little ; the day after I repeated Phlebotomy , and then continuing the same Remedies , he recovered in four or five Days ; the Blood we took from him was always in the Superficies viscous and discoloured .

A certain Gentleman of a Sanguine Complexion , and of a strong Habit of Body , after immoderate drinking of Wine , fell into a Feaver with a grievous Peripneumonia , so that Heat and Thirst mightily afflicting him , sitting always upright in his Bed or Chair , and breathing short and very frequent , he could scarce draw in Air enough to sustain the vital Flame ; because he could not undergo large Bleeding , I took it away by degrees , twice or thrice day after day ; Glisters were often injected . Moreover , Apozems , and Juleps , also Spirit of Sal-armoniack , and Testacious Powders were given by turns ; within four or five days the Feaver some what abated , also he began to breath better , and sometimes to sleep a little ; yet he did always complain of a great Heaviness of his Breast , and of an intolerable Oppression of the Lungs ; wherefore when Bleeding was no longer safe , I applied very large Blisters to the Arms and Thighs ; the Blisters on his Arms soon dried up , but those on his Legs did not only remain open , but after five or six days did run very much , and afterwards almost for a Month daily discharged great Plenty of a sharp Ichor ; in the mean time his Lungs sensibly amended , and at length were freed of their Burden . Lastly , The little Sores raised by the Blisters were difficultly cured , and not without frequent Applications of Medicines .

CHAP. LVII . Of a Bastard Peripneumonia .

A Feaver accompanied with many Peripneumonick Symptoms , invades yearly about the beginning of Winter , but oftner at the End of it ; it chiefly seizes those that are of a gross Habit of Body , and middle aged , or ( which oftner happens ) those that are older , and too much addicted to Spirituous Liquors , especially to Brandy ; for when the Blood in such Men has been burdened with Flegmatick Humours , heapt up in the Winter , and stirr'd into a new Motion by the approaching Spring , a Cough is presently occasioned by this Means , by which the said Flegmatick Humous rush upon the Lungs ; at which time , if the Patient chance to live irregularly , and continues to drink freely such spirituous Liquors , the Matter growing almost thick , which occasioned the Cough , stops the Passages of the Lungs , and the Feaver consumes the Mass of Blood : At the beginning of the Feaver , the Patient is sometimes hot and sometimes cold , is giddy , ond complains of a launcing Pain of his Head ; when the Cough is violent , he vomits up all liquid things when he coughs , and sometimes when he does not ; the Urin is turpid and very red ; the Blood taken away is like that of Pleuriticks ; he is often short breath'd : If he cough , his Head akes just as if it were cleft in Pieces ( for so the Patient terms it ) there is a Pain of the whole Breast , or at least a Pressure of the Lungs , which is perceived by the Standers by when the Patient coughs ; the Lungs not sufficiently dilating themselves , the vital Passages are as it seems shut up by the Swelling , and the Circulation on that Account is so intercepted , and the Blood so stopt , that there are no Signs of a Feaver , though this may also happen by reason of the Plenty of the Flegmatick Matter , by which the Blood is so burdened , that it cannot rise to a perfect Ebullition , especially in gross Bodies .

In curing this Feaver I count I am oblidged to take away that Blood by Phlebotomy , which occasions the Suffocation and Inflammation of the Lungs , and to ventilate and open the Lungs with Pectoral Remedies , and to mitigate the Heat of the whole Body with a cooling Diet : but whereas on the one hand the Heap of Flegmatick Matter contained in the Veins daily supplying Matter for the Inflammation of the Lungs , may seem to indicate Bleeding often repeated ; yet on the other hand I found by the best Observation I could make , that Bleeding often repeated , has succeded very ill in Feavorish People of a gross Habit of Body , especially if they have passed the Flower of their Age , and therefore I forbore the Repetition of it ; and instead of it , used frequent Purging , which is well enough substituted for it , in those that abhor large and often repeated Bleeding .

Therefore I proceeded after this manner : I ordered that the Patient should be blooded in the Arm lying in Bed , and that he should not rise till two or three Hours after ; for all Blood letting somewhat weakning and disordering the whole Body , may by this means the easier be born ; for the Patient lying a Bed can better bear the taking away of ten ounces , than of six or Seaven when he is up ; the next day I give the following Potion in the Morning .

Take of Cassia extracted one ounce , of Liquorish two drams , of fat Figs number four , of the Leaves of Senna two drams and an half , of Agarick trochiscated one dram , boil them in a sufficient Quantity of Water , in four ounces of the strained Liquor dissolve one ounce of Manna , of Syrup of Roses solutive half an ounce , mingle them , make a Potion .

The next day I used to bleed a second time ; and the next day save one , I order the Purging Potion above prescribed , to be repeated , and to be given every other day till the Patient is quite well ; when the Patient does not purge , I advise him to use a pectoral Decoction , and Oyl of sweet Almonds , and the like .

I forbid the use of Flesh , and the Broth of it , but especially of all spirituous Liquors ; in the stead of which I allow him for his ordinary drink a Ptisan of Barley and Liquorish , and small Beer , if he desire it .

And indeed , the Bastard Peripneumonia occasioned by a great deal of Flegmatick Filth heapt up in the Blood , is to be cured by Bleeding repeated , and by Purging .

Though this Bastard Peripneumonia is something like a dry Asthma , both as to Difficulty of Breathing , and some other Symptoms ; yet it is sufficiently distinguished from it ; for in this there are manifest Signs of a Feaver , and Inflammation , which never appear in that , though in this kind they are much less and obscurer than those which accompany a true Peripneumonia .

But you must carefully observe , that 't is by no means safe to forbid the drinking of Spirit of Wine , and such Liquors all of a sudden , when the Patient has been a while addicted to them , but they must be left off Gradually ; for there is Danger of a Dropsie from an hasty and abrupt Change , which ought to be observed in all Diseases that come on this Occasion ; and seeing there has been Mention made of Spirit of Wine , I will say by the by , that indeed it ought to be wished that they were either wholly prohibited , or at least used for refreshing the Spirits , and not for extinguishing them ; or that the internal use of them was wholly abdicated , and that they should be only used by Surgeons , in Fomentations to digest Ulcers , or to be applied to Burns , in which Case they are better than any other Medicine yet found out , for they defend the under Skin from Putrefaction , and so soon perform the Cure ( not waiting for Digestion , which requires a considerable Time ) if a Rag dipt in Spirit of Wine be presently applyed to the Part hurt , with Scalding Water , Gunpowder , or the like , and moistned with the foresaid Spirit now and then , till the Pain from the Fire be quite gone , and afterwards only twice a day .

CHAP. LVIII . Of an Empyema .

AN Empyema is a Collection of Matter within the Cavity of the Breast , whereby the Organs of Respiration are oppressed . This Collection of Matter is occasioned either by a Pleurisie , Peripneumonia , or Angina , suppurated and broken .

The Signs of an Empyema , either shew it is coming , or that it is already perfectly formed . Of the former kind are these Diseases going before , from whence this usually arises , as a Pleurisie , Peripneumonia , and Angina ; and sometimes also a Bruise or Wound in the Breast , and sometimes also other Diseases not well carried off ; from whence there will be a greater Suspicion of an Empyema , if after a Week or two passed without plentiful Spitting , Shaking and a Feaver , and Faintness of the Spirits supervene ; and then after fourteen or twenty Days , the Signs of a confirmed Empyema will appear , viz. Difficulty of Breathing , a Weight upon the Breast , Fluctuation of the Matter , an uneasiness from Motion , Thirst , and almost always a small Feaver , Redness of the Cheeks , Restlesness , and Watching .

As to the Cure of an Empyema , you must first consider whether the Signs of its being already made be certain or dubious ; in the former Case there is not much use of Medicines ; but the Body being well prepared , we must presently open the Side ; wherefore if from a Pleurisie , or a Peripneumonia not well cured , or if by reason of Blood extravasated by a Blow , a Fall , or Wound , a Fluctuation of Pus , of Purulent or Bloody Matter be perceived , and the Spittle lessened , or none at all , it is to no purpose to wast Time in using expectorating and maturating Medicines ; but having loosned the Belly , and attemperated the Blood and Humours , by Juleps , Apozems , and Anodyns , an Aperrion must be undertaken , either by the Knife , or in tender and timerous People by applying a Caustick betwixt the sixth or seventh Vertebra ; and when the Eschar is made , we must divide it gently with a Knife , and pass the Knife gently into the Cavity of the Breast ; then having put in a Silver Pipe , the Matter must be evacuated by degrees ; but it must be let out as hastily as the Strength of the Patient will permit ; for that which remains within , will stink horridly in a few days ; to prevent which a cleaning and Traumatick Liquor must be injected , with a Syringe twice or thrice a day . It is not necessary to describe particularly the Manner of the Operation , it being well known , and often practiced by skilful Chirurgions , and daily practiced . After it is cut open and dressed as it ought to be , there is little more to be done by the Physician . An exact Course of Diet , a frequent Loosning of the Belly ( so oft as there is Occasion ) by Glisters , and also these Remedies , which are Vulgarly called Traumatick , which do hinder the Dissolution of the Blood , and keeps the Seresities of it from falling upon the Breast to hurt it , ought to be prescribed . But if the Signs of this Disease are uncertain , or altogether doubtful , the Breast ought not to be opened too soon or rashly . I have known some have their Breasts opened to no purpose , when they have spit stinking Pus , and they have also laboured under a Dyspnaea , and a Difficulty of Breathing ; therefore when an Empyema is not evident by Pathognomick Signs , Medicines ( such as are prescribed for the Cure of a Peripneumonia ) which help Expectoration , and evacuate gently by Sweat and Urine , ought to be used for some time : If these do not any Good , and the Empyema still remains , or Augments , then the Breast must be opened .

As to the Forms of the Medicines requisite for the Cure of an Empyema before Section , the same Remedies which were prescribed for a Peripneumonia , are to be used : but after the opening of the Breast the following are chiefly to be used .

To prevent Fainting which may happen either in the Operation or after it , the following Julep must be in Readiness , and four or five Spoonfuls of it must be taken upon occasion .

Take of the Waters of Balm , and Black Cherries , each six ounces ; of Aqua-mirabilis one ounce , of Pearl powdered one dram , of Syrup of Gilly-flowers one ounce , mingle them , make a Julep .

The following Decoction must be taken twice or thrice in a day .

Take of the Leaves of Harts-tongue , Speedwell , Hemp , Agrimony , Colts-foot , Mouse-ear , Sanicle , each one handful ; of the Roots of Madder , and Chervil , each one ounce ; of Barley half an ounce , of red Cicers half an ounce , Raisons of the Sun one ounce and an half ; boil them in two Quarts of Fountain-water till half is consumed , sweeten it with Clarified Honey , or with the Syrup of Mouse-ear as it is taken .

If there be no Feaver the following Pills may be used .

Take of the Powders of Crabs-eyes two drams , of Flowers of Sulphur one dram , of Sal-Prunella half a dram , of the Species Diarrhodon-abbatis one Scruple , of venice Turpentine washed a sufficient quantity ; make a Mass , make small Pills , take a Scruple or half a dram of them Morning and Evening ; or the Turpentine being omitted , half a dram or two Scruples may be taken in the Form of a Powder twice a Day .

CHAP. LIX . Of a Consumption .

A Phthysis in general , is a Consumption of the Muscular Parts of the Body : It is twofold , either Original or Sympromatick . There are two Species of the original Phthysis , viz. Atrophia , and a Consumption of the Lungs .

An Atrophia is twofold , viz. Either Nervous , or arising from Inanition .

A Symptomatick Phthysis is occasioned by other Diseases going before .

An Atrophy , or Nervous Phthysis , is a Consumption of the whole Body , without any considerable Feaver , Cough , or difficulty of Breathing , but loss of Appetite and Indigestion accompany it ; upon which account Faintness , and a daily wasting of the Body follow . This sort of Consumption sometimes happens in England , but very often to the Inhabitants of Virginia , when they return hither .

In the beginning of this Disease , the Body appears Oedematous , the Face Pale and Squalid , and the Stomach nauseates every thing but Liquors ; and the Strength is so languid , that the Sick , before the Fleshy parts are evidently consumed , is rendred so very Weak , that he cannot keep from Bed , the colour of the Urine is most commonly of a deep Red , and very little in quantity , though sometimetimes ( but rarely , as it is wont to happen in Diseases of the Nerves ) it is pale , and voided in a great quantity ; but no considerable Feaver can be discerned , either by the Pulse , Drouth , or Heat , how high-coloured soever the Urine is ; so that the Pathognomonick Signs of this Consumption beginning , are Faintness and want of Appetite , without any notable Feaver , Cough , or short Breath ; though in progress of the Disease , when the habit of the Body is wasted , some difficulty of Breathing ( as is usual in all that are Faint ) may be perceived .

This Disease is very difficultly cured , if the Physician be not made use of at first ; it ends in an Hydropical and Oedematous Tumour of the Body , especially of the lower parts , and then the Disease is past all hope .

The main of the business must be performed by Stomachick Medicines , and such as strengthen the Nerves , such are Chalybeats , Antiscorbuticks , and Cephalicks , and bitter things of every kind : For Instance , Let the Sick take , if his Body be bound , four Ounces of the bitter Decoction with Senna , and every fourth night two Ounces of Tinctura Sacra , or of the Tinctura of Hiera Picra , made in the Waters of Rue , Black Cherries , Compound Peony .

In his ordinary Drink , hang a Bag of Cephalicks , and Antiscorbuticks ; an hour before Dinner let him take half a Dram of Elixir Proprietatis in a Draught of Whitewine , wherein Wormwood has been infused : Apply to the Region of the Stomach the Magisterial Stomachick Plaister , with a few drops of the Chymical Oyl of Cinnamon and Wormwood ; or foment the Stomach daily with Aromatick Bags , made of the Leaves of Mint and Wormwood , Cinnamon , Mace , Zedoary , Galingal , Cyperus , and Sweet-smelling Flag , and boil'd in Claret : If it be Summer-time , let him drink Chalybeat Waters ; if Winter , Syrup of Steel or the Wine of it , made by quenching Filings of Steel in good Whitewine three or four times ; then by infusing in it Zedoary , Galingal , Nutmegs , sharp Cinnamon , Mace , Cubebs , and Cloves grosly beaten : But amongst Chalybeats , Mynsichts extract is thought the best , which must be given in the form of a Bole , or of Pills , for the space of twenty or thirty days . For Instance ,

Take of the Extract of Mynsicht half a scruple , Balsam of Gilead seven drops , of Haly's Powder six grains , of the Compound Powder of Wake-Robin four grains , of the Powder of Liquorish a sufficient quantity ; make Pills of an ordinary size , repeat them every day once .

Opobalsamum by it self , as also Spirit of Harts-horn , and Spirit of Sal-armoniack , are very effectual in this case , because they are agreeable to the Nerves . For Instance , Let the Sick take eight or ten drops of Opobalsam , or of Spirit of Harts-horn , in a sufficient quantity of Sugar-candy . Let him endeavour to make himself Chearful by Exercise and Company ; for this Disease most commonly proceeds from Care and Sorrow ; and let him live in a good and open Air : And because the Stomach is chiefly affected in this Disease , he must eat a delicate sort of Meat , and not be too long accustomed to any one .

The Consumption that proceeds from Innanition is next to be discoursed of ; and first , Of that which proceeds from an Hemorrhage , whither by the Nostrils , or from the Lungs by Coughing , or from the Jaws by Hawking , or from the Stomach by Vomit , or from the Reins by Urine , or from the Hemorrhoidal or Uterin Vessels in the customary monthly Purgation , or from hard Labour ; or lastly , from Wounds when there has been a great and long Flux of Blood . In this case the Hemorrhage must be first stopt by thickning Remedies , and by binding hard the extream parts ; and if there be occasion , and the Sick have Strength , Bleeding must be used frequently , but sparingly ; you must apply , if the part will admit of it , Galen's Stiptick Plaister , the Royal Stiptick Water , Oxycrat cold , Ink , Ashes of Hair a little burnt in a Retort , and with Vinegar made up in the form of a Cataplasm , true Bole , Dragons blood , and the like ; and they must be often renewed .

Let the Sick take inwardly three or four times a day twenty or thirty drops , or more , of the Royal Stiptick-water , in a Draught of the Milk-water , and five or six Spoonfuls of the clarified Juices of Plantane and Nettles ; or let him take frequently in a Spoon the following Linctus .

Take of Syrup of Purslain three ounces , of true Bole , Dragons blood , of the Troches of Spodium , and of sealed Earth , each two scruples ; of Japan Earth one dram , of Gum-Tragacanth a sufficient quantity dissolved in Plantane-water ; mingle them , make a Linctus .

Or let him take thrice a day the quantity of a Nutmeg of the following Electuary .

Take of the Conserve of red Roses one ounce , of the Troches of Ambar three drams , of true Bole , and of Dragons blood , each half a dram ; with Syrup of Myrtles make an Electuary .

Let him take also every night at Bed-time five or six Spoonfuls of the following Julep , shaking the Viol when he uses it .

Take of Plantane-water six ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated three ounces , of distilled Vinegar half an ounce , of true Bole , and of Dragons blood , each half a dram ; of London Laudanum three grains , of Syrup of Myrtles one ounce and an half ; make a Julep .

The Flux of Blood being stopt , we must endeavour by all means to raise the weak Blood with new and good Chyle , and to extinguish the Febrile Flame , if it be begun , least a Consumption should follow ; wherefore the Sick must be frequently nourished with good Broths , and variety of Meats that are full of Nourishment , and of easie Digestion , and pleasant to the Stomach ; but he must be sure to abstain from Wine , and from things salted and spiced ; and because this sort of Sick , and all other that are inclining to a Consumption , are subject to Anger , Sorrow , Oppressions of the Hypochonders , Hysterick Passions , and want of Appetite ; upon which account they can neither eat plentifully , nor digest well : They must endeavour to recreate themselves , and to take the Benefit of a wholsome and free Air , which most commonly does more good than Medicines .

But if the Sick be Hectick , the Peruvian bark given freely is of admirable Vertue ; and if there be occasion the Sick must use a Milk Diet , or Chalybeat Waters ; but you must by no means Loosen the Body .

A Consumption also often arises from a simple Gonorrhaea , and the Whites ; also from Imposthumes and large Ulcers , and also from giving Suck , from a Loosness and Dysentery , from a Diabetes , from Salivation , a Dropsie , violent Sweating , and the like .

But a Consumption of the Lungs is the chief : The Cause in general of it , is an ill Disposition of the whole Mass of Blood , and of the Nervous Spirit , contracted by degrees by the various Procatarctick Causes , whereby the Acrid and Malignant Serum of the Blood separated by the soft and glandulous Paranchyma of the Lungs , stuffs and inflames them , and at last causes Ulcers , which is indeed the containing Cause of this Disease .

The Procatarctick Causes are first , a Suppression of the usual and necessary Evacuations , as of the Courses , the Lochia , of old Ulcers , of Issues , of Sweat by the Soles of the Feet , and other parts of the Body , and the like , without correcting and removing the Causes on which they depend ; whereby the Blood is vitiated . Secondly , Great Passions of the Mind , especially Fear , Sorrow , Anger , deep Thinking , unseasonable and too hard Study , and the like . Thirdly , Eating and Drinking too much , and unseasonably , especially Drinking too much of Wine and Spirituous Liquors . Fourthly , Neglect of due Exercise . Fifthly , Long Watching . Sixthly , Marshy and gross Air , and Smoak of Coals . Seventhly , An Hereditary Disposition . Eighthly , An ill Conformation of the Breast . Ninthly , Contagion . Tenthly , Stones generated Preternaturally in the Lungs . Eleventhly , Particular Diseases which corrupt the Blood and Spirits .

By these and such-like Procatarctick Causes , the Body being predisposed for a Consumption , the Disease takes its rise immediately from taking Cold.

For the Cure of an original Consumption of the Lungs , Blood must be drawn from the Arm , especially if the Sick be Plethorick , or accustomed a long while to Blood-letting , and let six , seven , eight or ten Ounces be taken away . Secondly , It is requisite after Bleeding , especially if the Disease took its rise from a Surfet , or is accompanied with Nauseousness , or a Disposition to Vomiting , to give a gentle Vomit of Honey , or of Oxymel of Squills , and sometimes of the Vinum Benedictum in a moderate quantity : The Vomit , especially if the Sick bear it well , and if it be necessary , may be repeated three or four times at the distance of three or four days betwixt each Vomit : It is best to give the Vomit towards the Evening , the Sick being blooded the day before ; and at Bed-time after every Vomit you must give an Anodyn .

Take of Honey of Squills half an ounce , give it in a Draught of Posset-drink , and repeat twice or thrice in an hour , if the Sick does not Vomit enough .

This is proper for Children and young People .

Take of Oxymel of Squills , and of Oyl of Sweet-Almonds , each one ounce ; mingle them , let the Sick , take it in a large Draught of Posset-drink , and let it be repeated twice or thrice in an hour if there be occasion . Or ,

Take of Vinum Benedictum seven drams , Syrup of Violets two drams ; mix them and make a Potion for Vomiting . And , if it be needful , you may give of Oxymel of Squills and Oyl of Sweet-Almonds , each half an ounce , in a Draught of Posset-drink twice or thrice , in the Operation .

Salt of Vitriol is not at all convenient in this case , because it irritates and pricks continually the Glandulous parts about the Jaws , and so promotes the Flux of the Serum , and increases the Cough . After the Vomit hath done working , give the following Opiat or the like .

Take of the Pectoral Decoction clarified four ounces , of Tincture of Saffron two drams , of Helmont's liquid Laudanum fifteen drops , of Syrup of Violets two drams ; mingle them , make a Draught ; or you may give ten grains of the Pill of Hounds-tongue , or of Storax .

Thirdly , It is convenient to Purge gently by Stool the Humours by Stomachick Purges , and the like , which the least agitate the Blood . For Instance ,

Take of choice Manna , and of Oyl of Sweet-Almonds , each one ounce and an half , or two ounces ; dissolve them in a Pint of hot Ptisan ; let the Sick drink half in Bed , and the rest half an hour after when he is up . Or ,

Take of the best Senna two drams , of Cassia with the Canes broke , and of Tamarinds , each half an ounce ; of the Seeds of Coriander prepared half a dram ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain or Barnet water to eight ounces ; dissolve in it an ounce of Manna , and half a dram of Sal-prunella : Let the Sick take half in the Morning , and the rest half an hour afterwards .

And every Night after Purging give an Opiate to asswage the Blood , and to quiet the Lungs , least a new Flux of Humours should fall upon the Lungs by the Agitation of the Blood occasioned by the Purge .

For the same reason it is proper to mix some Opiate with Stomachick Purges to be taken at Bed Time . For Instance .

Take of Aloes-rosat one scruple , or twenty five grains , of the Pills of Hounds-tongue half a Scruple ; mingle them make four Pills to be gilded , which are to be repeated every other Night after the Patient hath been blooded .

These Pills are vulgarly called Pilulae Catarrhales by the Apothecaries ; for they do not only evacuate the Humours by Stool , but also hinder a new Flux of them to the Lungs . Or ,

Take of the Stomachick Pills , with Gums , Aleophagin of Mastich , or of Ambar , half a dram , or two scruples ; of London Laudanum one grain ; mingle them , make four Pills , gild them , and let them be taken every third Night for thrice .

And if the Catarrh be very violent , and if a Difficulty of Breathing , or a straitness on the Breast does not arise from the Use of Opiates , an Opiat must be given every Night ; for at the beginning of this Disease nothing considerable can be done without them .

Fourthly , In this State of the Disease , Diaphorecticks do much Good ; but you must take notice , that they must be never used before Bleeding , Vomiting and Purging , if they are necessary , and they must be always mixed with Opiates , and such must be chosen as are least hot .

Take of venice-treacle half a dram or two scruples , of Conserve of old red Roses half a dram ; mingle them , make a Bolus . Or ,

Take of Diascordium , and conserve of Wood-sorrel , each one dram , make a Bolus . Or ,

Take of Matthew's Pill fifteen grains ; make two Pills , gild them , and let them be taken at bed-time . Or ,

Take of the Pill of Hounds-tongue twelve grains , of Diaphoretick Antimony one scruple , of Tincture of Saffron a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , make four Pills .

These Diaphoreticks must be taken at Bed-time , and great Care must be taken that the Sick does not take Cold after the use of them : Blisters must also be applyed to the Arms , and betwixt the Shoulders , and Pectoral Medicines must be used when the Sick does not Purge .

Take of Oyl of sweet Almonds , of Syrup of Maiden-hair , of Jujubs , Violets , or of Marsh-mallows , each one ounce and an half ; of White Sugar-candy one dram and an half ; mingle them exactly , whereof let the Sick take a Spoonful every fourth Hour , drinking upon it four ounces of the following Apozem hot .

Take of the Pectoral Decoction clarified one Pint and an half , of Tincture of Saffron extracted with treacle-water , of Syrup of Maiden-hair , Scabious , or of Jujubs , each one ounce ; mingle them , make an Apozem .

If you desire to have a more thickning Linctus .

Take of fresh Oyl of sweet Almonds , of Syrups of Comfrey , of red-poppies , of dried Roses , each one ounce and an half ; of Diacodium half an ounce , of Sugar of Roses one dram and an half ; mingle them , make a Linctus .

If you wou'd have a more lubricating Linctus .

Take of fresh Oyl of Flax extracted without Fire , of Syrup of Liquorish , and of Honey of Violets , one ounce and an half ; of white Sugar-candy one dram and an half , mingle them exactly , make a Linctus .

If there be a Feaver , omit the Hissop and Tincture of Saffron ; if there be a Loosness , use the following .

Take of the Lohoch of the Lungs of a Fox , of Colts-foot , and Purslain , each one ounce ; of Syrup of Jujubs , and Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; of Flowers of Sulphur two drams , of Tincture of Saffron half an ounce , of the Species Diatragacanth frigid , of Diamargit frigid , of the Powder of Haly , each one dram ; of Penediat Sugar half an ounce ; mingle them , make a Linctus .

Take of Tacamahaca , of Balsam of Peru , each one Drain ; of the Ingredients for the Pectoral Decoction a sufficient quantity , boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain Water to a Pint and an half ; with the strained Liquor , and with a dram of each of the four Cold-seeds , with the Seeds of white Poppies , and of Henbane , each two drams ; and with eight Almonds blanched , make an Emulsion to be sweetned with Pendiat-Sugar .

But if by reason of the Clamminess of the Flegm the Difficulty of Breathing is more than usual , the following Linctus must be prescribed .

Take of the Lohoch of Raisons , and of Squills , each one ounce and an half ; of Syrup of Hedge-mustard , of Hyssop , and of Hore-hound , each one ounce and an half ; of the Species Diaireos , Diacalaminth , and the Flowers of Sulphur , each one Dram and an half ; Tincture of Saffron half an ounce , of white Sugar-candy six Drams ; mingle them , make a Linctus .

And if this Symptom be very violent , a dram of pure Gum-ammoniack , and a dram and an half of Flowers of Benzoin may be added .

And for these Intentions , Balsamick Medicines , with things that agglutinate are proper . For Instance ,

Take of the Pulp of the conserve of red Roses , and Wood-sorrel , each one ounce and an half ; of Olibanum three drams , of Opobalsam two scruples ; mingle them , make an Electuary , whereof let the Sick take the quantity of a Nutmeg thrice a day , drinking upon it four ounces of the following Apozem .

Take of the Leaves of Millfoil , Mouse-car , Burnet , Dandelion , spotted Lungwort , Scabious , each one handful ; of the Flowers of St. John's-wort , Violets , the greater Daisy , red Poppies , each half an handful ; of Jujubs , and Dates , each six Pair ; of Saffron tied up in a Rag half a dram , of the Seeds of Annise , and Juniper-berries , each three drams ; infuse them , and boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water to three Pints , in the hot Liquor strained dissolve four ounces of Conserve of red Roses , which being added to the Apozem render it Balsamick and Pleasantly tasted ; strain it again , and add of the Syrups of Coral , and of Oak of Jerusalem , and of Maiden-hair , each one ounce , make an Apozem .

Or instead of the foregoing Electuary the following may be substituted ,

Take of the Pulp of the conserve of red Roses two ounces , of the conserve of Hips one ounce , of the Powder of Haly one dram , of Lucatellus's Balsam half an ounce , of Balsamick Syrup a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , make an Electuary to be taken as before .

Let the Sick take often in a day one or two Spoonfuls of the Balsamick Syrup , which is very agreeable to the Stomach , and with every Dose of the Syrup , a scruple of the Balsam of Tolu made into small Pills , may be taken ; and every Night at Bed-time the Sick may take twenty five or thirty drops of Helmont's liquid Laudanum in a spoonful of Balsamick Syrup : When there are no other Medicines to be taken , and there is nothing contrindicates it , it is also very effectual to prescribe a dram of Flowers of Sulphur to be taken in a rear Egg , or Honey of Rosemary-flowers .

If a Tickling Cough , by reason of the Acrimony and Thinness of the Humuor , issuing from the Windpipe and Bronchia , be very troublesome to the Patient , the following Tablets must be used .

Take of the Pulp of the Roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce , Pearl-sugar , Gum-arabick , Tragacanth , white Starch , dissolved in Poppy-water , each two drams ; of Penediat Sugar dissolved in Rose-water a sufficient quantity ; make Tablets , each weighing a dram .

But if the Cough continues long , and is violent , and will not yield to the foregoing Remedies , we must use Balsamicks . For Instance , Let the Sick take thrice a day three of the following Pills , in a spoonful or two of some proper Linctus .

Take of the Powder of Millepedes prepared three drams , of Gum-ammoniack well purified one dram and an half , of the Flowers of Benzoin two scruples or one dram , of Extract of Saffron , and Peruvian Balsam , each half a scruple ; of Balsam of Sulphur anisated , or made with Turpentine , a sufficient Quantity ; mingle them , make Pills of a moderte bigness , gild them , or cover them with Powder of Liquorish .

These Pills have often done good in Consumptire Coughs .

The Sick must chuse an Air that is moderately hot and dry , and somewhat thin ; the diet must be of easie Concoction , as Mutton , and Veal , and the like ; and the Sick must eat Flesh only at Dinner ; at Supper he must only eat Water-gruel , Panada-broths , potched Eggs , and the like ; and he must be sure to be moderate in his Diet ; he must drink sparingly of small Beer , and the like ; Wines must be avoided , and other spirituous Liquors ; it is also convenient that his Beer be medicated with Pectoral things and the like , which are proper for the Disease ; for by this means a great quantity of Medicines will be mixed with the Blood without nauseating the Stomach , or injuring the Appetite , which a Physician ought to take great Care of . For Instance ,

Take of the best Sarsa-parilla cut eight ounces , of the Roots of China sliced four ounces , of Polypody of the Oak , Maiden-hair , Ground-ivy , spotted Lung-wort , Colts-foot , Scabious , Oak of Jerusalem , each two handfuls ; of the Flowers of Scabious , water-lillies , and of Rosemary , of the grater Daisy , and of St. Johns-wort , each one handful ; of Juniper-berries four ounces , of Raisins of the Sun stoned six ounces , of Liquorish rasped one ounce , of the Seeds of Annise two drams ; mingle uhem , make a Bag for four Gallons of middling Beer , which let the Sick use for his ordinary Drink .

The Sick must exercise himself daily moderately , especially before Dinner ; he must take great Care that he does not catch Cold : The Sick must be diverted as much as may be from Anger , Sorrow , deep thinking , and all other great Passions of the Mind ; from Study , and unseasonable Watching , always sleeping , if he can , the first part of the Night .

But in the second State of this Disease , which may be known by the Increase of the hectick Feaver , which now is often like a putrid Intermitting Feaver , and by the manifest wasting of the Flesh , by the dry Cough , a Weight upon the Breast , and difficulty of Breathing ; all Evacuacuations by Stool , Vomit , or Sweat , are injurious ; for they promote the Feaver , and Increase the Consumption : Nor is Bleeding to be used at this time , unless it be to prevent a Peripneumonia ; but the Alteratives and Pectorals before prescribed must be used frequently , as often as the Stomach will bear them ; but especially the use of the Balsamicks before prescribed must be long continued , if there be no considerable Feaver ; and by this means many Consumptive People have been recovered .

Issues are also of use , and the Shaving of the Head .

And if the Hectick heat be but small , the Sick ought to drink Calybeat Waters in the Summer-time ; for by this means many have been relieved Year after Year ; their Stomack , Flesh and Strength recovered , and the Hectick Heat and Cough left them , and their Breath has been freer : But these Waters are not to be used when the Lungs are evidently putrified , or when the Flesh is very much wasted by Colloquative Sweats , a Loosness , or a Dropsie , for then they are deadly . And when they are proper , the Sick must use them the greatest part of the Summer , but not so great a quantity at a time as is usual in other Cases , two Quarts , five Pints , or three Quarts , may be sufficient at a time ; and the Sick must take Care that he does not catch Cold , and of Errors in Diet : Purging is not to be used during the drinking of the Waters in this Case , but if the Body be subject to be bound , the Purging Mnieral-waters must be taken three or four times , at the distance of three or four Days before and after the use of the Calybeat-waters . If the Waters do not pass well by Urine , or if they cause a Diarrhea , you must not continue the use of them long , unless these Inconveniences may be remedied by Art , to take off or to prevent the Diarrhea .

I use to prescribe the quantity of a Walnut of the following Electuary , to be taken at Bed-time every Night .

Take of the Pulp of the conserve of old red Roses , of the Electuary of Quinces , each half an ounce ; of the Troebes of Ambar three drams , of true Bole , of Dragons-blood , each half a dram ; of London Laudanum three grains , of Syrup of Mirtles a sufficient Quantity ; mingle them , make an Electuary .

To force the Urine , I order that a scruple of the whitest Salt of Ambar , well cleansed from the Oyl , should be dissolved in the first Draught of Water .

It is also good , during the Course of the Water , to medicate the ordinary Drink with a Bag of Pectoral Ingredients .

But secondly , If the Hectick Feaver be considerable , it is safer to attemperate the Blood by a Milk-Diet ; but as to a Milk Diet what followeth must be observed .

First , In the use of this Diet , nothing but Milk , or things made of Milk , Bread only excepted , must be allowed of ; but good Quantities of it must be taken frequently , least by reason of the Thinness of it , the Parts should be deprived of their due Nourishment . Secondly , This sort of Diet must be continued for the Space of a Month or two . Thirdly , Spring time is most seasonable for a Milk Course , for then the Herbs and Flowers , wherewith the Beasts are fed , flourish most .

Fourthly , But if by reason of the Ferment of the Stomach being too acid , common Milk , as it sometimes happens , curdles , and so cannot be concocted ; upon which account , Vomiting , Grips , and a Loosness follow ; it is better to abstain from the use of it , and to endeavour to attemperate the Blood with Asses-milk : Concerning the use of which observe the following Directions . First , Give this Milk in the Morning , and let the Sick sleep a little in Bed afterwards ; let it be given again at five in the Afternoon . Secondly , Nothing of a contrary Nature , whether Diet or Medicine must be taken till the Milk is concocted . Thirdly , You must give a Pint , or half a Pint at a time , or thereabout ; for a great Quantity of this , or of common Milk , can neither be received nor concocted by the Stomach , but is usually cast out presently , either by Vomit or Stool , to the great Prejudice of the Sick ; wherefore it is prudently ordered by Physicians , that as the Stomach is by degrees accustomed to this sort of Diet , so the quantity of it should be daily increased from half a Pint to a Pint. Fourthly , If the Sick , by reason of the acid Ferment of the Stomach , is subject upon taking Asses-milk , to a Loosness● ( which frequently happens ) the Milk , must be sweetned with Sugar of Roses , and must be milked upon a Branch or two of Mint ; and if there be occasion , and nothing forbids , the Sick may take every Night at Bed-time a grain of London Landanum , or a Dose of the beforementioned Astringent Electuary . Fifthly , The Milk must be drank whilst it is warm , for if it should grow cold , and be afterwards warmed upon the Fire , it would be rendered less pleasing to the Tast and Stomach , and the Remedy would not be so effectual , by reason of the Spirits being wasted . Sixthly , During the use of Asses-milk , which also ought to be ordered in every Milk-diet , the Sick must abstain from all other Medicines , except Opiats and Astringents , if they are necessary to prevent a Loosness , or to quiet the Cough at Nights . Seventhly , But if the Loosness , occasioned by the Milk , cannot be taken off by the Laudanum , and the Astringents , or if after it is taken off , Vomiting or at least a continual Sickness , or Weight upon the Stomach succeed , which are the certain Signs of the Milk curdling in the Stomach : Or lastly , If there be Signs of a Schir●hus and Obstruction of the Liver , which are frequent in Scorbutical and Hypocondriack People , that have had a Consumption a long while , they must carefully avoid all sorts of Milk ; for the use of Milk , by increasing the Obstruction of the Liver , is wont to bring upon the Consumption a Dropsie and Jaundice , whereby the original Disease is rendred deplorable .

Wherefore , Fourthly , in these cases it is better to alter the Blood , and to blunt its Acrimony by the free use of Fish , and of testaceous Medicines ; and also by Restorative Broths made of the extream parts of Animals , and drinking freely of the Compound Waters of Milk , Capons , and Snails , and the like ; though what we said before of the use of Milk is also true , with respect to these Flegmatick Waters , viz. That when the Liver is obstructed , the Jaundice or Dropsie is wont to follow the free use of these . Wherefore in such a case it is better to endeavour to Sweeten the Blood in the following manner . Let him eat freely of River and Sea-crabs , of Lobsters ; and generally speaking of all testaceous Fish , which sort of Diet eaten plentifully , much attemperates the Acidity of the Blood , and the sharp Ferment of the Stomach ▪ Of these testaceous Fish are also made very pleasant Broths , which must be taken plentifully .

Take of River Crabs number an hundred , beat them whilst they are alive , and boil them in two quarts of Fountain-water ; add towards the end of boiling two or three blades of Mace , one Nutmeg rasped , and of Malago-wine half a pint ; strain it for use . Jellies and restorative Broths may be also used to the same purpose . For instance ,

Take of the Shavings of Harts-horn and Ivory , each four ounces ; two blades of Mace , one bark of an Orange candied ; boil them in two quarts of Fountain-water to a quart , or a pint and an half ; strain it ; let the Sick take three or four Spoonfuls , either by themselves or in some hot Broth.

These kind of Jellies may be made more pleasant to the Pallate , by adding at the time of use a little of the Syrup of Baulm , Gilliflowers , Raspberries , Oranges or Lemmons ; though it must be confessed Acid Syrups do not so well agree with Jellies .

The manner of making a Restorative Broth is as follows .

Take a Capon drawn and cut in pieces , of Sheeps and Calves feet , each two pair ; the shavings of Ivory and Harts-horn , each half an ounce ; two leaves of Mace , one Nutmeg cut , yellow Sanders , three drams or half an ounce ; boil them all gently in one gallon of Fountain-water , till half is consumed ; add towards the end of boiling a pint of Malago-Sack , and of the Flowers of the greater Daisie , Coltsfoot , Maiden-hair , Spotted Lungwort , each one handful ; of fat Dates eight pair , of Jujubs twelve pair , of Sebestens ten pair , of Raisins of the Sun stoned three ounces ; strain it , let the Sick take a large Draught of it twice or thrice a day .

Prepared Coral , Millepedes , Pearls , Crabs-eyes prepared , the Simple Powder of Crabs-claws , and other testaceous Medicines taken plentifully , and often in a day , are good to blunt the Acrimony of the Blood .

Take of the Aqua lactis Alexiteria , of Carduus , or of black Cherry-water , one pint ; of Cinnamon-water hordeated half a pint , of prepared Pearl half an ounce , of white Cristaline Sugar two ounces ; mingle them , make a Julep , whereof let the Sick take four ounces ( shaking the Viol always when it is used ) three or four times in a day , adding , if the Stomach require it , one or two ounces of Epidemick water . Or ,

Take of the Powder of Millepedes , of Crabs-eyes prepared , of the Simple Powder of Crabs-claws , each one dram ; of the Powder of white Ambar half a dram ; mingle them , divide it into nine Papers , whereof let him take one thrice a day in a Spoonful of the Pearl Julep .

Fifthly , If the Sick seem free from an Obstruction of the Liver , and has neither the Dropsie nor the Jaundice , but the Milk-Diet before described does not agree , by reason of a Loosness , or the Acid Ferment of the Stomach ; besides the altering Medicines above described , the free use of the compound distilled Waters of Milk , Snails , a Pig , and the like , may be ordered with success , to attemperate farther the Acrimony of the Humours .

The Milk-water .

Take of the leaves of Maiden-hair , Coltsfoot , spotted Lungwort , Speedwell , each three handfuls ; of Hyssop , Goats-rue , Mint and Wormwood , each two handfuls ; of the Flowers of St. John's Wort and Scabious , each two handfuls ; of English Saffron one dram , three Nutmegs sliced , Dates and fat Figs , each half a pound ; of Raisins of the Sun stoned one pound ; cut them , and infuse them in three gallons of fresh Cows Milk , and three quarts of Malago-Sack , distill them in a cold Still , and draw off half the Liquor , and mix the Distillations , and keep them for use .

If the Consumption be Scorbutical , you may add in Distillation the tops of Pine , Water-cresses , and Brook-lime , and Ground-Ivy , with other gentle Antiscorbuticks : And instead of Malago Sack , you may use Brunswick Mum. If you would have this Water also Restorative , you must add a Capon or a Pig in the second Distillation . For instance ,

Take a Capon or a Pig , ( the Intrails being taken out ) cut in pieces , of the Milk-water above described one gallon , distill off three parts of the Liquor .

Snail-water .

Take of Garden-Snails cleansed with Salt three hundred , of common Milk , or rather of the Milk-water above prescribed three gallons ; distill them in a cold Still with a gentle Fire till the Liquor becomes Acid : And the following Magisterial water of Worms is not to be despised , for it will keep good a long while .

Take of fresh Milk two gallons , of Mint and Roman Worm-wood , each two handfuls ; distill off one gallon : Then take of Garden-Snails , first wash'd in common water , then in Small-beer , half a peck ; of Earth-worms prepared one Pint , of Angelica one handful and an half , of Agrimony , Bettony and Rue , each one handful ; put the Herbs into a Still , and the Snails and Worms upon them ; and at top shavings of Harts-horn half a pound , Cloves one ounce , Saffron three drams ; infuse them in two quarts of Syder , and one of Malago-Sack ; then distill all in a cold Still .

These Liquors are to be drank freely for the ordinary drink , mixed with an equal part of Milk , if the Stomach will bear it , and if the Sick can quench his Thirst with it . If a Julep be more pleasing , give it in the following manner .

Take of the Waters of Pig or Capon before described one pint , of white Cristaline Sugar a sufficient quantity , boil them to a Syrup .

Take of Milk , or Snail-water one pint and an half , of the Syrup just described four ounces ; mingle them , make a Julep , whereof let the Sick drink freely . Or ,

Take of the Water of Milk , or of Magisterial Snail-water a quart , of pearled Sugar ten drams or an ounce and an half ; mingle them , make a Julep , whereof let him take freely and frequently .

But if there is not so much a Hectick Feaver as a difficulty of Breathing , as it often happens to such as are afflicted with a Scorbutick Consumption , a Pectoral Hydromel is better for the ordinary Drink , than distilled Waters abounding with Flegm .

Take of the roots of China sliced six ounces , of the roots of Coltsfoot gathered at a Fit-time three ounces , of the roots of Burdock and Avens , each three ounces ; of the roots of Elecampane two ounces , of the leaves of Lungwort , all the Scabious , both the Speedwells , Meadow-sweet , and Monywort , each two handfuls ; of all the Capillaries , each one handful ; of the flowering tops of Bugles and Bettony , of the flowers of red Speedwell , and of Cowslips , each four Pugils ; of all the Ground Ivy three handfuls , of Jujubs , Dates , Sebestens , and Raisins of the Sun cleansed , each one ounce and an half ; of Spanish Liquorish one ounce and an half , cut them all , and boil them in sixteen quarts of Fountain-water with a gentle Fire till half is consumed ; strain it and clarifie it , and add to it four pound of the best Honey ; boil it again , and take off the Scum ; strain it again , add half an ounce of Cinnamon , six drams of Coriander-seed , of the Seeds of Annise and Sweet Fennel , each three drams ; put the Liquor into a large Tub , and let it ferment , which it will the sooner do , if the Tub be placed in the Sun , for then it will be sufficiently fermented in forty days , otherwise it will require a much longer time : The Vessel must be always kept open and full . Of this let the Sick drink a good Draught twice or thrice a day for many Months .

When the Consumption comes to its third State , the Sick very rarely is cured or lives long , unless the Ulcers are very small and benign ; wherefore , though a prudent and honest Physician , being called to Consumptive People at this time , may endeavour to mitigate as much as may be the Symptoms , and may prescribe Medicines proper for the Consumption and the present Indications ; yet he ought by no means to promise a Cure , but rather acquaint the Patient of his Danger ; and so he will secure his own Reputation , and that of the Medical Art .

The Curative Indications at this time of the Disease are these four : First , Pectoral Medicines must be prescribed , and the Cure of the Ulcers must be promoted ( if they are small , benign and curable ) as much as can be , in this weak and wasting Condition of the Sick .

Secondly , The Peripneumonick or Inflammatory Feaver , as often as it happens , must be taken off , with all its dreadful Symptoms .

Thirdly , The Putrid Feaver arising from the Purulent Matter of the Lungs must be mitigated .

Fourthly and lastly , The Tormenting Symptoms arising from the Putrid Feaver by reason of the Colliquation , must be removed as far as may be , that at least the Sick may dye easily .

As to the first in this State of the Consumption , Altering , Expectorating and Balsamick , or Healing Medicines that are not too hot , ( by reason of the great height of the Feaver ) but always Cordials are to be given , and those are to be chosen that are most palatable , and may be taken in the smallest quantity . For instance ,

Take of the Pulp of the old Conserve of red Roses , of Wood-sorrel , and of Lucatellus's Balsam , each one ounce ; mingle them , make an Electuary , whereof let him take the quantity of a Nutmeg wrapt in a Wafer Morning and Evening ; or let him take twice a day of the Balsamick Pills above described , number three .

Take of the Aqua Lactis Alexiteria eight ounces , of the Magisterial Water of Snails , of Cinnamon-water hordeated , each three ounces ; Aqua mirabilis one ounce ; of prepared Pearl two drams , of clear Ghalk one dram , of white Cristaline Sugar one ounce or ten drams ; mingle them , make a Julep , whereof let the Sick take four or five Spoonfuls after every Dose of the Electuary , and of the Pills , and as often as he will .

Take of the Balsamick Syrup , which is very agreeable to the Stomach , three ounces ; of Tincture of Saffron made in Treacle-water two drams ; mingle them , let him take of it often in a Spoon , and in a Spoonful or two of this mixture , let him take twice a day six or eight drops of Opobalsam .

But if the Cough and Watchings are very obstinate , let him take sometimes twelve drops of Helmont's Liquid Laudanum . Nevertheless in this languid state , Opium ought to be given cautiously in small Doses , and in due distances of time ; neither ought it to be given at all without urgent necessity require it , least a sudden Death follow , and the Disgrace of the Medical Art . Or ,

Take of the Syrup of Maiden-hair four ounces , of Aqua mirabilis half an ounce or six drams ; mingle them ; let the Patient take a Spoonful of it frequently , or with a Liquorish-stick , especially when the Cough is troublesome .

Jellies and Restorative Broths are to be prescribed in this case : And indeed in this deplorable Condition , Medicines are rather to be taken from the Kitchin than the Apothecary's Shop .

As to the Peripneumonick Feaver , it arises always from the great Inflammation of the Tubercles of the Lungs ; and therefore it uses to return frequently , viz. As often as a new Tubercle either of its own accord , or from cold taken , or from any Error committed in Diet , happens to be inflamed ; and during the Inflammation this Feaver continueth , and often kills the Patient suddenly ; it being accompanied with uncertain Shivering , and violent Heat succeeding alternately , with Watching , Restlesness , a Delirium , difficulty of Breathing , difficulty of Expectoration , violent and wandring Pains of the Side , Breast and Shoulders ; but when the Inflammation first begins to Imposthumate , which , if the Sick lives , happens usually about the seventh day of the Disease , the continual Inflammatory Feaver is succeeded by a Putrid Intermitting Feaver , either Quotidian or Tertian , which certainly indicates Matter in the Tubercles , and can never be perfectly eradicated unless they be cured .

This Inflammatory Feaver , as all others of the same kind , requires a thin Diet , that the Belly should be kept open , and Cordial and Attemperating Juleps are to be used freely ; also Pectoral Apozems , and Lubricating and Inciding Linctuses , to facilitate the Expectoration of the Flegm , too much thickned by the Feaverish Heat , and to take off the painful Compression of the Lungs , and to ease the Cough . Diaphoretick Opiats are also to be used sparingly , at due Intervals , to promote the Expulsion of the Febrile Matter through the Pores of the Skin : Also Blisters and Epithems are to be used for the relief of the Brain , and Genus Nervosum , which would otherwise suffer much by Feavers of this kind . Liniments also and Anodyn Fomentations must be prescribed , to remove the Painful and Convulsive Contraction of the Muscles , and Membranes of the Breast ; but above all , Bleed seasonably and largely , and it must be repeated , if there be occasion , according to the Strength of the Sick , and the present Effervescence of the Blood ; and perhaps Consumptive People require Bleeding more than those that are strong .

Wherefore the Physician , though he count the Consumption deadly , ought to endeavour the Cure of the Peripneumonia in the following manner : Let him order a Diet of Water-gruel , Ptisan , roasted Apples , and the like , and middling Beer with a Toast in it : But at the first Declination of the Feaver , Chicken-broth , potched-Eggs , and the like .

And the Belly , if there be occasion , must be presently loosned , with a Glister made of Milk and Sugar , with Camomil-flowers , which also must be repeated upon occasion ; then eight or ten Ounces of Blood must be taken away from the Arm of the pained Side ; and Bleeding must be repeated every day , or every other day , according to the Effervescence of the Blood , and the Violence of the Pain in the Side , and of the difficulty of Breathing , if the Strength will permit that an Imposthumation may be hindred if possible .

In the mean while , through the whole Course of the Disease , one Spoonful of the following Linctus dissolved in four Ounces of the Pectoral Apozem , must be taken every third or fourth hour hot .

Take of the fresh Oyl of Sweet-Almonds , of Syrup of Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; of white Sugar-candy one dram and an half ; mingle them exactly and make a Linctus .

And if the Flegm be very tough , and if the Difficulty of Breathing and the Pain increase by reason of it , instead of Oyl of Almonds , Oyl of Linseed fresh drawn without Fire may be substituted , and Syrup of Hedge-mustard , or of the five opening Roots instead of Syrup of Maiden-hair , if a Flux of the Belly does not contra-indicate : Besides two or three ounces of the Oyl of Linseed may be taken by it self every fourth Hour , for it does not only Lubricate , but is also very Anodyn .

Take of the Pectoral Decoction clarified one Pint and an half , of Tincture of Saffron made in Treacle-water , and of Syrup of Maiden-hair , each one ounce ; mingle them , make an Apozem for the use above described .

To recruit the Strength , and to attemperate the Effervescence of the Blood , four or five Spoonfuls of the following Julep may be prescribed .

Take of the Aqua-lactis alexiteria eight ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated , and of Plague-watery each two ounces ; of prepared Pearl one dram and an half , of white Sugar six drams ; mingle them , make a Julep .

At Bed-time the following Anodyn and Diaphoretick Bolus may be prescribed to be taken , with a Draught of the Cordial Julep , especially if the Belly , as it often happens in this State of the Disease , be too loose .

Take of Venice-treacle half a dram , of the compound Powder of Crabs-claws one Scruple , of Syrup of Gilly-flowers a sufficient Quantity ; mingle them , make a Bolus .

Presently after Bleeding apply Blisters to the Neck , to the inner parts of the Arms and Legs , and a Cephalick Plaister with Euphorbium to the Soles of the Feet , to relieve the Brain and Genus Nervosum .

To ease the Pain of the Side occasioned by the Convulsions of the Muscles and the Membrans of the Breast , the following Fomentation and Liniment may be applyed by turns to the Parts affected .

Take of the Roots of Parsly ▪ and Fennel , and of Linseeds , and of Fenugreek-seeds , each two ounces ; of the Flowers of Camomel , and of Melilot , each two handfuls , mix them and boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain Water , pour it into a fresh Ox-Bladder , let the Bladder be half full , apply it hot to the Parts affected ; when the Bladder is taken off , apply an hot Flannel besmeared with the following Liniment .

Take of Ointment of Marsh-mallows half an ounce , of Oyl of white-lillies , and of Bricks , each three drams ; mingle them , make a Liniment .

To attemperate further the Effervescence of the Blood and the Heat of the Lungs , the following Powder may be used with good Success ,

Take of pure Salt-peter two drams , of white Cristaline Sugar half an ounce , mingle them , and make of them eight Papers , whereof let one be dissolved in every Draught of Beer .

As to other things they must be left to the Judgment of the Physician that attends , to be prescribed upon Occasion .

As to the putrid Feaver of Consumptive People , it is to be noted , that although the Sick being treated according to the Preceeding Method , do not die of a Peripneumonia , yet the Inflammation of the Tubercles of the Lungs ending most commonly in an Ulcer , presently after the Inflammatory Feaver , a putrid intermitting Feaver arises , returning at certain Periods every day or every other day with Shivering , Heat and Sweats .

Which Feaver seems impossible to be taken quite off unless the Ulcer be cured from whence it arises ; yet the Peruvian Bark , frequently repeated at due Intervals , is often very Successful for suppressing the Feaver for a while , and the Lives of some , by the frequent use of it , have been protracted for many Years .

Take of the Peruvian Bark finely powdered half a dram , of the Balsamick Syrup a sufficient quantity ; make a Bolus , which let the Sick take in the Morning , and every sixth Hour for three days successively , drinking upon it three or four ounces of the following Apozem .

Take of the Peruvian Bark powdered three ounces , of the Balsam of Tolu two drams , of English-saffron , and Cochinele , each one Scruple ; boil them in a Pint of the Pectral Decoction clarified to six ounces , then strain it , and put on a Pint more of the Decoction ; repeat the Operation thrice , then mix all the strained Liquor , and add to it of Maligo Saek , and Balsamick Syrup , each fou● ounces ; mingle them , make an Apozem .

Repeat the use of this Febrifuge in the manner now described twice in a Month , or oftner if there be Occasion ; and in the Intervals , the daily use of Balsamick and Pectoral Medicines must be ordered , and they must be varied according to the Temper of the Sick , and the Genius of the Disease : If the Belly be too loose , a grain of London Laudanum may be added to every Bolus to be taken at Bed-time , or instead of the Bolus's , Pills made of Diascordium , and the Jesuits Powder may be substituted ; but every Dose must contain half a dram of the Powder ,

Yet it must be confessed that the Bark is not constantly so successful in the Consumptive Feaver as in Agues .

To take off a Loosness , and to mitigate a Dysentery , and the Gripes , Opiat Medicines must be used freqently and freely ; and during these Symptoms , the Sick must abstain from all sorts of Beer , and , instead of it , must use the white Decoction or Milk-water : Let him take also , if there be Occasion , every fourth Hour , the quantity of a Walnut of the Astringent Electuary described before in the use of Asses-milk ; or let him take twelve Drops of Helmont's liquid Laudanum ,

And to attemperate the Acrimony of the Humours , that are wont to be evacuated by the glandulous Tunick of the great Guts , and to restore the Tone of the Parts weakned thereby , let a Glister be daily injected made of Chicken broth ▪ or of a Sheeps-head with the Wool on , boiled in Water , or this that follows .

Take of Milk altered with red Roses , and by quenching often hot Steel in it ; six ounces , of Diascordium half an ounce ; mingle them , make a Glister .

But in a moderate Diarrhea , viz. when the Gripes are not very violent , especially if there be a Difficulty of Breathing , Opium must be prescribed rarely and sparingly in any Form ; for most commonly upon giving it , the Breast is oppressed , and Breathing , and Expectoration are rendered more difficult , and the Stomach becomes nauseous .

Wherefore it is safer only to moderate the Loosness , by giving an Opiat every third or fourth Night , than to stop it quite ; least a greater Injury should follow ; and always after the use of an Opiat , expectorating and lubricating Medicines should be freely used ; least the Matter should be so much fixed in the Lungs , that the strength of the Patient should not suffice to bring it up .

When the Cough and Watchings are very violent , the following Medicines may be used ; but it is to be noted , that Opiats must be used very sparingly , and with great Caution when the Sick is very weak .

Take of Syrup of Marsh-mallows , and Purslain , each one ounce and an half ; of the Species Diatragacanth frigid , of the Powder of Haly , each two scruples ; of Diacodium an ounce and an half , mingle them , make a Linctus to be taken in a spoon , or with a Liquorish Stick , when the Cough is violent .

Aqua-mirabilis also mixed with Pectoral Syrups does good . Or ,

Take of the Balsamick Syrup two ounces , of Helmont's liquid Laudanum two Scruples ; mingle them , let the Sick take a spoonful every Hour or every other Hour ,

The white and black Lozenges being leisurely dissolved in the Mouth , and swallowed down , are also of use .

To moderate the great and Colliquative Sweats , let the Sick sleep but little at a time , and let him take temperate Pearl Cordials often , and in a large Quantity ; to which it is fit to add Chalk , Coral , Dragons-blood , and other temperating astringent and emplastick Medicines , which in some manner fix and mitigate the Ferment of the Blood . For Instance ,

Take of the Waters of Tormentil , Oak-buds , each three ounces ; Cinnamon-water hordiated four ounces , of Aqua-mirahilis one ounce , of Pearls , and Coral prepared , and of Chalk , each two scruples ; of true Bole , and Dragons-blood each half a dram ; of Jap●n Earth a scruple , of destilled Vinegar or Spirit of Vitriol as much as is sufficient to make it gratefully acid , Syrup of Mirtles an ounce and an half ; Mingle them , make a Julep ; let the Sick take two or three ounces of it every third or fourth hour , shaking the Viol every time it is used .

The Cloaths on the Bed must be also lessened , and the Sick must be removed into a thin , warm and free Air ; let him always sleep in a large Room , and as soon as his Strength begins to fail , the Sweat must be rubbed off with dry Linnen Cloaths a little warmed ; and the Patient must be removed to the other Part of the Bed .

As to the violent Vomiting that seises Consumptive Persons at the latter end , there is little Help to be afforded by Art , only the Physician ought to assist by his prudent Counsels ▪ since he cannot by Medicines . First therefore , The Sick ought to be ordered to eat little ( though frequently ) at a time . Secondly , He must eat those things that afford good Nourishment and are of easie Digestion . Thirdly , After eating he must avoid ( as much as he can ) Coughing , Sleeping , and lying down .

Sometimes it happens after the Putrid Feaver begins especially if the Evacuation of the Colliquative Matter by Stool or by other ways is hindered by Art , that Nature indeavours , tho in vain , the Protrusion of the Enemy by the Salivary Ducts , or the glandulous Tunick of the Mouth and Oesophagus , by which means a troublesome Spitting arises that continues for many Weeks . Secondly , by reason of the Acrimony of the Humour evacuated by these Parts , an Inflammation not only of the Membrane of the Mouth , but also of the Oesophagus and Stomach follows . Thirdly , By the Inflammation an Ulceration is occasioned , and from thence little Ulcers called Aphth●● , accompanied with a very troublesom Pain of the Throat . And Lastly , An Hicop that is very troublesom arises from the Inflammation and Exulceration .

Which Symptoms , as they are troublesome , so are they sometimes long , and always deadly , for the Cause from whence they proceed is incurable ; yet cleansing softning astringent and Mucilaginous Gargarisms must be injected with a Syringe ; and to ease the Pain of the Throat , a double Flannel worn about the Neck does much Good , by defending it from the external Cold.

CHAP. LX. Of Swooning or Fainting .

THe next and immediate Cause of this Disease , is a Defect of the Vital Spirits ; and this Defect of the Spirits chiefly happens four ways , Either because there is not a sufficient quantity of them generated , or because they are dissipated and evacuated when they are generated ; or they are preternaturally altered , and corrupted : Or lastly , They are suffocated and overwhelmed . They are not generated either by reason of a Fault of the Faculty , or of the Matter ; the Faculty of the generating the Spirits is hurt , either by a Peculiar Disorder of the Heart or by Consent .

The peculiar Diseases of the Heart that are chiefly to to be taken Notice of , are great Intemperies overturning the native Temper of it ; or destroying the Substance of the Parts , and of the Native Heat ; as acute and malignant Feavers , Colliquative , Pestilential and Hectick Fevers , also Organical Diseases , as Constriction and too great Dilatation .

The Faculty of the Heart is hurt by Consent , as from the Brain and Liver , which have a great Sympathy with it ; and also often from the Mouth of the Stomach , by reason of its nearness and Exquisite Sense , upon which account Swooning is divided into Cardiack and Stomachick ; that is Cardiack which proceeds from the Heart being Primarily affected ; that is Stomachick which is produced by Consent of the Stomach : It also often arises from the Womb , by reason of ill Vapours transmitted thence to the Heart .

The Fault of the Matter , is a Defect or Corruption of the Air and Blood , from whence the Vital Spirits are generated . A Defect of the Air happens from Respiration or Transpiration hurt : A Defect of the Blood from a Fault in Nutrition .

The Corruption of both is occasioned by putting on another Quality ; so from the infected Air in a Pestilential Constitution , Swooning and Fainting frequently happen , and some ill Smells occasion the same , and sweet Smells in some Women .

The Blood is also often corrupted by unwholesome Food .

Too large Evacuations dissipate the Spirits , both sensible and insensible : sensible Evacuatioins , are first of Blood it self by the Mouth , Nostrils , Womb , Belly , Hemorrhoids , Bleeding , and great Wounds . Secondly , of other Humours , which though they are Excrementitious , yet being evacuated in a large quantity , they dissipate the Spirits and occasion Fainting . Such Humours are w●nt to be evacuated by Vomit , Stool , Urine , Sweat , by opening a large Abscess , especially inwardly , as of an Empyema ; and also outwardly , as in a Dropsie , the Navel being open .

Insensible Evacuations are made by too great a rarity of the Skin , and by reason of Thinness or Acrimony of things contained , by immoderate Heat , Bathing and excessive Labour .

They are also dissipated by long , Watching , long Fastting , immoderate Venery , Anger or excessive Joy ; long and acute Sickness , violent Pains of the Heart , Stomach , Bowels , Veins , Ears , Teeth , and of all the Nervous Parts .

The Spirits are altered and corrupted by an ill Disposition of the Bowels , and by any thing that has a malignant and an inimical Quality to the Heart ; as a venomous and pestilential Air drawn in by the Breath , or generated in the Body by Putrefaction of Humours ; Poison taken inwardly does the same , and the Biting of Venomous Creatures .

Lastly , A violent Reflux of the Spirits and Blood to the Heart , and the like , suffocates and overwhelms the Vital Spirits . A noble Virgin , which was very subject to fainting upon every small occasion , died suddenly , by reason of a sudden Reflux of the Blood , and Spirits to the Heart , as she was about to sign a Contract of Marriage with a very handsom and accomplished Gentleman .

Fainting also sometimes happens from cold and thick Blood , heapt up in abundance in the greater Vessels .

As to the Cure , it must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes ; but from whatever Cause it proceeds , that which follows must be observed in the Fit , You must lay them on their Back , and sprinkle Water in their Faces , and provoke Sneezing ; put some good Wine or Cinnamon-water into their Mouths ; apply Bread hot out of the Oven to their Nostrils ; call them aloud , shake them , pull them by the Nose , double their Fingers , pull their Hair , use Frictions , Ligatures and Cupping-glasses .

But the Cure must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes in the following manner .

If it takes its Rise from want of Nourishment , the Sick must be refreshed with good Wine , and by a Piece of Bread dipt in it and eaten , and also by nourishing Broths , and the like .

If by reason of the Thinness of the Humours , the Spirits exhale , Perfumes and meat of good Juice and Thickning must be prescribed , and the Pores of the Skin must be stopt with Oyl of Roses and by the cold Air.

If it proceed from an Hysterick Disease , Remedies proper for that must be given ; if from a malignant Quality Cardiacks and Alexipharmicks must be used .

If from taking Poyson , things that evacuate must be used ; a Vomit must be given , and afterwards Treacle must be prescribed ; and then if a Heat and Erosion of the Stomach be perceived , he must take Milk or Butter , or fat Broths , or cooling Cordial Potions .

If from Immoderate Evacuation , the Sick must be refreshed with Perfumes , Meat and Drink , Sleep and Rest .

If from too great a Loss of Blood , lay the Sick on a Bed with his Head downward , Sprinkle his Face with cold Water , give him a little Wine diluted with cold Water .

If by over-purging , give new Treacle ; or for want of it old Treacle with two grains of Opium ; or rather with three grains of Laudanum dissolved in Wine . Anoint his Belly with the following Oyls .

Take of Oyl of Mirtles , and of Quinces , each one ounce and an half ; of Oyl of Wormwood one ounce , of Rose Vinegar a little ; mingle them , anoint his Belly with it often .

Inject a Glister of Calybeat Milk , adding to it the Yolks of three Eggs , of Philonium Romanum two drams ; rub his Arms and upper Parts ; dip a Piece of Bread in Wine and give it , or let him drink Wine it self .

And lastly , Every Evacuation , whether of Blood by the Nostrils , Womb , or other parts , or of other Humours , by Vomit or Stool , is to be restrained by Remedies described in their proper Chapters .

That Fainting which arises from too great Sweat , must be cured by Remedies that restrain Sweat , as with cold Water , Rose-water alone , or with a little Vinegar in it cast upon the Hands and Face ; the Air also must be cooled with the foresaid Waters , and with fanning ; cold Epithems must be applied to the Heart , made of Rose-water , Sorrel , Borrage , and of the Powder of Diamargarit ; frigid , and with a little Wine to make them penetrate .

Also cooling Juleps of Syrup of Sorrel , Violets , of Apples , or Lemmons , with cooling Waters , and Sal-prunella , are frequently to be given ; the Pores may be stopt by anointing the Skin with Oyl of Roses , Mastich and Myrtles . Let the Sick abstain from Wine ; he must by no means be rubbed ; let him often change place , and be lightly covered ; let the Bed be sprinkled with the following Powder .

Take of the flowers of Water-lillies , and red Roses , each three ounces ; of pure Labdanum half an ounce , of Storax two drams , of Myrtles , and the Grains of Sumach , each two ounces ; make a Powder .

If the Fainting arise from Suffocation of the Spirits , they must be called back to the Surface of the Body , by Frictions , Ligatures , Cupping-glasses , and the like ; but if the Suffocation arise from Fullness , Blood must be drawn plentifully by Intervals ; if Fainting proceed from a Fright or Fear , Blood must be also let , least an Obstruction or Inflammation should be occasioned .

CHAP. LXI . Of the Palpitation of the Heart , and of the Trembling of it .

THE Palpitation of the Heart is so violent sometimes , that it may not only be manifestly felt , but also seen and heard at some distance : And some Authors of note say , That by the violent Vibration of the Heart , the Ribs have been broke , or thrust out in young People .

As to the Cure , it must be varied according to the variety of the Causes .

First therefore , when this Disease proceeds from a fault in the Blood , the curative Intention will be , to exalt the watry Blood , and to render it more apt for Fermentation ; to which purpose Spiritous Medicines , also Saline of every sort and Sulphurous , especially Chalybeats ; and also those things which are used for the Green-sickness , or Lucophlegmatia , and a cold Scurvy , do good .

Take of the Conserves of Roman Wormwood , of the yellow Peel of Oranges and Lemons , each two ounces ; of the Winteran bark powdered two drams , of the Species Diacurcuma one dram , of Steel prepared with Sulphur three drams , Salt of Wormwood one dram and an half , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of Citron-bark ; make an Electuary .

The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg in the Morning , and at five a Clock in the Afternoon , drinking upon it three Ounces of the following Julep , and walking after it .

Take of the Waters of Wake-robin leaves one pint , of Penny-royal and Hyssop , each four ounces ; of the water of Worms , Snails , and Mirabilis , each one ounce ; of Sugar one ounce ; mingle them , make a Julep .

Take of the Tincture of Antimony one ounce . The Dose is twenty or twenty five drops twice a day in the same Julep .

Moreover , Tincture of Steel , or the Syrup of it , also Elixir Proprietatis are proper .

Secondly , The Palpitation of the Heart is oftner and much more violent from a fault in the Cardiack Arteries , which is either an Obstruction or a Convulsion . The first is most commonly continual , and often incurable , especially if it be occasioned by tabid Lungs , or by reason the roots of the Arteries are half filled or compressed by a Tubercle , or bony Excrescence ; which Causes , when they are and can be perfectly known , it is to no purpose to endeavour to remove ; and then all that can be done , is only to give ease by Hypnoticks .

Moreover , It is probable , that the passage of the Blood is hindred , sometimes by a Polypus growing within the Sinus of the Heart : But it is difficultly known , and hardly cured ; when there is a Suspicion of it , Saline Medicines seem most proper , and of those such as are volatile or acid : But they are not to be given together , you are to try one sort first , and if that does not do , you must try the other .

Take of Compound Spirit of Sal-armoniack , viz. distilled with Millepedes , or with other anti-asthmaticks , three drams . The Dose is from fifteen Grains to twenty thrice a day , in some proper Julep or distilled Water .

In the same manner Spirit of Harts-horn , of Soot , of Blood , and of a Scull dug up , may be tried .

Take of Spirit of Sea-salt , or of Vitriol , distilled with Spirit of Wine , impregnated with Pectoral Herbs , and often cohobated , three drams . The Dose is from fifteen to twenty drops .

Spirit of Tartar , of the Wood of Gujacum , or of Box , may be used to the same purpose .

Thirdly , The Palpitation of the Heart is often Convulsive , and proceeds from the same cause as other Hypochondriack or Asthmatick Passions do , and must be cured also by Antispasmotick Remedies ; but respect must be had to the Constitution of the Sick .

Take of Spirit of Sal-armoniack with Ambar three drams . The Dose is from fifteen to twenty drops twice a day , in some proper Julep or distilled Water .

Tincture of Tartar , of Steel , or of Antimony , may be also given by turns .

As to the Cure of the Trembling of the Heart , Medicines proper for Convulsions must be given , it being meerly Convulsive . Wherefore having made sufficient Evacuation , the follow Medicines may be given .

Take of prepared Coral , and of Pearls , each two drams ; of both the Bezoars , each half a dram ; of white Ambar two scruples , of Ambar-grease one scruple ; make a Powder . The Dose is half a Dram twice or thrice in a day , in some proper Julep or distilled Water .

Take of Compound Powder of Crabs-claws two drams , of the Powder of the roots of Male-peony , of Mans Skull prepared , each one dram ; of the flowers of Male-peony , and of Lillies of the Vallies , each half a dram ; make a Powder to be taken the same way .

Take of Ivory , and red Coral powdered , each three drams ; of the Species Diambra one dram , of white Sugar dissolved in a sufficient quantity of Orange-flower-water and boiled to Tablets , seven ounces ; make Tablets each weighing half a dram : Let him take one or two often in a day , or when he pleases .

Take of the Conserve of the Flowers of Lillies of the Vallies six ounces , of Coral prepared , of Pearls , Ivory , and Crabs-eyes , each one dram and an half ; of Vitriol of Mars one dram , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Coral , make an Electuary . The Dose is one or two drams twice a day , drinking upon it a Draught of the following Julep .

Take of the Waters of Orange-flowers , and of the whole Citron , each six ounces ; of Orange-peels distilled with Wine two ounces , of Sugar half an ounce ; make a Julep .

Take of Syrup of Steel six ounces . The Dose is one Spoonful in the Morning and at five in the Afternoon , in two ounces of the Julep above prescribed ; but you must omit the Sugar .

Take of the Powder of Ivory , and of Coral , each two drams and an half ; of the Species of Diambra one dram , of Salt of Steel two drams , of Sugar eight ounces , of Ambar-grease dissolved half a scruple ; make Tablets , each weighing half a dram . The Dose is three or four drams twice a day .

Ta●e of fresh Strawberries eight Pints , of the outward Peel of twelve Oranges , of the fresh Filings of Steel half a pound , beat them together , and pour upon them four quarts of Wine : Let them ferment together in a close Vessel twenty four hours ; then distill them in a cold Still .

Take of Spirit of Harts-horn , or of Blood , or the like , three drams . The Dose is twenty drops twice a day in some proper Vehicle .

Take of the Flowers of Sal-armoniack , and of Coral prepared , each two drams . The Dose is one scruple twice a day .

Take of Sal-prunella two drams , of Salt of Ambar one dram , of Salt of Harts-horn one Scruple . The Dose is from fifteen to twenty grains twice a day in some proper Liquor .

Note , Such of these Medicines as agree with the Constitution of the Patient are to be chosen .

CHAP. LXII . Of Weakness .

THE Cause of Weakness , is a Defect of Native Heat , and of Spirits : This Defect is occasioned by the Defect of Vital Spirits : The Vital Spirits are wanting , either when they are not generated in a sufficient quantity , or because , when they are generated , they are dissipated , corrupted , or suffocated , as it happens in Fainting : But the difference betwixt Fainting and Weakness is , That in Fainting the Causes produce their Effect of a sudden , but in Weakness by degrees .

The Cure of this Disease respects the taking away the Cause , and the cherishing the Heart and Vital Spirits .

The Causes are , almost all great Diseases , whereby Nature is much weakned ; therefore the taking off the Causes , respects the Cure of almost all Diseases , which must be sought for in their proper Chapters .

But the Strengthning the Heart , and the Restoration of the Vital Spirits , are to be treated of a part , and sometimes to be preferred before the Cure of the Morbifick Causes , when there is danger of Death : But you must always take care , that whilst you endeavour to refresh the Spirits , you do not increase the Morbifick Causes ; and therefore in a hot Disease you must give temperate Cordials , in a cold such as are hot .

And first , With Meat you must mix Cordials , as Confection of Alkermes , or of Hyacinth in Broths ; also Mutton Broth , the Fat and Skin being cut off , is good ; also Gravy of Mutton is frequently used , and the Gravy of the Heart is mightily commended . The Italians make a Soop of Yolks of Eggs , Wine , Sugar and Cinnamon , which is very restorative . Jelly of Harts-horn is also very good . Cordial Juleps may be also prepared in the following manner .

Take of the Waters of Bugloss , Roses , and the Flowers of Oranges , each one ounce ; of Syrup of Apples , and of Lemons , each half an ounce ; Confection of Alkermes half a dram , of Cinnamon-water two drams ; make a Julep .

To the Stomach may be applied Bags made of Spices , and moistned with Wine ; the private parts may be fomented with Confection of Alkermes dissolved in Wine : The Arteries of the Temples , the Hands and Feet may be anointed with the same . And Apoplectick Balsam may be often held to the Nostrils .

CHAP. LXIII . Of Appetite depraved , diminished , and abolished .

THE Cause of an excessive Appetite , is a sharp Juice abounding in the Body , and especially brought from the Pancreas to the Intestine ; and sending thence Vapors that are sharper than usual to the Stomach . This Acid is increased in the whole Body by sharp Meats , and Drinks , Cold and Serene Air , immoderate Grief continued long , violent Motion , and long Watching .

The Appetite is diminished by Fat Choler , and by Fat and Viscid Meat , by Hot or Rainy Weather , by too much Sleep , Sloath and great Cares .

The Causes that diminish Appetite will wholly abolish it , if they are extream .

Depraved Appetite is usual in the Green-sickness , and in Women with Child , and sometimes , but rarely , Men are troubled with it : It most frequently happens before the Flux of the Courses , or when they are suppressed .

In the Green-sickness they crave for Meats that are improper and unusual , or they eat Chalk , Ashes , Coals , Pitch , Dirt , Leather , and many other things .

Appetite increased , is to be cured with such things as temperate the acid Juice , as Coral , Pearls , Crabs-eyes , Filings of Steel , and the like ; also Fat and Oily things , and Volatile Spirits .

Take of Coral prepared , and Pearls prepared , each one scruple ; of white Chalk half a scruple , of white Sugar three drams ; make a Powder to be divided into six Doses . Take two Papers in a day , three or four hours after eating , in a Spoonful of strong Wine .

If a Liquid Medicine be more pleasing , let him take a Spoonful of the following Mixture now and then .

Take of the Waters of Mint two ounces , and of Scurvy-grass-water , and of the Tincture of Cinnamon made by Infusion in rectified Spirit of Wine , each half an ounce ; of Syrup of Wormwood one ounce ; mingle them . Or ,

Take of Oyl of Mace by Distillation , and of the Oyl of Juniper-berries , each one scruple ; mingle them in a Glass : Let the Sick take two or three drops of this Oyl in a Spoonful of Malago Sack , or in any other generous Wine , or in the foregoing mixture , and let him eat fat Broths .

Appetite diminished or abolished must be cured by Medicines that evacuate , and correct Flegmatick and Viscid Humours : Acids and Spices correct them , Coloquintida , Turbith , Hermodactiles , evacuate them .

Take of Mint-water two ounces , of Cinnamon-water half an ounce , of Syrup of Fennel one ounce , of Spirit of Salt a sufficient quantity to make it pleasantly Acid. Or ,

Take of Tartar vitriolated half a dram , of Cream of Tartar one dram ; of white Sugar-candy two drams ; mingle them ; make a Powder to be divided into three Doses . Let him take one or two in a day in Rhenish-wine , or in the preceding mixture ; and if he please , instead of Spirit of Salt , he may add half a dram of Elixir proprietatis to be taken by Spoonfuls

They that dislike Acids , may take the following mixture by Spoonfuls .

Take of the Waters of Mint , and of Fennel , each one ounce and an half ; of Aqua vitae Matthioli six drams , of Oyl of Mace by Distillation three drops , of Syrup of Mint one ounce .

They that had rather take a medicated Wine , may use the following .

Take of the Roots of Elecampane , and of Acorus , each two drams ; of the leaves of Sage , Marjoram , Garden-rue , each one handful ; of the Seeds of sweet Fennel two drams , of Orange-peel dried one dram ; being cut , and grossly bruised , put them into a Bag , and hang it in a Glass , and pour on it twenty ounces of Whitewine ; after it has stood a night in a Cellar , three , four or five ounces may be taken in a Morning Fasting , or at Dinner or Supper , as every one pleases , or as they find it agrees best with them . And fresh Wine may be put on as long as the Aromatick Vertue remains in the Ingredients .

When Purging is necessary ,

Take of the greater Faetid Pills half a dram , of Coche one scruple , Extractum Catholicon ten grains , Oyl of Cloves two drops ; mix them , make fifteen Pills , gild them , or cover them with Powder of Liquorish or Cinnamon .

Let the Sick take five of these Pills , or more , if he be hard , to Purge .

But if you design to add Chymical Medicines in form of Pills , you may prescribe in the following manner :

Take of Gum-ammoniacum , or Opoponax , or the like , cleansed by Vinegar , and afterwards thickned , half a dram ; of the Troches Alhandal , Mercurius dulcis , each one scruple ; mix them , make fifteen Pills , and gild them : Let the Sick , take five or more of them .

But if the form of an Apozem seem more convenient for the Sick , he having no great Aversion to bitter things , the following is convenient .

Take of Liquorish rasped half an ounce , of the Roots of Smalage one ounce , of the Shavings of Guajacum three ounces , of Laurel-berries , and Seeds of Annise , each two drams ; of the Pulp of Coloquintida half a dram ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Rain-water , in thirty ounces of the strained Decoction , dissolve of Syrup of Roses solutive , with Senna of Diacnicum , each one ounce and an half ; of the Salt of Tartar vitriolated two Scruples ▪ Tincture of Cinnamon one ounce ; mix them .

Let the Sick take three , four or five ounces of this Decoction once or twice a day , by which the Flegmatick and viscid Humours , are both corrected and evacuated per Epicrasin . In the mean time let the Sick abstain from fat and viscid Meats : Let him use a clear Air that is hot and dry : Let Sleeping be diminished if it be too long : Let the Mind be chearful : Let the Motion and Exercise of the Body be moderate . Evacuation by Stool and Urine , daily ought to be proportionable to what is taken in by the Mouth , if it can be conveniently .

Appetite diminished by fat Choler is presently cured by correcting of it , if it abound too much it must be evacuated either by Stool or Vomit ,

For correcting of this Choler , there is nothing more effectual than Elixir Proprietatis given in Wine , or any other convenient Mixture , five or six drops at a time , especially before Eating .

Those who do not love Acids , may take in place of it sweet Spirit of Salt , prepared with rectified Spirit of Wine by several Cohobations .

The same Choler is corrected by Wormwood , and Wormwood-wine ; in the place of which also , other Aromatick Plants may be likewise infused in Wine , which may be drank in a small Quantity at Dinner and Supper .

Such Plants are Mountain-calamint , Marjoram , Rosemary , Garden-rue , Hyssop , Thym , Sage , and the like .

Choler is very conveniently evacuated by Vomit , by several Medicines prepared of Antimony , as Crocus Metallorum , Glass of Antimony , and the Sapa Vomitoria that is made of it , Oxysarcharum , or Oxymel Vomitorium , Mercurius Vitae , or the like .

Rhubarb , Scammony , Tamarinds , and the like , evacuate Choler by Stool .

Scammony may be prepared presently and well , if a convenient Dose of it , twelve or fifteen Grains , more or less , according to the Age and Constitution of the Sick , be powdered in a Mortar , and a little Baulm-water , Succory-water , or the like , be poured upon it , and rubbed with it till it becomes of a milky Colour ; pour it off and put more Water on , that all the Vertue of the Scammony may be extracted leaving the black Faeces at the Bottom ; then add to the Liquor of Cinnamon-water , or Fennel-water , or some other Aromatick-water , two drams ; of Syrup of Roses solutive , or the like , two or three drams ; and so you will have a very pleasant Purging Draught ; and that it may work the easier , a Scruple or half a dram of Cream of Tartar may be drank in Broth half an Hour after taking the Purging Draught .

Pleasant Tablets may be also made of Scammony in the following manner .

Take of Christals of Tartar one ounce and an half , of Diagridium three drams , of Oyl of Cinnamon six drops , of white Sugar dissolved in Rose-water eight ounces ; mingle them , make Tablets .

These Tablets may be conveniently prescribed for Infants , Children , and delicate People ; the highest Dose of them is from three drams to half an ounce ; an Infant must take but half a dram , or a dram , a Youth may take two drams .

They who are afraid to use Scammony or Medicines made of Scammony , though it be a kind , safe , and powerful Medicine , may use Rhubarb in the following manner .

Take of choice Rhubarb rasped two drams , of the best crude Tartar half a dram , of Succory-water a sufficient quantity ; infuse them all Night over ashes or in a Bath , to the Liquor strained , gently add of Syrup of Roses solutive , or of Succory with Rhubarb , half an ounce , of Cinnamon water two drams , and to take off the nauseous Smell of the Rhubarb , and to expel Wind , add of Oyl of Annise-seeds two or three drops ; make a Draught .

To evacuate the over abounding Choler , those that had rather use an Electuary may take of the following .

Take of the Pulp of sharp and sweetish Prunes ten ounces , of Cream of Tartar , and the best Scammony , each two ounces ; of choice Rhubarb ten drams , of sharp Cinnamon half an ounce , of Yellow Sanders two drams , of clarified Sugar a Pound ; mingle them , make an Electuary . The Dose is from three drams to half an ounce ; It may also be dissolved in some convenient Water , and so you may make a Potion of it .

The Cure of a depraved Appetite , depends on the Purification of the Blood and Humours : But Volatile Salts are more successful in this case than any other Medicines , a few grains of them being taken twice or thrice in a day in Wine or some other Liquor , especially at Dinner or Supper ; and to evacuate the vicious Humours , Purging and Vomiting must be used .

CHAP. LXIV . Of Nauseousness , Belching , and Vomiting .

IN perfect Health nothing is wont to be evacuated upwards by the Mouth , wherefore whatever comes this way signifies Sickness , whether it be Meat , Wind , or a thick or thin Liquor .

When Wind comes forth with a Noise it is called Belching , when the Meat is ejected it is called Vomiting .

Nauseousness always precedes Vomiting , and sometimes Belching .

Wind by reason of the Clamminess of its Nature , sticks to the Stomach , and is difficultly excluded , and is often accompanied with an Inflation of the Stomach .

Belching arises from windy Meats , or from other flatulent things taken inwardly , as Chesnuts , Pease , Beans , Turneps , Redishes , and the like , or from Flegmatick and viscid Humours sticking to the Stomach , and rarified to Wind by taking Aromaticks .

That the material cause of Wind , is a Flegmatick and clammy Humour , is evident from the Antecedent Causes ; as from Meats of a like kind , viz. Milk , Fish , especially Sea-Fish , and the Feet of Animals , and Gellies ; and from the Cure , which is wholly performed by evacuating and correcting Flegmatick Humours .

As in Belching , only Wind is evacuated , so in Vomiting , either Meat crude , or more or less fermented , or various sorts of Humours , as Watery , serous flegmatick , and cholerick , and the like ; thin , thick , white , yellow , green , Sky coloured , or black Humours , or the like , insipid , bitter , acid , rough , sweet , stinking , or Humours without Taste , and sometimes bloody Matter , or Excrements .

All Vomiting is occasioned by the Stomach being Primarily or Secondarily affected .

The Stomach is Primarily affected , when the Cause of Vomiting , or of the Peristaltick Motion inverted is in it self . It is Secondarily affected by consent from other Parts ; and it is provoked to the Inversion of its Peristaltick Motion , in Part or altogether by the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts , which is sometimes occasioned by the violent Agitation of the Diaphragma , and of the Muscles of the Belly by a violent Cough .

The Stomach is primarily disposed to vomit , first when it is inflamed , excoriated , or ulcerated ; then it is easily excited to any violent Contraction of it self from any sort of Nourishment taken . Secondly , When the Nourishment by its Quantity , and chiefly by its Quality , is troublesome to the Stomach . Thirdly , when sharp Humours from he Head fall upon the S●omach , and corrode the lower Orifice , and so occasion Vomiting .

From the total Inversion of the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts , Vomiting is occasioned , as in the Iliack Passion , whereby Glisters are often vomited up .

From the same Motion inverted in Part , Vomiting is occasioned frequently , as in the Cholera Morbus , and from any other Motion upwards of Humours fermenting in the small Guts , and by Reason of the Passage of the Excrements stopped .

In a violent Cough the Diaphragm being shaken violently , Vomiting is occasioned ; which we think to be caused by a conjunct Compression of all the Bowels contained in the Abdomen made towards the Breast , which mightily troubles the Stomach , and forces it to the Inversion of the natural Motion .

Vomiting oecasioned by things taken in at the Mouth , is quieted of its own accord , so soon as they are vomited up , or upon use of a few Aromaticks , and Opiats , it is stopped and cured . For Instance ,

Take of Mint-water two ounces , Tincture of Cinnamon two drams , London Landanum two grains , Syrup of Min● half an ounce , mingle them , let the Sick take a spoonful of this Mixture by short Intervals , and the Vomiting will presently cease .

Sharp Humours flowing from the Head upon the Stomach , are to be evacuated by proper Purges mentioned before , or corrected by Medicines , that alter and temperate the Noxious Acrimony .

Vomiting of Blood occasioned by the Rupture or Erosion of the Vessels of the Stomach and Intestins , is cured by conglutinating them by the following Mixture , which is also useful in other Excresions of the Blood .

Take of Plantain-water two ounces , of Cinnamon two drams , distilled Vinegar half an ounce , of red Coral prepared half a dram , of Dragons-blood ten grains , of London Laudanum two grains , of Syrup of Mirtles one ounce ; mingle them .

A Spoonful of this Mixture being taken often cures most Ruptures of the Vessels , and will ●top Fluxes of Blood in a short time beyond Expectation .

But Blood collected in the Stomach , the Flux , and the Vomiting of it being stopt , will be carried off of its own Accord by Stool ; but if there is danger of the Blood 's coagulating , to the foregoing Mixture may be added half a dram of Crabs-eyes , and one scruple of Diaphoretick Antimony .

Vomiting of Matter chiefly following an Inflammation of the Pancreas , or of some neighbouring Part , or some notable Ulcer , must be cured by curing the Primary Distemper .

In the mean time you may use the above described Mixture , with Crabs-eyes and Antimonium Diaphoreticum .

It will be also proper to give a drop of Balsam of Sulphur annisated in all the Liquor he takes .

The belching and generation of Wind will be cured by , First , avoiding Flegmatick and Windy Meats : Secondly , By inciding and evacuating clammy Flegm : Thirdly , By attemperating the Choler if it be acrid : Fourthly , By discussing the Wind that is already made .

Acids and Aromaticks , and volatile Salts , incide clammy Flegm , and Flegmagoges purge it off . Spirit of Nitre attemperates Choler when it is acrid better than any thing else ; two or three drops of it being taken in common Beer , or in some convenient Mixture .

Most Spices discuss Wind , so do the Oyls of them , but especially the Seeds , Flowers , and Barks ; but Spirit of Niter is better than all , for it corrects Choler and Flegm , and hinders the Generation of Wind , and discusses that which is generated . The following Mixture is also good to expel Wind from the Stomach and Bowels .

Take of the Waters of Mint , and Fennel , each two ounces ; of Spirit of Wine rectified one ounce , of the sweet Spirit of Niter twenty drops , of London Laudanum three grains , of Oyl of Mace by Distillation six drops , of Syrup of Mint one ounce and an half ; mingle them .

This Mixture must be taken by Spoonfuls , often or seldom according to the degree of Pain , and Quantity of Wind.

Silvius's Carminative Spirit is made in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of Angelica one dram , of Master-wort , and Galingal , each one dram and an half ; of the Flowers of Rosemary , and Marjoram , Garden-rue , and of the Herb called Basilicon , and of the Tops of the lesser Centaury , each half a handful ; of Bay-berries three drams , of the Seeds of Angelica , Lovage , and Annise , each half an ounce ; of Ginger , Nutmegs , and Mace , each one dram and an half ; of Cinnamon six drams , of Cloves , and the Bark of Oranges , each one dram ; cut them and powder them grosly , and pour upon them twenty quarts of Maligo Wine ; digest them two days in a Bath , then distil them till they are dry , pour all again upon the Ingredients , and distil off three Fourths .

CHAP. LXV . Of the Hickops

THe Hickops are a Convulsive Motion of the Stomach .

The Matter occasioning the Hickops is either collected in the Stomach , or communicated to it from the Liver , Spleen , Bowels , or other Parts , or from the whole Body ; so sharp Meats or Medicines , sharp Humours or Worms contained in the Stomach , may occasion an Idiophathick Hickop : But a Sympathick is occasioned by Inflammations of the neighbouring Parts , or from Humours , or sharp Vapours transferred to the Stomach from Diseases of the whole Body , as in acute and malignant Feavers .

The Signs of the Causes must be thus distinguished : If it be Idiopathick it is more continual , and Signs of Humours contained , in the Stomach appear , and then it is cured by Vomiting .

The Peccant Humour collected in the Stomach , may be known by Vomiting , Belching , a Taste in the Mouth , and other Signs ,

If it proceed from a Disease of any other Part , the Signs of it must be sought for in the proper Chapters .

As to the Prognostick , that Hickop from any Procatarctick cause , as from Meat , Drink , or Cold , is not dangerous ; and also that which precedes a critical Vomiting

If it happen in a Feaver , it shews that the Disease is very dangerous : A Hickop coming after Vomiting is also dangerous .

The Cure of this Disease is to be directed to the Causes of it , which as is said before , produce this Disease Sympathically , or Idiopathically ; the Causes that occasion a Sympathick Hickop , are the Diseases of other Parts , which being cured , the Hickop is also taken off , though those Remedies which are proper to remove the Symptom may be used in the mean while .

An Idiopathick Hickop is occasioned by Flegm , Wind , Choler , or any other acrid or malignant Humour .

That which is occasioned by a Flegmatick Humour must be cured by Remedies that incide , purge , and cleanse that Humour , and that strengthen the Stomach ; to which may be added the following Medicines , which are peculiarly proper for the Symptom .

Take of Tincture of Castor one dram , of the Juice of Mint four ounces . Let the Sick take a spoonful or two at a time , and let his Stomach be anointed with it hot twice or thrice a day .

Vinegar of Squills may be taken frequently to incide and dissolve the Matter impacted into the Tunicks of the Stomach ; or instead of it Oxymel of Squills ; Cloves also held frequently in the Mouth do good ; also Elixir Proprietatis described by Crollius is good .

Take of the Seeds of Dill two or three drams ; boil them gently in eight ounces of good Wine : Let the Sick tak● two Spoonfuls Morning and Evening .

The Seed also tied up in a Rag may be held to the Nostrils frequently ; when the Disease is obstinate the following Pills are very effectual .

Take of Castor , and Mirrh , each three drams ; of Sal-gemma half an ounce , of Diagridium , and Mastich , each one dram ; of the fresh Troches of Agarick three drams , of choice Aloes the Weight of all ; mix them with the Juice of Mint , and make a Mass . Of each dram make six Pills , gild them , let the Sick take two or three in a Morning , two hours before Meat , twice a Week .

Pills also made of the Powder of Hiera , with Oxymel , are also good , whereof a dram may be taken at a time .

Of the days the Sick does not Purge , let him take the following Powder .

Take of the Seeds of Dill half an ounce , of Zedoary , and of Woo● 〈◊〉 Aloes , of Nutmegs , Cloves , and of the Powder of D●●mbra , each one dram ; mix them , let him take two scruples with a little good Wine , or adding three ounces of common Salt , let him use of it with his Meat .

Let the following Cataplasm be applied to his Stomach .

Take of the Roots of long Birth-wort , of Florentine-orris , of Bayberries , of the Leaves of Rue , and dried Mint , each three drams ; of Castor , and Mirrh , each two drams ; of Cloves , and Hyposistis , each six drams ; with Honey of Rosemary-flowers ; make a Cataplasm .

Lastly , when the Disease is very obstinate , we must use a Decoction of Guajacum , and the Bath-water .

That which prooceeds from Wind , must be cured by Remedies that are proper to expel Wind : Let Cupping-glasses be applied to the Region of the Stomach , which , like a Miracle , mitigate and take off suddenly flatulent Diseases of the Lower-belly .

That which proceeds from an acrid and cholerick Humour , must be cured by Bleeding if there be a Plethora , and by Vomiting , or by Purging every third day .

Take of choice Rhubarb powdered , and moistened with Endive-water , half an ounce , of the Pulp of Tamarinds two drams , of the Seeds of Endive , Purslain , and Spodium , each one dram ; of Yellow Sanders , and of Diagridium , each half a dram ; with Syrup of Lemons , make a Mass for Pills ; of half a dram , make four or five Pills to be taken in the Morning .

Of other Days let him take the Conserve of Roses and Borrage , mixed with a little of the Powder of the three Sanders .

Emulsions of the cold Seeds attemperate powerfully the Acrimony of the Humours ; Syrup of Apples mixed with Syrup of Quinces is also good ; hot or cold Water , or a Ptisan is also to be drank freely of .

Foment the Stomach with a Spunge dipt in Rose-vinegar , and apply the following Plaister to the Back and Stomach .

Take of the Ceratum Santalinum , and of Ointment of Roses , each one ounce ; of Mastich half an ounce , of the Bark of Citron , and of the Flesh of Quinces , each one dram ; with the Juice of Housleek ; and with a little Turpentine , make Plaisters .

If there be a Suspicion of a malignant Quality , Treacle or some other Alexipharmick must be prescribed ; and the Region of the Stomach must be anointed with the Oyl of Scorpions .

But from whatsoever Cause the Hickops arise , the following Medicines are to be used . First , The Peccant Humour must be evacuated by Vomit , if the Sick can bear it , and it must be repeated , if the Disease be lessened by it , but not quite taken away : and strong Vomits must be given , if the Case so require , as Platerus teaches in his Practice , whereof he mentions an Observation in these Words . A Surgeon was seized with the Hickops , and they were so continual Night and Day , that he cou'd not sleep , nor scarce speak or eat , being extreamly weakned by them , he earnestly desired we should give him a strong Chimical Vomit , which being taken , he cast up a vast Quantity of green and black Choler , the Vomiting stopt , and he recovered .

But if the Sick cannot take a Vomit , he must be purged by stool , but the Humour must be first prepared by things that incide and cleanse : Afterwards these things that follow are convenient .

Cupping-glasses must be applied opposite to the Region of the Stomach , and to the Stomach .

The Stomach must be bound with a Swath-band , that it may not be so much dilated . Ligatures of the Extremities must be used .

Let him eat Anniseeds , which is thought to Cure the Hickops peculiarly .

Frequently Glisters must be injected , to draw away the Noxious Humours from the Stomach .

Young Animals must be applied to the Stomach .

Vinegar of Squills may be taken by Spoonfuls .

Sneezing casts off the Matter impacted in the Coats of the Stomach . As the Physician Chrysimacus cured Aristophanes of a Hickop by provoking Sneezing , when he could not do it by stopping of the Spirits , and Gargling with cold Water .

Pills made of one dram of Aloes , and three grains of London Laudanum are good .

Platerus in his Observations says , That he cured a Boy of ten Years of Age , that had the Hickops for eight Days and Nights continually , with the Water of green Nuts distilled , with Radishes infused , first in Vinegar , which he gave him to provoke Vomiting ; and though he did not Vomit at all , yet he was cured .

But to conclude , Narcoticks wiil do the Business when nothing else will .

CHAP. LXVI . Of Vomiting of Blood .

THe conjunct cause , is the Quantity or Quality of the Blood exceeding .

The external causes , are Wounds and Bruises , and violent Heat , or immoderate Cold , or unaccustomed Labour and Excercise , or Hollowing .

If the Blood flow from the Stomach , there will be almost always a continual Pain and Weight there , and the quantity of it will not be much , because the Veins of the Stomach are small , and Nauseousness will accompany it , and 〈◊〉 Blood will be mixed sometimes with Meat , sometimes with Choler , and sometimes with Flegm .

If it flow from the Head , there will be a Tickling perceived about the Jaws and Pallate , and Blood will flow sometimes from the Nostrils mixed with Snot , and a Pain or Heaviness of the Head precedes .

If Vomiting of Blood proceeds from a Suppression of the Courses , it will be Periodical .

As to the Prognostick , Vomiting of Blood from what Cause soever it arises , is dangerous ; for if too great a quantity be evacuated , there is Danger of Death ; if it coagulate in the Stomach , and corrupt there , it occasions Fainting .

But a Vomiting of Blood from Suppression of Courses is least dangerous .

They which fall into a Dropsie by Vomiting of Blood die .

It must be cured by Medicines that cause a Revulsion of the Blood from the Stomach , and by such as attemperate it , and stop the Apertion of the Veins .

And First , Because an orderly Diet is of great use in this Case , the common Diet ought to be astringent and Emplastick , and also cooling , as Barley Broths , Almond and Rice Diet , Water-gruel , and Jellies , and especially Starch boiled in Milk , whereunto may be added Pomegranate Juice , or a little Rose-vinegar ; hard Eggs may be also used dipt in Vinegar .

Also Bread dipt in Water ; Chicken Broth , with Wood-sorrel , Purslain , and Plantane boiled in it ; but at the beginning of eating , some Astringent thing should be taken , as a Quince baked under Ashes , Medlars , or the like .

Let the Sick abstain from all acrid , salt , peppered , and fried Meats , and also from such things as yield a great deal of Nourishment , unless the Weakness of the Sick requires that they should be taken sparingly .

He must drink but little , and when he does , he must drink Water wherein Iron has been quenched , with a little Juice of Pomegranates in it .

The Air must be somewhat Cold , but he must not expose himself to the Winds , nor to the Rays of the Sun or Moon : He must sleep moderately , and his Body must be kept open , and his Mind free from Passion .

Bleeding must be used sparingly , and it must be repeated ; Frictions and Ligatures must be used , and cleansing Glisters must be injected . Apply Cupping-glasses to the Buttocks , Legs , Loins , and Hypochondres .

Let two Spoonfuls of Oxycrat be given , if there be a Suspicion of coagulated Blood ; for by the use of it , it may be easily dissolved , and driven from the Veins of the Stomach , and they will be stopt thereby ; foment the Region of the Stomach also with it cold ; and if the Sick does not Vomit , the following Mixture may be used to stop the Veins ,

Take the White of one Egg , of Rose-water , and Vinegar , each one dram and an half ; shake them well , and add to them two drams of Starch ; mix them , and let the Sick take it by Spoonfuls . Or ,

Take of prepared Coral , sealed Earth , Bole-armonick , Blood-stone , Troches of Ambar , each one dram ; of Plantane-water , and Syrup of Mirtles , each two ounces ; mingle them , let the Sick take it as before . Or ,

Let the Sick take Morning and Evening , four ounces of the Juice of Plantane cold .

Galen says , That nothing is better than this Juice to stop any Flux of Blood .

The Juice of Purslain and Knot-grass is also good for the same Purpose .

Take of the Waters of Plantane , and Purslain , each one ounce and an half ; of Syrup of Mirtles half an ounce , of Syrup of Poppies one ounce ; mingle them , make a Julep to be repeated often .

Take of old conserve of Roses , and of Comfrey-roots , each one ounce ; of Marmalad of Quinces half an ounce , one Mirobalan candied , Troches of Ambar , and of Lemnian Earth , each two drams ; of Coral prepared , and of Saffron of Mars , each one dram ; with Syrup of dried Roses ; make an Opiat to be used frequently .

Troches of Ambar do not only bind , but also dissolve concreted Blood , and therefore are frequently to be used : Tincture of Coral , made with Juice of Lemons , is also very good .

But when the Blood is evacuated violently , and cannot be stopt by the forementioned Medicines , Narcoticks must be taken inwardly , and injected by Glisters , and the Region of the Stomach must be anointed with Oyl of Roses and of Mirtles washed in Vinegar , and after you have anointed it , sprinkle on Powder of Coral , Bole-armonick , and sealed Earth ; or anoint the Stomach with the following Ointment .

Take of the Juices of Plantane , and Knot-grass , each one ounce and an half ; Rose-vinegar one ounce , of Omphacin Oyl six ounces ; boil them to the Consumption of the Juices , then add of Dragons-blood , Mastich , Pomegranate peels , and Mirtles , each two drams ; of Camphor one scruple , with a sufficient quantity of red Wax , make an Ointment .

Let him drink Water wherein hot Iron hath been quenched , with Syrup of Quinces and Spirit of Vitriol in it , and let his Broths be made of the same Water .

Let his Loins and Hypochondres be fomented with a Decoction made of Plantane and Purslain in Oxycrat ; and let it be used when it is almost cold ; and let him put his Hands into cold Water ; Afterwards let the foresaid Parts be anointed with Galen's cooling Ointment washed in Vinegar .

Bleeding being sufficiently used , gentle and frequent Purging must be ordered , whereby the Blood may be cleared from Serous and Cholerick Humours occasioning this Disease : But they ought to be made of Rhubarb , Myrobalans , Tamarinds , and the like , which Bind as well as Purge , and do not stir the Humours ; they may be given in the form of a Bolus with Syrup of Mirtles , or dried Roses , or in a Potion made of a Decoction of Sorrel , Succory , Purslain , and the like .

When Purging is used , which ought to be continued for three or four days , at Bed-time , after every Purge , the forementioned Opiate , Syrup of Coral , or some other astringent and Corroberating Medicine must be used .

Lastly , For Precaution , a● dram of Rhubarb powdered must be given once a week for a long time .

CHAP. LXVII . Of the Cholera Morbus , i. e. Vomiting and Loosness .

THis Disease was most Epidemical in the Year 1669 , says Doctor Sydenham , than ever he knew it in any other Year ; it comes as certainly at the latter end of Summer , as Swallows at the beginning of Spring , and as Cuckows at the Heat of the following Season . That Disease which is occasioned by a Surfeit comes at any time , the Symptoms are indeed alike , and the Cure the same , yet it is of another kind . The Disease is easily known , for there are violent Vomitings , and an Evacuation of ill Humours , with great Difficulty and Trouble by Stool ; there is a violent Pain and Inflation of the Belly and Guts , an Heart-burning , Drouth , and quick-pulse , with Heat and Anxiety , with great Nauseousness , and sometimes a Colliquative Sweat , Contractions of the Arms and Legs , Fainting , a Coldness of the extream Parts , and such-like Symptoms , which greatly terrifie the By-standers , and kill the Patient in twenty four Hours . There is also a dry Cholera from a flatuous Spirit breaking out above and below without Vomiting and Loosness .

I have found , by diligent Application of Mind , and by manifold Eperience , that if on the one hand I should endeavour to expel the sharp Humours , that are the Fewel of the Disease , by Catharticks , I should do just as he that endeavours to quench Fire with Oyl , seeing the Operation of the most gentle Cathartick wou'd but give farther Disturbance , and raise new Tumults : And on the other Hand , should I at the first restrain the primary Effort with Narcotick Medicines , and other Astringents , whilst I hindred natural Evacuation , and detained the Humour against Nature , the Patient would be undoubtedly destroyed by an intestine War , his Enemy being inclosed in his Bowels : For these Reasons therefore , I thought I must go the middle Way , that I might partly evacuate , and partly dilute the Humour . I ●ound out this Method several Years ago , and have long experienced it , and have by it many Times reduced this Disease to good Order .

A Young Chicken is boiled in about three Gallons of Spring-water , so that the Liquor hath scarce any Relish of the Chick . The Patient is ordered to drink several large Draughts of this a little warm ; at the same time a good quantity will serve for several Glisters , to be given successively , until all the Broths be consumed , and rendred upwards and downwards ; an ounce of the Syrups of Lettice , Violets , Purslain , Water-lilly , may be now and then mixt with the Draughts and Glisters ; though the Broth may do very well without any such Addition . So the Stomach being loaded with a considerable quantity of the Liquor , and as I may say turned , and the Injection of Glisters being reiterated , the sharp Humours are either cast out , or their Acrimony being taken off , they are reduced to a due Temper , the Filth being cast up by these means , which require three or fours Hours : Some Paragorick Medicine perfects the Cure ; I use this often .

Take of Couslip-water one ounce , of Aqua-mirabilis one dram , Liquid Laudanum fourteen drops .

Instead of which any Shop-Narcotick may be made use of , and this way of diluting the Humours is much safer , and more expedite , than that which is most commonly taken to stop this most dangerous Disease ; viz. either by Evacuaters or Astringents ; because the Tumult is heightned by Evacuaters , and all things are put in a Hurly-burly by them ; and the other , on the contrary , detain an Enemy in the Bowels , and of a Stranger do plainly make him an Inhabitant : To say nothing of the tedious Trouble created to the Patient , when the Disease is protracted , whereby at length the Bad Humours creep into the Mass of Blood , and easily kindle a malignant Fever .

But it is to be diligently noted , That if the Phisician be not called till the Voming and Loosness have continued many Hours , suppose ten or twelve , and the Patient is worn out , so that the extream Parts wax cold ; I say in this case , all other Remedies being omitted , he must immediately fly to Laudanum , the sacred Anchor in this Disease , which is not only to be given when the Symptoms are urgent , but also after the Vomiting and Loosness go off , and to be repeated Morning and Evening daily , till the Patient has recovered his Strength and Health .

Though this Disease be Epidemical , yet it very seldom lasts longer than August , in which it first began ; on which Account I have been induced to contemplate that most subtile and elegant Artifice , which Nature uses in the Production of Epidemick Diseases ; for though the same Causes wholly remain , so that many should be seised with this Disease as well in September as August , by reason of eating too much Fruit , yet we see the same Effect does not follow : And he that has carefully collected the Phaenomena of a legitimate Cholera , of which only we treat at present , will confess , that that Disease which invades at any other time of the Year , though coming upon the same occasion , and accompanied with some of the same Symptoms , is quite different from this now spoken of ; just as if there were some secret and peculiar thing in the Air of this peculiar Month , able to impress on the Blood , or on the Ferment of the Stomach , some such specifick Alteration adapted only to this Disease .

CHAP. LXVIII . Of a Pain in the Stomach .

A Pain of the Stomach proceeds from something that distends and gnaws it , and so causes a Solution of the Continuum .

But in the Stomach three very different Parts are to be considered , viz. The upper and lower Orifice , and the Body of it which makes its Cavity .

The upper Orifice is indued with an exquisite Sense , because a great Nerve is placed there proceeding from the sixth Conjugation , and therefore the Pains in it are very sharp , and the Heart , by reason of its nearness is also affected ; and therefore this Pain is called Cardialgia , and Cardiogmos ; and so great is the Agreement of the Heart with the upper Orifice of the Stomach , that the Ancients called this Orifice 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉

But if the Membranes , constituting the Cavity of the Stomach , or if the lower Orifice be affected , it is called a Pain of the Stomach , or the Cholick of the Stomach , especially when it is occasioned by Wind.

The next cause of this Pain , is a Solution of the Continuum occasioned by things that bite and distend ; and those things that chiefly and most frequently bite and distend the Stomach , are Humours , or Wind , whereunto may be added Worms velicating the Tunicks of the Stomach .

Acrid and Malignant Humours , as green or Black Choler , salt Flegm , corrupt Ichor , Stinking Matter coming from an Abscess of the Liver or Breast broken , and poured upon the Stomach , and all other Acrimonious Humours , may occasion a Pain of the Stomach .

Also acid Vapours arising from the said Humours may occasion the same Pain : Wind also contained in the Cavity of the Stomach may occasion Inflation , and a painful Tension , but especially when it is contained within the Tunicks of the Stomach , which makes the Disease obstinate , because it can be hardly discussed .

Diseases also of the Stomach , and of the neighbouring Parts are wont to occasion this Pain , as a hot or cold Intemperies , Inflammation , Schirrhus , or any other hard Tumour occasioning a heavy Pain : And lastly , Wounds and Ulcers of the Part , and Tumours and Inflations of the Neighbouring Parts , by pressing the Stomach may occasion Pain .

But Humours and Wind that occasion the Pain of the Stomach , are either generated in the Stomach , or flow from the whole Body , or some Parts of it ; from the whole Body in Feavers , or when the Body is full of ill Humours ; from other Parts , but especially from the Liver , Spleen , and Brain ; from the Liver flows Choler , from the Spleen Melancholly and black Choler , from the Head salt Flegm .

Also from other extraordinary and rare Causes , such a Pain may arise , as from Stones generated in the Stomach , and the like . Fabritius Hildanus relates , that a Matron having swallowed a piece of the Rine of Bacon , kept it in her Stomach two Years , and was afflicted with continual Pain , and at length by taking a Vomit , she cast it up and was cured .

External causes occasioning this Disease , are either Meats infected with an ill Quality , or indued with a great deal of Acrimony , which are sufficient of themselves to occasion such a Pain , or they are apt to generate Winds ; or taken in too great a quantity , they putrifie and become Acrimonious , or they are too hot : Or strong and acrid Medicines , or such as are indued with a destructive Faculty may occasion the Pain ; or when they are taken in too great a quantity , or not being well corrected , and Poisons may also occasion the same Pain .

The Diagnostick Signs are to be directed to the Part affected and to the cause , and first the Situation of the Pain shews that the upper Orifice of the Stomach is affected , when it is perceived under the Xiphoid Cartilage , but the violence of the Pain occasioned by the exquisite sense of the Part shews more certainly that this Part is affected , and that it is a true Cardialgia , so do the Anxiety and Restlesness , so that the Sick cannot abide in one Posture , there is also Fainting and Swooning by Reason of the Consent of the Heart , wherewith there is a great Sympathy , not only by Reason of the Nearness , but because there is a great Loss of Spirits by the violence of the Pain ; sometimes also the Brain is affected by Sympathy , by reason of the great Nerve that is implanted in this Part , and because acrid Vapours are elevated to the Head from the Stomach , upon which account Head-achs , Giddiness , and the Falling-Sickness arise sometimes .

In other Parts of the Stomach there are also sharp Pains , but they are not accompanied with so grievous Symptoms , and they resemble Chollick Pains , but they differ in Situation .

The causes occasioning these Pains are distinguished by their proper Signs , whereof the most plain are known by things evacuated ; for if Flegm , or Choler , or Wind , or Worms , are ejected by Vomit or Stool , it is easie to conjecture that the Disease proceeds from such Causes ; but though there be no Evacuation of the Morbifick Matter , we may know by peculiar Signs , when Choler , Flegm , or Wind abounds .

The Signs also of Worms may be taken from the Chapter of Worms , and the peculiar Diseases of the Stomach it self , or of the Neighbouring Parts occasioning this Disease may be known by every ones proper Signs ; the Humour causing the Pain may be also guessed at by the Time of the Invasion , of its Increase and Cessation ; for in some the Pain is ▪ worst before eating , and this signifies that Choler prevails , which when the Sick is fasting is drawn into the Stomach , or becomes more acrid thereby ; in others the Pain begins presently after eating , because the crude and biting Humours , which before lay quiet in the Tunicks of the Stomach , are disturbed by eating ; or being seated in the bottom of the Stomach , they at that time are raised , and offend the upper Orifice , and in some the Pain is worst whilst the Meat is concocting , because acrid and biting Vapours are elevated from the Morbifick Matter by the Heat increased in the Stomach at the Time of Concoction ; in others four or five Hours after eating , because the Meat is corrupted by the Concoction being depraved , by which means it velicates the Stomach ; in others the Pain is augmented after Sleep , and this is occasioned by a Catarrh , the Humour flowing from the Brain in the Sleep , which being heaped up in a great quantity occasions Pain when the Sick awakes ; but the Pain is sometimes quieted by eating , the Acrimony of the Humours being asswaged by the Benignity of the Food .

As to the Prognostick , it is certain that a Cardialgia is much more dangerous than other Pains of the Stomach , by reason of the exquisite sense of the Mouth of the Stomach , and the great Sympathy that is betwixt that and the principle parts .

The greater or lesser is the Pravity of the Morbifick cause , and the violence of the Symptoms , so is the Danger more or less .

A continual and acute Feaver , joined with a great Pain of the Stomach , threatens great Danger ; for Hippocrates says , Aphor. 65. Section 5. A great Heat about the Stomach , and Cardiogmos in Feavers , are ill , for they signifie a great Quantity of vitious Humours contained in the Stomach .

A Pain of the Stomach , occasioned by Worms or Wind is most commonly less dangerous , for that the Cause is not so obstinate , and not fixed to the Part ; but yet sometimes violent Symptoms arise from Worms contained in the Stomach , and biting it , whereby the Sick is presently killed ; and also when the Intemperies occasioning Wind is obstinate , as it were habitual , it is not without Danger , because it degenerates into a dry Dropsie .

Hippocrates , Aphor. 7. Sect. 4. says , That Coldness in the extream parts , in a Cardialgia , portends Death .

The Cure of this Disease is to be varied according to the Variety of the Causes , for if it arises from the Diseases of other Parts , the Cure of them must be taken Care of ; but if the Cause be seated in the Stomach it self , the Pain proceeds either from Wind or sharp and cholerick Humours , or from an Inflammation , Abscess , or Ulcer .

That which is generated by Wind , must be cured by Remedies that discuss and evacuate that flatulent Matter , and also Flegm which breeds Wind.

And first , An emollient and loosning Glister must be injected , and presently after a carminative and discussing Glister made of the Decoction of the Leaves of Wild-marjoram , Calaminth , Penny-royal , Rue , and the lesser-centaury , the Seeds of Annise , Fennel , Daucus , Cummin , and the like , wherein may be dissolved Benedictum Laxativum , Oyl of Dill , Rue , and Honey of Rosemary .

If the Pain continue , a Glister must be made of Oyl of Rue , or of Nuts , and of generous Wine each equal Parts , you must add to it two ounces of Aqua-vitae , or you may prepare a Glister of Whitewine mixed with eight drops of Oyl of Juniper , Cinnamon , or of Chymical Oyl of Cloves ▪ Afterwards the following Fomentation must be applyed to the Region of the Stomach .

Take of the Roots of Cyperus , Galingal , sweet smelling Flag , each one ounce ; of the Leaves of Mint , wild-marjoram● Marjoram , Penny-royal , Hyssop and Sage , each one handful ; of the Seeds of Fennel , Daucus , Caraways , Bay-berries , each half an ounce ; of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , Rosemary , and Lavinder , each one Pugil ; cut them and beat them , and put them into two Bags , boil them in generous Wine , press them out and ●pply them hot to the Stomach and Belly by turns .

But when the Matter is not very cold , the following Fomentation may be prepared , which is much commended by Forestus , and he says , it will give Ease when other Medicines will do no good ,

Take of the Roots of Marshmallows half an ounce , of red Roses , the Flowers of Camomil , and of the Tops of Centaury , each one handful ; boil them in Fountain and Camomil-water to a Pint and an half ; at last add a little good Rhenish-wine , Rose-water , and Vinegar , make a Fomentation .

After the Fomentation , anoint the parts with Oyl of Rue , and Dill mixed with Aqua-vitae , and a little of the Oyl of Sage , or of Cloves Chimically extracted ; after the Anointing apply the Plaister of Laurel-berries , or instead of it a Cataplasm made of Honey and the Seeds of Cummin .

In the mean time whilst these things are about , if the Stomach be nauseous , Vomiting may be provoked by some gentle Vomit , or a Purge may be given that evacuates Flegm .

After the Body is purged , Oyl of bitter Almonds mixed with White-wine may be taken , or Aqua-clareta , or Cinnamon-water .

The following Julep is very effectual to ease Pain , discuss Wind , to cleanse Flegm , and to strengthen the Stomach .

Take of the Leaves of common Worm-wood , of the lesser Centaury , and Agrimony , each half an handful ; boil them to five ounces ; in the Liquor dissolve one ounce of white Sugar . Let it be taken for two days in the Morning .

Amatus Lusitanus greatly commends the distilled Water of Camomil-flowers , as a special Remedy to ease Pains of the Bowels and Stomach ; three ounces of it may be taken warm ; or in the place of this Water , a Decoction of Camomil-flowers may be used , which is greatly commended by Forestus , who says , that he cured a certain Merchant of a violent Pain in the Stomach , with only giving this Decoction once ; he had no sooner drank it than he fell into a Sweat , belching up Wind , and in a Minute all the Pains went off , so that there was no occasion for any other Remedies . A Vomit may be prepared of this Decoction , made with Seeds of Dill , or with Agarick , or the Roots of Wake-robin , wherein may be dissolved Oxymel , Syrup of Sorrel , or of Roses solutive , which may be given at the beginning of the Disease to mitigate the Pain by evacuation .

Galen says , that a Cupping-glass applied to the Stomach removes the Pain wonderfully , but this Caution must be taken notice of , viz. That but little or no crude Humour be in the Stomach , for if there be , it will increase the Pain .

Bread fresh drawn out of the Oven , cut in the middle , and applied to the Part , does good , either by it self or sprinkled with Aromatick Powders .

But if the Disease be obstinate , you must use a Bath made of a Decoction of emollient and healing Herbs , which is safest and most effectual , for it eases the Pain by discussing the Wind , and driving it through rhe Pores of of the Skin .

But the Buisness will be sooner done , if in the Bath the Sick take some discutient Remedy , for both concurring the Cure will be effectually performed .

The Bath ought to be very hot , that the Wind may be the easier discussed , and that the gross Humours may be melted ,

If Glisters cannot be injected or retained , by reason of the violence of the Pain , a Purge must be given in the Bath , where the Sick must continue half an hour or an hour till the Purge begins to operate .

But sometimes when there is danger , by reason of the violence of the Pain , Narcoticks must be given , which being prudently administred do often a great deal of good .

Some mix Narcoticks with Purgers , that the Pain may be eased , and the peccant Matter evacuated at the same Time .

Take of Diaphaenicon half an ounce , of Philonium Romanum two Scruples ; with the Water or Decoction of Camomil make a Potion .

After the Pain is taken off , Purging should be repeated once or twice a Month in such as are subject to this Disease , that the Cause of Wind may be removed ; corroborating Medicines must be also used , but if the Pain arise from Choler , it must be cured by the Evacuation of the peccant Humour , as by a gentle Vomit , or a Purging Medicine ; or by injecting Glisters frequently , which ought to be emollient , not sharp or hot .

Afterwards the Acrimony of the Humours is to be mitigated by cooling and thickning Juleps ; by Emulsions of the four greater cold seeds , by new Milk , Oyl of sweet Almonds newly drawn , by Yolks of Eggs and the like .

Strenghning Medicines must be used , and Narcoticks upon occasion , and outwardly must be applied a Cataplasm of White-bread Crums boiled in Milk , Yolks of Eggs and Saffron being added . Or you may apply Bread fresh drawn and cut in the middle and moistened with Vinegar ; or let the part be fomented with a Decoction of the Flowers of Camomil , Violets , and of Water-lillies ; or which is much better , let the Sick be bathed with warm Water , for this is very effectual for the Cure of this Disease .

If when the Pain is eased , it should chance to return again , the Sick must be purged twice a Month , and the hot Intemperies must be corrected by a cooling Diet and convenient Remedies .

But when the Pain proceeds from an Inflammation , Abscess , or Ulcer , it must be cured by Remedies to be proposed in the following Chapter .

CHAP. LXIX . Of an Inflammation , Abscess , and Vlcer of the Stomach .

THough in the Stomach , as in all other Parts , all sorts of Tumours may happen , yet here we only treat of an Inflammation or Phlegmon , which is most frequent , for other Tumours rarely happen , and may be cured by the same Method , wherewith the Tumours of other inward parts are .

An Inflammation of the Stomach is a preternatural Tumour arising from Blood poured upon the Substance of the Stomach , and its Membranes . And this Blood is either pure and sincere , and then it produces a Phlegmon properly so called , or it is mixed with Choler , Flegm , and Melancholly , and then it produces an Oedematous , Schirrhus , Phlegmon , or a Phlegmon mixed with an Erysipelas .

There may be many external Causes , viz. Whatsoever renders the Blood hot , as hot Medicines ; drinking of Wine , or whatever forces the Blood thither , as a Bruise of the Stomach , especially when it is full of Meat ; to which may be added hot and acrid things taken inwardly , as Cantharides , Sublimate , and the like .

The Diagnostick Signs of this Disease are , a great Burnining , Pricking Distending , Pain with Pulsation , stretching it self to the Back . The Tumour may be felt and sometimes seen ; the Shoulders are drawn backward ; the Breathing , Swallowing , and Belching are difficult . Sometimes something Bloody is Vomited up ; there is a violent Feaver accompanied with dreadful Symptoms .

If the Inflammation be purely from Blood it is somewhat gentler , but if it be joined with an E●ysipelas , the Symptoms are very violent , and there is an inward Feaver , though the outward Parts are cold , and the Thirst is unquenchable : To this Inflammation of the Stomach that Inflammation is near of kin , which either seises that Part of the Liver , wherewjth the Stomach is covered , or that lies upon the Region of the Abdomen , which can be only distinguished by the violence of the Symptoms ; for the Inflammation of the Stomach is the most violent and most dangerous .

From what has been said , it may be easily prognosticated that this Disease is very dangerous and most commonly deadly .

Nevertheless that is most dangerous which seises the upper Orifice of the Stomach , and partakes of the Nature of an Erysipelas .

If the Inflammation do not kill , and be not resolved , it degenerates into an Abscess , which is known by the Remission of Heat and Feaver , the Tumour remaining .

The Abscess being broken an Ulcer is left behind , which may be known by the Evacuation of Matter by Vomit and Stool .

But an Ulcer of the Stomach does not only proceed from an Abscess broken , but also from other causes , which must be here mentioned , least any thing should be desicient in the Theory of it .

Therefore the causes of an Ulcer of the Stomach are either Internal or External ; the Internal causes are acrid Humours bred in the Stomach , or transmitted from another place to it , as Yellow and Black Choler , or salt Flegm .

The external causes , are acrid and corroding Medicines or Poisons , and hither may be referred Wounds of the Stomach ill cured , which degenerate into an Ulcer ; and also the Rupture of some great Vein , which cannot be well cured after vomiting much Blood up .

An Ulcer bred in the Stomach , may be known chiefly by the Evacuation of Matter by Vomit and Stool , to which primary Sign others may be added : For first , There is perceived in the Stomach a pricking Pain with Heat , especially when any thing acrid , salt , acid , or any thing very hot or very cold is taken inwardly . There is moreover a Loss of Appetite , Stinking , Belching , and a small and continual Feaver .

The Prognostick is most commonly deadly , unless the Ulcer be very small , and possess the Superficies , and has not a Feaver joined with it ; for the Membrane of the Stomach being ulcerated is difficultly cured , and the Nourishment cannot be well concocted , and it is rejected before a due concoction ; besides Medicines can do little good , for things that cleanse , which are necessary for the Cure of the Ulcer , cause Pain ; and things that dry , which should satisfie the other Indication of Healing the Ulcer , are continually spoiled by the Meat and Drink , and Chyle , and other Humours which always stagnate in a weak Stomach .

The Cure of the foresaid Diseases is to be instituted particularly .

And first , The Cure of the Inflammation is to be begun by Bleeding repeated in the Arm as often as the Strength will bear ; and though it may seem to be dejected at first by reason of the fainting and Coldness of the extream Parts , yet this Infirmity of the Strength proceeds from an Oppression which requires Evacuation , and therefore Bleeding ought not to be forbid .

Moreover , the opening of the Hemorrhoid Veins , if the Sick has been accustomed to this Evacuation , may conveniently cause a Revulsion of the Blood from the Stomach . Cupping-glasses applied to the Back and Buttocks , both dry and moist , Frictions and Ligatures of the extream Parts , and the heating those that are wont to be cold , by applying hot Cloaths , and by anointing them with Oyl of Orris , Nard , and with other hot things , may be also conveniently used to draw the Blood from the Stomach .

But Purging is not allowed of , because it disturbes the Humours , and draws them to the Part affected . Yet Avicen commends a Decoction of Tamarinds , or half an ounce of Cassia , dissolved in Endive-water , or in Whey , and would have it given daily till the seventh Day ; yet it is better to abstain from all purging at the Beginning ; but the Seventh Day being over , and some Signs of Concoction and Declination appearing , Purging may be instituted with a dram of Rhubarb , and a Scruple of red Sanders infused in Borrage-water ; you must add one or two ounces of the Syrup of Roses , that the Filth sticking to the Part may be evacuated .

In the mean while Lenient , cooling , and emollient Glisters must be daily injected .

Take of Chicken-broth , or a Decoction of Mallows and Violets , one Pint ; of Cassia fresh drawn one ounce , of Oyl of Roses and Violets , each two ounces ; of Sugar one ounce and an half , Yolks of Eggs number two ; make a Glister .

The same altering and corroborating things may be taken inwardly , which were proposed for a Cure of the Pain of the Stomach occasioned by a Cholerick Humour .

But Syrup of Water-lillies , and of the Juice of Purslain , are peculiarly proper , especially at the beginning ; because they may serve instead of a repelling Medicine .

Emulsions also of the four cold Seeds , and of the Seeds of white-Poppies are proper , for they are lenitive , and qualifie the Heat , and so do also the following Juleps .

Take of the Waters of Roses three ounces , of Plantane two ounces , of the Juice of Sorrel one ounce and an half , of Sugar of Roses one ounce , boil them a little and strain them . Let him take two ounces twice or thrice a Day .

If the Pain be very violent , Syrup of Poppies may be taken .

Let him use for his Drink Barley-water sweetned with Syrup of Violets , which he must drink cold .

In Progress of the Disease , Medicines are to be mixed with the foregoing , which may help the Resolution ; to which end the following Julep may be prescribed .

Take of the Syrups of Water-lillies , of Apples , and of the Juice of Purslain , each one ounce ; of the Syrup of Roman Wormwood half an ounce , of the Waters of Sorrel , Lettice , and Fennel , each three ounces ; of the Species Diamargarite frigid one dram ; make a Julep for three Doses to be taken twice a day ▪

To these may be added restorative Opiats , Narcoticks and the like ; all which are to be varied according to the Judgment and Discretion of the Physician .

Turpentine washed in Wormwood-water taken twice or thrice , resolves and ripens Imposthumes of the Stomach .

The following Fomentation may be applyed outwardly in the beginning .

Take of the Roots of Sorrel two ounces , of the Leaves of Endive , Succory , and Mallows , each one handful ; of the Seeds of Lettice , and of white Poppies , each three drams ; of white and red Sanders , each half a dram ; of the Flowers of Violets , and of Water-lillies , each one Pugil ; make a Decoction , add to it a little Rose-vinegar , foment the Region of the Stomach with it warm .

After the Fomentation , anoint the part with Oyl of Roses and Oyl of Violets mixed .

Cataplasms are not convenient in the beginning , because they oppress the part by their Weight , and by retaining the Heat increase the Inflammation .

If the Disease come to a Declination , and if the Tumour should be resolved , which is most to be wished for , a resolving Fomentation may be applied made in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of Florentine-orris two ounces , of the Leaves of Mint , Marjoram , Penny-royal , and of Roman Wormwood , each one Handful ; of the Seeds of F●enugreek and of Annise , each two drams ; of the grains of Kermes one dram , of the Flowers of Staechas , Rosemary , and Camomil , each one Pugil ; adding towards the the end a little White-wine , make a Decoction , wherewith foment the Region of the Stomach .

After the Fomentation , anoint the Part with Oyl of Nutmeg , Wormwood , Nard , and the like ; to which Wax , and the Powder of Florentine-orris , and of Cinnamon being added , an Oyntment may be made ; but Plaisters and Cataplasms are not convenient , because they oppress the Part.

But if the Tumour seem to tend to Suppuration , foment the part with a Decoction of the Flowers of Camomil , and red Roses , and afterwards apply the following Cataplasm .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows two ounces , of the Leaves of Bears-breech , and of Roses , each one handful ; boil them well , and then add of the Flower of Barley , and of Linseeds , and Faenugreek-seeds , and of the Powder of Camomil , each half an ounce ; of white and red Sanders , each two drams ; with Oyl of Roses and of Camomil , and with a little Hens-grease , make a Cataplasm to be renewed often .

The Abscess being broken , cleanse the Ulcer by drinking Hydromel , to which must be added sometimes , according to Galen's order , Manna of Frankincense , or Barly-water , with Sugar of Roses in the beginning in a hot Constitution .

When the Ulcer grows old , from what cause soever it prooceeds , Broths are proper , altered with cooling , and moderately astringent Herbs , Barly-broths sweetned with Sugar of Roses , new Milk sweetned with Sugar and a little Honey , Steel-waters for the ordinary drink , or Water wherein some Bole-armonick or sealed Earth has been infused ; to which may be added , a little red rough Wine , if there be but little Heat in the Part ; afterward the following Apozem may be used .

Take of whole Barley one Pugil , of the Leaves of Scabious , Agrimony , Burnet , and of Maiden-hair , each half an handful ; of the seeds of Melons two drams , of red Roses dried one Pugil ; make a Decoction to one Pint , wherein dissolve three ounces of Syrup of dried Roses , make an Apozem for four doses to be frequently repeated .

For internal Ulcers , a Decoction of China is also very good , when there is no Feaver , for being taken for twenty Days or more , it gently provokes Sweat , and dries the Ulcer by degrees .

But if there be danger of a Consumption , the foresaid Root must be boiled in Chicken-broth , with the foresaid Herbs , and with cleansed Barley .

When the Ulcer has continued long , Chalybeat or Purging Waters drank for a Month do good ; and gentle Catharticks , as Rubarb , and Tamarinds , Myrobalans , Syrup of Roses , are to be used once a Week . Lastly , The following things are to be used .

Take of Bole-armenick , sealed Earth , red Coral , Blood-stone well washed in Rose-water , each one dram ; of Dragons-blood , Gum-arabick , and Tragacanth , each half a dram ; of the Seeds of white Poppies gently bruised and roasted , of Hypocistis , Sarcoco , and Frankincense , each one Scruple ; of Sugar of Roses one ounce ; make a Powder , whereof let him take a dram in Plantane-water , or with Conserve of Roses daily .

Or of the same Powder may be made an Opiat with Conserve of Comfry , and Roses , and with Syrup of Quinces or of Myrtles ; or Troches may be made of it , with the Mucilages of the Seeds of Psyllium , or of Tragacanth ; of all which the Sick may take by turns , least his Stomach turn by taking of one Medicine a long while : And outwardly , to heal the Ulcer , may be applied to the Region of the Stomach , a Fomentation made of Wormwood , Roses , Pomegranate-peel , Galls , Balaustins , Myrtles , Frankincense , Mastich , and the like : And afterwards the part must be anointed with some Astringent Oyntment , and an Astringent Plaister must be applied over .

CHAP. LXX . Of the Chollick .

IT takes its name from the Gut Colon , which is the part affected , which is long and winding , and designed by Nature to receive the Excrements of almost all the Body ; and when those Excrements are retained too long , they are wont to occasion Pains of this kind .

Therefore the Causes of the Chollick is all Excrementitious Matter , that occasions a Solution of the Continuum , either by distending , pricking , or corroding , and is either Wind or Humours .

Wlnd generated by Crudities , or from a cold Intemperies of the Stomach or Bowels , if it cannot be seasonably excluded , by reason the Feces are very hard , or by reason the Intestines are obstructed , it is heap'd up in a great quantity in the great Guts , especially in the Colon , and occasions violent Pain .

Thick Cold and Flegmatick Humours , stufft into the Tunicks of the Guts , may occasion such Pains by corroding them , if they are indued with Acrimony or by chilling them ; which consequently occasions Costiveness and Convulsions , as Galen says of himself , that he having a violent Chollick , evacuated glassy Flegm which was actually cold . Wind , which is easily elevated by a weak and gentle Heat from gross and clammy Humours , may also occasion this Pain .

Cholerick and Acrid Humours , and also Melancholly and Acid , may occasion these Pains , by vellicating and pricking the Intestines : But in the Action of these Causes , it may be asked how the Chollick Pain should have Exacerbations and Remissions , the same Matter remaining in the Bowels , which as long as it is there should always bite and distend them . To which I answer , that that Matter does sometimes remain quiet , and then it occasions little or no Pain ; but sometimes is moved and excited by various Fermentations that happen to the Humours , as is wont to happen to the Falling-sickness , Hysterick Fits , and in Fits of Feavers .

But we must take notice , that the Wind or Humours do not only reside in the Cavity of the Intestines , for then they would be easily excluded by things that Evacuate and Cleanse , and by Carminative Medicines ; but most commonly they are fixed in the very Tunicks of the Intestines ; upon which account it is difficult to remove them , and so they occasion an obstinate Disease . The Gross , Flegmatick and Melancholly Humours , flow by little and little through the Veins of the Intestines , and so do not presently cause Pain , till there is a quantity sufficient to irritate Nature for their Expulsion , and then being moved cause Pain ; or Wind occasioned by them , and included in the Coats of the Intestines distends them , and not easily getting out occasions a lasting Pain ; also Choler after the same manner , poured through the Veins of the Intestines upon their Coats , and imbibed by them , causes violent Pains , which are wont to be long and obstinate , because it is difficultly removed from their substance .

There is another Species of a bilious Chollick , which degenerates into a Palsie , scarce known unto the Ancients , which proceeds from a bilious Humour , not poured as the former upon the Colon , but upon the Membranes of the Abdomen which is transferred thither , either from the Gall-Bladder , or from the Mesentery in the Crisis of long Feavers , or by reason of violent Anger , or some other external Cause , when because of Obstructions it cannot be carried to the common Passages , but by a Preposterous Motion is put off suddenly upon the foresaid Membranes of the Abdomen : And hence great Pain arises like the Chollick , which yields neither to Glisters nor Fomentations , nor any other Remedy , but continues for many Months , by which the Body wasts , and the Sick is vexed with a sort of intermitting Feaver , and often with a slow continual Feaver ; at length the Pain remitting , a Palsie succeeds , that Humour leasurely creeping through the Membranes of the Abdomen to the Spine of the Back ; but this Palsie chiefly possesses the upper parts ; yet there is most commonly a Pain in the Thighs and Legs , and in some few the use of them is wholly taken away , and sometimes it breaks in upon the ●ra● , and causes the Falling-sickness , from whence Death generally follows .

There are other causes of the Chollick , but less frequent , viz. Stones growing in the Guts , Worms wound up in a bottom and obstructing the Intestines , a Compression of the Guts by a Tumour of the neighbouring parts , and the narrowness of them , by reason of an Inflammation , and other Tumours of the Guts , or a twisting of them occasioned by Wind , which is next to an Iliack Passion , and sometimes the Matter which causes a Chollick is Venomous and Malignant . Lastly , All hard Bodies , by obstructing the Guts , or distending them , may occasion a Chollick , as stones generated in the Guts , a great quantity of Cherry-stones , hard Cheese , and the like . As Platerus relates of a certain Governour , a long while troubled with the Chollick and Convulsions , who after the use of Glisters , evacuated a great quantity of hard Cheese by Stool .

The External Causes are a cold Constitution of the Air pressing and hardning the Belly , or a hot Constitution which does likewise harden the Excrements , the use of Meat and Drink unfit for the Mans Constitution , of crud● and harsh Roots , and of gross Meats of hard Digestion , too much rest , immoderate Sleep , unseasonable Exercise , immoderate Venery , and other External Causes which may injure the Concoction of the Stomach .

The Diagnosticks of this Disease are plain , for first the Pain is violent , sometimes afflicting grievously this part , sometimes that , sometimes it possesses the Region of the Spleen , sometimes of the Stomach or Liver , or of the Reins , sometimes it is above , sometimes below the Navel , and oftentimes it is most violent in the left side ; the Patient often Vomits , the Pain is increased after Eating , the Belly is most commonly bound .

The Signs of the Causes are distinguished in the following manner , If the Pain proceed from Flegm , it is not violent , unless it be accompanied with Wind ; the Sick is eased by hot things , and injured by cold things , a course of Diet before apt to increase Flegm preceded .

If the Chollick is occasioned by Wind , there is a stretching Pain , and a certain Inflation of the Belly ; the Sick perceive a great deal of Wind , and a rumbling in the Belly ; they are much eased by breaking Wind , a course of Diet fit to breed Wind was used before , as unseasonably drinking cold Water , the frequent use of Pulse , Turneps , and Chesnuts , Herbs and Fruits , and the like ; and if the the Wind be contained in the Cavity of the Intestins , the Pain is wandring , and not fixed to one part , and is renewed by Intervals . But if it be kept in within the Coats of the Guts , the Pain is fixed and is continual and obstinate because it cannot find Vent .

If the Chollick proceeds from an acrid and Cholerick Humour , it is most sharp , there is a twitching and pricking Heat , Drouth , and for the most part a Feaver , the Disease is increased by hot Medicines and Diet , and is mitigated by cold .

By the following Signs the Chollick and Nephritick Pain may be distinguished , if they are accurately examined .

First , The Nephritick Pain is fixed in the Kidney , and stretches it self from that to the Testes according to the length of the Ureter , but the Chollick is wandring , and painfully girds the lower Belly .

Secondly , The Chollick increases after eating , by reason of the pressure upon the Gut by a full Stomach , but the Nephritick Pain is not at all increased after eating , but rather lessened , because some of the Nutritious Juice is carried to the Veins which somewhat asswages the Pain .

Thirdly , In the Chollick Vomiting is more severe , and the Belly is more bound , because the Colon lies near the Bottom of the Stomach , and the Intestines being full or violently provoked , contract themselves that they may expel the common Enemy ; but either of the Symptoms is common to either of the Diseases ; so that the Intention or Remission of them has a difficult Diagnostick .

For the Nephritick Pain being intense , may occasion greater Vomiting , and bind the Belly more than a remiss Chollick .

Fourthly , In the Chollick , the Patient is more eased by Vomiting and going to Stool , than in Nephirtick Pains ,

Fifthly , In the Nephritick Pain , the Urine is first clear and thin , afterwards something settles to the Bottom , and at length Sand or Gravel is evacuated ; bu● in the Chollick the Urine is thicker from the beginning .

The Cure of this Disease must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes : And first , There is the same Way of Cure for a Windy and Flegmatick Chollick , you must begin with an emollient Glister , and afterwards you must give a Carminative and discutient Glister , which must be repeated twice , thrice , or four times in a day , till the Pain be gone ; but if after the use of one or two Glisters , the Sick does not go to Stool , as sometimes it happens , the Belly must be irritated by a sharp Suppository , but it is convenient to add to one of the Glisters four ounces of the Aqua-benedicta , or two or three drams of Coloquintida may be boiled in an emolient and Carminative Glister .

If Glisters do not give ease you must not obstinately persist in the use of them ; for it has been observed , that when a Sick Person has taken , without any Success , twenty Glisters , another Physician having given only an ounce and an half of Manna , with two ounces of Oyl of Almonds in fat Broth has cured the Patient . But in that Pain which proceeds from thick Flegm , stronger Medicines must be given .

Afterwards Fomentations , Oyntments , Baths , Plaisters and other Remedies are useful , to which must be added some Specificks .

Boil simple Water , and when it is boiling hot , add a fourth part of common Oyl , and some grains of pepper grosly beaten . Let the Sick take three or four Spoonfuls as hot as he can bear it , the pain will be gone as it were in a Moment .

Take of the best Aloes one dram , of Laudanum Opiatum grains four ; mingle them , make six Pills , gild them , let the Sick take them at a convenient time , they give ease in an hours Time , and afterwards purge off the noxious Humours .

Instead of the Pills , a Potion may be taken made of half an ounce of Diaphaenicon , and two Scruples of Philonium Romanum in the Water or Decoction , of Camomil .

Take of the Oyl of Almonds , or of some other Oyl , for poor People , four ounces ; of generous Wine one ounce , of Syrup of Poppies one ounce ; mingle ehem , make a Potion .

Oyl of sweet Almonds also taken with Manna in fat Broth asswages the Pain , and evacuates the Peccant Matter .

If the Disease is lasting , it may be successfully treated with a Decoction of Guajacum continued for many Days , purging now and then with Elixir Salutis , and injecting Glisters frequently .

But if the Chollick proceed from Flegm , boil the Guajacum with Wine .

A Bilious Cholick is cured by emolient Glisters , and with such things as attemperate the Acrimony of the Humours .

Give Juleps of the Waters of Erratick Poppy , of Lettice and Sorrel , with the Syrups of Violets , Apples , and Lemons : If the Pain is very violent we must use Narcoticks ; the Pain being somewhat mitigated .

An Infusion of Rubarb in Succory-water is to be given with Syrup of Roses , and to be repeated often , till the Stock of Matter is evacuated . If gentle Purging be not sufficient to eradicate the Disease , we must use Mercurius Dulcis , which being given sometimes with purging Medicines that have Diagridium in them perfects the Cure .

They that dislike Diagridium , may give Mercurius Dulcis alone made into Pills , with Conserve of Roses , drinking upon them an Infusion of Rubarb and Senna , with Manna , and Syrup of Roses added to it .

Afterwards it will be convenient to use Tunbridge or such like Waters .

When the Pain is violent , you must fly to Laudanum , with which Catharticks may be sometimes given , but in a large Dose , because they are much blunted by Laudanum .

Bleeding is sometimes proper in this sort of Chollick , when there is danger , least the Violence of the Heat should occasion a Feaver ; if there be a Feaver already it is presently to be used .

When there is a great Drouth cold Water must be given , according to Galens Instruction . And Amatus Lusitanus says , he wonderfully cured of a sudden such a Pain by the use of it ; and Septalius declares , in two Observations , that he used it inwardly and outwardly with great Success .

For the Cure of a Chollick that degenerates into a P●lsie , put the Patient into a warm Bath , made of a Decoction of emollient things , the Belly being loosned with various Glisters , and the first Passages opened by Catharticks , the Patient must be bathed twice or thrice , or four or five times in a day , that the Acrimony of the Humours may be attemperated , and that the Pores of the Membranes may be opened . The next day let the Humour be purged with some proper Cathartick , and then the Bath must be repeated , and so you must do every other day , if the Patient be able to bear it , till the Humours being purged off , and the pain quieted , he is recovered .

In the mean time you must continue the use of Glisters , but those made with Milk are best to asswage the Pain , to which may be added Cassia , Oyl of Violets , and Oyl of Lillies .

Let the Belly be frequently anointed with Oyl of Camomil , of Dill , sweet Almonds , Lillies , and with Butter . Lastly , Use Whey and Tunbridge-waters , or the like ; and if the Disease continues a long while , those things may be used which are proper to cure Hypochondriack Melancholly ; and Bleeding is to be used at the beginning of the Disease , and before Purging , and to be often repeated , if the Blood seem to be bad , or if something of a Rheumatism seems to be joyned wtih it .

Lastly , All those Remedies which are proposed for the Cure of a Bilious Chollick may be used in this Case ; and if these things do no good , some Physicians prescribe the following Potion , which though it be loathsome , and will not go down with the delicate , yet they say it presently mitigates the Pain .

Take of Horse-dung one ounce , crumble it in small Pieces , and infuse it in a Pint of Erratick Poppy-water , to which add eight or ten drops of Spirit of Wine . Strain it gently , and divide it into three Doses to be taken when the Pain is most violent .

But if the Disease degenerates into a Palsie , you must use to the Spine of the Back , and the paralitick Parts , some resolving Balsam , and such an one as strengthens the Nerves , if there be a Feaver ; but if there be no Feaver , you may apply Wooll dipt in Oyl or Ointment to the Paralitick Parts , taking great Care that the Patient does not catch Cold , for by that means the Humour will be more fixt upon the parts , and the Perspiration of it will be hindred .

CHAP. LXXI . Of the Bilious Chollick of the Years 1670 , 71 , 72.

IN all these Years the Blood was much inclined to put off upon the Bowels hot and Cholerick Humours , upon which Account this Chollick was more frequent than is usual : The same Febrile Symptoms preceded this Disease as used to go before the Dysentery , that reigned in those times ; and sometimes this Disease followed the Dysentery , when it had a long while afflicted the Patient , and was just about to leave him ; but when it did not follow a long Dysentery , it generally took its Rise from a Feaver , which after some Hours was wont to end in this Disease ; it chiefly seised Young People of a hot and Cholerick Constitution , especially in the Summer the Pain of the Bowels was extreamly violent , and more intollerable than any other that afflicts poor Mortals ; it sometimes binds as it were the Guts , and sometimes being contracted to a Point , it bores like an Auger ; the Pain now and then remits , and presently the Fit approaches again , which as soon as the Patient perceives , he looks sadly , and bemoans himself , as if it were actually upon him . At the beginning of this Disease the Pain is not so certainly determined to one Point , as in the Progress of it ; nor is the Vomiting so frequent , or does the Belly so obstinately resist Catharticks ; but the more the Pain is increased , the more pertinaciously is it fixed in a Point , the Vomiting is more frequent , and the Belly more bound , till at length by the dreadful Force of these Symptoms , a total subversion of the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts , if the Patient be not relieved ; and by consequence an Iliack Passion is procured , in which Disease all purging Medicines become presently Emetick , and Glisters that are injected are vomited up with the Excrements .

The Matter that is cast up after this Manner , if it be sincere , and without mixture , is sometimes green , and sometimes Yellow , and sometimes of an unusual Colour .

In order to the Cure , I bleed freely in the Arm , if no Blood has been taken away before , and after two or three Hours I give an Anodyne ; the next day I prescribe some gentle Purge , and order that it should be repeated . The next day save one , and sometimes thrice , according as the Relicks of the Humour are more or less .

But we must take notice , that if this Disease proceeds from eating too much Fruit , or from any Meat of hard Digestion , upon which account ill and corrupted Juices are first transmitted to the Blood , and afterwards to the Bowels : I say in this Case the Stomach must be washed with large draughts of Posset-drink , which must be vomited up again ; which being done , an Anodyne must be given and the next Day a Vein must be opened ; and as to other things , you 〈◊〉 proceed according to the Directions above mentioned ; but when the Violence of the Pain , and the Vomiting ( by reason of which the Guts are as it were inverted ) do resist the Operation of the Catharticks , for it is in vain to give a gentle Purge , unless the Patient is easily purged , which must be carefully inquired into ; for such a Medicine being not strong enough to make its way through the Intestines , the Patient is more injured thereby ; for by its ineffectual Agitation the Vomiting and the pain are increased . A lenitive purging Potion of the Infusion of Tamarinds , of the Leaves of Senna , and Rubarb , in which may be dissolved Manna , and Syrup of Roses , is to be preferred before other Catharticks , for it least exagitates and moves the Humours ; but if the Sick cannot retain a Liquid Medicine by reason of an Aversion , or because of the Vomiting , you must necessarily use Pills ; among which the Pill Coch pleases me best , for they pass best through the Body in this , and in most other Cases . But when the Weakness of the Stomach , or the Vomiting is so great , that the Pills cannot be retained , then I first order an Anodyne , and a few hours after a Purge ; but there must be so much space betwixt them , that the Cathartick be not quelled by the Narcotick , and so rendred ineffectual ; but that it may continue so long in the Stomach as is necessary for its imparting its purgative Quality to it , that it may operate when the Vertue of the Narcotick is spent , though the purge , if it could be conveniently done , is best given a long while after the Anodyn , for twelve hours after taking it , the patient is difficultly purged .

But because in this , as well as in most other Diseases wherein Narcoticks are indicated , a purge always increases the pain ( at least when it has done working , for while it is in Operation the patient is not so ill ) therefore I usually give an Anodyne as soon as the purge has done working , which I order to be taken Morning and Evening daily betwixt the purges , that I may the more certainly appease the pain , till the patient has been sufficiently purged .

The purging of the Humours being over , I endeavour to bridle the Fury of the Disease ( which now only remains to be done ) by giving an Anodyne constantly Morning and Evening , which must be sometimes repeated oftner ; nor could I ever take off violent Pains without a larger Dose than is usual , and that repeated too ; for that which is sufficient to vanquish another Disease , will be altogether insufficient in this Case , the violence of the Disease subduing the force of the Medicine : And it is indeed safe to repeat Narcoticks , while such a Pain as this continues violent , but not when it is gone off . Wherefore I repeat the Anodyne according to the degree of the Pain till it ceases , or till it be very much lessened .

Yet there must be such a Space of Time between them , that you may find what may be hoped for from the former Dose , before another be given ; but for the most part unless the Pain be very violent , a Paregorick given Morning and Evening may be sufficient . Liquid Laudanum is the Anodyne I chiefly use , whereof I give Sixteen Drops in some cordial Water ; or the dose may be increased according to the violence of the Pain . But here I must admonish you , that though I have said Bleeding and purging must necessarily precede this quieting Method , yet sometimes upon occasion both being omitted , you must begin with Anodynes .

For Instance , when by reason of some preceding Sickness , large Evacuations have been used not long before the Coming of the Chollick , for many Times they who have recovered of another Disease have fell suddenly into this , by reason of the Weakness of the Bowels ; especially if there be a great degree of Heat occasioned by drinking of Wine or some other Spiritous Liquor immoderately ; I say in this Case , it is not only unnecessary , but I think it is injurious , to give Catharticks again ; for by them new Tumults will be raised . Moreover , The Guts are most commonly sufficiently cleansed by Glisters frequently used , before the Physician is advised with ; so that partly for this cause , and partly by reason of the long continuance of the Disease , Narcoticks seem in a manner to be only useful .

But because this pain of it 's own Nature is wont to return more than any other , all Occasions of its Relapse must be prevented , by giving an Anodyne twice a day for some days ; but if as often as the Narcotick is intermitted , the pain now and then returns , as it sometimes happens , I do not know any thing that will so certainly perfect the Cure , as riding on Horseback , or in a Coach , with which the Patient must take long Journies ; and in the mean while an Anodyne must be given constantly Morning and Evening . But Riding must not be used before the Patient has been well purged , and then it must be continued for many Days .

If the Patient be young , and of a hot Constitution , I order a cooling and thickning Diet , suppose Pulp of Barly , Panada , and the like ; and every third Day , if the Stomach is craving , a Chick or a Whiteing boiled ; and I allow no other Drink than small Beer , or Milk-water , and this is all I order , unless Riding necessary to recover the Health requires more nourishing Food , and more generous Liquor , whereby the Spirits exhausted by Exercise may be repaired .

But when the Disease , being unskilfully treated , has a long while afflicted the Patient , so that the Bowels become weak and infirm , and he is in a manner quite wasted , I say in this Case we find by experience , that the free use of Epidemick Water , or of Aqua-mirabilis , or any other the Patient likes best , relieves him at this Time beyond Expectation ,

Moreover , As in the Cure of the Disease , so when it is over , the thin Diet we have mentioned must be observed for some time ; for this Disease being more apt to return than any other , and seating it self upon the principle parts of Concoction , the least error in this kind will presently occasion much Pain : Wherefore in this and all other Diseases of the Bowels , Meats of hard Digestion are carefully to be avoided , and things of easie Digestion must be taken only in such a Quantity as will suffice to sustain Life .

CHAP. LXXII . Of the Hysterick Chollick .

A Certain kind of Hysterick Disease afflicts some Women very like the Bilious Chollick , both as to the Sharpness and Situation of the Pain ; and also upon the account of the Humours ejected by Vomit of a Yellow and green Colour . But least any one should take it for the Bilious Chollick just now mentioned , I will treat of it in a Chapter by it Self .

Those Women that are of a lax and crude Habit of Body , are chiefly afflicted with this Disease ; and they that have lately laboured under some other Hysterick Indisposition , ( or which is very often ) those that have scarce evaded a difficult and hard Labour in bringing forth a large Child , whereby the Mothers Natural Strength has been almost Spent .

A Pain , as violent almost as that of the Chollick or Iliack Passion , seises the Region of the Stomach ; and sometimes it comes a little lower , and then violent Vomitings follow , and the Matter which is cast up is sometimes yellow , and sometimes green . And moreover , ( which I have often observed ) there is a greater Dejection of Spirit , and Despiration , than in any other Disease whatever . After a day or two the Pain goes off , and returns again in a few Weeks after as violent as it was before ; sometimes it is accompanied with the Jaundice , which is very visible , and which goes off of its own accord in a few days , when all the Symptoms are gone off ; and when the Patient seems very well , the Smallest Disorder of Mind , whether it be occasioned by Anger or Sorrow ( to both which in this Case Women are very prone ) almost recalls the Pain , which may be said of walking , or any other Exercise used too soon , for by these means Vapours are elevated in a Lax and weak Habit of Body ; when according to the Vulgar Opinion I say Vapours , whither they be so or no , or whither they are Convulsions of particular parts , the Phaenomena may be solved either way . These Vapours or Convulsions , when they invade this or that Region of the Body , produce Symptoms agreeable to the part they invade , and though they are one and the same Disease every where , yet they cunningly resemble most of the Diseases Mankind is exposed to .

Bleeding and Purging repeated , which were plainly indicated at the beginning of a Bilious Chollick , are not to be used here , but the whole Business must be done by Anodyns , unless a great Quantity of Blood and Humours so resists the operation of the Narcotick , that though it be often repeated , it cannot quell the Tumult , till the Patient is blooded and purged , which I have observed in Women of a very sanguine Constitution , and in Virago's . If the Case is so , Bleeding or Purging , or perchance both , must make Way for the Anodyne ; for either of these being used , a moderate dose of the Narcotick will perform the Business , which otherwise would signifie nothing , though the largest Dose is given : But this seldom happens , and these Remedies must not be repeated ; and when they are used , when there is need of them , you must proceed in giving Anodynes in that Method which I have proposed in the Bilious Chollick ; and they must be taken often or seldom according to the degrees of Pain . But for as much as this Disease , in Hypochondriack as well as in Hysterick People , often ends in the Jaundice , and as this comes on that goes off , we must take notice that in curing this kind of Jaundice , all Catharticks are to be wholly omitted ; or if they are given , you must use only Rubarb , or some other gentle Purge ; for there is danger least by purging new Tumults should arise , and so all the Symptoms return ; and therefore in this Case nothing must be done presently , seeing the Jaundice taking its Rise on this Account , generally lessens of its own accord , and wholly vanishes in a short time : But if it continues a long while and seems to go off difficultly , Remedies must be taken for it . I use the following .

Take of the Roots of Madder , and of Turmerick , each one ounce ; of all the greater Celandine , and of the Tops of the lesser Centaury , each one handful ; boil them in equal parts of Rhenish-wine , and of Fountain Water to a quart ; in the Liquor strained dissolve two ounces of the Syrup of the five opening Roots ; mingle them , make an Apozem . Let the Patient take half a pint Morning and Evening till he is well .

But if the Jaundice comes of it self , the Chollick not going before it is necessary , besides the alteratives just mentioned .

To give Cholagogues , that is such things as purge Choler by Stool , viz. once or twice before the Patient enters upon the Apozem prescribed , and afterwards once a Week , as long as he takes it . As ,

Take of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses two drams , of Rubarb finely powdered half a dram , of Cream of Tartar one scruple ; make a Bolus with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Rubarb with Succory ; give it early in the Morning ; let the Patient drink upon it a small draught of Rhenish-wine .

But if notwithstanding the constant taking of these things a long while , the Disease continues obstinate , the Patient must drink Tunbridge-waters , or such like , from the Fountain every Morning till he recovers .

CHAP. LXXIII . Of the Iliack Passion .

THis dreadful Disease being hitherto almost in the Opinion of all Mortal , takes its Rise from the inverted and preposterous Motion of the Intestines , to wit , the Fibres of the Intestines , which ought to be contracted from the Superior toward the Inferior , are drawn to the Superior ; and whatsoever is contained in the Intestines , is not protruded to the Belly , but towards the Stomach , and is violently regurgitated to the Mouth , so that Glisters , how sharp soever become vomitive ; and also Catharticks taken by the Mouth are suddenly cast up by Vomit . And in my Opinion , the exquisite and intollerable Pain coming upon this Disease , is only occasioned by the foresaid preposterous Motion of the Intestines ; for whereas those Folds , which the many Circumvolutions of the Intestines make , are so formed by Nature , that they should most fitly conduce to the carrying down of the Faeces : When they , I say , are forced to give way to a Motion contrary to their Fibres , the aforesaid Pain is occasioned from thence , which is fixed to one part , and is like the boreing of an Auger , when either the Valve , which is placed at the Beginning of the Colon , hinders the going back of the Excrements to the Ilion , or any other Membrane belonging to the Sinus sustains alone the Force of this preposterous Impulse .

We may assign a twofold Cause of this Inversion , from whence the Pain arises , viz. Obstruction and Iritation .

First therefore , Whatever violently obstructs the Intestines , so that nothing can pass downwards , necessarily produces this contrary Motion in them . Among these Authors are wont to reckon the Excrements hardened , gross Wind collected in a great quantity , and tying up as it were the Intestines , the Constriction of them in a Rupture : And lastly An Inflammation , and other great Tumours , which stop up the Internal Cavity of the Intestine . In the mean time we must not deny , that this contrary Motion , owing its rise to these Causes , is rather to be accounted the Motion of these things taken in , than of the Intestines ; nor is this an Inversion of the whole Duct of the Intestines , but only of those which are situated above the Seat of that Obstruction ; wherefore I call an Iliack Passion proceeding hence spurious .

Secondly , I think that in the Iliack Passion , the cause of the Inversion of the Peristaltick Motion of the Intestines , is most commonly after this Manner , viz. Sharp and malignant Humours are cast upon the Stomach , and the Guts that are next to it , by which the Motion of the Stomach is inverted , and forced violently to cast up what is contained in it ; at length the small Guts that are joined to the Stomack being weakned , yield to the violent Motion of it , and with them at last the greater follow by Consent ; the Stomach Vomiting , leading as it were the Dance , this I call a true Iliack Passion , and which is treated of now .

The Method of cureing it has been hitherto in a manner unknown , whatever some boast of the use of Quicksilver and Bullets , which besides that they do little good , are very oft injurious .

I have successfully used the following Method ,

When it appears by Glisters cast up by the Mouth , and other Signs , that it is a true Iliack Passion , I endeavour these three things .

First , That the contrary Motion of the Stomach , which causes the like Motion of the Guts , may be hindred . Secondly , That the Intestines being weakned by the sharp Humour may be corroborated . Thirdly , That the Stomach and Guts be freed from these Humours . And that I may Answer these Indications , I institute the Cure after this Manner . First , I prescribe one Scruple of Salt of Wormwood in a spoonful of Juice of Lemons to be taken Morning and Evening ; but at other times of the Day I order some spoonfuls of Mint Water , without Sugar or any thing else , to be taken twice in an Hour ; by the repeated use of which alone , the Vomiting and the Pain arising from thence will soon vanish . At the same time I order a living Kitling to lie continually upon the naked Belly . But after the Pain and Vomiting has wholly ceased for the Space of two or three Days , I give one dram of the Pill Coch-major dissolved in Mint-water , which I also order to be used very often , all the time of the working of the Pills , that I may the more certainly hinder the Return of the Vomiting ; nor is the Kitling to be removed , before the Patient has taken the Pills .

I have observed , that it is to no purpose to give these Pills , or any other Purge , how strong soever , until the Stomack is strengthned , and reduced to its Natural Motion , and the Guts also to that which is proper to them ; for otherwise all Catharticks taken inwardly would prove Emetick , and so do more hurt than good , and therefore I do not use Purging Medicines , until for some Time I have used those Medicines which respect the Stomach .

I prescribe a very thin Diet , for I allow onely some spoonfuls of Chicken-broath to be taken twice or thrice a day ; in the mean while I order the Patient to keep his Bed all the Time of the Sickness , till the Signs of perfect Health appear ; and when he is well I appoint him to persist in the use of the foresaid Water for a long Time , and to keep his Belly warm with Flannels doubled , that there may not be a Relapse where unto this Disease is very prone .

CHAP. LXXIV . Of Costiveness .

BY Costiveness we do not understand a pefect Stoppage of the Belly , so that nothing is evacuated downwards as happens in the Iliack Passion , but only a slow and unsuitable Evacuation that Way , whereby the Excrements , and the Relicts of the Meat are seldom ejected , and not according to the quantity taken in .

When the Belly is bound , Vapours arise to the Head , and Catarrhs and Diseases of the Brain are produced , the Concoction is hindred , and the Actions of other Parts .

For the Cure of this Disease the following Medicines must be used .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows , and of Lillies , each two ounces ; of the Leaves of Mallows , Marshmallows , Mercury , Violets , Bears-breach , each one Handful ; of Linseed , and Fenugreek-seeds , each half an ounce ; of the Seeds of Annise one dram and an half , of sweet Prunes three pair , of the Flowers of Camomil , and Melilot , each one Pugil ; boil them to a Pint and an half , in the strained Liquor dissolve of Oyl of Lillies , and of Fenugreek-seeds , each two ounces ; of fresh-butter half an ounce , of Catholicon Duplicatum , and of Diaprunum simplex , each six drams ; make a Glister to be injected as often as there is Occasion .

But we must endeavour to loosen the Belly by other Remedies , because by the frequent use of Glisters Nature grows more slothful , and at length will never ease the Body without a Glister .

To this End sweet Prunes , or roasted Aples , are to be eaten an hour before Meals , or in a Decoction of Prunes an ounce of Mauna must be dissolved .

The following Broth certainly loosens the Belly and keeps it loose for some Days .

Take of the Leaves of Beet and Mercury , each one handful , boil them in common Broth , let it be taken an Hour before Dinner .

CHAP. LXXV . Of a Lientery , and the Caeliack Passion .

A Lientery is a sort of Loosness , wherein the Meat is voided in a short time , nothing altered , but as it was taken in at the Mouth : In the Caeliack Passion the Nourishment is voided crude and imperfectly digested .

There are many Causes of the Lientery and Caeliack Passion proposed by Authors , all which may be reduced to three Heads ; viz. A cold Intemperies of the Stomach and Intestines ; an Irritation of those Parts , and a great Debility of the retentive Faculty , from a grievous and deadly Disease .

There is another Cause different from those mentioned , which uses peculiarly to produce the Caeliack Passion , viz. The Obstruction of the Meseraick Veins , whhich stops the Passage of the Chyle . Aetius and Celsus , and many of their followers , do propose another Cause of the Lientery , viz. A hard Cicatrix upon the Intestines produced by a Dysentery ,

The Cure of this Disease is to be varied according to the Variety of the Causes producing it : And first , that which is occasioned by a Flegmatick Humour , may be Cured with the following Remedies ; but you must begin by Purging Medicines made of Aloes , Rubarb , and Mirobalans ,

Take of old Conserve of Roses six ounces , of the best Venice Treacle six drams , Marmalad of Quinces a sufficient quantity , mix them . Let the Sick take half a dram in the Morning drinking nothing upon it . Or ,

Take of Japan Earth one dram and an half , of red Coral and Crabs-eyes prepared , each one dram ; of old Conserve of Roses one ounce and an half , of Balsamick Syrup a sufficient quantity ; mix them , make an Electuary .

The Quantity of a Nutmeg of it may be taken Morning and Evening .

Take of Gum-caranna , of the Magisterial Stomach Plaister , each a sufficient Quantity ; of the Chymical Oyl of Wormwood twelve drops ; mix them , make a Plaister for the Region of the Stomach .

That which proceeds from a bilious Humour , is to be cured with the following Remedies .

Take of the best Aloes washed in Rose-water three drams , of Rubarb powdered and moistened with Borrage-water one dram , of Mastich , red Sanders , red Coral prepared , each one scruple ; of Syrup of Roses solutive a sufficient quantity ; make a Mass for Pills , of which let the Sick take half a dram , or one dram at a time .

Take of sealed Earth , Bole-Armenick , red Coral prepared , Pearls prepared , of the Seeds of Purslain and Sorrel each one dram , of the Shavings of Hartshorn , and of the Leaves of Mint dried , each one scruple , of red Roses half a Pugil ; make a Powder to be sprinkled upon Broth , or to be taken in a Spoon with a little Water wherein Iron hath been quenched .

But if the Stools be pure Chyle , this Distemper does not proceed from the Fault of the Stomach , but from the Obstruction of the Meseraick Veins , which is very frequent , and is chiefly incident to Children , therefore it is to be cured with Remedies that open Obstructions .

CHAP. LXXVI . Of a Diarrhea .

A Diarrhea , is that sort of a Loosness , in which excrementitious Humours , without Blood , Chyle or Ulceration of the Intestines are voided by Stool .

There is another Species of a Diarrhea which is called colliquative , arising from the Colliquation of the Substance of the Body .

If a Diarrhea be critical , and is easily born , and the Disease goes off by it , or is greatly diminished , the Sick is benefited by it .

But if a Diarrhea be Symptomatical , it occasions a great deal of Pain to the Sick , the Strength greatly decreases , and the Disease upon which it comes is considerably augmented , or at least does not decrease .

As to the Cure a Symptomatick Diarrhea rises for the most part from bad and corrupted Humours , therefore the Cure of it is to be begun with the Evacuation of the Peccant Humour .

Take of the best Rhubarb six grains , of the Seeds of Coriander bruised two scruples , infuse and boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water , to three ounces of the strained Liquor , add of Rubarb torrified one Scruple , of the Syrup of Succory with Rubarb one ounce , mix them , make a Draught to be taken in the Morning .

A Vomit is also sometimes convenient , because it makes a Revulsion and Evacuation of the Morbisick Matter .

If there be Signs of abundance of Blood , and the Body being strong , Bleeding is necessary in the beginning .

The Body being sufficiently evacuated , both by purging Medicines , and the Loosness it self ; astringent and strengthning Medicines are to be given , as well by the Mouth , as injected by Glisters , and applied to the Belly .

Take of Diascordium grains twenty five , of the compound Powder of Crabs-Claws grains seventeen , of Syrup of Mint a sufficient quantity , mix them , make a Bolus to be repeated upon Occasion .

Take of Epidemick-water half an ounce , of Cinnamon-water hordeated three drams , of black-cherry-water , two ounces , of Liquid Laudanum prepared with Juice of Quinces fifteen drops , Syrup of Mint a sufficient quantity ; mix them , let the Sick take this Mixture after the Bolus above prescribed , and at Bed-time .

Take of Epidemick-water , and of Cinnamon-water hordeated each three ounces ; of Mint-water one ounce , of Black Cherry-water five ounces , of Syrup of Mint a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , let him take six spoonfuls after the Bolusses .

Take of Hartshorn calcin'd two ounces , of Nutmeg four Scruples , of the Roots of Tormentil three drams ; boil them in Fountain-water to three Pints , adding towards the end an ounce of White-bread , add to the strained Liquor two ounces of Doctor Stephens's water , and sweeten it with Syrup of Quinces , let him take it for his ordinary Drink . Or ,

Take of Diascordim three drams , of Cinnamon-water , and simple Angelica-water , each five ounces ; infuse them hot in a close Vessel to draw a Tincture , strain it , and add to it fifty drops of Laudanum Cydoniated , and a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Mint ; mingle them , let him take two Spoonfuls every Night at bed-time , and in the Day a spoonful after every Stool . Or ,

Take of London Laudanum three grains , of Doctor Stephens's water , and of Cinnamon-water hordeated each one ounce , of Syrup of Quinces one dram , mingle them , make a Draught , let him take it at bed-time , repeat it at three in the Morning , and at eight in the Morning .

Take of the Leaves of Mint , the tops of Wormwood each four handfuls ; of Zedoary , Galingal , Cyperus , sweet smelling Flag , Nutmeg , sharp Cinnamon , Mace , each half an ounce ; of Cubebs , Cloves , each two drams ; make two Bags to be boiled in Clarret-wine and Smiths-water , each a quart ; press them hot out of the Liquor , and apply them by turns to the Region of the Stomach .

Take of Conserve of common Wormwood half an ounce , of old Mithridate Six drams , of Powder of Mastich a sufficient quantity , make a Plaister to be spread on Leather , and to be applied to the Region of the Stomach , you must spread the Margin with Paracelsus's Plaister to make it stick . Or ,

Take of the Stomach-plaister three drams , of Oyl of Mace by Expression two scruples , of Chymical Oyl of Wormwood , and of Chymical Oyl of Mace , each two drops ; mingle them , make a Plaister to be applied to the Stomach .

Take of Diascordium six drams , of Venice Treacle two drams ▪ boil them in Cows Milk , let eight ounces of the strained Liquor be injected for a Glister , and let it be repeated thrice . Or ,

Take of the Roots of Tormentil three drams , of Yellow Mirobalans two drams , of Balaustins one dram and an half , of the Flowers of red Roses half an handful , of Rice bruised half an ounce , of Coriander-seeds half an ounce , boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water , to fourteen ounces , strain it , and make a Glister of half of it , and give the other half four hours after if the loosness continues .

CHAP. LXXVI . Of the Bloody Flux .

SOmetimes it begins with shaking and shivering , and Heat of the whole Body follows , as is usual in Feavers , and soon after the Gripes and Stools ; but oftentimes there is no Appearance of a Feaver going before , for the Gripes begin and Stools soon follows ; but there are always great Gripes , and a Depression of the Bowels with Pain , when the Patient goes to Stool ; the Stools are frequent , with a very troublesome Descent as it were of the Guts , and they are all mucous , not excrementitious , excepting that sometimes an excrementitious Stool comes between , and that is without any great Pain , these mucous Stools are streaked with Blood , yet sometimes there is no Blood at all mixt with them through the whole course of the Disease , yet notwithstanding , if the Stools are frequent with Gripes and a mucous Filth , the Disease may be as properly called a Dysentery , as if Blood flow'd with them .

Moreover , The Sick , if he be in the Flower of his Age , or is heated by Cordials , has a Feaver , and his Tongue is covered thick with a kind of whitish Matter ; and if he has been much heated 't is black and dry ; the Strength is much dejected , the Spirits are dissipated , and all the Signs of an ill favoured Feaver are present .

And this Disease does not only occasion dreadful Pains and Sickness , but , unless it be skilfully managed , it brings the Patient into great Danger of his Life ; for when a great many of the Spirits , and a great deal of the vital Heat , have been exhausted by frequent Stools , before the peccant Matter can be cast out of the Blood , his Hands and Feet growing cold , he will be in danger of dying ; and if he should escape Death this time , yet many Symptoms of a different kind attend the Poor Wretch . For Instance , Sometimes in the Progress of the Disease , instead of those Sanguineous Filaments which at the beginning us'd to be mixed with the Stools , pure Blood is evacuated unmingled with Slime , and in a larger quantity at every Time which is an Argument that some of the greater Vessels of the Intestines are corroded , and so the Patient is in danger of Death : And sometimes also , by reason of the great Burning which is occasioned by a large Flux of hot and sharp Matter to the Parts affected , the Intestines are gangren'd . Moreover , a Thrush at the end of the Disease does very often affect the Mouth and Jaws , especially when the Body has been a long Time heated , and when the Evacuation of the peccant Matter has been hindred by astringent Medicines , the Fomes of the Disease having not been first purged off , ; and this is most commonly the forerunner of Death ; but if the Patient get over the foresaid Symptoms , and the Disease continues long , at length the Intestines seem to be affected successively downwards , till the Disease be thrust down into the right Gut , and ends in a Tenesmus . But tho this Disease is very often deadly in grown People , but especially to ancient People , yet 't is very gentle in Children , who sometimes have it some Months , without any Injury , if it be left to Nature .

As to the Cure , When I was first called , I bled in the Arm , and at Night I gave an Anodyne , and the next Morning the following lenitive Purge .

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of the Leaves of Senna two drams , of Rubarb one dram and an half , boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water , in three ounces of the strained Liquor , dissolve of Manna , and of Syrup of Roses solutive , each an ounce ; to be taken early in the Morning .

And because 't is very obvious , that purging Medicines , tho they be never so gentle , do heighten the Gripes , and cause a general Disorder and Depression of the Spirits , by the Adventitious Tumult they raise in the Blood and Humours , therefore I usually give an Anodyne after every Purge somewhat earlier than is customary , viz. At any time of the Afternoon if the Purge seem to have done working , whereby I may be able to quiet the Tumult I have raised . I repeat the foresaid Purge twice , to be taken every other Day , and give an Anodyne after every Purge at the Time above mentioned , and I order this to be us'd Morning and Evening when the Patient don't Purge , that I may quell the violence of the Symptoms , and gain a Truce while I am evacuating the peccant Humours . The Anodyne I use is chiefly Liquid Laudanum , viz. Sixteen or eighteen Drops of it in any Cordial-water for one Dose .

After Bleeding and Purging once used , I allow through the whole course of the Disease , any temperate Cordial to be taken now and then , as Epidemick-water , compound Scordium-water , and the like . For Instance ,

Take of the Waters of Black-cherries and Strawberries , each four ounces ; of Epidemick-water , and compound Scordium water , and of Cinnamon-water hordeated , each one ounce ; of prepared Pearls one dram and an half , of Christaline Sugar a sufficient quantity , add half a dram of Damask-rose-water to make it pleasant to the Taste , mingle them , and make a Julep , of which let him take four or five spoonfuls when he is faint , and any other time when he will .

I chiefly used these things in ancient and Flegmatick People , that I might somewhat refresh and comfort their Spirits usually dejected in this Disease : their Drink was Milk mixt with three times the quantity of Water , or the white Decoction of Harts-horn , and of white-bread , each two ounces , boyled in three Pints of Fountain-water to two , and sweetned with a sufficient quantity of white Sugar , and sometimes Posset-drink ; and when they were very weak , they took for their ordinary drink cold , a quart of Fountain-water boiled with half a Pint of Sack ; they were dieted sometimes with Panada , and sometimes with Broths made of lean Mutton . I kept ancient People much in Bed , and permitted them to use more freely any Cordial-water they had been accustomed to , than was fit for Young People and Infants . This Method was the best I have hitherto met with for the Cure of this Disease , which seldom lasted after the third Purge .

But if the Disease was obstinate , and did not yield to these things , I prescribed the foresaid Paregorick every day in the Morning and at bed-time , till the Patient was quite well ; yea , that it might be the more certainly quelled , I gave the foresaid Laudanum every eighth Hour , and a larger Dose than I have mentioned above , viz. twenty five drops , if the former Dose was not sufficient to suppress the Flux . Moreover , I ordered a Glyster made of half a a pint of Cows-milk , and of an ounce and an half of Venice-treacle , to be injected daily , which is exceeding beneficial in all manner of Fluxes of the Belly .

Infants seized with this Disease are to be treated after the same manner , but the quantity of Blood to be taken away , and the Doses of the Purging and Anodyne Medicines are to be lessened with respect to their Age , so for example , two drops of the Narcotick may be sufficient for a Child of a Year old .

The Liquid Laudanum , which as was said , I daily us'd , was prepared according to this easie Method .

Take of Spanish-wine one Pint , Opium two ounces , of Saffron one ounce , of the Powder of Cinnamon , and of Cloves , each one dram ; let them be infused together in a Bath for two or three days , till the Liquor come to a due Consistence , strain it , and keep it for use .

In the Dry-gripe Dysentery , I used the following Method . If the Patient was in the Flower of his Age , and had a Feaver , I ordered him to be bled in the Arm , and after an hour or two , that he shou'd take great quantities of Liquor , as I us'd to do in the Cholera Morbus , but not Chicken-broth , or Posset-drink , as in that Case , but Whey , which I ordered to be drank cold in the same quantity as in the Cholera ; but the Glisters were to be injected warm , without Sugar , or any other thing ; I found the Gripes and the bloody Stools went off , with the fourth Glister : This Business being over , and all the Whey ejected ( which might be done in the Space of two or three Hours , if the Sick minded his Business ) I presently put him to Bed , where he soon sweated of his own Accord ( by reason of the Whey mixt with the Blood ) and I ordered it should be continued for twenty four hours , but not at all provoked , allowing him all the while nothing but Milk a little warmed , which he only used three or four days after he left his Bed . If either by rising too soon , or by leaving the use of Milk too soon , the Patient relapses , the same Method is to be repeated .

To conclude , 'T is to be noted , that tho in those Years wherein the Bloody-flux is Epidemical , the foresaid Evacuations are wholly necessary before we come to the use of Laudanum , yet in any Constitution , not favouring so much this Disease , they may be safely omitted , and the Cure may be performed more compendiously by Laudanum alone in the manner we have described .

CHAP. LXXVIII . Of a Tenesmus .

A Tenesmus is a continual Motion to go to Stool , whereby nothing but a mucous Matter is evacuated .

The Cause of this Disease is an Ulcer of the right Gut , from whence a purulent Matter continually flows , and irritates the expulsive Faculty . It is not dangerous , unless it proceed from black Choler , and so shou'd turn to a Cancer , or should occasion Miscarriage in Women with Child .

The manner of Cure is much the same with that of the Bloody-flux . If there be an Inflammation ( which is chiefly known by a Feaver ) or an abundance of Blood , Bleeding must be us'd ; and if the Inflammation remains after Bleeding , and occasion a Strangury ( which sometimes happens ) Bleeding by Leeches in the Hemorrhoidal Veins is beneficial .

Glisters are also to be Injected according to the various Seasons of the Ulcer , sometimes those that are lenient when the Pain is violent , sometimes cleansing , glutinating , or astringent ; but in giving Glisters you must observe , first , that they must be given often and in a small quantity , because 't is difficult to keep them , and then the Pipe must be put up gently , least it should anger the part and cause Pain .

And the part must be well fomented and Bathed , and Fumes , Suppositories and Oyntments must be us'd to it ; a Fomentation may be made in the following manner .

Take of the Leaves of Mullein , and Wormwood , each six handfulls ; boil them in new Milk , and put them into two Bags , and apply them hot by turns to the Fundament and Belly . Or ,

Take of the Flowers of Camomil and Roses , each one handful , of red Wine a quart ; infuse them for two Hours upon hot Ashes , foment the Fundament as hot as the Patient can bear it with Clothes four times double ; afterward let hlm set upon a Spunge pressed out of the same Liquor .

Or fill two Bags with wheat-bran , and boil them in Vinegar , let the Sick sit hot upon them by turns , as he can bear them . If much Blood be evacuated , you may make a Fomentation in the following manner .

Take of the Leaves and Roots of Mullein two handfuls , of red Roses one Pugil , of the Bark of Pomegranates , and of Gauls , each half an ounce ; boil them in two Parts of Smiths Water , and in one of red Wine , 't will be more powerful if you add half an ounce of Alum .

A Bath to ease the Pain must be made of Emollients boyled in a Decoction of Sheeps-feet , and if the Heat be much , Violets , Night-shade , Goards , and pieces of Melons may be added : But to heal the Ulcer , a Bath must be made of Astringents ; Fumes are proper to dry the Ulcer , made of Frankincense cast on Coals , or of a Decoction of Savine made with Oxycrate ; the following is much commended by Forestus .

Take of Mastich one dram , of Frankincense one Scruple , of Mirtles one dram and an half , of red Roses two scruples , make a Fume to be received through a Chair that has a hole at the Bottom .

Suppositories do much good in this Case , but they ought to be gentle , least they should exasperate the sensible Part ; they may be made of Goats Suet cut into the Form of a Suppository ; for it gives Ease and heals the Ulcer ; but it will be more powerful to ease the Pain , if you mix with it the Seeds of white Poppies , and of Henbane bruised ; but t is much better to add , instead of the Seeds , three drops of the Oyls pressed from the Seeds , or a grain of Opium dissolved in half a Scruple of Oyl of Almonds .

But to heal the Ulcer , 't is best to add to the Suet dissolved , Starch , and Gum-tragacanth beat or infused first in Plantane-water ; or it may be compounded in the following manner .

Take of Gum-Tragacanth as much as is sufficient , pour upon it a little Plantain-water , that it may only swell , and not be too moist ; add the Mucilage of the Seeds of Psyllium , or of Quinces a sufficient quantity , and the Yolk of one Egg , mingle them and make them warm ; and of melted wax a sufficient quantity , to make Suppositories . Narcoticks may be also added , and the Powders of Ceruss , Tutty , Bole , Balaustines , and other things that dry , and are not acrimonious , when there is a great Corrosion , but they ought to be finely powdered least they should cause Pain .

Oyls and Oyntments may be also applied , as Oyntment of Roses , Populeum of the Mucilages , of Yolks of Eggs , and Oyl of Roses , and the like , to asswage the Pain and Inflammation .

Lastly , when the Disease is violent , Narcoticks must be used inwardly and outwardly ; Laudanum Opiatum is best , whereof three or four grains may be given with Mastich , or sealed Earth , or mixt with a Glister made of a Decoction of Camomil Flowers .

CHAP. LXXIX . Of Worms .

THe Worms are generated in various Parts of the Body , yet because that is very seldom , and they most frequently abound in the Guts , therefore we shall treat only of these .

The Signs of Worms in the Bowels are various , the following are most frequent and ordinary , a stinking Breath , and Excrements like Cow-dung : There are other Signs , but they are not so common , as a continual Feaver , which has Exacerbations often in a Day , with a cold Sweat , Anxiety , and sometimes with fainting , Nauseousness , Vomiting , and great Thirst ; the Pulse are unequal , the Cheeks are red by turns , or wax livid , the Eyes shine , the Nostrils itch , the Teeth gnash , there is a small dry Cough , the Spittle is more than usual , sometimes the Head is heavy , there is a sleepy Disposition , sometimes a Delirium and Convulsive Fits , there is most commonly a pain in the Belly , like a gnawing or Biting , sometimes the Belly swells as in a Dropsie , sometimes the Body wastes beyond Measure , and sometimes there is an insatiable Appetite . The Worms called Ascarides are known by a troublesome itching about the Fundament , and they also often appear upon the Excrements : To conclude , Putrefaction of the Gums is also a Sign .

The Cure of Worms is to be directed to the Expulsion of them , by purging Medicines that kill them , and expel the Matter from whence they are generated .

Take of calcin'd Harts-horn three grains , of Mercurius dulcis sprinkled with a drop of Oyl of Sulphur by the Bell grains fifteen , of Diagridium grains nine , of Cinnamon grains two , of Spirit of Harts-horn drops three ; mingle them , make a Powder to be taken in the Pap of an Apple once a Week .

Take of Spirit of Harts-horn half a dram , give ten drops at Bed-time after Purging thrice . Or ,

Take of the Roots of Virginian Snake-weed one Scruple , of Harts-horn calcin'd , and of Coraline , each half a Scruple , mingle them , make a Powder to be divided into three Doses , give one Morning and Evening in a small Draught of the white Decoction .

Take of Aloes , and Mirrh each one dram and an half , with a sufficient quantity of Venice-Treacle , and Oyl of Wormwood , make a Plaister for the Region of the Navel .

For broad Worms and Ascarides make a Glister of bitter things , with Catharticks , and repeat it often till the impurity from whence the Worms are generated is evacuated .

Horatius Augenus mentions an Observation of a Man about twenty six Years of Age , that grew extreamly hungry , so that nothing would allay his Appetite , at length he voided a Worm twenty five Cubits long , and recovered a moderate Appetite ; he cured him by the following Medicines , he gave him a pint and an half of fresh Oyl of sweet Almonds divided into four Doses , to be taken a quarter of an hours distance one from another ; just before Dinner he gave him two Bolusses made of a dram of Hiera Picra , and one Scruple of Rubarb , and presently after ordered him to take six ounces of a Decoction of Sebestines ; and before Supper he injected a Glister made of a quart of Goats-milk , and gave him a dram and an half of the Pill of Aloes not washed .

CHAP. LXXX . Of an immoderate Flux of the Hemorrhoides , and of the Pain of them .

AN immoderate Flux of the Hemorrhoides is very dangerous , and occasions other dangerous Diseases , viz. Weakness of the whole Body , a Consumption , Cachexy and Dropsie . The same Remedies are good for the Cure which were prescribed for Bleeding at the Nose .

The Hemorrhoidal Veins ending in the Extremity of the right Gut and Fundament , are often swelled , whereby much Pain is often occasioned .

As to the Cure , first Blood must be drawn from the Arm , that Revulsion may be made from the part affected , which being sufficiently peformed , a Vein in the Foot must be opened for Derivation .

The Belly must be kept continually open , because hard Excrements ; and straining to evacuate them , exasperate the Pain ; an Infusion of Cassia taken Morning and Eve is very good to loosen the Belly .

Take of the Leaves of Lettice , and Purslain , and the Tops of Mallows , each one handful ; of Liquorish rasped and of Raisins of the Sun ston'd each half an ounce ; of the flowers of Bugloss and Borrage and of Violets , each one Pugil ; boil them to eight ounces , in the strained Liquor dissolve of Cassia fresh extracted one ounce , strain them and clarifie them , and add to them one ounce of Syrup of Violets .

In the mean while various Topicks are to be applied to the Part , to asswage the Pain and Inflammation , and to discuss the Tumour , Oyl of sweet Almonds fresh drawn , applyed to the Part eases the Pain , and several Liniments and Oyntments may be prescribed for the same Purpose , whereof some ease the Pain , others dicuss and dry , and others heat the Ulcers ; they are to be applyed with Lint or Cotton .

Take one Yolk of an Egg , of Oyl of Roses , or of Violets , as much as is sufficient ; make a Liniment , and if you add to it Populeum Oyntment , 't will be more effectual to ease Pain , and when the Pain is very violent , a few grains of Opium may be added to it . Or ,

Take of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Psyllium and of Faenugreek extracted with Wine two drams , of fresh Butter three ounces , of Kid Suet one ounce , stir them together in a Leaden Mortar , make a Liniment .

Balsom of Sulphur made of the Flowers of Sulphur and Oyl of Turpentine , is excellent to ease Pain , and to discuss the Swellings , and to cleanse the Ulcers ; a white Onion roasted under Ashes , and mixt with fresh Butter like a Cataplasm , eases the Pain , and discusses the Swellings ; but if they cannot be easily resolved they must be opened after convenient Revulsions with a Knife , or by Leeches .

CHAP. LXXXI . Of the Jaundice .

THE Jaundice arises by the Consent of most , from an Obstruction of the Gaul-bladder .

As to the Cure , a Vomit at the beginning of the Jaundice whilst the Strength and Tone of the Bowels are firm , does often good .

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum half an ounce or six drams , of Wine of Squils one ounce , of simple Oxymel half an ounce , make a Vomit .

Purging Medicines are to be used in this Disease whether it be new or old .

Take of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses six drams , of Rubarb one dram , of Salt of Wormwood and Cream of Tartar each half a Scruple , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Rubarb , make a Purging Bolus to be taken in the Morning . Or ,

Take of the Pill Ruffi one scruple , of extract of Rudius half a scruple , make four Pills , take them in a Morning , and repeat them four or five Days , afterwards once a Week .

Take of Elixir Proprietatis one ounce , let him take twenty Drops in a glass of Wite-wine every day in the Morning , and at five in the Evening . Or ,

Take of Madder , and Turmerick , each one ounce , of all the greater Celandine , and of the Tops of the lesser Centaury , each one handful ; boil them in equal parts of Rhenish-wine , and Fountain-water to a quart ; in the strained Liquor dissolve two ounces of the five opening Roots ; let him take half a Pint Morning and Evening hot till he is well .

Silvius much commends a Decoction of Hemp-seed , and Soap dissolved ; our common Remedy is Lice , nine being taken alive in a Morning five or six days following , and I have known several that have been cured this way , when other Medicines would not do the Business .

But if , notwithstanding all above mentioned , the Disease continues obstinate , the Sick must use Iron-waters , such as are Tunbridge , which he must drink at the Fountain till he is well . Moreover , Those that are afflicted with this Disease are often subject to Pains that are very troublesome , and they rage chiefly a Nights : And moreover , the Sick cannot rest well , wherefore Anodynes are to be used .

Take of Aqua-mirabilis , and of the Water of Worms , each one ounce ; of Diacodium six drams , of Tincture of Saffron half an ounce ; mingle them . The Dose is one Spoonful or two late at Night when the Sick cannot rest .

CHAP. LXXXII . Of a Dropsie .

EVery Age and Sex are sometimes troubled with a Dropsie , yet Women are more inclined to it than Men , it comes upon Men chiefly when they are old , and upon Women when they have done breeding ; but it sometimes seises barren Women when they are young : The pitting of the lower part of the Leg by impression of the Finger , is not so certain Sign of a Dropsie in Women as in Men ; for Women that are with Child , and such as have a stoppage of the Courses , are often subject to the same ; nor does such a Swelling certainly indicate a Dropsie ; for when an old Man of a gross Habit of Body , having been a long while afflicted with an Asthma , is suddenly freed from it in the Winter , presently a great Swelling seises the Legs , yet notwithstanding , generally speaking , the Swelling of the Legs is to be accounted a Sign of an approaching Dropsie .

Three Symptoms accompany this Disease , Difficulty of Breathing , little Urine , and great Thirst .

There are two sorts of Tumours of the Belly that resemble a Dropsie , that are common to Women ; the first is , a preternatural Excrescence of the Flesh in the parts within the Belly , which makes the Belly as Bulky as when Water is included in it ; the other kind arises from Wind , which does not only occasion a Tumour , but also other Signs of Breeding ; Widdows are most inclined to this sort , or such Women as were not married till they were in Years .

The true and genuine curative Indications are wholly to be directed , either to the Evacuation of the Water contained in the Belly and other Parts , or to strengthen the Blood .

That Purging may be instituted to the Advantage of the Patient , we ought to know whether the Sick is easily purged or hardly ; which can be known no other Way than by Inquiry , how purging Remedies used at other times worked .

A Dropsie , above all other Diseases , requires the strongest and quickest Purges , and the Sick ought to be purged every day , unless by reason of the Weakness of the Body , or the too violent Operation of the preceding Purge , he ought to rest a day or two ; for you must not leave off purging , unless Necessity urge , till all the Water is quite carried off .

For those that are easily purged , Syrup of Buck-thorn may be sufficient to carry off the Water .

But when the Sick is of such a Constitution , that gentle Catharticks will not work quickly nor easily , stronger must be given ; for which I have frequently prescribed the following Potion with Success .

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of the Leaves of Senna two drams , of Rubarb one dram and an half , boil them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water to three ounces ; in the strained Liquor dissolve of Manna , and Syrup of Roses solutive , each one ounce ; of Syrup of Buck-thorn half an ounce , of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses two drams ; mingle them , make a Potion .

But this Potion must be given only to strong People ; it purges when other things will not , as I have found by frequent experience . Or ,

Take of White-wine four ounces , of Jalap finely powdered one dram , of Ginger powdered one Scruple , of Syrup of Buck-thorn one ounce ; mingle them , make a Potion to to be taken early in the Morning , and to be repeated every Day , or every other Day , according to the Strength .

But two Medicines remain , which in my Opinion are better than all the rest , for those that are difficultly purged , I mean Elaterium , and the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum , Elaterium , or the Fecula of wild Cucumbers , being given in a small quantity , purge watery Humours powerfully , for two grains of it are a sufficient Dose for most People ; I used to mix it with a scruple of the Pill ex duobus , and to make three small Pills to be taken in the Morning .

As to the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum , an ounce and an half of it , or two ounces for those that are difficultly vomited , given in a Morning , and repeated daily , according to the Strength of the Sick , though it may seem at first only to evacuate the Water contained in the Stomach , yet at length it will free the Belly from the Waters that are in it .

But if the foresaid Vomit does not sufficiently purge the Belly , for it uses to purge at last , after the third or fourth Dose of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum by it self , I sometimes though rarely , use the following .

Take of the Water of Carduus Benedictus three ounces , of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum one ounce and an half , of Syrup of Buck-thorn half an ounce , of the Electuary of the Juice of Roses two drams ; mingle them , make a Potion .

But here it is to be noted , that if the Swelling of the Belly be but small , the Water is not so easily evacuated by the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum , as when the Dropsie is great , and a great quantity of Water is heaped up ; wherefore unless the Belly be much swelled , it is best to do all by things that purge downwards .

But you must take notice that it often happens , that Water is cast not only upon the Thighs and Legs , but also into the Cavity of the Belly , and yet it is not to be evacuated by Purging Medicines . For Instance , When such a Tumour follows a long Consumption , or when it is occasioned by the Putrefaction of some of the Bowels , or from the Tone of the Blood spoiled , and the Spirits exhausted , or by long continuance of Fistula's in Carnous Parts , or occasioned by great Weakness and Evacuations by Sweating , Fluxing , or by violent purging , and by a thin Diet in the Cure of the French Pox , in these Cases the Patient will be rendered worse by purging ; wherefore we must endeavour all we can to strengthen the Blood and Bowels : And among Remedies to this purpose , which are to be mentioned by and by , I have found by Experience that the change of the Air , and Exercise in a free Air , such as the Sick can bear , answers this Indication excellently well .

And when the Sick is of a weakly Constitution , or a Woman subject to Vapours , neither Purge nor Vomits must be used , but you must endeavour to evacuate the Water by Diureticks .

I order one pound of the Ashes of Broom to be infused in the cold in three Pints of Rhenish-wine , and that a Pugil or two of the Leaves of common Wormwood be added to it , let the Sick take four ounces of the Liquor filtrated daily in the Morning , at five in the Evening , and late at Night , till the Swelling goes off ; with which Remedy alone I have known some Dropsies that were accounted deplorable cured , in such whose weak Constitution could not bear Purging .

But to come to the second Intention , half the Business is no more than done , when the Water is evacuated ; wherefore we must endeavour to strengthen the Blood by a long and daily Course of heating and strengthening Medicines to prevent a new Collection of Water , and to this end the Sick must drink Wine whilst he is under Cure after the Passages are open for the Water to go out , or instead of Wine strong Beer .

For poor People who could not provide better Medicines , I use to order Srong-beer , wherein Horse-radish Root , the Leaves of common Wormwood , Garden Scurvy-grass , Sage , the lesser Centaury , and the Tops of Broom have been infused , for their ordinary Drink . Rich People may use Canary-wine , wherein the same bitter Herbs have been infused , whereof a small draught may be taken twice or thrice a day , or they may take nine spoonfuls of Wormwood-wine instead of it , after two drams of the following Digestive Electuary in the Morning , at four in the Afternoon , and at Bed-time .

Take of Conserve of Garden Scurvy-grass one ounce and an half , of the Conserve of Roman Wormwood , and of the yellow Rind of Oranges , each one ounce ; of candied Angelica , and Nutmegs candied , each half an ounce , of Venice Treacle three drams , of the compound Powder of Wake-robin , two drams , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Oranges , make an Electuary .

The Sick must be sure to drink sparingly of small Liquors ; but to take off his Thirst , he may often wash his Mouth with cold Water sharpened with Spirit of Vitriol , and he may hold Tamarinds in his Mouth now and then , or may chew a Lemon , but he must swallow neither of them .

But amongst corroborating things , Steel is not the least . Garlick is also very good ; and without any Evacuatious I have known a Dropsie cured by it .

Take of Syrup of Steel a quart ; let a spoonful be taken with fifteen grains of Cream of Tartar , every Morning , in five spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of Aqua-lactis Alexiter . one Pint , of compound Water of Wormwood , and of compound Water of Gentian , each three ounces ; mingle them , make a Julep .

Take of Steel prepared , with Sulphur of astringent Saffron of Mars , each half an ounce ; of Crabs-eyes , and red Coral prepared , and of Salt of Wormwood , each one dram ; of Volatile Salt of Amber one scruple , of Extract of Gentian a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , make ten Pills of every dram , let him take four every Night at Bed-time .

'T is to be noted , that that Dropsie which only swells the the Legs or the Belly a little , does not presently require to be cured by Vomiting , and Purging ; for it 's often removed by the heating and strengthning Medicines above mentioned ; but above all , 't is to be minded , that when we undertake to cure this Disease by Corroboratives or Lixivial Medicines , the Patient must by no means be purged .

Topical or external Remedies , as far as I have observed do nothing considerable , and Blisters often occasion a Gangrene . To conclude , though this Disease , when it comes to a Dropsie of the Belly , has been always accounted desperate , yet it will appear , that if it be treated according to the Method above described , it may be as certainly cured ( if the Bowels are not corrupted ) as many other Diseases which are not reckoned so deadly .

CHAP LXXXIII . Of a Timpany .

A Timpany is a fixt hard and equal Swelling of the Belly , that sounds when 't is knock't upon with the Finger , it proceeds from a Convulsive Inflation of the Bowels , the Animal Spirits being obstructed in the Fibres ; it generally ends in a Dropsie .

Medicines do little good in this Disease , yet they are not wholly to be rejected , the following are prescribed by Dr. Willis .

Take of Peach-flowers , and of Damask-roses , each two pugils ; of the Flowers of Broom , Elder , and the lesser Centaury , each one pugil ; of the Leaves of Agrimony , and of Sea-wormwood , each one handful ; of the best Senna one ounce , of Rubarb six drams , of the seeds of Bastard-saffron half an ounce , of Dwarf-elder two drams , of yellow-sanders three drams , of the Roots of Galingal two drams , cut them , and bruise them , and put them into a silken Bag , and hang them in a Glass-bottle , and pour upon them a quart of White-wine , and a pint of Saxifrage-water , and put into the Bottle , a dram and an half of Salt of Tartar ; let them infuse forty eight Hours , and then take four or six ounces every third or fourth Day .

The following has been used with Success in this Disease in a hot Constitution .

Take of purging-waters four quarts , of Salt of Wormwood two drams , evaporate a quart over a gentle Heat ; and to these I used to add of the Water distilled from Wine with Catharticks four ounces , the dose is four or six ounces .

Or to the Purging-water evaporated to a quart , add the Roots of Mecoacan , and Tu●bith , each half an ounce , of Rubarb six drams , of yellow-sanders two drams , of Cloves one dram , digest them hot in a close Vessel two hours , filter them hot through Paper , the dose is three or four ounces .

Glisters are often used in this Disease , because they loosen the Belly without much provoking the Fibres .

Take of the Infusion of Stone-horse-dung , with Camomil-flowers one pint , of Mercurial-honey two ounces , make a Glister . Or ,

Take of Vrine one pint , of Sal-prunella one dram , of Venice Turpentine dissolved with the Yolk of an Egg one ounce and an half ; mingle them , make a Glister .

Diureticks also seem proper .

Take of live Millepedes cleansed three ounces , one Nutmeg sliced , beat them together , and pour upon them a Pint of the following Diuretick-water , strain out the Liquor hard , the dose is three or four ounces twice a day .

Take of the green-berries of Juniper , and Elder , each six pounds ; of the Tops of Fir four pounds , of green Wallnuts two pound , of Winteran Bark four ounces , of the yellow-Peel of six Oranges , and four Lemons , of the Seeds of Bishops-weed , Rocket , and Cresses each one ounce and an half : of Dill two ounces ; cut them , and bruise them , and pour upon them four quarts of White-wine Posset-drink , distill them in a common Still , and mingle all the Waters .

Whilst these things are taken inwardly , Topicks must be also applied , not such things as are hot and discussing , but those things which are indued with Particles of Volatile Salt and Nitre .

Take of the Flowers of Sal-armoniack one ounce , of Sal-prunella two ounces , of small Spirit of Wine a quart , mingle them , and dissolve them in a Bottle .

Flannels dipt in this are to be applied warm over the Belly twice a day for the space of half an hour ; afterwards apply a Cataplasm made of Cows-dung , and the powder of Dogs-dung , or the following Plaister .

Take of the Plaister of Sope , that is of the red-lead Plaister , with a sufficient quantity of Venice Sope , spread it thin upon thin Leather , and apply it to the Belly , and renew it within ten or twelve Days .

Altering Medicines are also requisite .

Take of the Filings of Steel finely powdered two drams , of the distilled Water above described a quart , of the Syrup of the five opening Roots two ounces ; mingle them in a Glass , and let them clarifie by standing . The dose is three or four ounces in the Morning , and at five in the Afternoon .

Take of the Powder of the Roots of Wake-robin , and of Crabs-eyes , each three drams , of Sal-Prunella two drams , of Vitriol of Mars one dram and an half , of Anthosat Sugar two drams ; mingle them , the dose is half a dram in a convenient Vehicle .

And Medicines are to be prescribed against Fainting , Difficulty of Breathing , Watching , and Drouth .

Cordials . Take of the Waters of Orange-flowers , of the Flowers of Marigolds , and of Camomil , each three ounces ; of Dr. Stephens's water two ounces , of Tincture of Saffron two drams , of Sugar one ounce , of Pearls one dram , make a Julep , the Dose is four or five spoonfuls thrice , or oftner in a Day . Take of the Conserve of Marigold-flowers two ounces , of Confection of Atkermes , and of Hyacinth , each two drams ; of Pearls powdered one ounce , of the Syrup of the Juice of Citron a sufficient quantity ; make a Confection , let him take the quantity of a Nutmeg Morning and Evening , drinking upon it a draught of the Julep . Hypnoticks . Take of the Hysterick-water six drams , of Diacodium half an ounce , mingle them , let it be taken at Bed-time . Or , Take of Syrup of Cowslips three Spoonfuls , of compound Peony-water one spoonful , of Laudanum tartarized one dram , let a spoonful be taken in the Night , if the Sick cannot sleep .

To quench the Thirst without much drinking , which is always very prejudicial , let the Sick lick often a small quantity of the following Linctus .

Take of Conserve of Wood-sorrel pulped three ounces , of the Pulp of Tamarinds two ounces , of Sal-prunella one dram , of the Syrup of the Juice of Wood-sorrel a sufficient quantity ; make a Linctus .

CHAP. LXXXIV . Of an Anasarca .

AN Anasarca is a white soft Swelling of the outward parts of the Body , or of some of them , it yields to the Touch , and will pit , and is occasioned by watry Humours extravasated .

As to the Cure , there are two things chiefly to be minded , First , That the Water within the Skin should be evacuated . Secondly , That Care be taken to prevent the heaping up of new Water , to which End we must endeavour ( the Viscera of Concoction being freed from Obstructions and Filth ) that good Chyle be made and carried in a due quantity to the Mass of Blood , and that it be sufficiently fermented .

The Vital Indication is of little use in this Disease , because there is seldom Fainting or Watching for which Cordials and Hypnoticks are required , and also a strengthning diet ; for Fasting and Abstinence do good in this Case , and often perform the greatest part of the Cure ; for the Vessels being emptied by Fasting , absorb the Waters within the Skin or stagnating elsewhere , and evacuate them by the Reins or the Pores of the Skin , or otherwise .

The Sick must use purging Medicines prescrib'd for a Dropsie , and the same Diureticks .

A Decoction of the Woods is also very proper .

Take of the Shavings of Guajacum six ounces , of Sassafras two ounces , of all the Sanders each six drams , of Ivory and Hartshorn rasped each three drams ; infuse them , and boil them in four quarts of Fountain-water till half is consumed , adding to it the Roots of Sweet-smelling Flag , of the lesser Galingal , of Burdock , and Butter-bur , each one ounce ; of the Leaves of Sharp-sage , and of dried Germander , each two handfuls ; keep the strained Liquor for use ; the Dose is eight or ten ounces hot twice a Day , to every Dose add twenty or five and twenty drops of Spirit of Sa●armoniack , with Amber , or of Soot , or of the Tincture of Salt of Tartar half a dram , or a dram .

Frictions do often good in an Anasarca , wherefore the whole Body may be rubb'd once or twice a day with a course Napkin , or with Brushes made for that Purpose .

Blisters evacuate the Water plentifully , but there is Danger of a Gangrene by the use of them .

But Escharoticks may be more safely used than Blisters ; an Emperick often evacuated successfully Water from the Members of Dropsical People , if they were never so much swelled , in the following manner by an Escharotick , viz First , he fomented their Legs Morning and Evening with a Decoction of Dwarf-elder , Wormwood , Camomil , and other hot Herbs , the grounds of Beer or Wine being added to it ; and betwixt the times of Bathing he applied a Cataplasm made of the Dregs of the Decoction and Bran ; after these things had been used three days , he covered the Legs and Feet with a Plaister made of Burgundine-pitch , leaving only upon each Calf a little hole about the bigness of a small Nut , in which places he applied an Escarotick Medicine to the naked Skin , made of the Ashes of the Bark of the Ash , which being taken off , after twelve hours , a small Eschar remained from the pores whereof the Water first drained gently and daily ; afterwards it dropt more freely , but when the Eschar cast , it flowed as from a Fountain , till it had emptied the Legs .

Another Way remains ( as good as the former but less us'd ) to drain the Water , viz. By pricking with a Needle , which also must be used cautiously and leisurely , lest the Flux of Waters should be too great ; provide such a Needle as Tailors use , and prick the Place that is most swelled with it so as that the Blood may not come ; you must prick only six or seven Holes at at a time , at the Distance of the Breadth of a Thumb , one from the other ; the Water will break out drop by drop from each Hole continually , till all the Swelling about the Parts prick'd disappears ; and then the next time , sometimes after twelve hours , sometimes after eighteen , and sometimes after twenty four , prick again in another part of the same Leg , or in the other ; and so once or twice a day in this or that Member , in one or two or more at a time , for the Water may be drawn more plentifully and safer this Way than any other ; and if the Breeding of new Water be prevented by Medicines , the Disease will be easily cured . Moreover , in a deplorable Dropsie the Life may be prolonged this way : An old Man of Seventy Years of Age , that was dropsical all over , kept his Head above Water , and lived many Months by this means , contrary to Expectation .

But to strengthen and restore the Blood , the following Medicines must be used .

Take of Conserve of Sea-wormwood , of Scurvy-grass , and the yellow Peel of Oranges , each two ounces ; of the Winteran-Bark two drams , of the Species Diacurcuma one dram and an half , of Steel prepared with Sulphur three drams , of Salt of Wormwood two drams , of Syrup of the Bark of Curon a sufficient quantity , make an Electuary ; the Dose is two drams in the Morning , and at five in the Afternoon .

Chalybeats do often a great deal of good in this Disease .

Take of the compound Powder of the Roots of Wake-robin , of the Winteran-bark , each three drams ; of the Roots of the lesser Galingal , and of Cubebs , each one dram and an half ; of Steel prepared with Sulphur half an ounce , of Sugar anthosated six drams ; make a Powder to be divided into twenty Parts , give one Part every Morning , and at five in the Afternoon .

Let him drink of the following Decoction instead of Beer .

Take of the Shavings of Guajacum , and Sassafras , each four ounces ; of the Roots of Florentine-orris , of Sweet-smelling-flag , the lesser Galingal , and of Elecampane , each one ounce and an half ; of the Berries of Juniper and Bayes each two ounces ; of the Seeds of Annise , Carrawayes , Sweet-fennel , Coriander and Dill , each one ounce ; of Long-pepper , and Cubebs , each one ounce and an half ; of Cloves , Nutmegs , and Ginger , each half an ounce ; of Jamaica Pepper two ounces , of the dried Leaves of Sharp-sage , Wild-sage , Calaminth , Agrimony , each one handful ; of Liquorish four ounces , cut them and bruise them , and boil them in four Gallons of Fountain-water till half is consumed , keep the strained Liquor in Bottles for use . Many have been cured by this Liquor .

CHAP. LXXXV . Of the Scurvy .

IN the old Treatises of Physick , there is so seldom mention made of the Scurvy , and the Description of it is so small , that some have doubted whether such a Disease ( that is now Endimial in many Places , and Sporadick almost every where , and wherewith almost every one is affected , or thinks he is so ) did at all exist in ancient Times ; and some think its Rise is of a newer date , as are the French-pox and Rickets ; but this Disease , though it had other Names , was observed by the Ancients , and the Cure of it was described by them , though not very exactly .

Many and various are the Symptoms of the Scurvy , and sometimes such as are of a contrary Nature , are imputed to it ; and if any unusual Accident happens to the Body , that cannot be referred to any other certain kind of Disease , we presently pronounce it Scorbutick . And so this notorious Disease bears the Blame of all , but many truly belong to it which arise in almost every part of the Body , and therefore we will trace it from Head to Foot ; it occasions violent , habitual , wandering or periodick Head-achs , sometimes a Dulness of the Spirits , and Drowsiness , sometimes Watchings , Giddiness , Convulsions , Palsie , much Spitting , Ulcers of the Gums , Loosness of the Teeth , and a Stinking of the Breath . About the Region of the Breast , Pains in various parts of the Membranes , and especially on the Breast-bone , which are often very violent for many Nights and Days ; an Asthma , difficult and unequal Breathing , Constriction and Narrowness of the Breast , a dry Cough , an inordinate Pulse , trembling of the Heart , frequent Fainting , and almost a continual Fear of it . This Disease makes the lower Belly its principal Seat , and occasions many Disorders there , as Nauseousness , Vomiting , Wind , a Cardialgia , frequent Collicks , and troublesome Pains running hither and thither , a Loosness that is almost continual , sometimes a Bloody-flux , a Consumption , and a Dropsie .

The Urine is often red , with a Crust upon it , or sticking to the Sides of the Pot , and sometimes 't is pale and rendred in a great quantity ; in the outward Members , and over the whole Body , there are Wandring pains , and oftentimes such as are violent , especially in the Night ; also Spontaneous Lassitude , a Wasting of the Flesh , a weakness of the Limbs , Spots of various colours upon the Skin , Tumours , Tubercles , and ill Ulcers , Numbness and Contraction of the Muscels , Twitching of the Tendons , Erratick Feavers , and great Hemorrhagies .

These are the common and usual Symptoms of the Scurvy , whereof sometimes more , sometimes fewer , sometimes this kind , sometimes that kind afflict the Sick , and sometimes unusual and prodgious Accidents happen .

As to the Cure , Because it is not one simple preternatural Disorder , but a Legion is to be combated with ; therefore the Method of Cure consists of many Indications , that are variously complicated , but yet they may be referred to these three Heads , viz. They must be preservative to respect the Cause of the Diseases , and curative , that respect the Disease it self and its Symptoms .

And Lastly , Vital , which restore and defend the Strength of the Patient .

First , The Sick must be purged , and if there be a weight upon the Stomach , a Vomit must be given ; and if the Patient be strong and lusty , and used to bear Vomiting well , the Vinum-benedictum may be given , and the like .

But if the Sick be of a weakly Constitution ; you must give Wine of Squills , or Gilla Theophrasti , and the Sick must fill his Stomach with Posset-drink , and force it up with his Finger , or with a Feather .

As to Purging , If the Sick be of a hot Constitution ; Medicines of Aloes and Diagridium must be avoided , and such as are made of Senna and Rubarb , must be given , As ,

Take of the Leavss of Senna one ounce , of Rubarb six drams , of Dodder of Thym three drams , of the Roots of Polypody of the Oak , and of English Rubarb dried , each half an ounce ; of yellow Sanders two drams , of Celtick Spike half a dram , of Salt of Wormwood two drams ; cut them and bruise them , and infuse them in a Matrass , in the Heat of Sand , with Whitewine and Fumitory-water , each a Pint for two days ; evaporate the clear Liquor strained in the gentle heat of a Bath to the Consistence of Hony , then add of the Powder of the Leaves of Senna , and of Rubarb , each one dram and an half ; of the Species of the three Sanders one dram , of Cream of Tartar one dram and an half ; make a Mass for Pills . The Dose is from half a dram to a dram , to be taken once a Week , or oftner .

Or let the Infusion be evaporated to the Consistence of a Syrup , adding towards the end , of Manna strained and of White Sugar , each two ounces ; make a Syrup . The Dose is one or two Spoonfuls in a proper Vehicle .

They who are of a cold Constitution may take the following Pills .

Take of the Stomach-pill with Gums two drams , of Rosin , of Jalap , grains twenty ; of Tartar vitriolated grains sixteen , of Oyl of Juniper ten drops , with a sufficient quantity of Ammoniacum dissolved in the Water of Worms ; make sixteen Pills , let four be taken once a Week .

Take of the Roots of Sharp-pointed-dock , of Polypody of the Oak , of stinging-nettles , and of Chervil each six drams ; of the Leaves of Hemp , Agrimony , and Speedwell , each one handful ; of yellow and white Sanders , each one dram ; of the Seeds of Bastard saffron one ounce , of White-wine Tartar half an ounce ; boil them in a quart of Fountain-water till half is consumed , add a Pint of Rhenish-wine , strain it presently , and add to it half an ounce of the best Senna , six drams of Rubarb , half an ounce of the Leaves of Black-hellebore , of the yellow Peel of Oranges two drams ; infuse it warm in a close Vessel twelve hours ; keep the strained Liquor in a Glass well stopped ; the dose is five or six drams .

After Purging once or twice , if Bleeding be indicated , you must bleed in the Arm , or with Leeches .

After Bleeding many Remedies of another kind are necessary ; but that you may prescribe orderly , you must consider whether the Preservatory Indications have only place here , or whether some curatory Indications , namely such as respect the Symptoms that are violent ought not to be minded between whiles . But if there be no urgent Symptom , you must wholly apply your self to the Cure according to the following Method . And as to the Cure of the Symptoms , we shall treat of them by themselves below .

Wherefore , If your chief Design be to erradicate the Cause of the Scurvy , digestive , and Specifick or Antiscorbutick Remedies must be used at all times , except on the Days the Sick purges , whereunto , if there be Occasion , Diaphoreticks or Diureticks must be sometimes added . Various Forms are prescribed by Authors every where to answer these Intensions , but we will only mention the chiefest , which according to the twofold Disposition of the scorbutick Cause , viz. The Sulphurous Saline , and the Salino sulphurean Discrassy of the Blood , we will distinguish , into two Classes ; And First , Of the cold Scurvy .

Among Digestive Medicines , Cream of Tartar , Salt and Tincture of it , Tartar vitriolated , Elixir Proprietatis , or either of these , may be taken twice a day . Or ,

Take of the Winteran-Bark , of Wood of Aloes , of the Roots of the lesser Galingal , each two drams ; of Cinnamon , Cloves , and Cubebs , each one dram ; of the Seeds of Bishops Weed , and Cresses , each half a dram ; bruise them , and pour upon them the following Menstruum three Fingers high ; digest them in a Matrass six days in Sand , keep the strained Liquor in a Glass well stopeed . The dose is twenty drops more or less , in a Spoonful of Canary-wine , or some proper Water twice a Day .

The Menstruum is made in the following manner .

Take of Spirit of Vitriol rectified six ounces , of Spirit of Wine rectified sixteen ounces ; mingle them , and distill it in a glass retort , and Cohobat it thrice , and keep it in a Glass well stopt for use . Elixir Proprietatis is made easier and better by this Menstruum , than by the common way .

Whilst these Remedies are given in a small quantity Morning and Evening , Antiscorbutick Medicines of another kind may be taken , which are generally prescribed in a double Form , viz. Solid and Liquid to be taken together , the Solid first , and the Liquid presently after .

Take of the Conserves of Scurvy-grass , and Roman Wormwood , and of Fumitory , each two ounces ; of the Powder of the Winteran-bark , of the Roots of Angelica , and of Wake-robin , each two drams ; of the Species of the three Sanders one dram and an half , of the Powder of Crabs-eyes one dram , of Salt of Wormwood , two drams , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of the Bark of Citron ; make an Electuary .

Take of the Conserves of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass , and Brook-lime , made with an equal quantity of Sugar , each three ounces ; of the Troches of Capers , and of Rubarb , each two drams , of Salt of Wormwood , and of Scurvy-grass , each one dram ; of Ivory Powdered , and Coral calcined , each one dram ; with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup made of the Juice of Scurvy-grass ; make an Electuary .

I use to prescribe Conserves made of the yellow Peel of Lemons and Oranges , of the Purple-flowers of the Ash , of the Leaves and Flowers of Ladies-Smock , of the Roots of sharp-pointed Dock , and of English Rubarb , made with an equal quantity of Sugar , which I give by themselves , or mixed with other Conserves or Species .

For Country and poor People , who desire Medicines that are cheap and easily prepared , I prescribe after this manner .

Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass , and Brook-lime , each four ounces ; of white Sugar eight ounces ; beat them together in a Mortar , and add to them of the Powder of the Winteran-bark half an ounce , of Tartar calcined with Niter three drams ; with a sufficient quantity of Spanish-wine ; make an Electuary . The Dose is the quantity of a Wallnut twice a day , drinking upon it some proper Liquor .

Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass one pound , of Raisins of the Sun stoned , and of White Sugar , each half a pound ; of the Lees of the Root of Horse-radish two ounces ; beat them together and reduce them to the Form of an Electuary .

In some scorbutical cases , where the use of Steel is indicated , three drams of Steel prepared with Sulphur , or two drams of Vitriol of Mars , may be mixed with any of the Electuaries : After the taking of the Medicine once or twice a day the Body must be exercised .

Take of the compound Powder of Wake-robin one ounce and an half , of Winteran-bark half an ounce , of Cubebs , grains of Paradise , and Cardamoms , each two drams ; of Salt of Wormwood three drams , of Tablets of Oranges three ounces ; make a Powder . The dose is one dram in some proper liquor .

For Delicate People the following Tablets may be prescribed .

Take of the Powder of the Winteran-bark , and of Crabs-eyes , each one dram and an half ; of Pearles powdered half a dram , of white-sugar dissolved in a sufficient quantity of the Water of Worms , and boiled to Tablets , six ounces ; of Spirit of Scurvy-grass two drams ; make Tablets , each weighing half a dram , let two be taken twice a day , drinking upon them some proper Liquor .

Tablets of Oranges are made in the following manner .

Take of Orange , Lemmon , and Citron peel candied , each one ounce ; of Eryngo-roots candied half an ounce , of Pine , and Pistach-nuts , each twenty ; of sweet Almonds blanched number ten , of Annise-seeds powdered half an ounce ; of Ginger candied two drams , of the Species Aromatick Rosat , and of Nutmegs , each one dram and an half ; of the Roots of Galingal one dram , of Cloves number ten , of Ambar-grease grains four , of Musk , and Civet , each grains two ; of White-sugar dissolved in Rose-water and boiled to Tablets , one pound and an half , and so make Tablets .

Antiscorbutick Wines and Beers .

Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass four handfuls , of Horse-radish-root rasped four ounces , of Winteran-bark bruised half an ounce , of the yellow peel of four Oranges , and as many Lemmons ; put them into a glass , and pour upon them six quarts of Rhenish-wine ; keep the Glass close stopt in a cold place ; let a quarter of a pint be taken Morning and Evening , and at dinner-time daily , and pour off the Wine clear when you use it .

But medicated Beer is more common for the Scurvy , to be drank constantly for ordinary Drink .

Provide four Gallons of Ale , and instead of Hops , boil in it four handfuls of the tops of Pine , or of Fir ; when it has done Working in the Vessels , put in four handfuls of Scurvy-grass , four ounces of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Dack , and the Peels of four Oranges ; when it has stood a Week and is clear , it may be drank for ordinary Drink .

Diet-drinks do a great deal of good in the Scurvy , because they being continually taken with Meat they alter the Blood .

But in some Scorbutical cases , and in a hot Scurvy , Scurvy-grass , Horse-radish , and the Winteran-bark , and other acrid things , such as abound with Volatile-salt are sometimes injurious ; wherefore when the Morbisick Discrasie of the Blood is hot , temperate Medicines are indicated .

Take of Conserves of Brook-lime , and Ladies-Smock , made with an equal quantity of Sugar , each three ounces ; of the Species of the three Sanders , of Diarrhodon Abbatis , each one dram and an half ; of Ivory powdered one dram , of Pearls half a dram , of Salt of Wormwood , and Tamarisck , each one dram ; with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Coral , make an Electuary

Take of the Conserves of Wood-sorrel , and of Hips , each three ounces ; or of the Conserve of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Dock , and of the Roots of Succory , each three ounces ; of the Troches of Rubarb two drams , of the Species Diamargarite frigid one dram and an half , of the Bark of Tamarisck one dram , of Sal-prunella one dram and an half , of Mirobalans candied number two , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of candied Mirobalans ; meke an Electuary .

For the Poor I used to prescribe the following Electuary .

Take of the Leaves of Brook-lime six ounces , of Wood-sorrel two ounces , of White-sugar eight ounces ; bruise them , and add to them half an ounce of the Flower of the Seeds of sweet Fennel , of Ivory powdered two drams , of Sal-prunuella one dram and an half , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of the Juice of Brook-lime ; make an Electuary .

Take of the Powder of the Leaves of Ground-pine , of the compound Powder of Wake-robin , each one ounce and an half ; of Ivory powdered , and of red Coral , prepared with the Juice of Oranges , each two drams ; of the Tablet of of Oranges two ounces . The Dose is one Spoonful twice a Day ,

Take of the Species of the three Sanders , of Diamargarite frigid , each one dram and an half ; of Pearls powdered , Red-coral prepared , and of Ivory powdered , each one dram ; of Sugar dissolved in Scordium-water , and boiled to Tablets , six ounces ; make Tablets .

But if Chalybeats are to be mixed with these temperate Antiscorbuticks , two or three drams of Crocus Martis , or the like , may be added to the Electuaries : But it is often best to take Calybeats in Liquors .

Wines and mediated Beers .

Although the use of Wines in the Scurvy , caused by reason of the Heat , and sulpherous Saline Discrasie of the Blood , are not very convenient ; nevertheless when the Weakness of the Stomach , or Custom at least requires Wine mixed it with Water .

Such a Liquor that is temperated and medicated may be prepared . In the first place , Small Wines , mixed with Water , and those that are impregnated with the Infusion of Baulm , Borrage , and Burnet , may be allowed . Moreover , Wines may be prepared of the Juice of Currants , of Cherries and of Garden-fruits , which may be ripened by Fermentation , and are very grateful to the Stomach , and purifie the Blood : Syder is also very good , if it be clear , and not sharp . Moreover , many ingredients may be put into clear Syder , as the Tops of Pine or of Fir , the Flowers of Tamarisck , the Raspings of Ivory or Harts-horn , which sweeten and preserve the Liquor .

Temperate medicated Diet-drinks may be prescribed in the following Manner . Provide six Gallons of Small Ale , and instead of Hops , boil the Tops of Pine or Tamarisck in it , or the Raspings of the Wood of either of them ; and when it has done working ; put into a Bag sharp-pointed Dock dried , which is an excellent Medicine for the Scurvy ; also the Leaves of Water-cresses , or Brook-lime , and Bank-cresses ; also Citrons , or Oranges cut in Slices , and hanged in Vessels .

Hitherto we have treated about the Removal of the Morbisick cause , but when the Symptoms are very violent , they require a peculiar Method of Cure . And First , Difficulty of Breathing , with Narrowness of the Breast , and Asthmatical Fits , must be taken off by Medicines proper for the Symptom : Elixir Proprietatis is of excellent use in this Case .

Pain of the Stomach , Nauseousness , Belching and Vomiting , must be cured by a gentle Vomit of Wine of Squils , or of Salt of Vitriol ; or the Patient must be purged with an Infusion of Rubarb , with Salt or Cream of Tartar added to it . Elixir Proprietatis is also good in this Case .

The Collick and Gripes must be cured by Glisters , Opiats and testaceous Powders .

Take of the Powder of Crabs-eyes , and of Egg-shells , each one dram and an half ; of Pearls , one dram ; make a Powder to be divided into twelve Doses , whereof one must be taken every sixth hour in some Antiscorbutical-water . And in this case Epsom and Barnet-waters do a great deal of Good .

An inveterate Diarrhea which frequently happens to Scorbutical People , must not be stopt by astringent Medicines , nor is it easily cured by Alteratives and Antiscorbuticks . Tunbridge-waters and the like are of excellent use in this case . Chalybeat Medicines are also very good , but Crocus Martis is the best . I have used the following Method often with very good Success . First , The Sick must be purged with the Powder or Infusion of Rubarb , with some astringent Aromaticks added to it ; and it must be repeated three or four days after . On the days the Sick does not purge , he must take Morning and Evening the quantity of a Nutmeg of the following Electuary .

Take of the Conserve of Roman-wormwood , made with an equal quantity of Sugar , six ounces ( in a hot Constitution Conserve of Roses may be used instead of it ) of Diarrhodon Abbatis two drams , of white and red Sanders powdered , each one dram ; of the best Saffron of Mars half an ounce , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Steel ; make an Electuary .

In a Bloody-flux and Tenesmus , the like Method is to be used , especially Tunbridge-waters or the like . Moreover , Glisters made of Vulnerary Decoctions must be often injected .

I lately cured a Man of a long Disentery who daily voided many Ounces of Blood by the following Remedy .

Take of the best Rubarb powdered two drams , of Cinnamon one dram , of Crocus Martis three drams ; make Pills with a sufficient quantity of Lucatellus's Balsam . He took four sometimes every day , sometimes every other day , for the space of a Fortnight , and was perfectly cured .

But he constantly drank a medicated Beer made of the Roots of Sharp-pointed Docks , and of the Leaves of Brook-lime .

A Vertigo often comes upon an inveterate Scurvy ; as also frequent Swoonings , and Numbness in the Limbs ; they are very difficultly cured , by reason they are produced by a Scorbutick Salt obstructing the Brain and Nerves . Cephalick Medicines , such as are proper in the Vertigo and Paralitick Distempers , which come of themselves , mixed with Antiscorbuticks , are to be given .

Therefore the Body being cleansed by Catharticks which are proper in the Scurvy , you may proceed with Medicines proper to cure these Diseases after this manner .

In the beginning of the Cure the Hemorrhoids are to be opened by the Application of Leeches ; and this ought to be often repeated , unless something contraindicate .

Take of the Roots of Male-peony half an ounce , of red Cora● prepared two drams , of Man's Skull , and Elks-hoof , each one dram ; take of fine Sugar dissolved in Peony-water compound , or the compound Water of Horse-radish , and boiled to Tablets , eight ounces ; of the best Oyl of Amba● rectified half a dram ; make Tablets . A dram and an half or two drams of them may be taken Morning and Night , drinking upon them a draught of the following distilled water .

Take of the Leaves of Scurvy-grass , Brook-lime , Lillies of the Valley , Sage , Rosemary , Bettony , each three handful● , of green Wallnuts one pound , the Peels of six Oranges and of four Lemmons , the Roots of Male-peony green ● Pound and an half ; after they are bruised and sliced , pour upon them of Flegm of Vitriol one pound , of Who made with Syder five Pints ; distil them after the common manner ; mix all the Liquor together . The Dose is three or four ounces .

Fluxes of Blood often threaten great Danger in the Scurvy ; therefore these Fluxes , whether they be too great , or from an inconvenient place , ought to be stop for the present , and guarded against for the future .

The common Method of stopping Blood when it flows immoderately , is generally known , and there is no peculiar thing more to be done on this Occasion , than what is usual in other Fluxes of Blood . Nevertheless , to hinder these Fluxes of blood , Remedies must be used which sweeten the Blood , and contract the Orifices of the Vessels which are too lax and open . Both these Intentions are excellently performed by Steel Medicines .

Take of the Conserve of red Roses , and of Hips , each three ounces ; of the Species Diarrhodon Abbatis , of the three Sanders , each a dram and an half ; of Salt of Steel one dram , of Saffron of Mars two drams , of red Cora● prepared one dram and an half , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Steel ; make an Electuary . The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg three times a day , drinking upon it a Draught of some proper Liquor .

For the Poor you may prescribe after this manner .

Take of the Tops of Cypress , and of stinging Nettles , each four ounces ; of Brook-lime two ounces ; beat them in a Mortar with ten ounces of white Sugar ; afterwards add Filings of Steel finely powdered one ounce , of white and red Sanders powdered , each two drams ; with a sufficient quantity of Syrup made of the Juice of Nettles , make an Electuary . The Dose is the quantity of a Wallnut twice a day .

When the Scurvy does infect the inward Parts of the Mouth , as when the Gums begin to swell , and their Flesh grows spungy , Medicines are presently to be used that resist Putrefaction : Liquors to wash the Mouth , and Liniments are of great use both at the beginning and height of this Distemper ; and as they respect various Intentions , so they are to be prepared after divers manners .

Gargarisms or Waters for the Mouth are of divers kinds , which are all made for the most part of the Decoctions of Vegetables , or the Infusion of Minerals . The Herbs and Roots which are boiled in a proper Liquor , viz. Water , or Wine , are for the most part sharp , bitter , or stiptick . Afterwards these Decoctions are impregnated with a Salt either volatile , lixivial , vitriolick , or chalybeat and aluminous .

When the Gums are swelled , and become spungy , a Gargarism may be prescribed after this manner .

Take of the Bark of Elder , and of Elm , each half an handful ; of the leaves of Savory , Sage , Hedge-mustard , and Cresses , each one handful ; of the Roots of Pepper-wort two drams . After they are cut and bruised , boil them in three pints of Lime-water to the Consumption of the third part ; make a Gargarism ; it may be sweetned with two ounces of Honey of Roses .

Liniments may be also prescribed for the same purpose , they are most properly applied at Night . The following is greatly commended by Authors .

Take of the Powder of the Leaves of Columbines , of curled Mint , Sage , Nutmeg , Mirrh ( which is sometimes left out ) each two drams ; of Burnt-alum half an ounce , of Virgin-honey a sufficient quantity ; make a Liniment .

If the Flesh of the Gums be dried , and falls off from the Roots of the Teeth , light Scarification is often used ; the Mouth also is to be washed with this Decoction .

Take of the Tops of Madder , Cypress , of the Leaves of Sanicle , Ladies-smock , each one handful ; boil them in three pints of Water wherein hot Iron hath been quenched , to the Consumption of a third part ; add to the strained Liquor two ounces of Honey of Roses ; mingle them .

When the Gums are putrified and corrupted , and the Teeth being carious and loose , stink , stronger Medicines , and such as greatly resist Putrefaction , are to be used .

The Infusion of Vitriol camphorated , and of Lapis medicamentosus , is very effectual in this case .

If deep and putrid Ulcers afflict the Gums , or any other part of the Mouth , strong Remedies must be often used ; also Cotton dipt in Aegyptiacum dissoloved in Spirit , or in the Infusion of Lapis Medicamentosus , or sublimate , must be sometimes applied to the part affected .

Scorbutick People are also oftentimes afflicted with Pains in the Legs and in other Joints , especially in the Night-time , for the removing of which Pains , which are sometimes very violent , besides the general Method of curing the Scurvy , Specifick Remedies are to be used : Therefore in such a case Purging having been rightly performed , and Bleeding , if there be occasion for it , Medicines both external and internal must be used .

As to the First , Those that evacuate by Sweat , and by Urine , are oft-times very effectual : Testaceous Powders , Crabs-eyes , the Jaw of a Pike , the Spirit , and Flowers of Sal-Armoniack , Spirit of Blood , Tincture of Antimony , and of Coral , Decoctions of the Roots and Seeds of Burdock , Ground-pine , and Germander , are very proper ; and such like Remedies may be taken twice or thrice a day ●n distilled antiscorbutick-waters . The distilled water of Horse-dung , with Scurvy-grass , Brook-lime , and Ground-●ine , and the like , may be conveniently used . In the mean time Fomentations , Liniments , Cataplasms , and ●uch like Applications must be applied to ease the Pain .

For a Scorbutical Gout , Henricus Petreus mentions ●wo Remedies , which are frequently used in West●halia .

Take nine Worms , beat them in a Mortar with two spoonfuls of Wine , press it through a Cloth , and add to it half a Measure of Wine ; let three spoonfuls of it be taken in the Morning , at Noon , and in the Evening for many days .

The other is as follows .

Take of Savin two or three Branches , of Virgin-honey two spoonfuls , boil them in a measure of Wine till the Wine sink two Fingers ; let four or five spoonfuls of the strained Liquor be taken thrice a day .

Certainly the Magisterial-water , of Worms , of the London Dispensatory , is very beneficial in this Disease , so are the Spirit and Salt of Harts-horn , Spirit of Blood , Flowers of Sal-armoniack , which I have often used with good Success .

Moreover , Testaceous Powders , as Crabs-eyes , Coral , Pearls , and Vegetables , which are counted good for the Gout , as the Roots of Birth-wort , the Leaves of Ground-pine , and Germander , and the like , mixed with Antiscorbuticks conduce to the Cure of this Disease . Oyl of Worms , of Frogs and Toads , are often useful to ease the Pain . I have been told by a worthy Man , that the Water drawn from what is contained in the Stomach of an Ox newly killed , by Distillation , and applied hot with Cloaths , gives certainly ease .

For Convulsive and Paralitick Diseases occasioned by the Scurvy , Remedies proper for them must be mixed with Antiscorbuticks ,

For a Consumption and a Feaver ocasioned by the Scurvy , gentle Catharticks , Digestives , and things that corroborate must be used . And because they often arise from a scirrhous Tumour in the Stomach , or Parts thereabouts , things that open Obstructions are to be used , as Tunbridge-waters , and the like . Moreover , Fomentations , Liniments and Plaisters must be outwardly applyed ; Asses or Cows-milk , diluted with Barly-water , or with some proper distilled-water is often good ; so is Broth made of Snails , and Snails boiled in Milk . Moreover , Distilled waters of Milk or Whey with Snails , and Antiscorbutick Herbs , do a great deal of Good in this Case . And for the Feaver , the following Medicines may be used with a thin Diet ,

Take of the Raspings of Harts-horn , and Ivory , each two drams and an half ; of Eryngo Roots candied six drams , of the Roots of Chervil , Dandelyon , each half an ounce ; of the Leaves of Harts-tongue , Liverwort , each one handful ; one Apple sliced , of Raisins one handful ; boil them in four Pints of Fountain-water to the Consumption of a third part ; pour the strained Liquor upon two handfuls of Brook-lime , and a dram and an half of Sal-prunella , or of Nitre fixed one dram ; let them infuse for the Space of three Hours ; four or six ounces of it may be taken three times a day .

Take of the Leaves of Brook-lime four handfuls , of Wood-sorrel , of the Herb and Root of Dandelyon , each two handfuls ; of Snails cleansed one pound and an half , the Peels of two Oranges : After they are bruised and cut , pour upon them six Pints of new Milk , or Whey made with Syder , or of the fresh Juice of Apples ; distill them after the common Way . Three ounces may be taken twice or thrice a day .

A Scorbutical Rhumatism must be cured by Purging , but especially by Bleeding , and repeated sometimes according to the Strength of the Patient .

Diureticks and Diaphoreticks must be also used , and four or six ounces of the Infusion of Horse-dung in Wine or Ale may be taken twice or thrice a day on the Days the Sick does not purge . Spirit of Harts-horn , or of Blood , is also very good in this case .

A Scorbutical Dropsie arising from an evident Cause , or occasionally , is often cured ; wherefore , if the Sick cannot sleep , Opiats must be given , and Purging must be repeated at due distances , according to the Strength of the Patient , and Glisters must be often injected to keep the Body loose .

Take of Mercurius Dulcis one Scruple , of Rosin of Jalap five or ten grains , of Cloves half a Scruple ; mix them and give it in a spoonful of Panado : At other Times Diureticks , and sometimes Diaphoreticks , must be given .

Take of Tincture of Salt of Tartar , impregnated with the Tincture of Millepedes , as much as you please : Give a Scruple or two Scruples twice a day in some proper Liquor .

Take of the Spirit of Sal-armoniack what quantity you please : The Dose is fifteen drops .

Take of Mille pedes prepared three drams , of Salt of Tartar two drams , of Nutmegs one dram ; mix them , make a Powder . The Dose is half a dram twice a day with some proper Liquor . Or ,

Take of dried Bees powdered two drams , of the Seeds of Bishops-weed powdered one dram , of Oyl of Juniper one scruple , of Turpentine a sufficient quantity for a Mass of Pills . The Dose is one scruple or half a dram to be taken twice a day , drinking upon it three or four ounces of the following Water .

Take of the Leaves of both the Scurvy-grasses , of Water-cresses , of Pepper-wort , and Arsmart , each three handfuls ; of the Roots of Wake-robin , Briony , and Florentine-orris , each four ounces ; of the middle Bark of Elder two handfuls , of the Winteran-bark two ounces , of the yellow Peel of four Oranges , and three Lemmons , and of fresh Juniper-berries , four ounces ; cut them and bruise them , and pour upon them two quarts of Rhenish-wine , and of the Wine made of the Juice of Elder-berries one quart . Distill them in a common Still , and mix the Waters . The Dose is three or four ounces twice a day , after a Dose of any of the Medicines above prescribed .

There remains one Symptom , that comes , though rarely , upon the Scurvy , viz. A crackling of the Bones ; but the Cure of it is not yet known .

An orderly Diet is of great moment in the Cure of the Scurvy : The Sick must only eat Meat of easy Digestion , he must avoid thick and clammy Meat , and such as are smoaked , and Pulse , Milk-meats , unripe Fruit , and things that are sugared ; for the Scurvy has increased wonderfully of late by the immoderate use of Sugar .

Their Drink must be middling mild Beer , that is clear and medicated with Antiscorbuticks .

Exercise and Labour are so beneficial in the Scurvy , that many have been cured by them alone . An Air moderately hot and dry , thin and pure , should be chosen .

CHAP. LXXXV . Of the Stone in the Kidneys , and of the Nephritick Pain .

THE Nephritick Pain is called that whick afflicts the Reins and Ureters : The cause of this Pain is various ; but the most frequent is a Stone or gross Flegm .

The less frequent causes are Clods of Blood thrust into the Ureters , or thick Matter , conveyed from the Reins or other Parts into the Ureters .

The diagnostick Signs of the Stone .

The first Sign is a fixed Pain about the Region of the Loins ; the second is bloody Urine ; the third thin and little Water at the Beginning of the Fit , which is sometimes succeeded by a total Suppression of Urine , if both the Ureters be obstructed ; the fourth is , the frequent voiding of Sand and little Stones ; the fifth is , a Numbness of the Legs ; the Sixth is , the drawing up of the Stones ; the seventh is , Nauseousness and Vomiting .

The Cure of the Nephritick Pain , and Stone sticking in the Reins and Ureters , is peformed by dilating the Passages , by the Explosion of the Stone , or any other Matter which causes Pain ; and also by removing the antecedent Cause , and mitigating the Pain , to the which Indications the following Remedies answer .

Take of the carminative Decoction for a Glister ten ounces , of the Electuary of Laurel-berries , of the Electuary of Juice of Roses , each three drams ; of Venice-turpentine dissolved in the Yolk of an Egg six drams , Oyl of Saint Johns-wort ten drams ; mingle them , make a Glister ,

After the Glister hath done Working , a Vein may be opened in the Arm.

It is diligently to be observed , that Purging Medicines are not to be given until the pain be somewhat abated , notwithstanding a Vomit may be proper at that time ,

Take of Salt of Vitriol two Scruples ; it may be taken in a draught of Posset-drink with Regiment .

Those Medicines are to be taken at the Mouth that dilate the Passages and mitigate the Pain .

Take of White-wine , compound-water of Horse-radish , each one ounce and an half , of the Juice of Lemmons one spoonful and an half , of Tartar vitriolated one scruple , Oyl of sweet Almonds one ounce , Syrup of Marshmallows two ounces , Powder of Nutmeg one scruple ; make a draught , let it be taken warm .

Take of the Decoction of the Syrup of Marshmallows two Pints , sweeten it with Syrup of Water-lillies and Marsh-mallows ; add to it six ounces of White-wine ; a large draught of it may be taken warm .

When the Pain is very violent Narcoticks must be used .

Take of the Waters of Pellitory of the Wall , Saxifrage , and Cowslips , each one ounce ; Syrup of Poppies six drams , London Laudanum one grain ; mix them , make a draught to be taken at bed-time .

Take of Mathews's Pill half a Scruple , of Turpentine half a dram ; mix them , make four Pills to be taken at Bed-time .

But because a great quantity of crude Humours ordinarily accompanies this Disease , some purging Medicine must be given .

Take of whole Cassia half an ounce , boil it in a sufficient quantity of the Decoction of Senna Geronis , to three ounces of the strained Liquor , add of choice Manna one ounce ; mingle them , make a Draught to be taken with Regiment . Or ,

Take of choice Manna two ounces , dissolve it in four ounces of Milk-water , add to the strained Liquor two scruples of Cream of Tartar .

Anoint well with a warm Hand the Region of the Kidneys and Ureters , with the Oyntment of Marshmallows , and Oyl of Scorpions of Mathiolus .

The following Medicines are often used .

Take of Turpentine of Chios two drams , of Balsam of Tolu half a dram , with a sufficient quantity of Troches of Alkakengi , make middling Pills , let four of them be taken at Bed-time .

Take of the Powders of Crabs-eyes , and of Millepedes , each two Scruples ; of the Seeds of Daucus powdered , and of Sal-prunella , each one scruple ; make a Powder to be divided into four Parts , let one be taken at Bed-time .

To prevent this Disease , Tunbridge-waters , and the like , and Whey , drank for the Space of a Month in the Spring are good .

In the use of all Diureticks , this is perpetually to be observed , viz. They must not be frequently given .

The immoderate Heat of the Reigns may be qualified by wearing continually upon them Plates of Lead with holes in them .

CHAP. LXXXVII . Of the Stone in the Bladder .

IT is very difficult to know this Disease , especially at the beginning , when the Stone is small ; but when it is great it is easily known .

The first Sign is , a pain in the Neck of the Bladder , which is exasperated about the end of making Water , and stretches it self to the Glans ; it is very like a Heat of Urine , and can scarce be distinguished from it at first , till other Signs begin to appear .

The second Sign is , an itching on the Yard , which forces the Sick to handle and scratch it often .

The Third Sign is , a Weight in the Peritonaeum , and in all the Region of the Pubis , with a heavy Pain ; this is when the Stone is large .

The fourth Sign , when the Stone is large , there is a great Difficulty in making Water ; the Sick endeavours to make Water often , but renders it by drops .

The sixth Sign is , a Suppression of Urine in making Water , when it stops suddenly in the middle Course , the Stone being brought with the Urine to the Neck of the Bladder .

The sixth Sign is , the voiding Urine most easily upon lying on the Back , because the Stone in that Position goes farthest from the Channel of the Bladder ; also when the Urine , being suppressed in making Water , flows freely ; when the Body is laid back and shook , the Stone falling then to the bottom of the Bladder .

The seventh Sign is , frequent Erection of the Penis , which prooceeds from a retention of the Urine , and from an Inflammation of the Bladder occasioned by the rubbing of the Stone .

The eighth Sign is , a Tenesmus , and a frequent Endeavour to go to Stool , which follows the Endeavours of making Water , by reason of the consent betwixt the Sphincter of the Anus , and the Bladder ; and the one being irritated , the other is so too , because they receive Branches from the same Nerve .

The ninth Sign is , that the Sick cannot rest in one place , they move their Legs alternately ; and if the Stone be large , he can scarce stand upright , or ride or walk in stony places .

The tenth Sign is , that the Sick are eased by no Remedies , but most commonly grow worse thereby , because all Medicines that come to the Urinary Passages increase the Disease , either by bringing new matter to the Bladder , or they rub off the Flegm which encompasseth the Stone , and then it grates harder upon the Bladder .

The eleventh Sign is , that when the Sick has been subject to Nephritick Pains , and used to void Gravel at the end of the Fit .

If after such Pain he has not voided a Stone as he was wont , it is a Sign that the Stone remains in the Bladder , and increases by degrees , and occasions the foresaid Symptoms .

The Cure is much the same with that described in the foregoing Chapter ; when the Stone is small , Water distil'd from Onyons being used for forty days , has evacuated a Stone of the bigness of a Bean : But daily Experience shews , that a Stone cannot be dissolved in the Bladder by any Medicines ; wherefore we are generally forced to leave such Patients to the Lithotomist ; and having been intimately acquainted with one of the chiefest Lithotomists in the City of London , and made some Observations upon his Practice ; I find that Children bear cutting well , and generally recover ; but that Men past forty Years of Age , most commonly die .

If the Sick will not undergo Cutting , or if it be not safe , by reason of his Age , gentle Medicines must be used , such as are prescribed for Heat of Urine , least the Stone should ulcerate the Neck of the Bladder by its Roughness , upon which it is often rolled ; and if it happen to be thrust upon the Neck of the Bladder , and so stop the Urine , the Patient must lie upon his Back , and you must endeavour to remove it by shaking the Body and lifting up the Legs ; afterwards you must use an emollient Fomentation or Bath , and you must force back the Stone with a Catheter .

CHAP. LXXXVIII . Of an Inflammation of the Reins and Bladder .

BEcause an Inflammation of the Reins and Bladder is cured by the same Remedies ; therefore we include them both in one Chapter ,

The Signs of an Inflammation of the Reins are , a heavy Pain in the Region of the Reins , and there is sometimes a pulsation : If the place wherein the Arteries are be affected , and the Pain is extended to the neighbouring Parts , so that the Sick cannot raise himself upright nor stand , and but difficultly turn himself to the opposite side , neither can he lie upon that side nor upon his Belly , and therefore he is forced perpetually to lie upon his Back ; if his Knees , or if his Body be any way moved , the Pain is much exasperated ; there is a Numbness of the same side , by reason of a Nerve which goes from thence to the Leg ; his Urine is hot , and in the beginning thin and yellow ; afterwards red and thick . The Sick has a continual and acute Feaver , and it is often accompanied with watchings , a Delirium , Nauseousness and Vomiting .

But in an Inflammation of the Bladder , the Pain is seated upon the Region of the Pubis , and Perinaeum , in which Parts there is a Heat , and sometimes an apparent Redness , the Urine is always hot , and voided difficultly , the Passage being stopt by the Tumour ; and the right Gut is affected by reason of its Nearness ; upon which account there is frequent endeavours to go to stool , and sometimes the Belly is bound : There are also other Symptoms that are common with the Inflammation of the Reins , as a Feaver , watching , and the like .

The Cure of an Inflammation in the Reins and Bladder , is performed by Medicines that cause Revulsion and Derivation , and by such as cool and moderately repel , by Anodyn , resolving and suppurating Medicines .

And First , Bleeding is very necessary twice , thrice , or oftener , acccording to the Strength , until the Fluxion is stopped and the Pain abated . A large quantity of Blood being taken away from the upper Veins , the lower are to be opened also in the Foot to make Derivation . The Hemorrhoidal Veins are also to be opened , especially if they are swelled ; and Cupping-glasses with Scarification are to be applied to the upper and lower parts to make Revulsion . Frictions and painful Ligatures of the extream parts are also to be used ; Emollient cooling , and moderately loosning Glisters must be injected in a small quantity .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce , of the Leaves of Mallows , Violets , and Lettice , each one handful ; of sweet Prunes four pair , of Barley cleansed , and of the Flowers of Violets , each one Pugil ; make a Decoction to eight or ten ounces ; in the strained Liquor dissolve one ounce of Cassia , of Oyl of Violets four ounces , of Yolks of Eggs number two , make a Glister .

The Heat of the Blood must be mitigated by Juleps and Emulsions .

Take of the Waters of Endive , Lettice and Purslain , each four ounces ; of Syrup of Pomegranates two ounces , of Syrup of Water-lillies one ounce ; mingle them , make a Julep , for three Doses to be taken Morning or Evening . Or ,

Take of the Roots of Sorrel two ounces , of the Leaves of Mallows , Plantane , Purslain , and Endive , each one handful ; of the Tops of white Poppies half an handful , of the Seeds of Annise and Lettice , each one dram ; of the Flowers of Borrage , Violets , and Water-lillies , each one pugil ; boil them to a Pint and an half ; then add of the Syrup of Pomegranates four ounces . Or ,

Take of sweet Almonds blanced one ounce , of fresh Pine-nuts half an ounce , of the Seeds of Lettice , Sorrel , Purslain , and white Poppies , each three drams ; beat them in a marble Mortar , and pour upon them of the Waters of Barley , or Lettice , or Purslain one Pint and an half ; in the strained Liquor dissolve one ounce of Sugar of Roses ; make an Emulsion for three Doses . Syrup of Poppies may be conveniently added to this Emulsion , to restrain the Fluxion more powerfully .

Cooling Glisters must be also injected .

In the Beginning of these Inflammations , Purging is not convenient , but at the Declination gentle Purges may be used , as of Manna , Cassia , Rubarb , Tamarinds and the like .

But cooling and moderately repelling Medicines must be used outwardly at the beginning , as liquid Epithems made of the Waters or Juices of Plantane , Sorrel , Endive , Night-shade , and of Roses , with a little Vinegar , red Sanders , and Camphor ; also Liniments of Oyl of Roses Omphacine , and of Violets , the white Oyntment , or Populeon alone , or mixed , a little Vinegar being added to them , may be applied almost cold to the Parts every hour .

If the Pain be very violent , it will not be improper to add to the Epithem or Liniment , a little Opium or Saffron .

A Cataplasm may be also made of Barley-meal , with the Juice of Endive , Purslain , and Night-shade , Oyl of Roses being added to it and Populeum Oyntment ; but it must be frequently changed before it grows hot .

But here three things are to be observed : First , We must not continue too long the use of cooling Medicines ; least the Expulsion of the conjunct matter by Sweat should be hindred , and the Tumours should grow Scirrhous . Secondly , in an Inflammation of the Bladder , things that are but a little cooling and astringent must be used , least a Suppression of Urine should happen , which is a Symptom that is very frequent of it self in this Disease . Thirdly , Cataplasms are not so proper in an Inflammation of the Bladder , as Liniments and Oyntments , because they oppress the part with their Weight .

Wherefore when cooling Medicines have been used a very little while , and after Bleeding repeated , the Fluxion being pretty well stopt , we must use Emollients , and gentle Resolvents , as Fomentations made of a Decocton of the Roots of Marsh-mallows , of the Leaves of Mallows , Violets , Pellitory , of the Seeds of Flax , Fenugreek , Mallows , and of Cotton , of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , Rosemary , and Roses ; and Liniments are to be applied of Oyl of Lillies , Roses , and with a little Oyl of Camomile ,

The following Pultis is very softning , and Anodyne .

Take of the Crums of white Bread one pound ; boil them in Goats-milk to the Consistence of a Pultiss ; then add the Yolks of three Eggs , of Oyl of Roses four ounces , of Saffron half a dram ; make a Cataplasm ; it must be often changed ; a little Opium and Camphor may be added to it if the Pain be very violent .

If there be danger of a Gangrene , a corroborating Cataplasm must be made of the Meal of Beans , Orobus , and of Lupins boiled in Wine .

But when the Inflammation is in a manner taken off , then resolving Decoction and Liniments must be used .

In the whole course of the Disease , respect must be always had to the Feaver , Pain , Watchings , Suppressions of Urine , and the like .

And to ease the Pain of the Bladder , Anodyne Suppositories , or Yolks of Eggs , with a little Opium , and with the Juice of Henbane , or the like , must be tied up in a rag , and put up the Fundament .

If the Inflammation of the Reins cannot be discussed , but tends to Suppuration , which may be known by the Increase of the Feaver , of the Pain , and of other Symptoms ; also by shaking and Vomiting , and by a greater Weight about the Part , especially when the Sick bends towards the well Side ; the Motion of Nature must be furthered by applying Cataplasms made of emollient Roots , and Herbs , of the Seeds of Flax , and of the Flowers of Camomil , to which being boiled , bruised , and pulped , Meals , Butter , Grease , and proper Oyls must be added , whereby , unless the Abscess break and cleanse it self by Urine , the Matter breaks into the Cavity of the Belly ; upon which account sudden Death , or an hectick Feaver follows . Sometimes the Tumour swells outwards , and then it must be opened by a Potential Cautery , or with a Knife .

It also happens sometimes , that the Tumours become Scirrhous , the Feaver ceasing , but the Pain continuing with a greater Sense of Weight , and a Numbness of the neighbouring Parts , which are most commonly incurable , for the Sick falls into a Cachexy and Dropsie ; yet the Cure may be attempted by emollient , inciding , and digestive Medicines .

CHAP. LXXXIX . Of Bloody Vrine .

BLood may be conveyed from many Parts to the Urinal Passages , and be mixed with the Urine , and so render it bloody ; but that rarely happens , and we only discourse here of Diseases of the Reins and Bladder , and of that bloody Urine which proceeds from the fault of those Parts : The Blood flows from the Reins and Bladder , as from all other Parts , either by opening of the Vessells , by a Rupture , or a Solution of the Continuum , but very rarely , by reason of the Thinness of the Veins which carry Blood to these Places .

The most frequent causes , are Fullness and Acrimony of the Blood , and a Stone in the Kidneys , a Fall or Blow , the lifting or carrying of a great Weight , violent Motion of the Body , or the like .

When Blood flows from the Bladder it is little in quantity .

The Cure of this Disease must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes : And first , If it proceed from a great quantity or Acrimony of the Blood , Bleeding must be used frequently , but little must be taken away at a time ; and in this case Cupping glasses , Frictions , and Ligatures must be used to the upper Parts , and Derivation must be made by bleeding in the Foot , or by opening the Hemorrhoidal Veins .

When serous and Cholerick Humours promote this Evacuation , they must be purged off by Catharticks used by Intervals .

Take of Rubarb a little torrified and powdered one dram , of Coral prepared half a Scruple , of the Whey of Goats-milk , or of Plantane-water , three ounces ; make a Potion .

Take of Cassia fresh drawn half an ounce , of the Pulp of Tamarinds six drams , of Bole-armonick half a Scruple ; with Sugar make a Bolus .

After due Revulsions and Evacuations , or whilst they are used , if there be occasion , such things as restrain the Blood , and heal the Veins must be given ; but they must not be presently used , least the Blood should be stopt too soon , and being thickned , it should coagulate somewhere ; for this Purpose the Juice of Plantane fresh drawn is much commended , four or five ounces of it being taken Morning and Evening , which is also very proper in all Hemorrhagies , but if it be too cold for the Stomach , it may be boiled a little with Sugar .

Sheeps-milk is also much commended , four ounces of it being taken with a dram of Bole-armenick , but after takeing it , the Sick must not sleep nor exercise himself . Decoctions also of Knot-grass , Horse-tail , Purslain , and of the Tops of Brambles , sweetned with Syrup of Quinces ; or to qualifie the Heat of the Blood , the following Apozem may be used .

Take of the Leaves of Lettice , Purslain , Plantane , and Comfrey , each one handful ; of the four greater and lesser cold Seeds , each one dram ; of Jujubes three pair , of Liquorish half an ounce , of the Flowers of Water-lillies , of Violets , and of Roses , each one Pugil ; make a Decoction to a Pint and an half ; in the strained Liquor dissolve of Gum-tragacanth a dram and an half ; of Syrup of Violets , and of dried Roses , each one ounce and an half ; of Sal-prunella half an ounce , of the Troches of Alkakengi without Opium half a dram ; make an Apozem for four Doses .

To thicken and restrain the Blood more powerfully , we may add to it an ounce of Syrup of Poppies .

If the Disease be lasting , an Electuary may be made in the following manner .

Take of the Conserves of Roses , and of the Roots of Comfrey each two ounces ; of sealed Earth , and Bole-Armenick , of Dragons-blood , red Coral , Blood-stone , and Troches of Ambar , each one dram ; of Hypocistis , grains of Kermes , and of the Seeds of Plantane , each one scruple ; with equal Parts of Syrup of Mirtles , and of Poppies , make an Electuary , whereof let him take the quantity of a Walnut Morning and Evening , drinking upon it a little Plantane-water .

Dr. Gordon's Troches are also reckoned excellent in this Case .

But because Clots of Blood are wont to be retained in the Bladder , and to occasion violent Symptoms , for the Dissolution of them , it will be convenient to drink warm now and then Mallow-water , mixed with a little Vinegar , but the quantity of the Vinegar must be so small , that it can scarce be tasted .

Outwardly Topicks must be applied to the Region of the Loins , such as are proper to cool and bind the Reins .

Take of the Roots of Bristort , and of Comfrey , each one ounce ; of the Leaves of Plantane , Purslain , Shepherds-purse , Knot-grass , each one handful ; of the Flowers of Pomegranates half an ounce , of the grains of Sumach , and Mirtles , and of Hypocistis , each two drams ; of the Cups of Acorns , and of yellow and red Sanders , each one dram ; of red Roses three Pugils ; boil them in Smith's-water with a little Vinegar , strain the Liquor , and foment the Reins with it warm . A Bath may be made of the same Decoction the quantity of it being increased .

Take of the Juice of Plantane , and of Blood-wort , each two ounces ; of Vinegar half an ounce , of Omphacine Oyl one ounce , boil them to the Consumption of the Juices , then add of Dragons-blood , Mastich , and of Pomegranate-peel , each two drams ; of Champhor half a dram , of the Countesses Oynoment four ounces , of Wax a sufficient quantity ; make a Liniment .

Anoint the Loins with it frequently ; at the time you use it , mix a little Vinegar with it .

Leaden Plates with many holes in them , worn upon the Reins , are very proper .

When the Voiding of Blood proceeds from the Stone , the following Method has been found very successful by Dr. Sydenham , who was much troubled with the Gout , the Stone in the Kidneys , and a bloody Urine ; and I have also found it very successful , I drank , says he , two ounces and a half of Manna dissolved in a quart of Whey , swallowing now and then a little of the Juice of Lemmons , while I was purging , to quicken this Cathartick , which used to work slowly , and to render it more pleasant to the Stomach . It can scarce be said how much Ease I received about the Region of the Reins by the use of this Remedy ; for though they did not always ach before , yet they were affected with a heavy and troublesom Pain ; and because it succeeded so well with me , I took the same of a set day once a Week for some Months , and after every Purge I plainly found my self better , and could bear the shaking of a Coach when it went fast , and was indeed wholly freed from this Symptom . But it returning again , some time after , I took it twice a Week for three Weeks , and afterwards only once a Week : I continued this Method some Months on set Days , and the Bleeding quite stopped : The Diet that I observed is as follows , In the Morning when I rise I drink a Dish of Tea , at Dinner I moderately refresh my self with any sort of Meat of easie Digestion that I like ; a draught of small Beer is to me instead of a Supper ; and when I am in Bed I take another draught , that by this Julep I may cool and dilute the hot and acrid Juices lodged in the Kidneys , whereof the Stone is generated ; and I prefer at this time , and at Dinner time , small Beer that has Hopps in it , before that which has none , for though that which is not hopped is smoother and softer , and so fitter to carry off the Stone from the Kidneys , yet that which is hopped , by reason of the stiptick Quality which the Hopps impart to it , is not so apt to generate sandy and stony Matter , as that which is not hopped , the Substance whereof is more viscous and slimy . I take care to go to Bed early , especially in Winter ; and to prevent a bloody Urine , I take care , that as often as I have occasion to ride a long Way upon the Stones , to drink a large draught of small Beer before I go ; and also before my Return , if I be abroad a pretty while , whereby I secure my self pretty well from bloody Urine .

CHAP. XC . Of an Vlcer of the Reins and Bladder .

AN Ulcer is occasioned in the Reins and Bladder by three Causes , first , from an Abscess broken , secondly from the Acrimony of the Humours , and thirdly , from a rough Stone , and this is the most frequent and ordinary cause .

Among the Diagnostick Signs , the first and chief is the voiding of Matter with Urine , which continuing a while , certainly shews an Ulcer in the urinary Passages ; but whither the Reins or the Bladder are affected with the Ulcer , may be known by the Situation of the Pain , as whether it be in the Region of the Loins , or in the Pubis , or Perinaeum . Moreover , Matter proceeding from the Reins is better concocted , is white , light , and not at all stinking , because the Parenchyma of the Reins being fleshy concocts better , and the Matter is also in a greater quantity , and more mixt with the Urine , which looks like Milk , along while after voiding it the Matter is seperated from it , and falls to the Bottom of the Chamber-pot . But Purulent Matter flowing from the Bladder , is little and not much mixed with the Urine , nor so concocted , but crude , variegated and stinks much , for the Part having little Heat , cannot sufficiently concoct the Matter , but from the Neck of the Bladder , or from the urinal Passage , pure Matter without Urine is often voided . Moreover , In an Ulcer of the Bladder or of its Neck , there is a continual Heat of Urine , and a continual Pain in the part , which is not so in an Ulcer of the Reins ; for in that Ulcer the Heat of Urine and Pain cease sometimes .

When the Ulcer is deep , Blood sometimes flows out plentifully , which is difficultly stopt , and often small pieces of the Parts are voided with the Blood and Matter , viz. most commonly small Caruncles from the Reins , sometimes they are larger , and passing difficultly through the Ureters , they occasion a Nephritick Pain , but from the Bladder small Scales , or small Membranous Skins flow like Bran.

And lastly , In a long and callous Ulcer of the Bladder , a mucous Flegm is produced .

As to the Prognostick , these Ulcers are very difficultly cured , because there is a perpetual Flux of Humours to the Part ; for though the Serum of its own Nature is cleansing , yet when it is infected with other qualities it is not so , and when acrid and salt Humours are mixed with it , ●hey occasion Ulcers , or further them .

Fresh Ulcers of the Reins and Bladder may be cured , but when they are inveterate they are incurable .

In old Men they can never be cured , in young Men they may sometimes , but with great Difficulty .

Ulcers that are occasioned by the Stone cannot be cured till the Stone is extracted .

The Pain and other Symptoms which accompany these Ulcers , occasion Watchings , and waste the Body , and at length the Sick is brought into a Cachexy and Consumption .

The Cure of the Ulcers of the Reins and Bladder , as of all other Ulcers , is performed by cleansing , drying , and consolidating Medicines . To which end the following things may be used .

And First , if there be a Plethora , or an Inflammation of the Part , Bleeding must be ordered , first in the Arm , and afterwards in the Foot .

Afterwards Purging must be prescribed frequently , that the vitious Humours abounding in the whole Body , and flowing to the Part affected may be evacuated ; but only gentle and lenitive Medicines must be ordered , as Cassia , Manna , Syrup of Roses , Rubarb , and Agarick reduced to a Bolus , or some other solid Form , because in a liquid Form they easily run to the Urinary Passage , and so increase the Acrimony . The following Electuary may be prescribed .

Take of Polypody of the Oak , and of Liquorish rasped , each half an ounce ; of the four greater Cold Seeds each one dram , of the Flowers of Violets , and Borrage , each half a pugil ; of Jujubes six pair , of Damask Prunes three pair , of Raisins half an ounce , of Senna cleansed two ounces and an half ; infuse them a Night in Barley-water , boil them in the Morning and strain them ; afterwards dissolve an ounce and an half of Manna in a sufficient quantity of the Decoction , strain it again , add to it three ounces of Cassia fresh drawn ; boil them to the Consistence of an Electuary , adding at last half an ounce of Rubarb powdered . The Dose is one ounce once a Week two Hours before eating . Or ,

Take of Cassia two ounces , of Manna one ounce and an half , of the Pulp of Sebestines , and Tamarinds , each one ounce ; of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Psyllium six drams , of the four greater cold Seeds each one dram , of Juice of Liquorish two drams , with Syrup of Roses solutive make an Electuary . If you add Mercurius Dulcis to the Electuaries above mentioned it will succeed the better ; for it is of great Vertue to cleanse and heal all inward and outward Vlcers .

Among Purgers Turpentine is reckoned , and is much commended in this case , because it loosens the Belly , and cleanses the Ulcer ; half an ounce of it washed in Plantane water must be given in Powder of Liquorish ; but it is chiefly to be used when the Urine is very mucous and thick .

Vomiting is much commended by many , whereof some provoke it before Meals with warm water and Oyl , with which only Remedy often repeated , they say this Disease has been cured . But it is to be noted , that Vomiting must be only used in those that vomit easily , for violent Vomiting irritates the Ulcer .

After due Evacuations and Revulsions we must come to the use of such things as cleanse , the chief of which are Whey drank in a great quantity in the Morning , and small Mead , whereof also six or eight ounces may be taken in a Morning , and it may be used for the ordinary Drink . A Decoction of Barley with Liquorish and Sugar may be used in the same manner .

If Mead be thought too hot , the greater cold Seeds , or the Roots of Liquorish , and the Tops of Mallows may be boiled in it . Asses-milk also does not only cleanse but it also consolidates ; but it must not be given when there is a Feaver ; or the following Decoction may be used .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows half an ounce , of the Leaves of Plantane Agrimony , Maiden-hair , and the Tops of Mallows , each one handful ; of the Seeds of Mallows , and of Mellons , with the Barks bruised , each half an ounce ; of the grains of Alkakengi six drams , of Liquorish rasped one ounce , of whole Barley one pugil ; boil them to a quart , in the strained Liquor dissolve of Honey of Roses three ounces , of Sugar-candy two ounces ; make a Julep , whereof take eight ounces in a Morning , for ten Days . Those things which are given for Diseases of the Reins and Bladder , must be prescribed in a large quantity , for otherwise their Vertues will not reach the Parts affected .

But instead of all , Barnet or Epsom-water , or Tunbridge-waters may be used ; for by the long use of them , the hot Intemperies will be corrected , and the Ulcers cleansed and cured .

Some commend to dry up the Ichor , and to cleanse and heal internal Ulcers , especially in Patients of a Flegmatick Constitution , and for such as have been at any Time infected with the French Pox , and when there is no Feaver nor Flux of Blood , a sudorifick Decoction made of China , Sarsa-parilla , Sassafras , or of Guajacum , to be taken for thirty Days or more , and that the second Decoction should be used for ordinary Drink , with a thin and drying Diet. In the mean time , least the Bowels should be too much inflamed by the use of this Decoction , they may be qualified by cooling Broths given about the Evening , and by anointing the Reins with cooling Oyntments ▪

But the following Decoction is safer and more successful in every case .

Take of the Roots of Sarsaparilla three ounces , of Lignum Lentiscinum two ounces , of Sassafras one ounce , of the Raspings of Ivory and Harts-horn , each six ounces ; of Jujubes , and Sebestines , each half an ounce ; of Nephritick Wood four ounces , of Barley cleansed two ounces ; infuse them twelve Hours in five pints of Fountain-water , boil it to three , for six Doses to be taken twice a Day . Aromatise them with two drams of Cinnamon .

When the Ulcer is sufficiently cleansed , which may be known , for that the Matter is voided with the Urine in a lesser quantity , and is white , and does not stink at all , Astringent things and such as heal must be given ,

Take of Bole-Armenick , of sealed Earth , and of red Coral , each three drams ; of Gum-Arabick , and Tragacanth , each half an ounce ; make Troches with Agrimony-Water , weighing each two drams ; one of them must be taken Morning and Evening with a Decoction of Comfry .

But Dr. Gordon's Troches are better than all the rest , to cleanse and heal Ulcers of the Reins and Bladder ; and at the same time ease the Pain , and take off the Heat of Urine ; two drams of them may be taken at a time in Mead , or a Decoction of Barley , when you design most to cleanse ; and in Goats or rather Sheeps Milk , when you chiefly design to heal .

Consolidating Juleps may be made in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of Comfry two ounces ; of the Leaves of Plantane , and Mouse-ear , each one handful ; of the Tops of Mallows , and Maiden-hair , each half a handful ; of Liquorish rasped half an ounce , of White-starch , Gum-arabick , Tragacanth , and Bole-armenick , each one dram ; of the Seeds of Lettice , Purslain , each one dram ; of the seeds of red Roses one pugil ; make a Decoction in Rain-water to one Pint and an half ; in the strained Liquor dissolve four ounces of Sugar , and two ounces of Penids ; make a Julep , whereof let him take eight ounces in a Morning for ten or twelve Days .

The following Pills are also very good .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows , and of Comfry dried , of Gum-arabick , and of the Gum of the Cherry-tree , and Prune , each one dram ; of Olybanum and Mirrh , each four scruples ; of the Seeds of white Poppies , and of Alkakengi , each one dram and an half ; of Camphor two scruples ; powder them finely , or with a third part of the Weight of all of Ceruss , of Antimony , and with a suffici-quantity of Venice Turpentine , make a Mass for Pills , whereof let him take a dram Morning and Evening .

If the Turpentine should cause Pain , the Juice of Liquorish may be used instead of it ; but new Cows-milk is the best of all , a quarter of a pint of it being taken with half a dram of Bole-armenick every Morning .

In inveterate Ulcers a Decoction of round Birth-wort in White-wine sweetned with Sugar is very beneficial .

The following Oyntment may be used outwardly to consolidate the Ulcer .

Take of the Juice of Plantane , and Night-shade , each four ounces ; of Oyl of Roses Omphacine three ounces , of Vinegar one ounce , of Letharge finely powdered one ounce and an half , of Ceruss washed half an ounce , of Tutty finely powdered two drams ; of Dragons-blood one dram ; reduce them all to the Form of an Oyntment .

Injections are peculiarly proper for an Ulcer of the Bladder , they must be used twice a Day : First , Such as cleanse made of Hydromel , of Whey , or a Decoction of Barley , with a littie Honey of Roses ; but afterwards astringent and consolidating Injections must be used , wherein the Roots of Comfry , Mirrh , Allum , Sarcocoll , and Tragacanth have been boiled ; Dr. Gordon's Troches dissolved in Milk are of excellent use .

Fabritius Hildanus cured a great Ulcer of the Bladder with the following Injection , and with some other Remedies . See his 69 Observation , Cent. 3.

Take of the Roots of Comfry one ounce , of whole Barley one handful , of the Leaves of Agrimony , Speedwell , Scordium , Ladies-mantle , Sanicle , each half a handful ; boil them to a Pint ; in the strained Liquor dissolve of Honey of Roses two drams ; mingle them , make an Injection .

It is to be noted , that these Injections are not to be squirted in with a Syringe , because they do not penetrate into the Cavity of the Bladder , the Sphincter Muscle hindering ; but a Catheter being put into the Bladder , you must syringe through it , and so the Injection will reach the Part affected .

But because these Ulcers are commonly painful , all the course of the Cure you must endeavour to mitigate the Pain with Anodynes taken inwardly , and used outwardly , Syrup of Poppies , London Laudanum , and the Troches of Alkakengi , which are peculiarly proper in this case , must be used inwardly : Also Emulsions of the cold Seeds , of the Seeds of white Poppies , adding if there be occasion , Syrup of Poppies . And lastly , The Conserve of the Flowers of Marsh-mallows must be frequently given .

And the following Fomentation may be used to the Region of the Reins ,

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows , of the Leaves of Mallows , Pellitory , and Violets , each one handful ; of the seeds of Flax , Fenugreek , and Alkakengi , each three drams ; of the Flowers of Camomil , Melilot , and Water-lillies , each one Pugil ; make a Decoction , wherewith foment the Part with Flannels .

After the Fomentation use the following Liniment .

Take of Oyl of Violets , and of sweet Almonds , each one ounce and an half ; of Oyl of Roses one ounce , of the Mucilages of the Seeds of Marshmallows and Fenugreek , each two ounces ; of Suffron one scruple ; make a Liniment .

But to ease the Pain , new Milk from the Cow , with Dr. Gordon's Troches dissolved in it injected , is the best Anodyne , for it eases the pain and cures the Ulcer .

CHAP. XCI . Of a Diabetes .

THis Disease was so rare amongst the Ancients , that many famous Physicians made no mention of it ; but in our Age , wherein excessive Drinking has been , especially of Wine , so much used , there are many Instances of it .

As to the Cure , The chief intentions of Healing , are to prevent fusion of the Blood , and to take off that which is so . First , The Fusion of the Blood is hindred , when its gross and watry Parts contain one another , and are contained , so that they do not too hastily separate , which may be effected by thickning Remedies ; and for this Purpose Rice , Starch , and Mucilaginous Vegetables , also Gums , and some resinous things are of use . Secondly , That the Fusion of the Blood may be taken off , such Remedies are indicated as dissolve the Concretions of the Salts . I have prescribed in this Disease , the Tincture of Antimony with good success , and Lime-water , with the Seeds of Annise , Raisins , and Liquorish , is much commended by some .

A Noble-man fell into a desperate Diabetes , for besides that , he voided a Gallon and an half of clear Urine , that was almost as sweet as Honey , in the space of a Night and a Day ; he was also afflicted with great Thirst , a Hectick Feaver , great Weakness , and with a wasting of the whole Body ; he was cured in a short time by the following Medicines .

Take of the Tops of Cypress eight handfuls , of the Whites of Eggs a quart , of Cinnamon half an ounce ; having cut them small , pour upon them four Quarts of new Milk , and distill them in a cold Still . Have a care of an Empyrema . He took six ounces of it thrice a day .

Take of Gum-Arabick , and Tragacanth , each six drams ; of Penediate Sugar one ounce , make a Powder ; give one dram , or one dram and an half , twice a day , with three or four ounces of the distilled Water .

Take of Rubarb powdered fifteen grains , of Cinnamon six grains , make a Powder ; let him take it in the Morning and repeat it six or seven days after .

Take of Cowslip-water three ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated two drams , with half an ounce of Diacodium ; make a draught to be taken at Bed-time every Night .

His Diet was altogether in a manner of Milk , which he eat sometimes crude , sometimes boiled , with Bread or Barley ; sometimes it was diluted with a distilled water , or with Barley-water .

When he had been well a long time , he fell into the same Disease again , and the same Method and Medicines were ordered again , whereby he grew better in a few Days ; afterwards he took five or six ounces of Lime-water daily thrice in a Day ; and having used it four days , he voided Urine in a moderate quantity well coloured and somewhat salt . I cured another of a deplorable Diabetes by the same Method , especially with Lime-water .

CHAP. XCII . Of Incontinence of Vrine .

INcontinence of Urine proceeds from a fault of the retentive Faculty of the Bladder ; it befalls either People waking , and then the cause is great , or sleeping , and then it is less , for at that time the Animal Functions are not so freely exercised ; and this happens two Ways , viz. Either by the Weakness , or Laxity of the Sphincter Muscle of the Bladder ; which sucking Children are subject to , old People , and some in their middle Age , and others by false Imagination ; for many there are , who by reason of excessive Drinking , or by reason of the exquisite sense of the Bladder , or sharp Urine , piss in Bed , in some sort willingly ; for they imagine in their Sleep , that they are making Water against the Wall or some other Place ; and they are so accustomed to this Vice , that they do it where there is no Fault either in Bladder or Muscle of it , and they are not cured by Medicines , but by rectifying their Imagination , as in Children by the Rod , and in grown People by placing some precious things upon the Places where they think they make water in their Dreams ; and by shewing such things to them often .

But a preternatural Disorder occasioning an Incontinence of Urine , is seated in the Sphincter Muscle , which is either affected Sympathically , or Idiopathically , it is affected by Sympathy many Ways , as when the whole Body is weak , and the Natural Heat decayed , as when Death approaches , or when the whole Body , or half of it , is seised with the Palsie , or those Branches of the Nerves only , which arising from the Os sacrum , are communicated to the Bladder . This Resolution of the Muscles , is occasioned sometimes by reason of the Nearness to other Parts affected ; as in Women with Child , in swellings and Pains of the Womb , and great Diseases of the right Gut .

But the Sphincter Muscle is also affected various ways , Idiopathically , as by Wounds upon it , as it happens in cutting for the Stone , or by reason of deep Wounds that hinder the Contraction and Shutting of it ; but the chief and most frequent cause , is a cold and moist Intemperies , whereby that part is weakned and relaxed . This Intemperies is much furthered by a natural cold and moist Constitution , by Childhood , Age ; the Feminine Sex , by Diseases of the whole Body , or of some Parts arising from a cold and moist Intemperies , to which may be added , external causes proper to produce such an Intemperies .

The Diagnostick Signs of this Disease , either shew a Sympathick Disease , which are to be taken from the Effects proper to produce an Incontinence of Urine mentioned above ; and if they are present , we must suppose the Disease proceeds thence ; but if they are absent we must count it Idiopathick ; and if it be occasioned by a Wound , Ulcer , or any other Disorder of the Sphincter , it is easily known , but if none of these appear , we must consider whither there be a cold and moist Intemperies of the part , which may be known by the Constitution of the Internal and external Causes , and by the Effects of them ; as softness of the whole Body , a pale Colour , a Laxity of the Genus Nervosum , and of the genital parts by Childhood , Age , and a Flegmatick Cachexy , and the like .

As to the Prognostick . This Disease is incurable in old Age , in a Feaver it is dangerous ; but it may be cured in Children by increase of Years , for in time the superfluous Moisture may be consumed , and the lax parts rendered firm and strong .

The Cure of Involuntary Urine must be directed to the correcting of the cold and moist Intemperies , and to the Laxity of the Sphincter Muscle , for that which is occasioned by Sympathy from other Parts primarily affected , must be referred to the Cure of those Diseases ; and that which proceeds from a Wound , Ulcer , and other manifest Diseases , depends on the Cure of them ; wherefore the following Method of Cure must be observed , both for Children and grown People ; but in Children the most gentle Medicines must be used , and they must be dosed accoding to their Age.

First , Bleeding is not of use in this case , unless there be a Plethora of the whole Body in Youth , but Purges are always necessary in this case ; they must be made of Phlegmagogue Medicines , and astringent things may be mixed with them , especially such as purge too , as Rubarb , Mirobalanes , and the like . Afterwards Electuaries , medicated Wines , and the like , must be used to dry up the phlegmatick Matter , and to constringe the relaxed part .

Take of the Nuts of Cypress , and of Mirtles torrified , of the Raspings of Ivory , Coriander seeds prepared , red Coral , Ambar , each two drams ; of Spodium one dram , of the Roots of Cyperus , and Galingal , each half a dram ; with candied Citrons ; make an Electuary , whereof let him take the quantity of a Chesnut Morning and Evening , drinking upon it a little red Wine .

Take of the Roots of Comfry half an ounce , of the Roots of Cyperus , and Galingal , each one dram ; of the Leaves of Plantane , Horse-tail , five leaved Grass with the Roots each one handful ; of Cypress Nuts ▪ and of the Cups of Acorns , each four Scruples ; of the seeds of Rue , and of the chast Tree , of Frankincense , and of the Raspings of Ivory , each half a scruple ; of red Roses one Pugil , of red Wine two quarts ; infuse them twenty four Hours , then strain them , and add to it half an ounce of Cinnamon , and with a sufficient quantity of Sugar make a Claret , whereof let him take three or four ounces twice a day .

Many Specificks are proposed by Authors for the Cure of this Disease , as the Brains and Testicles of a Hare burnt , also a Cockle in its Shell burnt , and drank ; the Dung of a Hare , the Ashes of a Mouse burnt the Hoof of a Boar torrified , the Ashes of Date-stones , the Powder of Egg-shells , but above all the Powder of Agrimony , and the inward Coats of the Stomach of a Hen dried , which may be given a part , or together , in red Wine .

Solinander , says , he saw excellent Success by the use of a Cocks Throat torrified , the Powder was taken before Supper in a little red Wine , it was repeated for some Days .

In grown People Sudorifick Decoctions made of Guajacum and Sassafrass , and used for twenty Days , are proper to dry the Body . So are also Bath-waters , applied with Flannels .

The Sick must drink red rough Wine by it self , or diluted with Chalybeat waters , and he must drink but little at Supper , he must make Water just as he is going into Bed , in the middle of the Night , and early in the Morning .

And outwardly Topicks must be applied to the Pubis and Perinaeum , such as heat , strengthen and dry .

Take of the Roots of Elecampane , sweet-smelling Flag , of Acorus and Cyperus , each half an ounce ; of the Leaves of Mint , Sage , Wild-marjoram , Calaminth , and Wormwood , each half an handful ; of the Nuts of Cypress , Mirtles , Galls and Balaustines , each one dram ; of red Roses one Pugil ; boil them in equal parts of Smiths Water and red Wine , to one quart ; in the strained Liquor dissolve of Salt and Allum , each one ounce ; foment the Region of the Pubis and Perineum , Morning and Evening hot .

Of the same Decoction , the quantity of it being increased , a bath may be made to be used for many days .

After the Fomentation or Bath , the Parts may be anointed with a Liniment made of Oyl of Foxes , rue , Orrise , Unguentum , Martiatum , Aregon , and with the Powder of Mastich , Cyperus , and Mirtles , or the following Plaister may be applied .

Take of Labdanum , and Mastich , each two drams ; of the Wood of Alces , and of Storax calamite , of Cinnamon , and of Turpentine , each one dram ; of Mirtles , and of the Roots of Cyperus , each half a dram ; of the Juice of Mint and Hors●-tail extracted with red Wine , a sufficient quantity ; make a Plaister .

CHAP. XCIII . Of a total Suppression of Urine , and of the Strangury .

A Total Suppression of Urine is called by Authors Ischuria , but when the voiding of Urine is lessened they term it a Strangury .

An Ischuria or total Suppression of Urine is twofold , viz. true when the Bladder is full , and false when the Bladder is empty , and nothing comes from the Reins to it .

The true Ischury depends on three Causes , the first whereof is Sense abolished in the Bladder by reason of a Palsie or Obstruction of its Nerve , or because the Spirits are diverted another Way , as in a Delirium or the like .

The second cause is a cold Intemperies of the Bladder .

The third Cause is a narrowness of the Neck of the Bladder , and of this three Causes are assigned , for the Muscle incompassing the Neck of the Bladder is so swelled that the Passage is stopt , or a Caruncle grows in the Neck of the Bladder , or a Callus is generated there , the Passage is also obstructed by a Stone , by a thick Humour , a Clot of Blood , or by Matter . The Passage is also stopt by a Swelling of the neighbouring parts , as by a large Child in the Womb , by the Excrements hardened in the right Gut , and by the Piles much swelled .

This Suppression also happens sometimes by too great a quantity of Water retained too long , that so much distend , the whole Body of the Bladder , that it cannot be contracted to expel it ; first , when any Person that is well retains his Urine for want of a Convenient Place to void it in , or when the Nerves of the Bladder are affected , so that the Bladder cannot be sensible of the Weight and Fulness .

A false ischury is occasioned by reason either the Serum is not put off upon the Reins , or not conveighed through the Ureters , they being stopt by a Stone or the like .

A true Ischury is known by a Weight and Tension of the Hypogaster , and by a Swelling resembling the Bladder .

The causes of it are known by things that go before , and accompany it ; for if it proceed from a large quantity of Urine , which hinders a Contraction of the Bladder , it is perceived by the Relation of the Sick , he having omitted to make Water , by reason of long travelling , or by being in the presence of great Persons ; and if he never had it before in those parts ; but if he be delirious or paralitick , the Suppression of Urine may be imputed to either of these Diseases .

The Compression that is made by Tumours , of those or of the neighbouring parts , or by other Causes above mentioned may be known by the proper Signs of those Diseases . The Obstructions of the Channel of the Bladder may be known by probing it with a Wax Candle , or a Catheter ; and if they do not penetrate , but stop in the Passage , it is a Sign that a Stone or a Caruncle , or some other Matter obstructs ; and these things that obstruct may be distinguished , viz. If a Stone stop the Channel , Nephritick Pains went before , if it fell from the Reins , and if it was bred in the Bladder , or lay a long while there , the Signs of the Stone in the Bladder preceded , at least some of the gentlest of them ; if a Caruncle stop the Passage , a virulent Gonorrhea preceded , or an Ulcer in the Passage of the Yard , that emitted purulent Matter for a long time . Lastly , If clotted Blood , or concreted Matter , or thick Pus , occasioned the Obstruction , small parts of them have been evacuated through the Yard , or have stuck to the Catheter , when it has been used .

A false Ischury may be known , for that there is no Tension nor no Tumour nor Weight in the Region of the Pubis , but rather a Vacuity is perceived there ; there is no desire of making Water , nor no Irritation of the Bladder ; and when the Catheter is used it passes in easily ; but Signs of the Stone in the Kidneys went before , or of an Inflammation of the Ureters , or of great Fullness , or large Drinking went before , but little Urine followed ; upon which account the Veins were too much filled . Or Lastly , there is a burning Feaver or a Dropsie , whereby the Serous Matter is diverted .

As to the Prognostick , A Suppression of Urine is very dangerous , if it exceed the Seventh Day it certainly kills , for the Serum regurgitates upon the whole Body , and the Patient is in danger of a Suffocation , or a Coma.

Suppression of Urine , occasioned by a Wound in the Spine , or by reason of a Luxation of a Vertebra is incurable .

If the Smell of Urine can be perceived from the Mouth , or Nostrils of the Sick , it is deadly .

If a Tenesmus come upon a Suppression of Urine , the Sick dies in seven Days . The Hickops also indicate sudden Death .

The Cure of a Suppression of Urine , whether it be total or partial , is to be directed to the taking off the Causes : And First , The false Ischury , that depends on the Diseases of the Reins or Ureters , must be cured in the same manner as an Inflammation , a nephritick Pain , or the Stone in the Kidneys : But that which proceeds from a Fulness of the Emulgent Veins must be cured by large Bleeding , and by Hydragogue Medicines .

A true Ischury must be also cured by Remedies that take off the cause producing it . And First , If it proceed from an Inflammation of the Bladder , or neighbouring Parts , it must be cured as an Inflammation of the Bladder is ; but if the Suppression is caused by a Stone thrust into the Neck of the Bladder , it must be removed by the following Remedies . First , The Sick must be laid upon his Back , and his Legs must be elevated , and he must be shook much , and a long while , that the Stone may fall back into the Bladder ; and if by this means it cannot be moved , it must be forced back with a Catheter ; but if the Stone has passed into the Passage of the Yard , we must endeavour by all Ways to exclude it , by moving gently with the Fingers towards the end of the Yard , and also by dipping the Yard into warm Milk , or by placing the Sick in a Bath , to enlarge the Passage : But if it will neither go backwards nor forwards , Practitioners teach that it must be cut out , the upper and lower part being tied .

But an Obstruction of the Neck of the Bladder , which proceeds from an Inflammation , must be cured by proper Remedies for an Inflammation . But in the mean time , if the Urine be retained too long , it may be gently let out by a Wax-candle dipt in Oyl of sweet Almonds : But you must forbear the Use of a Catheter , least Pain being occasioned , you should increase the Inflammation thereby .

But the Suppression of Urine , which proceeds from a Caruncle , must be cured by the Extirpation of the Caruncle .

This must be done by proper Remedies thrust in by a skillful Chirurgion upon a Wax-candle . But Necessity urging , for sometimes the Caruncle swells , and obstructs the whole Channel , we must use the Catheter to evacuate the Water , though there is danger that the Part will swell more . But you must first endeavour to lessen the Inflation of the Caruncle by Bleeding and Vomiting , and by repelling Medicines applied to the Pubes and Perinaeum .

If the Suppression of Urine be occasioned by thick Flegm , Purging is first convenient , with Diaphaenicon and Rubarb made up in a Bolus , and afterwards Turpentine must be given frequently with Powder of Liquorish ; afterwards a Decoction of the opening Roots may be given , with Oxymel and Byzantine Syrup .

In the mean while Glisters , Fomentations , and emollien and opening Baths must be used ; and all those things are proper that are proposed to dissolve or expell the Stone . And amongst the rest the following are found by Experience peculiarly proper .

Take of Benedictum Laxativum half an ounce , of the Troches of Mirrh two scruples , of a Decoction of Savin three ounces ; mingle them , make a Potion , whereby a Suppression of Urine was cured in a short time in a certain Woman .

If there seem to be abundance of Flegm in the whole Body , a universal Purge by an Apozem prepared for three or four Days must be ordered , which is proper at the beginning , Bleeding being first used . A Julep also of the Juice of Pellitory , of Sea-fennel , and of Lemmons , with Oyl of sweet Almonds , is also very beneficial .

Dodoneus mentions an Observation of one of eighty Years of Age , that was perfectly cured of a Suppression of Urine , by only using once a Lee made of the Ashes of Egg-shells , mixed with Rhenish-wine .

Arnoldus Villa Novanus commends Winter-cherry-wine , and he mentions a Cardinal , who had not made Urine for four Days , and was much swelled , was cured by drinking Winter-cherry-wine ; the Wine was made by beating five or seven or more winter-cherries with good White-wine ; afterwards it must be strained . Millepedes also beat and given in White-wine are very Effectual to provoke Urine ; Oyl of Scorpions of Mathiolus also forces Urine powerfully , five or six drops of it being given with Broth or some other Liquor . The frequent use of Sal-prunella does also the same , especially when there is danger of an Inflammation , which is often occasioned in the inner Coat by the Urine too long retained ; Spirit of Salt also does the same , but is more effectual ; the Juice of Pellitory clarified , and four ounces of it given with half an ounce of Sugar is very good ; Sal-prunella , or the Spirit of Salt may be mixed with it .

If Suppression of Urine occasioned by a phlegmatick Matter often recur , nothing is better than the Bath-waters , which easily dissolve and cleanse away the Mucilaginous Matter .

A certain Nobleman , that was afflicted with a Suppression of Urine for many Days , after other Medicines used to no Purpose , was freed by injecting the following Glyster , which he retained two Hours .

Take of the Roots of Smallage and Parsly , Knee holm , Asparagous Mallows , each two drams ; of Pellitory two handfuls , of the Seeds of Annise , Fennel , Daucus , Bishop-weed , bastard Saffron , Rue , Cummi● , and Juniper-berries , each half an ounce ; of the Flowers of Camomil , Mellilot , Dill , and Stoechas , each two Pugils ; boil them in Whitewine till half is consumed ; in one Pint of the strained Liquor dissolve four ounces of fresh Butter , of Honey of Roses two ounces , of red Sugar one ounce , of Benedictum Laxativum half an ounce , of the Yolk of one Egg , of Oyls of Nuts , Dill , or Linseeds , one ounce ; make a Glister .

In the whole Course of the Cure Fomentations , Liniments , Cataplasms , Baths , and the like , must be used ; among other things a Cataplasm of Pellitory fried with Butter , or rather with Oyl of Scorpions is good ; also a Bladder half full of Oyl wherein Cantharides have been boyled . A Cataplasm made of Onyons fried in Lard and with some Oyl , is commonly applied to the Region of the Pubis and Loins .

When an Ischury proceeds from clotted Blood , Troches of Ambar , Mumny , simple Oxymel , Oxymel of Squills , Syrup of Sorrel , and the like , must be used ; and Cow-dung outwardly applied does Wonders .

Lastly , when the Suppressions proceeds from Pus , things that cleanse and incide must be used , such chiefly as were proposed for an Ulcer of the Reins and Bladder .

CHAP. XCIV . Of a Dysury , or Heat of Vrine .

THe next and immediate Cause of rendring Urine with Pain , is a Solution of the Continuum in the Sphincter Muscle , or Channel of the Bladder , and therefore whatsoever causes Solution of the Continuum in those Parts , occasions also a Dysury or Heat of Urine .

Among these Causes , the chief and most frequent is an Acrimony of the Urine , sometimes simple without the Mixture of other Humours , which a hot Intemperies of the Bowels , or of the whole Body , or the use of acrid and hot Meats , occasions it . But it is most commonly from a Mixture of acrid Humours , sometimes Matter flowing from the Reins or Bladder ulcerated , occasion such an Acrimony in the Urine , and sometimes a white and Milky Matter that is emitted plentifully with the Urine , occasions the Heat of it ; also a Stone in the Bladder , or Gravel produces the same . Lastly , An Inflammation , as in a Gonorrhea , as long as the Prostratae are Inflamed , the Heat of Urine continues .

The Signs of the Causes may be thus distinguished , If it proceeds from an Acrimony , the Urine is thin and high coloured , or there will be a Mixture of Purulent Matter , and an Intemperies of the Bowels went before , or hot and acrid Aliments , the Heat of the Air or the like heating causes preceded . Lastly , Stones and Inflammations of these parts , may be known by their proper Signs .

As to the Prognostick , This Disease is not of it self dangerous , but is very troublesome to the Patient , and is sometimes difficultly cured , especially in old Men , who , if they are decrepid , have it as long as they live ; and if it continue long in any Age , it ulcerates the Neck of the Bladder .

The Cure is first to be directed to the taking off the Cause ; and therefore if it arise from the Stone , an Inflammation , or from an Ulcer of the Bladder , or the Neck of it , the Cure must be taken from the Chapters of these Diseases ; but those things which are mentioned below , may much abate the Symptom .

But that which proceeds from an Acrimony of Urine , and from hot Humours mixed with it , must be cured with the following Remedies .

And first , To qualifie the Intemperies of the Parts , frequent Bleeding is necessary , and it must be often repeated , if there be a great quantity of Blood , or danger of an Inflammation : Purges are also convenient in this Disease , but they must be lenitive and cooling , for otherwise they mightily exasperate the Heat of Urine , wherefore some do not dare to give any thing besides a simple Bolus of Cassia ; and this is certainly to be preferred before all other things . Yet it may be made more cooling if Tamarinds are added to it , or a Decoction of Lettice , Purslain , and the Tops of Mallows with Cassia , may be taken for many Days , that the acrid Humours flowing to the Urinary parts , may be by degrees turned upon the Bowels , but yet if a large quantity of ill Humours requires more Purging , we may use the following Potion .

Take of the Leaves of Lettice , Purslain , Plantane , and the Tops of Mallows , each half an ounce ; of Tamarinds , half a dram , of yellow Mirobalans one dram ; boil them to six ounces ; in the strained Liquor dissolve one ounce of Cassia fresh drawn ; strain them again , and afterwards add the Infusion of one dram and an half of Rubarb in Lettice water , with yellow Sanders , of Manna , and of Syrup of Roses , each one ounce ; make a Potion .

Vomiting also , with gentle Remedies , is excellent , for it makes Revulsion from the Part affected , and does not occasion those Disorders that Purging does ; and therefore such as can bear Vomiting well , may take a gentle Vomit once or twice a Week . Glisters also frequently injected do good .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce , of the Leaves of Mallows , Violets , and Lettice , each one handful ; of the flowers of Water-lillies , and of Barley cleansed , each one Pugil ; boil them to a Pint , in the strained Liquor dissolve an ounce of Cassia newly extracted , one whole Egg , and two ounces of Oyl of Violets ; make a Glister .

The Mucilages of the Seeds of Marsh mallows , Quinces , Fenugreek , may be mixed with Glisters to ease the Pain .

But to qualifie the Heat , and to ease the Pain , Glisters of Milk by it self or mixed with the foregoing things are usually so effectual , that I have known some eased of long Pains with this Remedy only , and by the Bath which shall be mentioned by and by .

But many things may be given inwardly to asswage the Pain , and to correct the Intemperies of the Parts affected .

Take of the Waters of Purslain , Lettice , and Water-lillies , each one ounce ; of the Syrup of Violets , and of Water-lillies , each six drams ; Sal-prunella one dram ; mingle them , make a Julep to be repeated often .

Emulsions may be also used , though they are diuretick , because they cool and gently cleanse the Urinary Passages .

Take of the four greater cold Seeds , and of White Poppies , each three drams ; of Sweet Almonds blanched , and infused in cold water , half an ounce ; bruise them in a Marble Mortar , and pour upon them gently a pint and an half of the Decoction of Barly , of Liquorish , and the Tops of Mallows ; make an Emulsion for three Doses , adding to each one ounce of Syrup of Violets , and a dram of Sal-prunella ; if the Pain be very violent , some Syrup of Poppies may be added to it , and a dram of Gum Arabick powdered .

Broths may be also prepared in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of Marshmallows half an ounce , of Mallows one handful , of Liquorish half an ounce , of the Seeds of Quinces one dram ; boil them with Chicken Broth , and let it be taken for several Days together .

The Whey of Goats Milk is also very good , a large draught of it being taken at a time ; and if there be no Feaver , milk it self is more effectual , especially Asses Milk .

If the Disease is inveterate , Epsom and Tunbridge-waters are very proper .

Forestus cured himself of a violent Dysury , by only using a Decoction of Mallows sweetned with Syrup of Violets ; a Conserve of Mallows has also done much good , an ounce of it having been taken Morning and Evening , and three ounces of Mallow-Water being drank presently after ; the Conserve of the Flowers of Marshmallows is as good or rather better ; some Practitioners commend the Troches of Alkakengi ; a dram of them being taken at a Time in some proper Liquor .

When the Pain is very violent , the dipping the Yard in Milk , whilst the Urine is rendring , or in a Decoction of Mallows , and the Seeds of white Poppies , does much good in this case .

A small decoction of Mallows sweetned with Syrup of Violets , or with Conserve of Roses , is very proper for the ordinary Drink .

And to ease the Pain , Injections may be made for the Passage of the Bladder of Milk , an Emulsion of the cold Seeds of Plantane and Whey , whereunto may be added the White of an Egg well beaten , and a Scruple of the Troches of Alkakengi . External Remedies do also much good to qualifie the Heat of Urine , as Baths and Fomentations applied to the Pubis and Perinaeum , made of a Decoction of cooling Herbs ; also Liniments made of Oyls of Roses , of white-lillies , and of Oyntment of Roses , and of the white Oyntment with Camphor .

CHAP. XCV . Of a Chlorosis , or the Green-Sickness .

THe Green-Sickness is a vitious Habit of the Body proceeding from Obstructions , it is accompanied most commonly with a Palpitation of the Heart , Difficulty of Breathing , and a longing for absurd things , and with an Unfitness for Motion , and other Symptoms .

The Diagnostick manifestly appears by the following Series of Symptoms . First , The Face and whole Body is pale , and sometimes of a leaden , livid , and green Colour . Secondly , An Inflation , and as it were a Swelling , appears upon the Eye-lids ; the Legs also swell , especially about the Ankles . Thirdly , There is a Dulness and Unwillingness for Motion . Fourthly , There is a Difficulty of Breathing , especially when they move much , or go up Stairs . Fifthly , There is a Palpitation of the Heart upon Motion . Sixthly , There is a heavy , and often a lasting pain of the Head . Seventhly , The Pulse is quick . Eighthly , The Sick are drowsie , and incline to Sleep . Ninthly , There is a great Aversion for wholesome Food . Lastly , The Disease increasing , and the Obstructions being multiplied , a Suppression of the Courses at length follows which shews the Disease is confirmed .

As to the Prognostick , This Disease most commonly is no● dangerous , but if it be neglected too much , it occasions great Diseases , as a Scirrhus , Tumours , a Dropsie , and other grietvous Diseases , which at length kill the Patient .

When the Disease is small , and chiefly arises from Obstructions of the Veins of the Womb , it is easily cured by Marriage in Young Virgins .

Women that have had this Disease a long while , are either barren , or bring forth Children that are Sickly and short liv'd .

There is great Hopes of Cure , when the Courses keep their exact Periods , and flow in a due Quantity and Quality .

The Cure of this Disease is performed by opening Obstructions , by purging off the vitious Humours , by Correcting the Intemperies of the Bowels , and by Strengthning them .

First therefore , A gentle Purging Medicine must be given that is agreeable to the Constitution , that the first Region may be only emptied ; and if the Belly be bound , a Glister must be given first of all .

Afterwards Bleeding must be ordered , unless the Disease is very inveterate , and the Maid be inclined to a Cachexy .

But a Vein in the Arm must be opened , though the Courses are stopped , for at that Time if you should bleed in the Foot , the Obstructions of the Veins and of the Womb would be increased : That quantity of Blood being taken away that is necessary , proper Purges must be used , viz.

Take of the Pill Coch Major two Scruples , of Castor powdered two grains , of Peruvian Balsam four Drops ; make four Pills , let her take them at five in the Morning , and let her sleep after them .

Let these Pills be repeated twice or thrice every Morning , or every other Morning , according to the Strength of the Sick and their Operation .

After the purging Pills let her take the following .

Take of the Filings of Steel grains eight , with a sufficient quantity of Extract of Wormwood ; make two Pills to be taken in the Morning , and they must be repeated at five in the Afternoon . She must continue this Course for thirty Days , drinking presently after the Pills a Draught of Wormwood Wine .

If a Bolus be more pleasing .

Take of the Conserve of Roman-Wormwood and of the Conserve of the yellow Peel of Oranges , each one ounce ; of candied Angelica , and Nutmegs candied , and of Venice Treacle , each half an ounce ; of Ginger candied two drams , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Oranges , Make an Electuary .

Take of this Electuary one dram and an half , of the Filings of Steel well powdered eight grains , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Oranges , make a Bolus to be taken in the Morning , and at five in the afternoon , drinking upon it a draught of Wormwood-wine .

Take of choice Mirrh , and of Galbanum , each one dram and an half ; of Castor sixteen grains , with a sufficient quantity of Peruvian Balsam ; make twelve Pills of each dram . Let her take three every Night at Bed time , drinking upon them three or four Spoonfuls of compound Briony water through the whole Course : But if these Pills should purge , then the following must be used instead of them .

Take of Castor one dram , of Volatile Salt of Ambar half a dram , with a sufficient quantity of Extract of Rue ; make five and twenty small Pills . Let her take three every Night at Bed-time .

CAHP. XCVI . Of the Suppression of the Courses .

THere is said to be a Suppression of the Courses , when in Women of a mature Age , that neither give suck , nor are with Child , the Evacuation of Blood by the Womb , which naturally is wont to be monthly , seldom or sparingly proceeds or is wholly stopt .

The Cause of this Suppression , is to be referred either to the Womb or to the Vessels of it , or to the Blood which flows or ought to flow through them .

Various Diseases of the Womb may occasion this Suppression , namely a cold moist Intemperies , or a hot and dry Intemperies ; also organical Diseases of the Part , as an Inflammation , or Scirrhus , or the like . The Vessels of the Womb also often occasion Obstructions , which is the most frequent cause of the Suppression of the Courses , they being stopt by cold and thick Humours , or compressed by Swellings of the neighbouring Parts .

The Blood is peccant , when it is thick and Clammy , or when it is evacuated by other ways , as by the Nostrils , Vomiting , Spitting , Hemorrhoides , and many other Parts . I saw , sayes Riverius , a Girl that had a Pustle in the Head which opened Monthly , and evacuated a large quantity of Blood ; and I have seen many , says he , that by casting up Blood Periodically from the Lungs , had the Courses that Way .

The external Causes occasioning this Suppression , are cold and dry Air , and a Northerly Season going into Cold Water , especially when the Courses flow , too little or too much Nourishment taken , also gross and cold Meats , or such as are astringent and such as are too hot , or such as are salted and spiced too much , violent exercise , immoderate Watchings , much sleep , immoderate Ease , Bleeding at the Nose , or Piles , a Loosness , and other Evacuations by Vomit , Urine , and Sweat : And lastly , violent Passions , as extream Anger , a sudden Fright , long Sorrow , great Jealousie , and the like .

The Diagnostick of the Suppression must be received from the Sick ; but because it proceeds both from natural and preternatural causes , the Signs of both shall be distinctly proposed , least Physicians should be deceived by Women being with Child , by illegitimate Coition , and so prescribe Medicines to provoke the Courses rashly to Women with Child .

First therefore , Women with Child most commonly retain their natural Colour , and others do not .

Secondly , the Symptoms which use to happen to Women with Child , at the beginning abate daily ; but on the contrary , in a Suppression of the Courses , the longer they are stopt , so much the more the Symptoms are increased .

Thirdly , In Women with Child , after the third Month , the Motion and Situation of the Child may be sensibly perceived , by laying the hand on the Belly ; but in others the Swelling is Oedematous , and not at all hard ; nor is it always contained within the Limits of the Womb.

Fourthly , If the inward Mouth of the Womb be touched by a Skilful Midwife , she will find it not exactly closed , as it is in Women with Child , but rather hard , contracted , and somewhat painful .

Fifthly , Women with Child are most commonly chearful ; but on the contrary in a Suppression they are most commonly sorrowful and sad .

The Faults of the Womb which occasion a Suppression , may be seen by Inspection , and be felt by touching the Parts .

The Obstruction and Narrowness of the Vessels of the Womb , may be known by the Disorder that is felt in the Loyns , and in the Parts near the Womb , especially just before the Coming of the Courses ; and if any thing flows out it is mucous , whitish or blackish . The Diseases of the neighbouring Parts , which stop the Mouth of the Womb , or the Veins , may be known by their proper Signs .

An abundance of Blood may be known by the Veins being much swelled in the Legs and Arms , if the Woman be fleshy , and of a ruddy Countenance , and has indulged her self for a long while in high Eating . But a Defect of Blood may be guessed at , if the Woman be fat , if she has had a long Feaver , and has fasted a long while ▪ or has loathed he● Meat . An ●ll quality of the Blood may be known by an ill Habit of Body ; the preposterous Motion of the Blood , viz. When it flows by contrary Passages , is manifest of it self .

As to the Prognostick , a Suppression of the Courses is very dangerous , and many desperate Diseases rise from it ; some in the Womb , as Tumours Abscesses , and Ulcers ; others in the whole Body , and in various Parts , as Feavers , Obstructions , Cachexies , Loathing of Meat , a Dropsie , a Cardialgia , a Cough , Difficulty of Breathing , Fainting , Melancholly , Madness , Pains of the Head , Gout , and many others ; if the Suppression continue long the Belly grows hard , great quantity of Urine is voided , there is a Loathing of Meat , and long Watching , the Legs , Feet , and Belly swell , and they die of a Dropsie .

The Cure of this Disease must be varied according to the Variety of the Causes . And first , If it proceed from too great a quantity of Blood , Bleeding must be ordered in the Arm , and a large quantity of Blood must be taken away , afterwards it must be drawn downwards by opening the lower Veins , about the time the Woman used to have her Courses before she was ill .

Frictions , Ligatures , Cupping-glasses , with and without Scarification , may be used .

If by reason of want of Blood the Courses stop , as after long Feavers , after great Evacuations , and when the Body is much wasted , you must not endeavour to provoke the Courses , till the Body is replenished , and till a sufficient quantity of Blood is bred ; which being done , they generally follow of their own accord . But if it happen that Nature forget her Office , she must be roused up by opening the lower Veins , and by Medicines proposed in the foregoing Chapter ; but the quantity of Blood taken away must be moderate , least the Strength should be dejected , and the Sick should fall into a Consumption . But here it must be carefully noted , That every Wasting of the Body does not indicate a Want of Blood ; but only that which succeeds great Evacuations , and the like ; for sometimes it happens , that the Courses being suppressed , and retained in the Veins , occasion an ill quality , whereby the Blood is rendred unfit to nourish the Parts ; upon which account the Body wasts though the Veins are full of Blood , in which Case large Bleeding is required .

As to the Suppression of the Courses , which happens by a preposterous Motion of the Blood , when it is evacuated by Bleeding at the Nose , by Vomiting , Spitting , or the Hemorrhoides , and other Parts .

The Cure of it is performed by repelling the Blood from the Parts through which it flows preternaturally , and by drawing it back to the Passage of the Womb. The first is performed , when the Blood rushes out of the upper Parts , by washing the Arms , Head , and Face with cold water , and by forbearing the Exercise of those Parts , especially Singing , and speaking aloud . The second is performed by opening the inferior Veins three or four Days before the Blood breaks out , and by Cupping-glasses applied to the Thighs and Legs , sometimes with , sometimes without Scarification , by provoking the Hemorrhoids , by Frictions , Ligatures , Walking , Fomentations , Baths made of opening Herbs , Pessaries , uterine Glisters , and by other things to be described below . But the Bath-water is especially commended , and the Sick must bath in them often a good while after Meals ; but the Water must not rise above the Hypochondres , and at the same time , the upper Parts must be cooled by fanning them .

If the Blood flow by the Hemmorrhoides , the Cure is very difficult , for if you use things to draw downwards , they bring the Blood also to the Fundament ; and if you use astringent things to it , they , by reason of the Nearness of the Parts , repel what should be brought to the Womb , so that the only Way of Cure , is to apply such things to the Womb as may allure the Blood thither , after you have used such things as draw the Blood downwards .

But the most frequent Obstruction of all , is that which proceeds from an Obstruction of the Veins of the Womb , the Cure whereof is in a manner the same with that of the Green Sickness : But the Eruption of them must be helpt by opening a Vein in the Foot about the time they used to flow when the Patient was well ; as also by Cupping-glasses applied to the Hips and Legs , instead of Bleeding with , or without Scarification , by Frictions of those Parts , and by painful Ligatures .

Take of the Roots of round Birthwort half a dram , of the leaves of dried Savin one dram and an half , of Dittany of Crete , and of Troches of Mirrh , without Assa-Faetida , each one dram ; of choice Cinnamon two drams , of white Sugar two ounces ; make a Powder , whereof let her take two drams every Morning for some days , with the Broth of red Vetches wherein two drams of Cinnamon , and half a dram of Saffron have been boiled .

Take of Roots of Briony , of Lillies , Cyperus , Valerian , Angelica , Asarabacca , Orris , and Parsley , each one ounce ; of the Leaves of Mugwort , Bays , Rue , Savin , Thym , Rosemary , Penny-royal , Nep , Mallows , Mercury , each one handful ; of the Flowers of Elder , of Wall-flowers , and of Camomil , each two Pugils ; of the grains of Juniper two ounces ; boil them in Water and Whitewine ; with the strained Liquor foment the Belly and Thighs with a Spunge .

With the same Decoction , the quantity being increased , a Bath may be made , wherein the Sick may sit up to the Navel , and the boiled Herbs being put in a Bag , may be applied to her Belly ; but you must take care that she does not sweat , for that rather stops the Courses .

Take of the Leaves of Mercury bruised one handful , of the Powder of Hiera Picra , and of Benedictum Laxativum , each two drams ; of the Powder of long Birthwort one dram , with a sufficient quantity of Honey , or the Juice of Mercury ; make a Pessary

Injections are also wont to be made for the Womb , which are called uterine Glisters , for they cleanse it from Filth sticking to the Sides , and they open the inner Orifices of the Vessels : They may be prepared with a Decoction for the Fomentation above described , the acrid things being left out , or of fat Figs with Mugwort , Penny-royal , Mercury , or only of the Juice of Mercury clarified , wherein a little Benedictum Laxativum has been dissolved , for you must not use acrid things , lest they should occasion an Inflammation . And after the use of these things , which must be retained only an hour , it is convenient to inject a Decoction of Mallows , Barley , and Violets , or a little Hydromel diluted with the Whey of Goats Milk .

When the Disease is inveterate , Issues in the Leg do much good .

In the use of the forementioned Medicines some things are to be observed .

First , You must never use Remedies to force the Courses , unless general Evacuations went before . Secondly , You must begin with gentle Means , and proceed by degrees to stronger . Thirdly , Medicines that are given to move the Courses must be taken in a large quantity . Fourthly , Pessaries and uterine Glisters must be prescribed only for married Women : But for Virgins Fomentations , Baths , and the following Fume may be ordered .

Take of Cloves , Cinnamon , and Mace , each two drams ; of Juniper-berries half an ounce , of the Seeds of Nigella one dram , of Storax Calamit two drams ; make a gross Powder which must be cast upon Coals , and the Fume must be received through a Tunnel .

Lastly , In Cholerick and Melancholly Constitution , the hottest Medicines must be avoided , and only such as are gentle must be used , and things that are opening , moistening , and mollifying , must be mixed with them .

CHAP. XCV . Of an immoderate Flux of the Courses .

AN immoderate flux of the Courses invades either in Child-bed , or at other Times : As to the first , that afflicts Women most on the first Days after a difficult Labour , and is accompanied with a long train of Hysterick Symptoms ; and as it happens only on the first days , so usually does not last long , for if a thickning Diet be ordered , it soon abates . The following Drink may be also used .

Take of Plantain Water , and red Wine , each one pint ; boil them till a third part is consumed : Sweeten it with a sufficient quantity of white Sugar , and let her take half a pint of it twice or thrice a day , and in the mean while some gentle Hysterick Julep may be used , and the following Nodulus may be often held to the Nostrils .

Take of Galbanum and Assa Foetida , each two drachms , of Castor one Drachm and an half , of volatile Salt of Amber half a drachm ; mingle them , make a Nodulus . Or two drachms of spirit of Sal Armoniack may be often held to the Nose .

But as to the Flux which happens out of Child-Bed , though it befals Women at any Time , yet most commonly it invades a little before the Time they leave them , viz. when they are about forty five Years of Age , if they had them very young , and about fifty if it was late before they began to have them : And by reason of the great quantity of Blood , which is continually evacuated , they are almost continually seized with Hysterick Fits ; and though in this Case Hystericks both inward and outward may be used by the by ( but you must forbear the strongest , lest they should further the Flux ) yet the Cure must be managed by such things as stop the Flux .

You must bleed in the Arm , and eight Ounces of Blood must be taken away . The next Morning the following Purge must be given .

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of S●na two drachms , of Rhubarb one drachm and an half , infuse them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain Water : In three ounces of the strained Liquor ▪ dissolve of Manna and syrup of Roses solutive , each one ounce ; make a purging Potion , which is to be repeated every third day for twice , every night at bed-time , through the whole course of the Disease ; let an Anodyn be given of an ounce of Diacodium .

Take of the conserve of dryed Roses two ounces , of the Troches of Lemnian Earth one drachm and an half , of Pomgranate peel , and of red Coral prepared , each two scruples , of Blood-stone , of Dragon's-blood , and of Bole-Armenick , each two scruples ; with a sufficient quantity of simple Syrup of Coral make an Electuary , whereof let her take the quantity of a large nutmeg in the morning and at five in the afternoon , drinking upon it six spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of the waters of Oak-buds , and of Plantain , each three ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated , and of Syrup of dried Roses , each one ounce , of Spirit of Vitrial a sufficient quantity , to make it pleasantly acid .

Take of the Leaves of Plantain , and of Nettles , each a sufficient quantity , beat them together in a Marble-Mortar , and press out the Juice , clarifie it and give six spoonfuls of it cold three or four times in a day .

After the first Purge apply the following Plaster to the Region of the Loins .

Take of the Plasters of Diapalma , and ad herniam , each equal parts , mix them and spread them upon Leather .

A cooling and thickning Diet must be ordered , only it may be proper to allow once or twice a day a small Glass of Claret ; which tho' it be not so proper , because it is apt to raise an ebullition , yet it may be allowed to recover the Strength . This Method may be also used to prevent Miscarriage , but the Juices and the Purges must be omitted .

CHAP. XCVI . Of the Whites .

THis obstinate and lasting Disease may be cured by Bleeding once , and by purging with two Scruples of Pill . Coch. major four times , and by the following Corroboratives .

Take of Venice Treacle one ounce and an half , of the Conserve of the yellow Peel of Oranges one ounce , of Diascordium half an ounce , of Ginger candied , and Nutmegs candied , each three drachms , of compound Powder of Crabs-eyes , one drachm and an half , of the outward Peel of Pomgranates , of the Roots of Spanish Angelica , and of the Troches of Lemnian Earth , each one drachm , of Bole-armenick two scruples , of Gum Arabick half a drachm , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of dried Roses make an Electuary ; whereof let her take the quantity of a large Nutmeg in the morning , and at five in the afternoon , and at night drinking upon it six spoonfuls of the following Infusion .

Take of the Roots of Elecampane , Masterwort , Angelica and Gentian , each half an ounce , of the Leaves of roman Wormwood , white Horehound , the lesser Centaury , and Calaminth , each one handful , of Juniper Berries one ounce : Cut them small , and infuse them in five pints of Canary-Wine , let them stand in Infusion , and strain them only as you use them .

Through the whole course of Corroboratives purging must not be used , for every Evacuation spoils what the Corroborative has done .

CHAP. XCVII . Of Hysterick and Hypochondriack Diseases .

THese Diseases , if I calculate right , are the most frequent of all chronical Diseases ; and as Fevers , with those Diseases that appertain to them , if they are compared with chronical , taken altogether , make two thirds ; so , Hysterical Diseases , at least those that go under that Name , are half the remaining third , that is , chronical Diseases are half Hysterick ; for very few Women , which Sex contains half of grown People , are wholly free from all kinds of Hysterick Diseases , if you except those who being accustomed to Labour live hardly ; yea , many of those Men that live sedentary Lives , and are wont to study hard , are afflicted with the same Disease ; and though , heretofore , Hysterical Symptoms were always reckoned to proceed from a vicious Womb , yet if we compare Hypochondriack Symptoms , which were supposed to proceed from Obstructions of the Spleen or Bowels , or from some other I know not what Obstructions , with Women's Hysterick Symptoms , an Egg is scarce more like an Egg , than these Symptoms are like one another in all respects : But it must be confessed , that Women are much more subject to this kind of Disease , than Men.

This Disease is not only frequent , but so wonderfully various , that it resembles almost all the Diseases poor Mortals are subject to ; for whatever Part it seats it self in , it presently produces such Symptoms as belong to it ; and unless the Physician be very sagacious and very skilful , he will be mistaken , and suppose that t●ese Symptoms proceed from an essential Disease of this or that part , and not from an histerical Distemper .

Sometimes , for instance , it possesses the Head , and occasions an Apoplexy , which also ends in an Hemipl●gy , and this seizes Women very often after Delivery ; or it is occasioned by hard Labour , or some violent commotion of the Mind .

Sometimes it produces violent Convulsions very like an Epilepsy , the Belly and Bowels swelling toward the Throat , the Patient strugling so violently , that though at other times her Strength is but ordinary , she now can scarce be held by all the strength of the By-standers , uttering some odd and inarticulat sounds , and striking her Breast . Women who are accustomed to this Disease , commonly called Mother-fits , are generally extraordinary Sanguine , and have a habit of Body almost like that of a Virago .

Sometimes it possesses the outward part of the Head , betwixt the Pericranium and Skull , causing violent Pain continually fixed in one part , which may be covered with the top of your Thumb , and violent Vomiting accompanies this Pain : I call this Species Clavus Hystericus , chiefly afflicting those that have the Green-sickness .

Sometimes falling upon the vital Parts , it occasions so great a palpitation of the Heart , that the Women who are afflicted with it , may verily believe that the By-standers may hear the sound of the Heart thumping upon the Ribs . This kind chiefly afflicts those that are of a thin habit of Body and of a weak Constitution , and who look almost tabid ; and also , young Maids that have the Green-sickness .

Sometimes the Patient coughs almost without intermission , but expectorates nothing . This kind of Hysterick-cough is very rare , and chiefly invades Women that abound in Flegm . Sometimes rushing violently upon the Colon , and the Region under the Scrobiculum Cordis , it occasions violent Pain , much like the Iliack Passion , and the Woman vomits exceedingly , ejecting a certain green Matter somewhat like that they call porraceous Bile ; and sometimes Matter of an unusual colour : And often after the Sick have been almost destroyed by the said Pain , which would tire a stoical Apathy , and reachings to vomit for many days , at length it is carried off by the Jaundice tincturing the superficies of the Body like Saffron . Moreover , the Sick is oppressed by an anguish of mind , and wholly despairs of recovery , with dejection of mind , and as it were a certain desperation ; as certainly accompanies this kind of Hysterick Disease , as the Pain and Vomiting above-mentioned . This kind chiefly invades those that are of a lax and crude habit of Body , and those that have suffered much in bringing forth great Children .

When this Disease falls upon one of the Kidnies , it plainly represents , by the Pain it causes there , a Nephritick Fit ; and not only by that sort of Pain , and by the place it rages in , but also by the violent Vomitings that accompanies it , and for that sometimes the Pain extends it self through the passage of the Ureter ; so that it is very difficult to know whether these Symptoms proceed from the Stone , or from some Hysterick Disease ; unless , perchance , some unlucky Accident disturbing the Woman's mind , a little before she was taken ill of the vomiting of green Matter , shews that the Symptoms rather proceed from an Hysterick Disease , than from the Stone . Nor is the Bladder free from this false Symptom ; for it does not only cause Pain there , but it also stops the Urine , just as if there were a Stone , whereas there is none : But this last kind seizing the Bladder , happens very seldom . That which resembles the Stone in the Kidnies is not so rare ; both use to invade those Women , who are much weak'ned by Hysterick Fits coming frequently , and whose health of Body is much impaired .

Sometimes falling upon the Stomach it causes c●ntinual Vomiting , and sometimes a Looseness , when it is setled upon the Guts . But no Pain accompanies either of these Symptoms , though oftentimes in both the green Humours appear . Both these kinds are familiar with those that are weak'ned by the Hysterick Fits coming frequently .

And as this Disease afflicts almost all the inward Parts , so sometimes it seizes all the outward Parts , and the musculous Flesh occasioning Pain , and sometimes a Tumour in the Jaws , Shoulders , Hands , Thighs , Legs , in which kind that Tumour which swells the Legs , is more conspicuous than the rest . But whereas in Hydropical Swellings , these two things may be always taken notice of , viz. That the swelling is most in the Evening , and that the Finger prest upon it , leaves a pit : In this Tumour the swelling is most in the Morning , nor does it yield to the Finger , or leave any mark behind it , and for the most part it only swells one of the Legs . As to other things , if you mind the largeness of it , or its superficies , it is so very like Hydropical Swellings , that the Patient can scarce be brought to believe that it is any other Disease ; nor can the Teeth free themselves from the assaults of this Disease , tho' they are not hollow , and tho' there is no apparent defluxion that may occasion the Pain , yet it is no whit gentler , nor shorter , nor easier cured . But these Pains and Tumours which afflict the outward Parts , chiefly seize those Women that are in a manner quite destroyed by a long series of Hysterick Fits , and by the force of them .

But among all the Torments of this Disease , there is none so common as a pain in the Back , which most certainly all feel , how little soever they are afflicted with this Disease . Moreover , this is common to the foresaid Pains , that the place on which they were , will not bear touching after they are gone ; but is tender , and akes just as if it were soundly beaten : But this tenderness goes off by degrees .

And this is worth observing , That often a notable Cold of the external Parts makes way for these Symptoms , which for the most part does not go off till the Fit ends ; which Cold I have observed is almost like that by which a Carcass grows stiff , yet the Pulse is good .

And moreover , all Hysterick Women which I have hitherto taken care of , complain of a dejection and sinking of the Spirits ; and when they would shew the place where the sinking of the Spirits is , they point to the region of the Lungs .

Lastly , every one knows that Hysterick Women sometimes laugh excessively , and sometimes cry as much , without any real cause for either .

But among all the Symptoms that accompany this Disease , this is the most proper , and almost inseparable , viz. a Urine as clear as Rock-water , and this Hysterick Women evacuate plentifully ; which I find , by diligent Enquiry , is in almost all the pathognomonic sign of this Disease , which we call Hysterick in Women , and Hypochondriack in Men ; and I have sometimes observed in Men , that presently after making Water of a Citron colour ( yea , almost the next moment ) being suddenly seized with some violent commotion of the Mind , they make Water as clear as Cristal , and in a great quantity with a continued violent Stream , and continue ill till the Urine comes to its wonted colour , and then the Fit goes off .

And it happens to all Hysterical and Hypochondriacal People , that sometimes they belch up ill Fumes as often as they eat , tho' they eat only moderately , and according as they have an Appetite ; and sometimes the Wind that comes from the Stomach is sower just like Vinegar .

Nor are they unhappy upon this account only , viz. That their Bodies are so ill affected , and as it were tottering like ruined Houses just about to fall ; for their Minds are more diseased than their Bodies , and an incureable desperation is mixed with the very nature of the Disease ; and what the Roman Orator said of the Superstitions exactly agrees with these melancholy People , Sleep , says he , seems to be a Refuge to the Laborious and Careful , but from thence Cares and Fears arise , whilst only Funerals and Apparitions of their deceased Friends are represented in Dreams , and they are so tormented in Body and Mind that one would think their Lives were a Purgatory , wherein they were to purifie themselves , and to expiate Crimes committed in some other State . Nor does this happen only to mad People , but also to those who , if you except those Impetuosities of Mind , are very prudent and judicious , and who much excel for deep thought and wisdom in Speech , others , who 's Minds were never excited by these Provokments to thinking . But this dreadful condition of Mind which we have above described , seizes on those only that have much and a long while conflicted with this Disease , and have been at length wholly vanquished by it , especially if Adversity , care or trouble of Mind or hard Study , or the like , join'd with an ill habit of Body , have added Oil to the Flame .

A day would scarce be sufficient to reckon up all the Symptoms belonging to Hysterick Diseases , and I think Democritus reckoned pretty right ( though he mistook the cause of the Disease ) when he said in an Epistle to Hippocrates , That the Womb was the cause of six hundred Miseries , and of innumerable Calamities .

The procatarctick or external causes of this Disease are either violent motions of the Body , or which is much oftener , vehement commotions of the Mind . But to these disorders of the Mind , which are usually the occasions of this Disease , is to be added emptiness of the Stomach , by reason of long Fasting , immoderate Bleeding , and a Vomit or Purge that works too much .

As to the internal , efficient Causes , in my Opinion ▪ those Diseases which we call Hysterick in Women , and Hypochondriack in Men , proceed from a confusion of the Spirits . The origin and antecedent cause of this confusion , is a weak constitution of the Spirits .

In order to the Cure , I order , That 8 ounces of Blood be taken from the right Arm , and that the following Plaster be applied to the Navel .

Take of Galbanum , dissolv'd in tincture of Castor and strain'd , three drachms , of Tacamacha two drachms ; mix them , make a Plaster .

The next Morning , let her make use of the following Pills .

Take of the Pill Coch. major two scruples , of Castor powder'd two grains , of peruvian Balsam four drops ; make four Pills , let her take them at five in the Morning , and sleep after them . Repeat them twice or thrice every Morning , or every other Morning , according to their operation and the strength of the Patient .

Take of the Waters of black Cherries , Rue and compound Briony , each three ounces ; of Castor , tyed up in a Rag and hanged in the Glass , half a dram ; of fine Sugar a sufficient quanity , make a Julep , whereof let her take four or five Spoonfuls when she is faint , dropping into the first Dose , if the Fit is violent , twenty drops of the Spirit of Harts-horn .

After the Purging Pills just described are taken , let her use the following .

Take of the filings of Steel eight grains , with a sufficient quantity of extract of Wormwood ; make two Pills , let her take them early in the Morning , and at five in the Afternoon , for thirty days , drinking upon them a draught of Wormwood-wine .

Or , if she like a Bolus better .

Take of conserve of Roman-wormwood , and of the conserve of the yellow rind of Oranges , each one ounce ; of candied Angelica , and Nutmogs candied , and of Venice Treacle , each half an ounce ; of candied Ginger two drachms ; make an Electuary , with a sufficient quantity of Syruy of Oranges .

Take of this Electuary one drachm and an half , of the filings of Steel well rubbed eight grains ; make a Bolus , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Oranges , to be taken in the Morning , and at five in the Evening , drinking upon it a Glass of Wormood-wine .

Take of choice Myrrh and Galbanum , each one drachm and an half ; of Castor fifteen grains , with a sufficient quantity of Balsam of Peru ; make twelve Pills of every drachm . Let her take three every Night , and drink upon them three or four Spoonfuls of compound Briony-water , through the whole course of this Process .

But if the Pills last prescribed move the Belly , which sometimes happens in Bodies that are very easily purged , by reason of the Gum that is in them ; the following may be used instead of them .

Take of Castor one drachm , of volatil Salt of Amber half a drachm , with a sufficient quantity of extract of Rue ; make twenty four small Pills : Let her take three every Night .

But here you must take notice , That Chalybeats , in whatsoever Form or Dose they are taken , occasion sometimes in Women great disorders both of Body and Mind , and that not only on the first days , which is usual almost in every Body , but also all the time they are taken ; in this case , the use of Steel must be interrupted at those times ; but Laudanum must be given every Night for some time , in some Hysterick Water , that they may better bear it .

But when the Symptoms are mild , and it seems that the business may be done without taking Steel , I think it sufficient to bleed and to purge three or four times , and then to give the altering Hysterick Pills before-mentioned , Morning and Evening , for ten days ; which method seldoms fails , when the Disease is not violent ; yea , the Pills alone , bleeding and purging being omitted , oftentimes do a great deal of good .

Yet we must take great notice , That some Women , by a certain Ideosyncrasy , so abhor Hysterical Medicines ( which give ease in most of the Symptoms of this Disease ) that they don't only not receive benefit , but are much injur'd thereby ; therefore , they must not be given to such ; for Hippocrates says , 'T is in vain to do any thing contrary to Natures inclination .

Which Ideosyncracy is so great and so frequent , that if we have not regard to it , the Lives of the Sick may be hazarded .

And so Hysterical Diseases are most commonly cur'd and most Obstructions of Women , especially the Green Sickness ; and also , all Suppressions of the Courses . But if the Blood is so very feeble , and the confusion of the Spirits so great , that Ste●l order'd to be us'd according to the Method prescrib'd , is not sufficient to cure the Disease , the Patient must drink some mineral Waters impregnated with an Iron Mine , such as are Tunbridge , and some others lately found out , for the Chalybeat Vertue of these is better mingl'd with the Blood , by reason of the great quantity that is taken of them , and also because they are more agreeable to Nature , and they cure Diseases more effectually than Iron how much soever exalted by Art .

But this is more especially to be observ'd , in drinking of them , that if any Sickness happens that is to be referr'd to Hysterical Symptoms , in this case the Patient must forbear drinking them a day or two , till that Symptom that hinder'd their Passage is quite gone ; and it is to be noted , that Purging must be avoided all the time the Patient drinks these Waters .

But if this Disease , by reason of its Obstinacy does not yield to Steel-waters , the Sick must go to the Bath , and when she has used them inwardly three mornings following , the next day let her go into the Bath , and the day following let her drink them again , and so let her do by turns for two months ; for in these and in others , of what kind soever they are , this must be carefully noted , That the Patient must persist in the use of them , not only till she perceives some benefit , but till she is quite well , that the Symptoms may not return again in a short time . Venice-Treacle alone if it is us'd often and a long while , is a great Remedy in this Disease ; and not only in this but in very many other Diseases , that proceed from want of heat , or concoction or digestion , 't is perhaps the most powerful that has been hitherto known . Spanish Wine medicated with Gentian , Angelica , Wormwood , Centory and other Corroboratives infus'd in it , does a great deal of good , some Spoonfuls of it being taken thrice a day , if the Woman be not of a thin and cholerick habit of Body ; and truly , a large Draught of Spanish Wine by it self taken at Bed-time for some Nights , by my Advice , has been very beneficial to some Women ; for by it the habit of the whole Body was render'd stronger , and they who before were Cachectical , became fresh-colour'd and brisk .

Moreover , sometimes we find that the Peruvian Bark wonderfully comforts and invigorates the Blood and Spirits , a Scruple of it being taken Morning and Evening for some Weeks ; but it succeeds best in that kind of Hysterick Diseases , wherein Women are afflicted with Convulsions . But if any of the Remedies above-mentioned don't agree well , which often happens in cholerick and thin Constitutions , then a Milk-diet may be us'd , for some Women ( which one wou'd wonder at at first ) that have been conflicted a long while with Hysterick Diseases , and even such as have frustrated all the endeavours of Physicians , yet have recover'd by dieting themselves for some time only with Milk ; and especially those that labour with that Disease , I call an Hysterick Cholick ; which can't be appeas'd by any thing but Narcoticks , to which , repeated by Intervals , the Women are much accustom'd , the Pain returning assoon as the Vertue of the Anodyne fades .

But nothing of all I have hitherto mention'd does so much comfort and strengthen the Blood and Spirits as riding on Horse-back every Day for a long while , but though it may be inconvenient for Women that are accustom'd to a slothful and delicate way of living , for they may be injur'd by Motion , especially at the beginning , yet 't is very proper for Men , and soonest recovers their Health . One of our Right Reverend Bishops , famous for Prudence and Learning , having studied too hard a long while , fell at length into an hypochondriac Disease , which afflicting him a long Time ▪ vitiated all the Ferments of the Body , and wholly subverted the Concoctions ; he had passed through long Courses of Steel more than once , and had tried almost all mineral Waters , with Purging often repeated , and antiscorbuticks of all kinds , and very many testaceous Powders , which are reckoned proper to sweeten the Blood , and so being in a manner quite worn out , partly by the Disease , and partly by Physick , used continually for so many Years , he was at length seized with a colliquative Loosness , which is wont to be the forerunner of Death in Consumptions , and other chronical Diseases , when the Digestions are wholly destroy'd . At length he advised with me ; I presently considered that there was no more room for Medicine , he having taken so many already without any Relief ; for which reason I persuaded him to ride on Horse-back , and that first he should take such a small Journey as was agreeable to his weak condition . Had he not been a very judicious Man , and one that weighed things well , he would not have been persuaded so much as to have tryed such a kind of Exercise : I intreated him to persist in it daily , till in his own Opinion he was well , going daily furthur and further , till at length he went so many miles in a Day as prudent and moderate Travellers , that go a long Journey upon Business , use to do , without any regard to Meat , Drink or the Weather : But that he should take every thing as it happened : To be short , he continued this Method , increasing his Journies by degrees , till at length he rode twenty or thirty miles daily ; and when he found himself much better in few Days , being encouraged with such wonderful Success , he continued this course a pretty many Months ; in which Time , as he told me , he rode many thousand Miles , till at length he did not only recover , but also gained a strong and brisk habit of Body .

This is the general way of Curing this Disease , which is applied to the original Cause , viz. the weak Crasis of the Blood , and so is to be used only when the fit is off : Therefore as often as the Fit invades , joined with any one of the foresaid Symptoms , if the Disease be such , or so great an one , that it will not bear a Truce , till it may be cured by Medicines that corroborate the Blood and Spirits , we must presently make use of hysterick Remedies , which by their strong and offensive Smell recal the exorbitant and deserting Spirits to their proper Stations , whether they are taken inwardly , or smell'd to , or outwardly applied : Such are Assa Foetida , Galbanum , Castor , Spirit of Sal Armoniack , and lastly , whatever has a very ungrateful and offensive smell .

In the next place , you must take notice , that if some intollerable Pain accompanies the Fit , in whatever part it is ; or violent Vomiting or a Loosness , than besides the Hystericks above-mentioned , Laudanum must be used , which only is able to restrain these Symptoms .

But in quieting the Pains , which Vomiting occasions , we must take great care that they are not mitigated either by Laudanum , or any other Paregorick , before due Evacuations have been made , unless they almost exceed all human Patience . First , because sometimes there is so great a quantity of Blood and Humours heap'd up ( especially in sanguine Women , and in Men of a proper Habit ) that is able to withstand the Operation of the most effectual Narcotick , though it be often repeated , and therefore in such Blood must necessarily be evacuated from the Veins of the Arm , and a Purge must be given before we come to use Laudanum ; for when these things are duly performed , that which before given in a large Dose would do no good , does now perform the Business in a moderate Dose ; and then because I have found by frequent Experience , that when the Sick has been accustomed by little and little to Laudanum , and has not been duly evacuated before she was forced , by reason of the return of the Pain presently after the Vertue of the Medicine vanished , to take a Paregorick again , and so daily for some Years , the Dose being sometimes by degrees increased , so that at last they can by no means abstain from Laudanum , though thereby all the Digestions are vitiated , and the natural Functions weakned ; though I do not think that the use of Laudanum does immediately hurt the Brain , or Nerves , or the animal Faculties : Therefore I judge and speak what I have found , That Evacuation ought to go before Anodynes , viz. in Virago's , and in Women that abound with Blood , a Vein must be opened , and the Body purged , especially if they have been lately seized with the Fit : But if weak Women , and those of a quite contrary Constitution , labour with such a Fit and Pain , and have been not long ago afflicted with it , it will be sufficient to cleanse their Stomachs with a gallon of Posset-drink , more or less , taken in and ejected by Vomit , and then to give a large Dose of Venice Treacle and a few Spoonfuls of some Spirituous Liquor , that is pleasing to the taste , with a few Drops of Liquid Laudanum to be taken presently after it .

But if the Sick has vomited a great while before the Physician was called , and there is danger , lest by further Provocation , by Emeticks , the Spirits should be put in a rage , and the Sick too much weakned : In this case you must give Laudanum without delay , and such a Dose that is not only suitable to the Violence and Duration of the Symptom , but such an one as is sufficient to vanquish it .

But here two things are to be chiefly noted ; First That when you have once begun to use Laudanum after due and necessary Evacuations , it must be taken in that Dose , and often repeated till the Symptom is quite conquered ; only such a space must be betwixt each Dose , that we may know what the former has done before we give another : And then when we treat the Disease with Laudanum , we must do nothing else , and nothing must be evacuated , for the gentlest Glister of Milk and Sugar is sufficient to spoil whatever has been repaired by the Paregoric , and to occasion the return of the Vomiting and Pain . But though the Pains above-mentioned , as we have said , are apt to overcome the Vertue of the Anodyne , yet violent Vomiting indicates the largest Dose of it , and that it should be very often repeated ; for by the inverted peristaltick Motion of the Stomach ( by which that which is contained in it ought to be carried downwards ) the Paregorick is ejected through the Oesophagus , before it can do any good , unless after every time the Sick vomits the Narcotick be given afresh , and chiefly in a solid form , or if it be given in a Liquor the Vehicle must be so small , as that it must but just wet the Stomach , so that by reason of the small quantity of the Matter it cannot be cast up . For instance , some Drops of liquid Laudanum in one spoonful of strong Cinnamon-Water , or the like ; and the Sick must be admonished to keep her self quiet , presently after taking the Laudanum , and that she keep her Head , as much as possible , immoveable , for the smallest motion of the Head provokes Vomiting more than any thing else , and then the Medicine , just taken , is ejected ; and when the Vomiting ceases , and is , as it were , tamed , it is expedient to give an Anodyne morning and evening for a few days , to prevent a Relapse , which also ought to be observed after a loosness , or an hysterick Pain taken off by a Narcotick ; and so at length by this method we may readily cure the symptomatick Pain and Vomiting , whereby , because they are very often like other Diseases , Physicians are easier imposed upon than by any other Symptoms whatever .

CHAP. XCVIII . Of an Inflammation in the Womb.

AN Inflammation of the Womb is a Swelling of that Part , from Blood poured upon it .

The Inflammation either possesses all the Womb , or a part of it ; and it is occasioned either by pure Blood , and then it is called simply a Phlegmon , or it is mixed with Choler , or with Flegm or Melancholy .

The diagnostick Signs are a Swelling , Heat and Pain in the region of the Womb , with a continual Fever . But because the right-Gut and the Bladder possess the same region , therefore an Inflammation of the Womb must be distinguished by other Signs , as by a Suppression or Diminution of the Courses , the pale or yellow Colour of them , and by the Pain in Evacuation of them , and when the Courses are gon off , by a fetid Itchor that moistens the Privities , the inward Mouth of it will appear swell'd , drawn back and painful , and the Neck will be red and inflamed .

If all the Womb be inflamed , all the Symptoms will be more violent ; if the Inflammation be most upon the Neck of the Womb , the Heat and Pain will be extended most to the Croins and Privities . If the forepart be most afflicted , the Bladder will most sympathise : If the hinder part be most afflicted , the right Gut will most sympathise , and the Pain will stretch it self to the Loins : If the right part or the left part be inflamed , the Swelling and Pain will appear about either Groin , and the Leg of the same Side will have a Weight upon it .

The Signs of the Causes are to be known in the following manner : If the Inflammation be occasioned by pure Blood , all the Symptoms will be gentle ; but if Choler be mixed with it , the Fever will be high , and all the Symptoms violent ; but if the Blood be flegmatic or melancholy , the Fever is not so acute , but more lasting and obstinate : Also the Signs of the Humor predominating in the Body are to be referred to the Diagnostick .

If the Inflammation tends to suppuration , the Pain and Fever increases , and there are Shiverings which come most commonly about Evening , and all the rest of the Symptoms are increased . When Suppuration is made they all abate , but the Tumor is more increased , whereby the Belly , and sometimes the Urine are suppressed . But if the Inflammation is discussed without Suppuration , the Tumor is lessened , and the Symptoms abate .

Lastly , If it degenerate into a Scirrhus , the Fever and Pain , and the rest of the Symptoms lessen , but the Swelling grows hard , and a weight remains , not only in the Womb but also in the circumjacent Parts ; so that the Sick moves difficultly .

As to the Prognostick , this Disease is very dangerous , and most commonly deadly , for the Inflammation easily turns to a Gangrene .

As to the Cure of this Disease , Revulsion and Derivation must be made of the Flux of Blood to the Womb.

And it must be repelled from thence , and that which has flow'd to the part must be resolved , and if the Tumor tends to suppuration , it must be furthered , and the Abscess being broken , the Matter must be evacuated , which may be done by the following Remedies .

An emollient and cooling Glister being first given , the Sick must be blooded in the Arm ; and it must be repeated twice , thrice or four times , according to the strength of the Patient , and the greatness of the Inflammation .

After sufficient revulsion , and the increase of the Disease being over , and when there is no more fear of the fluxion , the lower Veins must be opened for derivation from the Part affected . But as long as there is any Indication for revulsion , it is safest to open the Veins of the Arm.

And for revulsion , Frictions and Ligatures of the upper Parts are proper , and Cupping-glasses applied to the Shoulders , Back and Loins .

If vitious Humours , especially Cholerick , abound in the Body , which are , as it were , a Vehicle for other Humours in the Flux , they are to be evacuated by gentle Medicines ; as with Syrup of Roses , Manna and Rhubarb , or with lenitive Electuary . By reason of the Fever , cooling Medicines are to be used ; as Juleps and Emulsions ; if there be great Watching , Pain or Restlesness , Narcoticks may be mingled with them , or they may be given apart .

After the first evacuation Topicks may be applied to the Belly , betwixt the Navel and the Pubes , or about the Reins ; first , things that cool and repel in the form of a Liniment , Epithem or Cataplasm .

A Liniment may be made of Oyl of Roses wash'd in Vineger , or with Ointment of Roses .

An Epithem may be made of Waters , or of a Decoction of Plantain , Sorrel , Night-shade , of the tops of white Poppies and of Roses , adding to them a little Bole-armenick , Dragon's-blood , or sealed Earth .

A Cataplasm may be made of Crums of Bread boiled in Milk , to which may be added a little Oil of Roses ▪ the Juice of Henbane or of Night-shade , with the yolks of Eggs , or of the Meal of Barly ; of the Seeds of Flax or of Fenugreek , with Oil of Roses ; to which also may be added , the Plants above-mentioned bruised .

Injections may be made for the Womb , in the following manner .

Take of the leaves of Plantain , Water-lillies , Night-shade and Endive , each one handful ; of red Roses , two pugils : Boyl them till a third is consumed , and add to them one ounce of Oyl of Mirtles , and half an ounce of Vineger ; make an Injection .

Pessaries for the Womb may be made of the same Herbs bruised , and with Oyl of Roses and Vineger .

But you must not use repelling and cooling things too long , lest the Tumor grow hard , and turn to a Scirrhus ; therefore , things that mollify and dissolve , must be mixed with Repellents , with this caution , viz. That the farther the Inflammation is from the beginning , the greater must be the quantity of the things that digest : To the fore-mentioned Remedies may be added , Mallows , Marsh-mallows , Mugwort , Fenugreek , Camomile and Melilot ; the quantity of them being increased or diminished as there seems occasion . In the mean time if the Belly be hard , it must be loosened by things that purge gently ; and cooling Glisters frequently injected , do much good in qualifying the Inflammation , the Womb lying upon the right Gut . But the quantity of them must be very small , that they may be the longer retained .

Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce , of the leaves of Mallows , Violets and Lettice , each one handful , of Night-shade half an handful , of the flowers of Violets and red Roses , each one pugil , of acid Prunes number ten ; boyl them in Barly-water ; to six ounces of the strained Liquor , add three ounces of Oyl of Roses ; make a Glister .

If the pain be very violent , to the foresaid Glister may be added yolks of Eggs , Hens grease , Woman's milk , the mucilages of the Seeds of Fenugreek , Flax o● Mallows , and a little Opium , and a little Saffron .

Injections may be also made for the Womb , of Goats or Sheeps milk with Opium or Saffron , each Grains three or four , with a little Rose-water .

Or to the Pessaries , may be added a moderate quantity of Opium with a little Saffron , yolks of Eggs , and Oyl of Roses ; or Pessaries may be made of Philonium Romanum with Cotton , or an anodyne Fomentation may be prepared in the following manner .

Take of Marsh-mallows with the roots , of Mallows and Violets , each one handful ; of Camomile , Melilot and Roses , each one pugil ; boil them for a fomentation

The Disease decreasing , Purging must be repeated with gentle Catharticks ; but if it tend to resolution , which may be known by a remission of the Symptoms , and by a lesser weight in the part , Discutients must be added in larger a quantity to the foresaid Remedies ; or make the following Cataplasm .

Take of the Powder of the roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce , of the flowers of Melilot and Camomile , each two drachms , of the leaves of Mugwort powder'd , of the Meal of Barly and Beans , each half an ounce ; boil them a little in rough Wine , add to them of fresh Lard , of the Oils of Camomile and of white Lillies , each one ounce ; make a Cataplasm .

A dissolving fomentation or bath is here also of use .

If the Tumor cannot be dissolved , but tends to supparation , it must be furthered by the following Cataplasm .

Take of the powder of the roots of Marsh-mallows , of the flowers of Camomile and Melilot , of the Meal of Linseeds , Fenugreek-seeds , each one ounce , of fat Figs number eight ; boil them to the consistence of a Cataplasm ; then add of the yolks of Eggs number four , of Saffron ten grains , of Oil of Lillies and fresh Butter ▪ each one ounce ; make a Cataplasm .

The Pus being made , which may be known by the remission of the heat and pain , and by its ●loating when it is touched , the breaking of the abscess must be endeavoured by the motion of the Body , Sneazing , Coughing , by applying Cupping-glasses , by cleansing and attenuating Injections , or by Pessaries that have a faculty of breaking Tumors . For instance ,

Take of Goose-fat half an ounce , of Turpentine two drachms ; of the powder of the seeds of Rue , and of Orris-root , each half a drachm ; mix them , and make a Pessary .

The Abscess being broken , we must endeavour to cleanse and heal the Ulcer ; as shall be shewed in the following Chapter .

CHAP XCIX . Of an Vlcer in the Womb.

AN Ulcer follows an Inflammation of the Womb suppurated ; it also proceeds from other causes , viz. from whatever corrodes the Womb.

Therefore , the causes of it are an Abscess broken , acrid Humours flowing to the Womb , acrid and corr●ding Medicines injected , or taken inwardly , as Cantharides .

The antecedent causes are all those things that occasion an Inflammation , as hard Labour , violent and ungovernable Copulation , acrid and long Whites , Wounds , Falls , Contusions ; but especially a virulent Gonorrhaea , and the French Pox , the Contagion whereof is easily communicated to the Womb , and the neck of it .

The differences are to be sought for from the Place , Magnitude , Figure and Complication with other Diseases .

The diagnostick Signs are a Pain and Gnawing , and the evacuation of purulent Matter .

The cure of the Ulcer must be performed by stoping the defluxion of acrid Humours , and by cleansing and conglutinating the Ulcer .

And first , if the Body be Plethorick , or if the Ulcer be accompanied with an Inflammation , a Vein must be opened in the Arm , and bleeding must be repeated as often as there is danger of a new fluxion , especially at the time of the Courses , to lessen them , which are wont to increase the matter of the Ulcer , and to promote the flux of other Humours to the Womb.

Purging is also very necessary to cleanse the Body from ill Humours ; but it ought to consist of gentle Catharticks , as of Sena , Rhubarb , Tamarinds , Myrabolanes , and the like , which must be often repeated , that the vitious Humours may be diverted ; and this is of so great moment , that Forestus says , That a noble Matron was cured of an Ulcer of the Womb , by taking every fourth day five ounces of the decoction of Sena , Dodder of Thym , red Roses , Indian Myrabolanes sweetned with Sugar , and by injecting a cleansing decoction into the Womb.

For common use , a magisterial Syrup may be made in the following manner .

Take of the roots of Comfry , and of fresh Polypody of the Oak , each one ounce ; of the Bark of dried Citron six drachms ; of the leaves of Plantain , Periwinkle , Sanicle , Sorrel and Maiden-hair , each one handful ; of Liquorish rasped , and of Raisins of the Sun stoned , each one ounce ; of Sena cleansed six drachms ; of the seeds of Bastard-saffron bruised , two ounces ; of Agarick fresh trochiscated , and tyed up in a Rag , ten drachms ; of the seeds of Anise and Melon , each three drachms ; of the Cordial Flowers of Rosemary and of Dodder , each one pugil ; make a decoction of all , in a part of which infuse half an ounce of choice Rhubarb , and one drachm of Cinnamon ; in a pint and an half of the strained Liquor , dissolve three ounces of Syrup of Roses solutive , and a sufficient quantity of Sugar ; boil them well and make a Syrup , whereof let her take two or three ounces twice or thrice in a month , with a decoction of Agrimony and Plantain , or with an infusion of Rhubarb in Endive water .

If the sick vomits easily , a Vomit is most useful , for it makes a revulsion of the Humours from the Womb ; and the days the sick does not purge a vulnerary decoction must be used a long while , made in the following manner .

Take of the leaves of Agrimony , Knot-grass , Burnet and Plantain , each half a handful ; of the roots of China three drachms , of Coriander-seed one drachm , of Raisins half an ounce , of red Sanders one scruple ; boil them in Chicken Broath , strain it . Let the sick take of it morning and evening . Or ,

Take of the leaves of Mugwort , Plantain , Yarrow , each one handful ; Rhaponticum half an ounce , of the seeds of Nettles one drachm ; boil them in a measure of white Wine , and sweeten it with Sugar ; let the sick take two or three ounces in a morning .

If the Fever be violent , and if a great quantity of Sanies be evacuated , Whey is very proper ; half a pint or more being taken in a morning , with a little Hony of Roses .

If the Body begin to waste , and there is a hectick Fever , Asses Milk must be taken , with Sugar of Roses for a whole Month.

Sudorificks , there being no Inflammation , or a hot Intemperies may also do good to dry the Ulcer , and to drive the serous Humours towards the habit of the Body .

Turpentine washed in some proper Water for the Womb , as in Mugwort or Feferfew-water , or in some Water proper for the Ulcer , as Plantain or Rose-water , taken with Sugar of Roses , by Intervals cleanses and heals the Ulcer .

Pills of Bdellium taken daily or every other day , are also very good .

Take of Bdellium three drachms , of Myrrh and Frankincense , each one drachm ; of Sarcocoll , Amber , Storax , and of Myrabolanes , called Chebule , each one drachm ; of red Coral two scruples , with syrup of Poppies , make a mass for Pills ; to which , when the Pain is violent , may be added a little Opium .

Troches of Alkakengi with Opium , may be also used when the pain is violent ; and to ease the pain , the same Remedies may be prescribed , which were proposed in an Inflammation of the Womb , for the same Symptom .

The following Powder is also very effectual to dry the Ulcer .

Take of Acacia and Hypocistis , each one drachm , of Dragon's-blood , white Starch , the roots of Plantain and of round Birthwort , each half a drachm ; of Bole armenick one drachm , of Mastich and Sarcocol , each half a drachm ; make a fine Powder ; the dose is one drachm in Plantain or Rose-water , or in some Chalybeat-water .

To cleanse , dry and heal the Ulcer , various Injections are prepared ; but they must not be used till the Inflammation is taken off , and till the Pain is eased ; and , therefore , upon account of the Inflammation and Acrimony , Emulsions of the cold Seeds , the Whey of Goat's-milk , or the Milk it self , or mixed with the juice of Plantain or Shepherd's purse , may be injected first ; if necessity requires , a decoction of Poppy-heads and tops of Mallows may be injected . Some Practitioners say , The Sick may be much relieved by injecting frequently warm Water .

The hot Intemperies , and the Pain being quieted , or at least diminished , we must use such things as cleanse , beginning with the gentle , and proceeding by degrees to the stronger .

The gentle , are Whey with Sugar , a decoction of Barly with Sugar , or Hony of Roses ; but simple Hydromel cleanses more .

A decoction will be a little stronger made with Barly , Lentils , Beans not excorticated , of the Leaves of Smallage , Plantain and Pellitory , a little Hony of Roses being added .

When the Ulcer is very sordid , the following decoction may be used .

Take of the roots of Gentian , Rhaponticum , Zedoary , and round Birthwort , each one ounce , of white Wine three pints ; boil them to the consumption of a third part ; in the strained Liquor , dissolve half a pound of Sugar , and keep it for use .

If the Ulcer be very fetid , a little Vnguentum Aegyptiacum may be added to the decoction .

When the Ulcer is well cleansed , we must use such things as dry and consolidat .

Take of the roots of Comfry and Bistort , each one ounce , of the leaves of Plantain , Horsetail , Shepherd's-purse , Sanicle , Mouse-ear , Milfoil , each one handful , of red Roses half an handful ; boil them in a measure of Water for an injection .

The following Sarcotick Powder may be added to it .

Take of the roots of Orris , Birthwort and Comfry , each half an ounce , of Myrrh one ounce , of Aloes three drachms ; make a Powder , whereof let half an ounce be mingled with every injection .

Take of Turpentine washed in Plantain-water , two drachms , dissolve it with Hony and the yolk of an Egg , and mingle it with the Injection . This is very effectual ; but is more so , if the sarcotick Powder be also added .

Oil of the yolks of Eggs stirred well about in a leaden Mortar , is also very good .

Fumes must be used for deep Ulcers , for they penetrate to the bottom of the Womb , and dry the Ulcers .

Take of Frankincense , Myrrh , Mastick , Gum-juniper , Labdanum , each one ounce , with a sufficient quantity of Turpentine ; make Troches for a Fume .

When the Ulcer is very obstinat , Cinnabar must be added , which is of excellent use .

The Bath-waters have cured Women , when all other Medicines have been ineffectual .

Plasters may be also conveniently applied to the Epigaster . If the Ulcer be in the Neck of the Womb , it must be anointed with Liniments , that cleanse and dry .

Take of the juice of Smallage two ounces , of hony of Roses one ounce and an half , of Turpentine half an ounce , of the meal of Barly or of Orobus , a sufficient quantity ; make a Liniment .

Oyntment of Diapompholigos may be also applied , adding to it Frankincense , Mastich , Myrrh , Aloes , according to the condition of the Ulcer : These things cleanse .

After you have sufficiently cleansed the Ulcer , you must apply a drying and cicatrizing Ointment .

Take of Tutty washed half an ounce , of Lytharge , Ceruss and Sarcocoll , each two drachms , of Oil and Wax a sufficient quantity ; make an Ointment .

Sometimes the Ulcer penetrates the right Gut , and sometimes the Bladder , which may be known by the Matter evacuated by those Parts .

If it flow by the right Gut , lenitive , cleansing and drying Glisters must be injected : But if it flow from the Bladder , gentle and cooling Diureticks must be used , as an Emulsion of the greater cold Seeds , Turpentine and other Remedies prescribed for an Ulcer of the Bladder .

If the Ulcer turn to a Fistula , which chiefly happens , when it is opened outwardly towards the Hip , though it may happen in the Womb it self , or in the Neck of it ; in this case we must consider , whether it be best to leave the accustomed Passage untouched , through which Nature endeavours to evacuate various Excrements , or to undertake the Cure of it : But if that be thought most proper for the Sick , a Cure that is called palliative must be instituted by Purges frequently repeated , and by sweating twice a year , and by cleansing and strengthening Injections , and by applying over a Plaster of Diapalma , or the like . But if there be any hopes of a Cure , the same Remedies must be used which are proper for other Fistula's .

If the Ulcer be occasioned by the French Pox , it cannot be cured without an universal Cure ; in performing which , the Fumes of Cinnabar received through a Tunnel into the Womb , are peculiarly proper ; also , the anointing the inner Parts of the Womb with a mercurial Ointment .

In all Ulcers of the Womb , if there be a troublesome itching about the Neck , as it frequently happens , by reason of a defluction of an acrid and salt Humour to the part ; a Pessary must be made to qualifie it , dipt in the Ointment of Elecampane with Mercury , or in Aegyptiacum dissolved in Sea or Alum-water , or in fresh Butter , wherein quick Silver has been extinguished ; to which must be added Sulphur .

CHAP. C. Of the Scirrhus of the Womb.

THE signs of a Scirrhus in the Womb are a hardness in the region of it , a sense of weight in the part , especially when the Sick stands , but there is no Fever or Pain , whereby it is distinguish'd from an Inflammation , and if there be any Pain it is small . If it be in the body of the Womb it is easily known by feeling the region of the Pubes , but if it be in the Neck of the Womb it may be touch'd with the Finger ; it is distinguish'd from a Mola by the preceding Causes , also because in a Mola the Courses , if they flow , flow disorderly : But in a Scirrhus , if they flow , they keep their order . Also in a Mola , the Breasts are full of Milk , but in a Scirrhus they grow small .

As to the Prognostick , every Scirrhus is difficultly cur'd ; for great hardness once contracted can scarce be mollified : Moreover the Natural Heat in the part affected with the Scirrhus is very weak , so that it can scarce discuss the gross and almost stony Matter .

A great and obstinate Scirrhus occasions at length a Dropsie .

If a Scirrhus of the Womb be treated with too hot , and too moistening Remedies , it degenerates into a Cancer .

The Cure is to be directed to two things , viz. to the antecedent and conjunct cause .

By reason of the antecedent Cause , Bleeding must be ordered first in the Arm ; if the Disease be not very inveterate : But afterwards in the inferior Veins , especially when the Courses are stopt .

The opening of the Hemorrhoidal Veins is also very proper , for they evacuate feculent Blood , and draw from the Womb , by reason of the Communication which they have with it .

Purging is also necessary , and it must be repeated by intervals . The Purges must be made of such things as evacuate Melancholy . First you must use such as are gentle , afterwards stronger .

But opening Medicines , and such as prepare the Melancholy Humor must be given before Purges , in the Forms of Apozems , Juleps or Broaths , according to the Disposition of the Sick .

But besides common Apperitives , chalybeat Medicines must be also used , whereby the great Obstruction in the Womb and other Parts may be dissolved .

And that the superfluous Humors may be diverted , Issues should be made in the Legs , and must be continued there till the Courses , which are generally stopt in this Disease , return orderly .

For the conjunct Cause emollient and resolving Medicines must be applied outwardly in the following manner .

Take of the Roots of Marshmallows , and of Lillies , each two ounces ; of the Leaves of Mallows , Violets , Marshmallows , and Bears-breach , each one handful ; of the Leaves of Mugword and Calamint , half an handful ; of the Seeds of Flax and Fenugreek , each one ounce ; of the Flowers of Camomile and Melilot , each one pugil : Make a Decoction , wherewith foment the Region of the Pubes and Groin with a Spunge dipt in it and pressed out .

To mollifie more , a Decoction may be made of the Entrails of a Sheep , and the Roots of Briony and wild Cucumber may be added : But you must begin with things that are gentle , and proceed by degrees to stronger

Of the same Decoction , the Dose of the Simples being increased , a Bath may be made , which is very effectual in this case , and more powerful than the Fomentation .

Glisters also and Injections may be made of the same Decoction , and frequently used ; whereunto may be added the Oils of Lillies , Camomil and Sweet Almonds .

Take of the Oils of Lillies , and of Sweet Almonds , each three ounces ; of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Fenugreek , extracted with White-Wine one ounce ; of the Fats of Hens , Geese and Ducks , each one ounce and an half ; of fresh Butter and of Lard , of each two ounces ; with a sufficient quantity of Wax and Turpentine make an Ointment .

The following is approved of in all Scirrhus's .

Take of Bdellium , Ammoniacum , and Galbanum , each equal parts ; beat them in a Mortar with Oil of Ben and Lillies ; then add of the Mucilages of the Seeds of Fenugreek , Flax , and of Figs a like quantity ; make an Ointment .

Of the same Matter , Wax being added , an effectual Plaster may be made , and applied to the region of the Womb behind and before ; or Diachylon with Orris may be applied . A Cataplasm may be made of the residue of the Decoction for the foresaid Bath , bruised and pulped , adding to it of the Meal of Fenugreek and Flax-Seeds , each one ounce , of Figs , number six , of the Powder of Orris Root two drachms , of Saffron half a drachm , of hens Fat and Oil of Sweet Almonds , each a sufficient quantity ; make a Cataplasm .

The Mud of a Sulphurous Bath may be applied instead of a Cataplasm .

But these Medicines must be used with great caution , lest the Scirrhus should be hardned ; or what is much worse , should degenerate into a Cancer . So that it is best to desist by intervals ; and it is to no purpose to use Medicines when the Scirrhus is without Pain , and of a stony nature .

CHAP. CI. Of a Cancer of the Womb.

A Cancer of the Womb is a hard Swelling of the Body or Neck of it , with pricking and lanceing Pain .

It is occasioned by black Choler collected in that part , or by a Scirrhus ill cured , which easily degenerates into a Cancer in that part , especially by reason of a great afflux of Blood , which being retained in the Veins near the Scirrhus , and not sufficiently evacuated by the Courses , acquires a malignant quality .

It is twofold , either ulcerated or not ulcerated .

As long as the Morbific Matter is of lesser Acrimony and Malignity the Cancer does not break ; but when the Matter becomes more acrid , it causes an Ulcer .

It is easily known by what has been said ; for if there be a hard Tumor in the Body or Neck of the Womb , which occasions a pricking and lancing Pain , you may pronounce it cancerous : But it is more evidently distinguished , if it be seen by the Eyes , as when it is in the Neck of the Womb , by the help of a Speculum Matricis , for then an unequal , livid , or black Tumor , encompassed with Branches of Veins will appear : But if it be ulcerated it casts forth a yellow or black Sanies that stinks much , and sometimes Blood , by reason the Veins are corroded which run to it , so that sometimes when a large Vessel is opened , it flows so much that the Life of the Sick is hazarded . There is also a small Fever , Anxiety , Nauseousness , and a Heat of the Privities , and the like .

As to the Prognostick , a Cancer is incurable , whether it be ulcerated or not ; wherefore seeing a perfect Cure cannot be expected , we must endeavour to hinder the breaking of it , and the increase of it when it is broken , and in both we must qualifie the Violence of the Pain ; which may be done by such things as evacuate the whole Body , and by other Remedies which alter and evacuate the melancholy Humor , and black Choler , and hinder their Growth : As by bleeding in the Arm , Hemorrhoids , Foot , Potions , Apozems , Juleps , Broath , Milk , Whey , cold mineral Waters , and the like , which are commonly prescribed for any Cancer : But Purging , most especially must be repeated , that the antecedent Cause of the Cancer may be diverted .

Topicks must also be applied , which moderately bind and cool without Sharpness ; they must especially be used in form of Liniments .

Take of Oyl of Myrtles , and of Roses , each two ounces ; of the Juice of Night-shade , and of Housleek , each one ounce ; stir them all about in a leaden Mortar , with a leaden Pestle , till they grow black ; then add of Litharge , and Cerus washed in Scabious Water , each three ounces ; of Tutty prepared two drachms , of Camphor ten grains ; make a Liniment , wherewith anoint the Part three or four times in a day . Or ,

Take of the Oils of the Yolks of Eggs and of Roses , each one ounce and an half , of Sacharum Saturni one drachm ; stir them about in a leaden Mortar till they change colour .

The following is better than the rest , and with it Tumors of the Paps , which are counted cancerous , may be perfectly cured .

Take of the Oil of Yolks of Eggs two ounces , of the Juice of Night-shade and Speedwel , or of Housleek , each half an ounce , of crude Mercury two drachms ; stir them about in a leaden Mortar , with a leaden Pestle , till they acquire the consistence of a Liniment .

The foresaid Liniments are to be put into the Womb with a long Tent , or with a Wax-Candle , wrapt round with a Rag : But Injections may be much easier used .

Take of Barly-Water half a pint , of the Waters of Night-shade , and Plantain , each two ounces , of the Water of Speedwel one ounce , of the white Troches of Rhasis two drachms , of Sacharum Saturni one drachm : Make an injection .

If the Pain be very violent add to four ounces of the Injection one ounce of the Syrup of Popies .

Foment the part affected with the Waters of Plantain and Night-shade , or with the decoction of them , whereunto may be added the Leaves of Water-lillies , white Poppies , and red Roses and Camphor ; which Decoction may be also frequently injected into the Womb , and it will be much more effectual , if it be stirr'd about in a leaden Mortar , or if Sacharum Saturni be mixed with it .

Among Specificks , are commended Frogs wash'd and boil'd , and apply'd instead of a Cataplasm , or a decoction of them injected ; also , the decoction or juice of River-crabs injected into the Womb , or Herb-Robert taken inwardly or apply'd .

If the Cancer be ulcerated the Dose of the Minerals to be added to the foresaid Linimenss must be increas'd . and the Ashes of River-Crabs may be conveniently added to them ; but with the Injections may be mixt the white Troches of Rhasis and Barly-water .

If the Pain be very violent , Fomentations of Mallows , Marsh-mallows , Water-lillies , Poppies , Henbane , green Coriander , Dill , of the seed of Psyllium , Milk , Saffron , and the like , may be used by Intervals , or a Cataplasm made of them may be apply'd , with which also Decoctions , Injections and Baths may be also prepar'd .

But all these things are not sometimes sufficient to appease the violent Pain , which sometimes will not suffer the sick to sleep or rest , so that we are forced sometimes to use Narcoticks ; and indeed , they are not injurious in this Disease . I knew a Woman that was afflicted with a Cancer in her Breast , who took every Night for four Months two or three Grains of Laudanum , and was much reliev'd by it .

If much Blood flow from a Cancer ulcerated , as it often happens , inject into the Womb the juice of Plantain , with a little Frankincense .

CHAP. CII . Of a Gangrene and Mortification of the Womb.

A Gangrene is an incipient Mortification ; this Disease is easily generated in a Womans Privities , because those Parts are very moist and soft , and easily receive the Excrements of the whole Body ; it often succeeds an Inflammation , Absess or Ulcer ill cured , when the vital heat of the part is suffocated and destroy'd , it is suffocated in great Inflammations , when more Blood flows in , than the innate heat of the part can digest ; 't is destroy'd either by a cold Intemperies that extinguishes it , or by an hot that dissipates and resolves it .

An incipient Gangrene is known by an unusual heat that is perceiv'd in the part ; a shaking and shivering also invades , with a languid and frequent Pulse , and with Fainting , and because most commonly this Disease is chiefly seated on the Neck of the Womb , and so the part affected may be seen , that appears soft , livid , black and cadaverous , and may be prick'd and cut without feeling , and sends forth a fetid and cadaverous Stink .

As to the prognostick , this Disease is very dangerous and most commonly deadly . But it has been observed by many Authors , that the Womb having been corrupted or gangren'd has fallen off of its own accord , or has been cut off , and the Woman has done well .

The Cure is to be perform'd by the same Remedies wherewith the Gangrenes of the other parts us'd to be cur'd ; if the Gangrene be in the neck of the Womb , or tend towards the external parts , Scarification must be us'd , and a decoction of Wormwood , Myrrh and the like ; also Unguentum Aegyptiacum , and a Cataplasm made of the three Meals .

Take of the Meals of Barly , Beans and Orobus , each two ounces , of Oxymell , one pint ; boil them to the consistenee of a Cataplasm , but it will be more effectual , if you add the Meal of Lupines , Myrrh , Aloes and Wormwood .

But if it be wholly corrupted it must be cut off , or in a falling of the Womb it must be bound by degrees harder and harder , till at length it falls off , of which Operations Schenkius has collected many Observations .

In the whole course of the Cure , Corroboratives must be us'd , and emollient cleansing and cooling Glisters must be frequently injected .

CHAP CIII . Of a Dropsie and Inflation of the Womb.

THE Inflation and Dropsie are confounded by almost all Authors , but they are to be distinguish'd ; for there is a certain Inflation of the Womb which ought not to be call'd a Dropsie , viz. when the Womb is inflated and stretch'd suddenly by Wind rushing in , upon which account a violent pain is occasioned , as it happens in the Cholick ; and , therefore , if this Inflation does not last long , it does not deserve the name of a Dropsie ; such an one is often in hysterick Diseases .

Wherefore , a Dropsie of the Womb is twofold ; one from Wind , which is like a Timpany ; another , from a watry Humour , which is like the Dropsie of the Belly : Some add a third , from Phlegm .

And first of Wind , contain'd in the cavity of the Womb. Sennertus mentions an observation in a Woman , That when she thought she was with Child and about to be deliver'd , evacuated a great quantity of Wind , and her Belly presently asswag'd . He also mentions Observations of great quantities of Water , contain'd in the cavity of the Womb.

But Authors testifie , That Water is sometimes contain'd in Bladders , and excluded in them , and sometimes a Dropsie of the Womb is complicated with being with Child , as Fabricius Hildanus relates of his own Wife .

As to the Diagnostick of this Disease , many things are to be inquir'd into ; first , how this particular Dropsie of the Womb may be distinguish'd from an universal Dropsie ; secondly , how the Species of it may be known , viz. Whether it proceeds from Wind , Water or Phlegm ; thirdly , Whether it arise primarily from the Womb , or be occasion'd by the fault of some other part ; fourthly , Whether the peccant Matter be contain'd in the cavity of the Womb , or within the Membranes of it , or in Bladders ; fifthly , How it may be distinguish'd from other Tumours of the Womb ; sixthly , How it may be distinguish'd from being with Child ; seventhly , How it may be distinguish'd from a Mola .

As to the first Question , 't is distinguish'd from an universal Dropsie ; for that in a Dropsie of the Womb the Tumour possesses more the bottom of the Womb , but an universal Dropsie extends equally the whole Belly ; besides , in a Dropsie of the Womb , there is not so soon a paleness and wasting of the whole Body , as in an universal Dropsie , in which also most commonly there is considerable Drought , and dryness of the Tongue , but not in a Dropsie of the Womb ; and also in this , all the Symptoms are much milder , and the hardness when 't is from Wind , or the fluctuation when 't is occasion'd by Water , do not possess so great a space , as in an universal Dropsie . And , lastly , in a Dropsie of the Womb , wind breaks out by Intervals , or a little water flows out , which manifestly shew , that wind or water is contain'd in it .

To the second Question we answer in the following manner : The Species of a Dropsie in the Womb are thus distinguish'd ; if it be occasion'd by wind , the bottom of the Belly sounds , being struck ; there are pricking pains in the belly , which sometimes run through the Diaphragm , Stomach , Loins , Navel and other parts ; and sometimes the wind does evidently break through the Neck of the Womb , and the Women perceive the Womb to rise up often to the Stomach like a Ball ; breathing is sometimes difficult , the Disease grows worse upon eating or drinking , and they often belch , and are better after it , and they are often troubl'd with Mother-fits : They sometimes perceive a pain in the region of the Hypogaster , so that they can't bear an Hand laid upon it ; these Signs are also in an inflation of the Womb ; but there is this difference , for as we said before , an inflation is but for a small space , but a Dropsie from wind continues much longer .

But if a Dropsie of the Womb is occasion'd by Water , that Region appears soft and flaccid , for Wind causes a Tension ; there is a greater weight in the part , and a sound as it were of Water floating , and Water sometimes drops from the part . And , lastly , if it proceed from Phlegm , there is a greater softness and flaccidity of the part , which daily increases and afflicts the neighbouring Parts , viz. the Hypogaster , the Pubes Perineum and Loins , with an Oedematous swelling .

As to the third Question , if there be Signs of the whole Bodies being ill affected , as by acute or long Fevers , by immoderate Hemorrhagies , by weakness of the Stomach , swellings of the Liver or Spleen , or by other obstinate Diseases of those parts , with which the Dropsie of the Womb began and increased with them , there is good reason to conjecture , That the matter of the Dropsie is receiv'd in those parts ; but if when the whole Body is well , such a Tumour happens , and succeeds particular Diseases of the Womb , as hard Labour , suppression of the Courses , or too large an evacuation of them , or Ulcers and Tumors , we may guess that the Dropsie of the Womb proceeds from them .

To the fourth Question we answer , That the Matter which is contained in the cavity of the Womb , causes a much greater Tumor than when 't is contain'd within the Membranes .

To the fifth Question we answer , That a Dropsie of the Womb may be distinguish'd from Tumors that proceed from a Phlegmon or an Erysipelas , because in these there is a Fever and Pain upon the least touching ; it may be distinguish'd from a Scirrhus or cancerous Tumour , by the hardness that resists the Finger upon touching .

To the sixth Question we answer , That when a Woman is with Child , the Tumor is not equal and depress'd , but thrusts it self out above the Navel . Secondly , when a Woman is with Child , after some Months she is better most commonly ; but the longer a Dropsie lasts , the worser it grows . Thirdly , in a Woman with Child , the motion of the Fetus is manifestly felt , after the third or forth Month , which does not happen in a Dropsie ; yet sometimes when a Dropsie arises from Wind , a Palpitation is perceiv'd in the Womb ; but it may be easily distinguished from the motion of a Child , because 't is more equal , and is wont to possess more parts of the Belly . Fourthly , when a Woman is with Child the Breasts swell , but in a Dropsie they grow small .

To the seventh Question we answer , That in a Mola there is a weight felt in the Belly , which is not perceiv'd in a Dropsie of the Womb ; and when the sick lye on either side , a weight is perceiv'd , as if a Stone roll'd thither . Moreover , in a Mola there are violent Fluxes of the Courses by Intervals , viz. every third of fourth Month , which does not happen in a Dropsy of the Womb. And , lastly , in a Mola the Breasts swell , and have Milk in them sometimes ; but there is no such thing in a Dropsie .

As to the Prognostick , a simple Inflation of the Womb is not dangerous ; but if it continue long , it may turn to a Dropsie .

If Wind or Water be contain'd in the cavity of the Womb , 't is easier cur'd than when 't is included in the Membranes or in Bladders .

The Cure of this Disease is perform'd in a manner by the same Remedies which are propos'd for the Cure of a Dropsie or the Green-sickness , but some things that are peculiar to this Disease must be added . And first , as to bleeding in a recent Disease occasion'd by an obstruction of the Courses , and there being a fulness of Blood , it may be proper , otherwise 't is injurious .

But Purging is always necessary , and it must be often repeated ; and after sufficient Purging , Aperitives , Diureticks , and such things as move the Courses must be us'd ; to which may be added the following .

Take of the Roots of Smallage and Madder , each half an ounce , of the Leaves of Savine , Feverfew and Penny-royal , each one pugil , of the Seeds of Daucus , one drachm ; boil them in the Broath of young Pidgeons , and let her take it strain'd in a Morning for many days , but before she takes the Broath , let her swallow one of the following Pills .

Take of the best Castor , Myrrh and Madder , each half a drachm , of Saffron one scruple , with the juice of Lemons ; make nine Pills .

After the use of which Medicines violent Exercise must be us'd , that thereby the Excrements bred in the Bowels and in the habit of the Body may be dissipated ; and also , all that which is contain'd in the Womb , the Skins being broken by the violence of the exercise .

And if the Woman vomit easily , 't will be proper to vomit her twice a Week , whereby not only the Humors flowing to the Womb may be recall'd and evacuated , but also the Skins sticking to the Womb , and sometimes containing a watry Humour , may perchance be broken , and so the ill Humors may flow out .

The following Bolus is very effectual to discuss the Humour contain'd in the Womb.

Take of Mineral Borox half a drachm , of Saffron half a scruple , with the juice of Savin ; make a Bolus , to be taken twice a week .

Sudorificks are also very proper in this Disease , for by them the watry Humours contained in the Womb , or the whole Body , may be discuss'd and evacuated .

In the mean while the heat of the Stomach must be strengthened by things taken inwardly , and outwardly apply'd .

And outwardly must be apply'd proper topical Remedies to strengthen the Womb , and to discuss the Humors contain'd in it .

And first , may be prepar'd Fomentations and Baths , made of a decoction of the Roots of Briony and wild Cucumber , of the Leaves of Dwarf-elder , Mercury-elder , wild Marjoram , Calaminth , Wormwood , Rue , Sage , Marjoram , Thyme , Bays , Penny-royal , Mugwort , of the Seeds of Broom , Daucus , Cummin , Annise , Fennel , Laurel-borries and Juniper-berries , the Flowers of Camomile , Melilote and Rosemary , of which may be made Bags to be boil'd in Wine , or the foresaid things may be boil'd in a Lee made of the ashes of the Twigs of a Vine .

But that the foremention'd Fomentations may operate the better , they must be applied before and behind , and the Sick ought to sweat , if she can , in the Bed , or in a Bath .

In a windy Dropsie dry Fomentations are more beneficial with Bags made of Gromwel , Salt , Cummin and Bran , torrefied in a Frying-Pan , and sprinkled with Wine .

After the Fomentation , anoint the Belly with the Oils of Nard , Dill , Rue , Wormwood , and Southernwood , which if they are drawn chymically will be much more effectual .

After you have anointed the Belly apply the Plaster of Laurel-berries , or a Cataplasm of Cow-Dung , Sheeps-Dung , of the Seeds of Smallage , Parsly , Cummin and boiled Hony .

For the same use is commended the Skin of a Sheep newly kill'd , and sprinkled with hot Wine .

Glisters must be also frequently injected made of a Decoction of Wormwood , wild Marjoram , Pennyroyal , Rue , Centory and the like , or with Oils of Rue , Nuts , Dill and White-wine or Mallago-Sack , wherein must be dissolv'd Benedictum Laxativum , Turpentine , Rosemary , Hony and the like .

Injections for the Womb may be prepar'd in the following manner , to evacuate the Humours contain'd in it .

Take of the Roots of Asarabacca three drachms , of the Leaves of Pennyroyal and Calaminth each one handful , of the Seeds of Savine one pugil , of Mechoacan one drachm , of the seeds of Annise and Cummin , each half a drachm ; boil them , and in the strain'd Liquor dissolve of Oil of Orrice and of Elder , each one ounce , in six ounces of the Liquor , and make an Injection .

For the same Use Pessaries may be made in the following manner .

Take of Coloquintida and Mechoacan each one dracm , of Salt of Niter half a scruple , with a sufficient quantity of boil'd Hony , make a Pessary . Or ,

Take of Elaterium half a drachm , of Figs bruis'd a sufficient quantity , make a Pessary .

When the Inflation is occasion'd by Wine , a Fume made of Nutmegs and conveyed through a Tunnel has done much good .

And in the same case a Cupping-Glass applied to the Navel , with much Flame , discusses Wind powerfully .

But when the Disease is humoral , Issues in the Legs discharge the Filth of the Womb by degrees .

The Bath-waters used inwardly and outwardly , are also very good , if the Body be not very hot .

For the Pain of the Womb , which often afflicts the Sick in this Disease , Amatus Lucitanus commends the Water or Decoction of Camomel , four or five Ounces , of it being taken at a time .

And lastly , if an Inflation happen after Delivery there is no need of any other Cleansing than that of the Womb ; but if it does not proceed well , it must be helpt by drawing Pessaries , and by Cupping-Glasses applied to the Thighs , and by other Remedies prescrib'd for the Stoppage of the Courses ; and if Wind be the cause , the Fume of Nutmegs above-proposed is very proper .

CHAP. CIV . Of a Falling of the Womb.

FOR the Cure of this Distemper regard must be had to two things ; the first is to reduce the Womb into its natural Place , and the second is to strengthen it , and keep it there .

For the Execution of the first , which is to reduce it , if the Womb be quite out or turned , the Woman must first of all render her Urine , and a Glister must be given , if it be necessary , to empty the gross Excrements that are in the right-Gut , that so the Reduction may be the easier perform'd ; then place her on her Back , with her Hips rais'd a little higher than her Head , and then foment all that is fallen out with a little Wine and Water luke-warm , and with a soft Rag put it up into its proper Place , thrusting back not all at once , but waging it by little and little from side to side , in case this be too painful , because 't is already too big and swell'd ; anoint it with Oil of Almonds , for the more easie reduction of it , being careful as soon as 't is reduc'd , to wipe off the Oil as much as may be , to avoid a Relapse : But if notwithstanding all this , the Womb cannot be put up , because 't is very much inflamed and tumified , which happens when it has been a long time so , without the use of necessary means , during which time it is continually moistned with Urine and other Excrements , which contribute very much to its Corruption , in this case there is great danger that 't will gangrene .

Also the second part of this Cure , which consists in the retention of the Womb in its place , and the strengthning of it ; It will be done by a convenient situation ▪ Let the Woman , for this purpose , keep her self in Bed , on her Back , having her Hips a little raised , her Legs something crossed , and her Thighs join'd together , to prevent the falling of it out again ; but the best way is to put up a Pessary into the Neck of the Womb , to keep it firm . There are two or three sorts of them made for this purpose , the Figures of them may be seen in Moriceau's Midwifery ; see Page 311.

Take of Oak-Bark two ounces , boil it in two quarts of Fountain-Water , add at the latter end one ounce of Pomegranate-Peel bruis'd , red Roses , Pomegranate-Flowers , each two handfuls , and then add half a pint of red Wine , strain it , and bath the part affected with Flannels dipt in it , in the Morning , two hours before the Woman rises , and at Night , when she is in Bed ; continue the use of it 'till the Symptom is quite gone .

CHAP. CV . Of Barrenness .

AS to the Cure of Barrenness , too much Fat must be corrected by an orderly Diet , and by convenient Evacuation .

Such as are of a robust and manly constitution must be reduc'd to a womanly state by all means ; they must forbear strong Meats and Labour , and the Coarses must be forced , and by Bleeding and Purging , and the like , the Habit of the Body must be rendred moist and cold .

If from Distortion , Obstruction , Tumors or Ulcers of the Womb , or from its being shut , Barrenness is occasion'd , proper Remedies must be applied .

If too hot an Intemperies be the cause , it must be corrected , so must immoderate siccity by Milk and Bathing .

But the most frequent Cause of Barrenness is a cold and moist Intemperies of the whole Body , and of the Womb , which the Whites often accompany , and for the Cure in this case , the Whites must be cur'd by the Method prescrib'd in the Chapter for the Whites , and the following things must be order'd , which are peculiarly proper for the said Intemperies , which may be varied according to the discretion of the Physician , so as that they may heat more , or dry more , according as Humidity or Frigidity exceeds .

And first , the flegmatick Humors , stagnating in the Body , must be evacuated by Medicines that purge , sweat and force Urine ; and Revulsion must be made by Issues in the Arms , Neck and Legs , and the principal Parts must be strengthned by Treacle , Mithridate , Confection of Alkermes and the like .

Aftewards such things must be us'd as are proper by a specific quality to strengthen the Womb and to help Conception .

Take of the Roots Eryngo and Satyrion candied , each one ounce ; of green Ginger candied , half an ounce ; of Hazel-Nuts , Pine-Nuts and Pistaches , each six drachms ; one Nutmeg candied ; of the Seeds of Rocket and Cresses each two drachms ; of the Ashes of a Bulls-Pisle , of the Reins of Scinks , and of the Raspings of Ivory each one drachm ; of Confection of Alkermes , three drachms ; of Diambra and sweet Diamoch each one ounce and an half ; of Ambergrise half a drachms , with the Syrup of candid Citrons , make an Electuary ; let her take the quantity of a Nutmeg at Bed-time , drinking upon it a Glass of good Wine .

Some count the Secondine of a Woman dried and powder'd very effectual , one drachm of it being taken . The Seeds of Bishop's Weed is also much commended .

Many good Authors affirm , That if a Woman drink six ounces of the Juice of Garden-Sage with a little Salt , the fourth Day of her menstrous Purgation , and a quarter of an hour after has Conversation with her Husband , she will infallibly conceive : And by the use of this Remedy , Aetius says , the Egyptian Women became fruitful after a great Plague .

Topicks are also to be used , but purging must always go before .

Take of Diaphenicon and Hierapicra , each half an ounce ; of Turpentine and Mercurial Hony , each one ounce ; of Castor one drachm : Mingle them , and reduce them to a convenient consistence , that Pessaries may be made for the Womb.

If the Womb abound with a great quantity of Excrements , a stronger Pessary may be made in the following manner : But this injection must be first used .

Take of the Leaves of Wormwood , Mugwort , Mercury and Rue , each one handful and an half ; of the Pulp of Coloquintida one scruple ; of Agarick trochiscated , half a drachm ; of Ginger and Myrrh each one scruple ▪ Make a Decoction in Water and White-Wine to a Pint , in which dissolve two ounces of Hony of Roses : Let three ounces of this Decoction be injected for three or four days , morning and evening , after the Flux of the courses ; and afterwards immit the following Pessary .

Take of Hiera picra and of Benedictum Laxativum , each one ounce ; of the Pulp of Coloquintida and of Agarick trochiscated , each half a drachm ; of Spikenard and of the Seeds of Roman Nigella , and of the Leaves of Savine powder'd , each one drachm : let them be incorporated with Rosemary-Hony , and put them up in Silk , and make Pessaries ; let one be put into the Privities at Bed-time , and let it remain there two hours ; afterwards let the part be washed with White-wine .

To bind , strengthen and dry the Womb the following Medicines may be us'd .

Take of round Birthwort , half an ounce ; of Wood of Aloes , three drachms ; of Cypress-nutts , and of the Roots of Cypress , each two drachms ; of sweet-smelling Flag , one drachm ; of the Leaves of Dittany of Crete , and of Savory and Myrtles , each one handful ; of choice Myrrh , Storax Calamit and Benzoin , each two drachms and an half ; of the Flowers of Stechas , Rosmary and Marjoram , each one pugil : Boil them in a sufficient quantity of good White-Wine ; in a pint of the strain'd Liquor dissolve of the Troches of Alipta moschata two drachms ; of Ambergreese and of Musk , each seven grains ; of Civet five grains : Make an Injection Morning and Evening , hot , for some Days .

Before or after the Injection the following Fume may be used .

Take of the Troches of Gallia and Alipta moschata , each two drachms , of Storax Calamit , Benzoin and pure Labdanum , each half an ounce ; of Wood of Aloes and of Rhodium , each one ounce ; of the Seeds of Roman Nigella , Cubebs and Cloves , each four scruples , of Amber and Tacamahaca , each one drachm and an half ; of Mace half a drachm : Make a Powder , and with Gum Tragacanth dissolv'd in Orange-flower-water , make Troches ; whereof let one or two be cast upon the Coals , and let the Fume be received through a Tunnel .

Poor People may be fumed with equal Parts of Myrrh , Franckincense , Wood of Aloes , Storax , Benzoin , Cinnamon and Cloves . After the Injections and Fume the following Pessary may be used .

Take of Frankincense and Mastick , each two drachms ; of the Troches of Gallia and Alypta Moschata , each four scruples ; of the Roots of Bistort , of Cypress-Nuts , shavings of Ivory and of red Roses , each one drachm ; of Storax , Benzoin and Labdanum , each two scruples ; of sweet-smelling Flag and Cyprus , each half a drachm : Moisten them with Orange-Flower-Water , and with a fine Rag make two Pessaries of a due magnitude , whereof let one be used at Bed-time , the top of it being anointed with Oil of Nutmegs and Civet mixed .

Before the strengthning Injections and the Fumes , the Sick may use the following Bath .

Take of the Roots of Briony , Masterwort , Valerian , Orris , Elecampane ; each three ounce ; of the Leaves of Marjoram , Mugwort , Catminte , Pennyroyal , Mercury , Sage , Lawrel , each four handfuls ; of the Berries of Lawrel and Juniper , each one ounce : Boil them for a Bath .

But sulphurous and Bituminous Baths are the best , as our Bath-waters , and the like , to which such Women fly as to an Asylum .

After the Bath and Fume , the Region of the Pubes and Perinoeum must be anointed with the following Liniment .

Take of Nard-oil , one ounce and an half ; of Oil of Wall-flowers , half an ounce ; of Diambra and Dimosh , each one drachm and an half ; of liquid Storax , one drachm ; of Civet half a scruple ; of Musk and Ambergrise , each six grains : with a little white Wax make a Liniment , wherewith anoint the said Parts , and anoint within with Civet , or with natural Indian Balsam .

Lastly , let Plasters be applied to the Perineum and the Loins , and let rhem be worn continually .

Take of the Plaster for the Matrix four ounces , of the Plaster of Mastick two ounces ; of Gum Tachamacha and Caranna , each one ounce ; of the Powder of the Roots of Tormentil and Bistort , each three ounces ; of the Powder of Myrtles two drachms ; of Aromatic Rosat , four scruples ; moisten them with Oil of Quinces , and with a drachm of Oil of Nutmegs , spread two Plasters upon Leather , the one round for the Pubes , and the other square for the Loins .

CHAP. CVI. Of Miscarriage .

MIscarriage is the Exclusion of an imperfect or unripe Child , and consequently a Child dead in the Womb is not said abortive till it is excluded ; so that whether alive or dead Child be brought forth not being ripe , nor having attained to the just growth in the Womb , it is to be termed abortive .

The causes of Abortion are some Internal , some External ; the Internal may be reduced to four Heads , viz. to the Humors , to the Child , to the Womb , and to the Disease of the Mother .

The Humors may occasion Abortion , when they offend in quantity or quality .

They offend in quantity , either by way of excess or defect .

The quantity is excessive in a Plethora ; for there being more Blood than is requisit to nourish the Fetus , it flows into the Veins of the Womb , and is excluded like the monthly Courses , and so the Child comes away with it .

There is too small a quantity of the nutritious Humor when the Child's nourishment is by any means lessened , as by Fasting , whether volunary or forced ; and when Women with Child nauseat all sorts of Food , or vomit it up again : Likewise , by reason of a thin Diet in acute Diseases , or by an immoderate evacuation of Blood : Likewise , by reason of extream leanness of the whole Body .

In respect of the Child , Abortion may happen if it be over great , so that it cannot by reason of its bulk be contained in the Womb ; and for this reason little Women often miscarry , especially if they are married to Men bigger than ordinary , whose Children grow very great , and find not in the Womb a space large enough to contain them , till they come to their perfect growth ; also , plurality of Children may occasion Abortion , as when two or three , or more , are contained in the Womb at one time .

The Womb it self occasions Abortion , if it be not large and capacious enough to widen it self sufficiently according as the Child grows , or if there be any thing preternatural in the Womb , as an Inflammation , a Scirrhus , or Imposthume , or the like ; or if the Womb be over moist and slack , so that it cannot contain the Child so well as it ought to do .

Abortion comes two ways from the Diseases of the Mother : First , when her Diseases are communicated to the Child , whereby it is killed or so weakned , that it cannot receive due nourishment nor growth ; such are continual Fevers and Agues , the French Pox , and many such like . Secondly , when the said Diseases of the Mother cause great Evacuations , or great Commotions of the Body ; as large Bleeding from what part of the Body soever , Fluxes of the Belly , grievous Swooning , Falling-sickness , Vomiting and a Tenesmus , which above all other Diseases is wont to cause Abortion .

External Causes which further Abortion , do some of them kill the Child , others draw away it 's nourishment , and others dissolve those Bands wherewith the Child is fastned to the Womb.

The Child is killed by great Commotions of the Mind , as by Anger , Sadness , Frights , and the like ; by Meats earnestly longed for , and not obtained ; by strong purging Medicines , by things that provoke the Courses , and by those things that expel the Child , and by such things as are reckoned by a Specifick Quality to destroy the Child in the Womb , by abominable Smells ; especially the stink of a Candle ill put out .

Violent Exercise dissolves the Bands that fasten the Child to the Womb ; as Dancing , Running , Riding , Jolting in a Coach or Cart , carrying or lifting from the Ground a heavy Weight , a violent Fall , a Blow on the Belly , vehement Motion of the Belly , by Coughing , Vomiting , Looseness , Sneezing , Convulsions , Crying-out , immoderate or over-wanton Embraces , and in a word , vehement motion of the Arms , the turning a Wheel , or doing some such work , may exceedingly promote Abortion .

The Signs of present Abortion are manifest of themselves ; but such as go before Abortion , and prognosticate the same , are these : An unusual heaviness of the Loins and Hips , an unwillingness to stir , Appetite gone , shivering and shaking coming by Fits , pain of the Head , especially about the Roots of the Eyes , a straitening of the Sides and Belly above the Navel , the flagging or falling , and extenuation of the Dugs ; but if frequent pains , and almost continual Torment , the Reins and Loins reaching towards the Share , as far as the Os sacrum , with endeavours to evacuate the Womb , certainly the Woman will shortly miscarry .

If from violent external Causes , such as are a Blow , a Fall , and the like , vehement Pain and Perturbation arise in a Woman with Child ; she ought to keep her Bed three days or longer .

As to the Prognosticks , Women are more endangered by Abortion than by a true and timely Birth , because it is more violent and unseasonable ; for as in ripe Fruit , the Stalks are loosened from the Boughs , and the Fruit falls off of it self ; so in a natural Birth , the Vessels and Ligaments wherewith the Child is tyed to the Womb are loosened and untyed , as it were , of their own accord , which in Abortion must needs be vioiently broken asunder . Abortion is most dangerous in the sixth , seventh and eighth Month.

Our ordinary Women say , A miscarrying Woman is half with Child again .

The Cure of Abortion consists in Preservation ; for that which is past , cannot be helpt : But all the Symtoms which follow Abortion , are the same which accompany Women duly brought to bed .

The preservation from Abortion consists principally in these two things ; the one concerns the Woman before she is with Child , and the other when she is with Child .

Before the Woman is with Child , all Indispositions of the Body , which are wont to cause Abortion , must be removed ; as fulness of Blood , ill Humours , and peculiar Diseases of the Womb , viz. Intemperies , Swellings , Ulcers , and the like .

Fulness of Blood opens the Veins of the Womb , or strangles the Infant while it is in the Womb ; this , if it be a pure and simple Plenitude , may be cured by Blood-letting , such as shall answer the quantity of Blood superabounding .

A Cacochymy is either Cholerick , and partaking of Acrimony , so as to open the Orifices of the Veins , or by provoking Nature ; it stirs up the expulsive Faculty , whereby the Child comes to be expelled with those ill Humours ; or it suffocates the Child , by reason of plenty of Excrements heap'd together in the first Region , and distending the Belly ; or it vitiates the Blood in the whole Body , rendring it unfit to nourish the Child ; or it fills the Vessels of the Womb which retain the Child , with a slymy moisture .

Bleeding may be also used for this Cacochymy , in a small quantity ; but the chiefest way of Cure is by frequent Purging , that the superfluous Excrements of the Body may be evacuated ; and betwixt Purge and Purge , such things must be used as asswage the Intemperies of the Bowels , and the Acrimony of the Humors if there be any , and thicken the said Humors , in case they be too thin , and if flegmatick Humors abound , they must be discussed with Sudorificks and Diureticks , and other Remedies ; howbeit , we must diligently observe , that whatever ill Humors abound , Issues are very proper to prevent Abortion ; of which Zacutus Lusitanus gives a special note in these words : By most happy Experiments I have observed , That frequent Abortion caused by corrupted Humors , which flow from the whole Body to the Womb , and by their evil disposition or abundance kill the Child , is hereby , as by a most present help , prevented ; many Women have miscarried on this account , among whom some having oftentimes brought a Child of seven Months , or four Months growth , torn and putrified , cou'd by no other means be freed from so great a Calamity , save by Issues made in their Arms and Thighs , which were always made at the beginning of the Fluxion ; by which means they went out their time , and brought forth Children healthy , and not defiled with any Infection .

The peculiar Diseases of the Womb , as over-great Moisture , Swellings , Ulcers , and such like , must be cured by their proper Remedies .

If these Diseases happen when a Woman is with Child , the difficulty is greater , because big-bellied Women cannot so easily bear all kind of Remedies ; yet , lest being destitute of all help , they should remain in extream danger of Miscarriage and Death , some kind of Remedies are to be used .

In case , therefore , the Patient be too full of Blood , she must have a Vein opened , tho' she be with Child , especially in the first Months , and so twice or thrice if need be , always remembring that there never be much Blood taken away at a time .

And when there is abundance of some ill Humors , gentle Purging must be repeated , especially in the middle Months ; and if a moist and flatulent , or slymy Intemperies annoy the Patient , we may sometimes proceed to a Sudorifick Diet , at least a gentle one , in the strongest sort of Women .

In the mean while , these astringent and strengthening Medicines are to be used all the time the Woman is with Child , that are proper to hinder Abortion .

Take of Kermes-berries and Tormentil-roots , each three ounces , of Mastich , one drachm and an half ; make a Powder , of which give now and then half a drachm , or as much as will lie on the point of a Knife .

Or , Take of red Coral , two drachms , Kermes-berries , Date-stones , each one drachm , shavings of Ivory half a drachm , of Pearls not bor'd , one scruple ; make a Powder .

Or , let her take every day in the morning , some grains of Mastich .

Our ordinary Women use frequently Plantain-seed , which they take in the morning to the quantity of half a drachm with Wine and Water , or in an Egg , or Broath , or by it self , almost every day , all the while they are with Child , and with good success .

To the same purpose , very effectual Electuaries are compounded , according to the following Example .

Take of Conserve of Roses , two ounces , of Citron-peel candied , six drachms , of Myrabolans candied , of the pulp of Dates , each half an ounce , of Coral prepared , Pearl prepared , and shavings of Hartshorn , each one drachm , with syrup of Quinces ; make an Electuary , of which let the Patient take often the quantity of a Nutmeg .

If a Liquor be more pleasing , a Decoction of Tormentil-roots sweet'ned with Conserve of Roses , may be given successfully .

The following Lozenges are very good ; for they strengthen , and by little and little free the Body from Excrements , though they do not sensibly purge sometimes .

Take of Mace , of the three sorts of Sanders , Rhubarb , Sena , Coral , Pearl , each one scruple , of Sugar dissolved in Rose-water , four ounces ; make all into Lozenges , weighing three drachms apiece . Let her take one twice a week by it self , or dissolved in a little Broath .

Ointments and Plasters are to be applied outwardly .

Take of Ship-pitch , half an ounce , of Frankincense one ounce , Mastich half an ounce , Dragons blood and red Roses , each two drachms ; make a Cerecloath .

Or , Take of Oil of Myrtles and Mastich , each one ounce , of red and yellow Sanders , Hypocistis and Acacia , each half an ounce , of Spodium and red Roses , each two drachms , of Bole-armonick , seal'd Earth , Ivory , each two scruples , of Turpentine washed in Plantain-water , one ounce , with a sufficient quantity of Wax ; make a Cereloath , spread it on Cloath , and apply it to the Reins ,

Or , Take of the Plaster for the Matrix three ounces , of Bistort-roots , Acacia , Hypocistis , Pomgranat-peels , each half an ounce , of Labdanum , six drachms ; soften them with the juice of Quinces , and make a Plaster for the use aforesaid .

As to Plasters it is to be noted , That they must not be worn long together , but taken off now and then ; otherwise , if they stick too long upon the Back , they do so heat the Kidnies , that sometimes they occasion an heat of Urine , and the voiding by Urine Sand , Stones , yea Blood it self .

Nor are those things to be omitted , which are accounted Specificks for retaining the Child in the Womb , as the Eagle's stone worn about the Neck , a Load-stone applied to the Navel , Corals , Jaspers , Smaragds , Bones found in the Hearts of Stags , and such like , worn under the Arm-pits or hanged about the Neck .

But that the success of these Medicines may be good , the Patient must be ordered to rest , and to keep her self as quiet as possibly she can , both in Body and Mind , and to abstain from Coition , which does much disquiet the Womb ; for whilst the Womb opens it self to receive the Semen , with which it is much delighted , it drops out the tender Fetus , not yet well setled in the Womb.

But if notwithstanding the Medicines aforesaid , by reason of the vehemency of the Cause , whether it be external or internal , the Patient be ready to miscarry , we must do the best we can with these following Remedies . And , in the first place , so soon as Pains and Throws shall be perceived to be in the lower parts of the Belly , towards the Pubis , in the Loins , and about the Os sacrum , we must seek to allay and stop them , both by Medicines taken inwardly , and outwardly applied , according to the variety of the Causes ; for if Abortion be caused by Crudities and Wind ( which is most usual when it begins from an internal Cause , ) a Powder must be given , made of Aromaticum Rosatum and Coriander-seeds ; and we may give of the Aqua Imperialis , if Phlegm and Wind abound .

At the same time let Carminative Medicines be applied below the Navel of the Patient ; such are , Bags of Anniseeds , Fennel-seeds , Fenugreek-seeds , Flowers of Camomile , Elder , Rosemary and Stechas mixed together ; or a Rose-cake fried in a Pan with rich Canary , and sprinkled with Powder of Nutmegs and Coriander-seeds , or the Gaul of a Wether newly kill'd , or his Lungs laid on warm ,

If by these means the pains cease not , let a Glister be injected made of Wine and Oil , wherein two drachms of Philonium Romanum may be dissolved , or Narcoticks may be given inwardly in a small quantity , to allay the violence of the Humors and Wind , as we are wont to do in the pains of the Cholick .

But if by reason of contumacious pains that will not be asswaged , or of the violence of some external cause , Blood begins to come away , Medicines that cause Revulsion are to be applied to turn the course of the Blood from the Womb ; such are , Frictions of the upper parts and painful Ligatures , also Cupping-glasses fastened to the Shoulder-blades under the Dugs , and under the short Ribs on both sides ; and if the Woman be full of Blood , it will not be amiss to take some blood from her , when she begins to void blood , and especially before it begins to come ; and the blood must be taken away at several times , a little at once .

And if the flux of blood continues , we must proceed to an astringent and thickening Diet and Medicines , and so the Powders and Electuaries before described may be administred ; also juice of Plantain new drawn , and syrup of Poppies to the quantity of an ounce , with Powder of Bole-armenick or Dragons-blood .

Also binding and astringent Fomentations may be used outwardly , made of Pomgranate-peels , Cypress-nuts , Acorn-cups , Baclaustins , Grape-stones and the like boiled in Smiths water and red Wine .

Or a little bag full of red Roses and Balaustins may be boiled , and applied hot to the Patient's Belly .

The above-mentioned Plasters and Cere-cloaths may be used ; and to bind more , make a Pultiss of astringent Powders , with Turpentine and whites of Eggs , spread it upon Tow or course Flax , and apply it to the Navel and Reins warm : The Tow that is to be applied to the Navel must be moistened with Wine , that which is to be apply'd to the Kidnies , with Vinegar . The two following Medicines are accounted Secrets , and it is believed they will certainly retain the Child in the Womb , if they be used before it be torn from the Vessels of the Womb.

Take of Leaves of Gold , number twelve , of Spodium one drachm , the Cock's treading of three Eggs not addled ; mix all very well , till the Gold be broken into small pieces , afterwards dissolve them in a draught of white Wine , and give it three Mornings following .

At the same time let the following Cataplasm be applied .

Take of Male-frankincense powdered , two ounces , the whites of five Eggs ; let them be stirr'd together over hot Coals ; add Turpentine to make them stick , then spread them upon Tow , and lay them upon her Navel as hot as she can possibly endure them twice a day , Morning and Evening , on the three days aforesaid .

CHAP. CVII . Of hard Labour .

THAT is said to be hard Labour which does not observe the due and ordinary course of Nature , and longer time is spent in it , and the pains are more violent than usual , and the Symptoms that accompany it are more grievous .

Many Causes may be assigned of it , both external and internal : The internal depend on the Mother , the Womb or the Child .

As to the Mother , the natural weakness of the whole Body may make the Labour difficult , or her Age , she being too young or too old , or it may be occasioned by Diseases which she had with her Big-belly , Leanness and too much dryness of the Body , or Fat compressing the Passages of the Womb ; the ill conformation of the Bones encompassing the Womb as in those that are Lame , may also occasion it , Wind swelling the Bowels , a Stone , or a preternatural Tumour in the Bladder that presses the Womb , may be the cause ; so may the ill constitution of the Lungs , or of the parts serving Respiration : For the holding of the Breath is very necessary to help the exclusion of the Child .

As to the Womb , various Diseases of it may render the Delivery difficult , as Tumors Ulcers , Obstructions , and the like .

As to the Child , hard Labour is occasion'd , when by reason it is dead or putrified , or any way diseased , it cannot confer any thing to its own exclusion : Also , when the Body or Head of it is large , or when there are many .

So Twins most commonly cause hard Labour , or when it is ill situated , as when the Hands or the Feet offer first , or when one Hand or one Foot comes out , or when it is doubled , or when the Membranes break too soon , so that the Water flows out , and leaves the Orifice of the Womb dry at the time of exclusion , or when the Membranes are too thick , so that they cannot be easily broken by the Child .

The external causes depend on things necessary and contingent ; things necessary are those which are commonly call'd Non-natural ; so cold and dry Air , and a North-wind are very injurious to Women in Labour , because they bind the Body , and drive the Blood and Spirits to the inner Parts , and they are very injurious to the Child coming from so warm a place ; also , hot Weather dissipates the Spirits , and weakens the Child , and causes a Fever in an ill habit of Body . Crude Aliments and such as are difficultly concocted , and those that bind , taken in great quantity before Labour , do render it difficult , the Stomach being weakened , and the common Passages contracted , which ought to be very open in this case .

Drowsiness hinders the action of the Mother and Child , and shews that Nature is weak . The unseasonable motion of the Woman much retards the delivery ; as when she refuses upon occasion to stand , walk , lie or sit , or flings her self about unadvisedly , so that the Child can not be born the right way , being turned preposterously by the restlesness of the Mother .

The retention of such things as should be evacuated at the time of Labour , as of Urine that swells the Bladder , or Excrements in the right Gut ; the Hemorrhoids also much swelled , narrow the neck of the Womb , and so hinder Natures endeavours .

And , lastly , violent Passions of the Mind , as Fear , Sorrow and Anger , make the Labour difficult .

To things contingent ought to be referred , a Blow , a Fall or a Wound , which may much obstruct Labour ; also , the By-standers , which ought to assist the Woman , viz. strong Women and Maids , which may lift her up just at the time of Delivery , especially a skilful Midwife , which ought to advise in every matter , for if she be unskilful she may make the Labour difficult : For sometimes the Midwife orders the Woman to endeavour an Expulsion , and to stop her Breath when the Ligaments of the Fetus stick firmly to the Womb , so that the Woman is tired before the time of her Delivery .

Difficult Labour is known , both by the Woman , by the By-standers , and especially by the Midwife . And , first , if the Woman continue a long time in Labour , viz. two , three , four or more days , whereas a natural Birth is finished in 24 hours . Another Sign of difficult Labour is languid pains , returning at long Intervals ; also , the pains tending backward rather than forward : But the Causes of difficult Labour may be known by the Womans Relation , and most commonly upon sight . So the weakness of the Woman , or leanness , or over-fatness , may be seen by the habit of Body . The Diseases of the Womb may be known by their proper Signs , the weakness of the Child by the weak and slow motion of it : But the signs of a dead Child may be known by the following Chapter . The bigness of the Child may be judged of by the stature of the Parents , especially if a gigantick Man be married to a dwarfish Woman : But when there are none of these Causes , and the Womans and Childs endeavours are strong , and yet the Labour is difficult , it is a sign that the Secundine is so strong , that it cannot be easily broken , and this will be confirmed if no water or moisture flows out in Labour . The preposterous figure of the Fetus may be perceived by the Midwife , and other things , as has been said , by sight .

As to the Prognostick , difficult Labour is of it self dangerous , and sometimes the Woman , and sometimes the Child , and sometimes both are extinguished .

If a Woman continue in Labour four days , she will hardly escape .

Sleepy Diseases and Convulsions coming upon hard Labour , are most commonly deadly .

Sneesing coming upon hard Labour , is good .

As to the Cure of hard Labour : First , all those things which retard it must , as much as may be , be removed ; afterwards , Medicines that further Labour must be methodically administred .

And first , it is common with Women to give a spoonful or two of Cinnamon-water , or Cinnamon powdered with a little Saffron , or half a drachm of Confection of Alkerms in broath , or half a scruple of Saffron alone in some broath , or every hour in a little Wine .

Or , Take of Oil of sweet Almonds and of white Wine , each two ounces , of Saffron and Cinnamon , each twelve grains , of Confection of Alkermes , half a drachm , of syrup of Maiden-hair , one ounce and an half ; mingle them , make a Potion .

If these things are not sufficient , the following may be used , which I have frequently found very effectual .

Take of Dittany , of Crete , and both the Birthworts , and of Troches of Myrrh , each half a scruple , of Saffron and Cinnamon , each twelve grains , of Confection of Alkermes , half a drachm , of Cinnamon-water half an ounce , of Orange-flower-water , and of Mugwort-water , each one ounce ; make a Potion .

Oil of Ambar , of Cinnamon , and extract of Saffron are very effectual in a small quantity , viz. five grains of extract of Saffron , four or five drops of Oil of Cinnamon , twelve or fifteen drops of Oil of Ambar , in Wine , Broath , or some other Liquor .

Sneesing hastens Delivery ; it may be provoked by the following Powder .

Take of white Hellebore , half a drachm , of long Pepper , one scruple , of Castor , five grains , make a Powder ; let the quantity of a Pease , be blown up into the Nostrils .

But difficult Labour must be helpt , not only with inward Remedies proposed , but also with external ; let the Midwife , therefore , frequently anoint the Womb with the Oils of Lillies , sweet Almonds , Linseed and the like ; and let the Belly be fomented with an emollient decoction of the Roots of Marsh-mallows , Lillies , the leaves of Mallows , Violets , Mugwort , of Linseeds , Fenugreek-seeds , of the flowers of Camomile and Melilot .

Sharp Glisters are to be injected , by the irritation of which the expulsive faculty of the Womb will be stimulated , and the Guts being emptied thereby , there will be more room for the Womb .

Anoint the Navel with Oil of Ambar ; and such things as are thought to help Delivery by a specifick quality are to be used , as the Eagle's-stone , the Load-stone , Storax , Calamint and the like bound to the Hips ; and if the Woman has any Gems about her , as in Rings or the like , they must be pull'd off ; for many Women think , that such things retain the Child by a specifick Quality . If the Child seem to be weak , it must be refreshed , by giving strengthening things to the Mother , as hot Wine , Confection of Alkermes , Cinnamon-water , and the like .

If the Child begins to come forth preposterously , as with one Arm , or first with the foot , or the like ; the Midwife must thrust them back , and turn the Child right , which may be done by placing the Woman in a Bed upon her back , with her Head low , and her feet high ; and then force the Child gently into the Womb , and then the Midwife must endeavour to turn it right , viz. to turn the Face towards the Mothers back , and the Buttocks and Legs must be elevated towards the Mothers Navel , and so she must hasten a legitimate Birth .

But all hopes of Delivery being past , or the Mother being near Death , some Authors propose the Cesarian Section , whereof Franciscus Rossetus wrote an excellent Treatise , wherein he endeavours to shew , by many Arguments , that it may sometimes succeed : But because this operation is dangerous , and very terrible , it ought rarely or never to be attempted by a prudent Physician , if he values his own Reputation .

CHAP. CVIII . Of a Dead Child .

WHen the Child is dead the Motion of it ceases , which either the Mother felt before in the Womb , or the Midwife with her Hand ; a greater sense of weight with Pain afflicts the Belly ; when the Woman turns from side to side , she perceives the Child fall like a Stone from one part to another , the Belly feels cold , the natural Heat being extinguish'd , and the Spirits dissipated , which were contained in the Child ; the Eyes are hollow , the Face and Lips pale , the extream parts cold and livid , the Breasts flaccid , and at length , the Child putrifying , a fetid Ichor and Sanies flows from the Womb , an ill and strong smell exhales from the Woman's Body , and her Breath stinks : If the Secundine be excluded before the Fetus , it is a certain Sign that the Child is dead .

The whole Cure consists in the exclusion or extraction of the Child .

Take of the Leaves of Savin dryed , of the Roots of round Birthwort , of the Troches of Myrrh , and of Castor , each one drachm ; of Cinnamon half a drachm ; of Saffron one scruple : Mingle them , make a Powder , whereof let her take one drachm in Savin Water .

In the mean while apply to the Pubes , Privities , and Perineum an emolient Decoction .

After the Fomentation anoint the Parts with the Ointment de Arthanita , and let a Pessary be put up the Privities .

Take of the Roots of round Birthwort , Orris , black Helebore ; of Coloquintida and Myrrh , each one drachm ; of Galbanum and opopanax , each half a drachm : With Ox-Gall make a Pessary .

It is also proper , if the Strength be sufficient , to give a Purge .

Angelus Sala says , That he has used with very good success Mercurius Vitae in this Case , four or five grains at a time , and that it does powerfully exclude a dead Child , and is better than other Remedies : But it must be used with great Caution , because it is a violent Medicine .

If after having tried Medicines a long while , the Child cannot be ejected , Chirurgical Operation must be used , that is perform'd either by Instruments or by the Hand alone ,

CHAP. CIX . Of the Secundine retained .

IN a Natural Birth the Secundine is wont most commonly to be excluded presently after the Child , yet sometimes it is retained , whereby the Life is much endangered .

The internal causes of this Retention are too great a thickness of the Coats , so that they stick firmly to the sides of the Womb , the swelling of them , by an afflux of Humors occasioned by hard Labour , and the shutting of the Mouth of the Womb after the exclusion of the Fetus . The external causes are , coldness of the Air , whereby the Secundine is expelled , and the orifice of the Womb shut ; certain Perfumes , whereby the Womb is allur'd upwards ; violent Passions of the Mind , as fear and sudden Frights ; the perversness of the Woman , who will not abide in such a position , or use such Endeavours as are requisite ; the weight of the Child , whereby the Navel is broken , the Secundine remaining within ; the unskilfulness of the Midwife , who cuts the Umbilical Vessels too soon , or does not hold them in her left hand as she ought , for if they are let go they are drawn back into the Womb , and are hid there with the Secundine , whereas it ought they serve for the extraction of the Secundine .

It is easie to be known when the Secundine is retained in the Womb ; but sometimes a piece of it is separated and remains in the Womb , which is not so easily found ; yet it may be known , for that the Womb after delivery endeavours to eject something : But tho' its endeavours are but small , a sense of Heat and Pain is perceived in the Womb , and after a few Days a cadaverous Smell exhales from the Womb.

The retention of the Secundine is very dangerous , and if it continues some Days , an acute Fever , Nauseousness , Fainting , difficulty of Breathing , Coldness of the extream Parts , Epileptick and Hysterick Fits , and at length Death follow .

The Secundine retained is expelled by the same Remedies which were proposed for a dead Child , to which may be added some Specificks delivered by Authors .

Gesner and Augenius commend much the Testicles of a Horse cut in pieces , and dried in an Oven , as much of the Powder of them as may be contained with three Fingers , being taken in Chicken-Broath , and it may be repeated twice or thrice upon occasion .

Rulandus says , He has given , with success , thirty Drops of the Oil of Juniper .

Some order the Woman to bite an Onyon three or four times , and to swallow the Juice , and presently after to drink a small draught of Wine , by which she may be soon relieved .

Forestus mentions a Widwife who received the following Secret from a Jewish Physician ; He took the Leaves of Green Lovage , and pressed out the Juice with good Rhenish-Wine , and gave a Draught of it .

Angelus Sala commends Mercurius Vitae , as before in a dead Child .

To these things may be added Sneezing-Powders , Fomentations , Liniments and other things both external and internal , described above for difficult Labour . The following Decoction has been very succesful .

Take of Vinegar of Roses four or five quarts , of the Leaves and Berries of Bayes , each three handfuls ; one Rose-Cake cut in pieces : Boil them , and with the Decoction , hot , wash the Hips and Legs from the Groin to the Feet for a long while . To this Decoction may conveniently be added of Myrrh and both the Birth-Worts , each one ounce .

But among other things the Hand of a skilful Surgeon may do much , before the Inflammation and Inflation are increased ; for so the Secundine may be gently drawn out , and the Woman freed from all the Symptoms and Fatigue of Medicines .

If the Secundine cannot be ejected by any means , but sticks firmly to the Womb , and putrifies there , Suppuratives must be injected , mixed with things that cleanse , that that which is putrified may be drawn out by degrees ; to this purpose , Rondoletius commends Basilicon , especially being dissolv'd in the following Decoction .

Take of the Leaves of Mallows , with the Roots three handfuls ; of the Roots of both the Birth-worts , each six drachms ; of Flax-seeds and Fenugreek-seeds , each half an ounce ; of Violets one handful ; of the Flowers of Camomel , and the lesser Centaury , each half an handful : Make a Decoction in Water , mingle Oil with it , if you would have it suppurate much ; but if you more design to cleanse , add a little Vnguentum Aegyptiacum .

CHAP. CX . Of a Suppression of the Child-bed Purgations .

THere is so great a Flux of Humors from all parts of the Womb , when a Woman is with Child , and during the Commotion in her Labour , that in case there be not afterwards sufficient Evacuation of them , the Woman is in great danger of very ill Accidents , and sometimes of Death it self ; because these Humors corrupting by their stay there , will certainly cause a great Inflammation : And this is the reason why the Suppression of the Lochia is one of the worst and most dangerous Symptoms which can befal a Woman after Delivery , especially if they happen to be totally and suddenly stopt the first three or four days , which is the time they should come down plentifully ; for then follow an acute Fever , great Pains in the Head , Pains in the Breast , Reins and Loins , Suffocation of the Mother , and an Inflammation , which is suddenly communicated to the Belly , which becomes very much swell'd and blown up ; there happens also a great difficulty in Breathing , Choakings , Palpitation of the Heart , Fainting , Convulsions , and often Death it self , if the Suppression continues , and if the Woman over-lives it , she is in danger of an Abscess in the Womb , and afterwards of a Cancer , or there may happen great Imposthumes in the Belly , also the Gout , Sciatica and Lameness , or an Inflammation and Abscess in the Breast .

The Causes of the Stoppage of the Lochia proceed either from a great Loosness , because a great Evacuation that way turns the Lochia , and makes them stop , or any strong Passion of the Mind ; so do great Colds , and cold Drink .

To bring the Lochia well down , let the Woman avoid all Perturbations of Spirit , which may stop them ; let her lie in Bed with her Head and Breast a little raised , keeping her self very quiet , that so the Humors may be carried downwards by their natural tendency : Let her observe a good Diet , somewhat hot and moist , and apply an Hysterick Plaster to her Navel .

Take of the Conserves of Roman Wormwood and of Rue , each one ounce ; of the Troches of Myrrh two drachms ; of Castor , English Saffron , Volatil Salt of Sal Armoniack and of Assa Fetida , each half a drachm : with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of the five opening Roots ; make an Electuary . Let her take the quantity of a large Nutmeg every third Hour , drinking upon it three or four spoonfuls of the following Mixture .

Take of the Water of Penny Royal and Balm , each three ounces ; of compound Briony-Water two ounces ; of Syrup of Mugwort three ounces and an half ; of Saffron two drachms ; of Castor tied up in a Rag and hanged in the Glass , one scruple ; mingle them .

If these things are used presently upon the Suppression , they generally take it off : But if they have been used so long that all the quantity is taken , and the Lochia are still stopt , in this case we may use Laudanum for once , but it is best to mix it with hysterick things : For instance ,

Take of liquid Laudanum sixteen drops , in a spoonful of compound Briony-water : Or ,

Take of solid Laudanum one grain and an half ; of Assa Fetida one scruple and an half : Make two Pills .

But it must be carefully noted , that if upon once taking the Business is not done , Opium by no means must be repeated again : But having waited a while to see what it will do , we must return again to Emmenagoges mix'd with Hystericks , and afterwards we must Inject a Glister : But what was said before of Opium is also to be taken notice of in respect of Glisters ; for unless the first bring down the Lochia , nothing is to be hoped for from more .

These things therefore being done , it is safest , and the duty of a prudent Physician to wait and see what Time will do ; for every Day the Danger will lessen , and if the Sick live over the twentieth Day , she will be in a manner out of Danger ; for then she will be able to bear that Method , which is fittest to conquer the Diseases which were occasioned by the Suppression of the Lochia .

CHAP. CXI . Of After-Pains .

PAins happen so frequently to Women in Childbed , that few are free from them ; but they seldom require the Physicians help , because they usually cease in two or three Days : But if they are sharp and continue longer , they are forced to send for Physicians , who before they prescribe ought to enquire into the causes of the Pains .

The chief Causes therefore of Pains after Labour are a great quantity of Blood , the Thickness and Acrimony of it , and the Narrowness of the Vessels ; for when the Veins of the Womb have ceased to evacuate Blood for nine Months ; and when that is heaped up in a great quantity , and also grows thick and acrimonious by it's long stay , it occasions Pain while it passes through the narrow Passages , which returns by Intervals , as often as the Womb endeavours the Evacuation of the Blood ▪ And when that is over , the Pain ceases till more Blood endeavours to come out .

These Pains are also sometimes occasioned by Wind , or cold received into the Womb ; but the Pain seldom happens from these Causes

This Pain is distinguished from other Pains , that are wont to afflict the Belly , by the continuance or Intervals , which follow the Evacuation of Blood , and Women can easily distinguish them themselves .

The thick Blood easily coagulates , but the thin is known by its thinness and fresh colour .

If the Pain arises from Wind , it is more wandring , and possesses more parts of the Belly , nor does it follow the Intervals of the Evacuation of Blood : If cold Air be admitted into the Womb , it may be known by those things which have been done about the Woman .

These Pains are not dangerous , but are most commonly very troublesome , and therefore are to be taken off or asswaged as soon as may be .

As to the Cure , the Vessels of the Womb must be relaxed , and the thickness of the Blood attenuated , and its Acrimony qualified , all which may be done by the following means .

And first the Woman's Belly must be gently swathed , that it may subside and not move hither and thither , as it often happens after Delivery , upon so sudden an evacuation , and then give of Oil of Almonds fresh drawn three ounces , mixed with an ounce and an half of Syrup of Violets .

And Glisters may be injected made of Milk and Sugar , and Yolks of Eggs ; or they may be prepared of a Decoction of Camomel-flowers , and of Mugwort in Chicken-broath , adding to them Oil of Lillies and Yolks of Eggs.

And the Belly of the Woman must be anointed with Carminitive and Aperitive Oils , as with Oil of Dill , Rue , Jasmin , or with the following , which is very effectual , which may be prepared for this use in due season and kept in the Shops .

Take of the Roots of round Birth-wort , of Orris and Peony each one ounce , of Cyprus half an ounce , of the dried Leaves of Mugwort , Feverfew , wild Marjoram , Calaminth , Pennyroyal , Dittany of Creet , of Wormwood , Savin , Rue , Bettony and Sage , each one handful , of the Flowers of Rosemary , Stechas , Lavender , Camomel , Dill , S. John's Wort , Elder , each half an handful , of the Grains of Lawrel and Juniper , each half an ounce , of Cummin , the Seeds of Rue , Peony , Daucas , of the Chast Tree , each three drachms , of Cloves , Nutmegs , Cinnamon and Ginger , each two drachms , of Storax and Myrrh each one ounce : Bruise them and cut them , and infuse them in three quarts of old Oil , adding a litte White-Wine ; keep them in an earthen Vessel , well stopt , for the space of a Week , then boil them upon hot Ashes four or five hours , then press out the Oil , and keep it for use . If you have it not ready prepared , you may boil the Simples upon occasion with equal parts of Oil and White-Wine , to the consumption of the Wine , afterwards press out the Oil.

A Fomentation may be also made of a Decoction of Mugwort , Feverfew , Baulm , of the Leaves of Bays and Calaminth , of the Seeds of Daucas , Cummin and Caraways , of the Flowers of Wall-flower and Camomel made in Water and White-Wine , or in Milk : Or the following Cataplasm may be applied .

Take of Onions boil'd in Water number three or four , bruise them in a Mortar , and add to them of the Seeds of Cummin and Flax bruised , each one handful : With a sufficient quantity of the Flowers of Camomel and Barly-meal , make a Cataplasm ; and if there be occasion , add a little of the Water wherein the Onions were boil'd : Spread it upon a cloath , and apply it hot to the Navel .

It is also proper to cover the Belly with a Sheep's-skin fresh flea'd off , and applied hot , for the Heat of it is very agreeable , it eases the Pain , and keeps the Belly from wrinkling . And the following things may be taken inwardly .

Take of the Seeds of Daucas powdered one drachm , of White-Wine three ounces : Mingle them and give it twice in a day . Or ,

Take of Nutmegs , Aniseeds and Cinamon , each one scruple : Mingle them , make a Powder , give it with White-wine , or one scruple of Oil of Nutmegs with Broath .

Forestus used the Flowers of Camomel in Beer , or a Decoction of Camomel and Mugwort in Chicken-Broath with good Success .

It is good presently after Delivery to give the Broath of an old Cock early in the Morning fasting , for three Days , with a little Cinnamon and Saffron .

The following Powder taken presently after Delivery , preserves the Woman from Pain , in a wonderful manner ; and some think if a Woman takes it the first Lying in , she will never be troubled in Child-bed with these kind of Pains .

Take of Comfry dried one drachm , of the Kernels of Peach-Stones , and of Nutmegs , each two scruples , of Ambar half a drachm , of Ambergrise half a scruple : Make a Powder , whereof let her take a drachm with White-Wine , and if there be a Fever with Broath .

Let her use for her ordinary Drink a Decoction of Mugwort and Cinnamon .

When the Pains arise from Cholerick and Acrid Humors , they must be cured in a manner the same way as the Cholick , occasioned by Choler . For instance ,

Take of Syrup of Violets and of Borrage , each one ounce , of the Mucilage of the Seeds of Quinces , extracted with Violet-Water half an ounce , of Borrage , and Scorzonera-Water , each three ounces ; mingle them , make a Julep for two Doses : Or ,

Take of Oil of Sweet Almonds two ounces , of Syrup of Violets one ounce , of Borrage Water half an ounce : Mingle them for one draught .

External Medicines that loosen and mollifie the Passages must be applied .

Child-bed Women after Delivery are often troubled with a Pain in the Groin ; it may be taken off by applying a Plaster of Galbanum and Assafetida to the Navel , in the middle whereof some grains of Musk must be placed .

CHAP. CXII . Of the Acute Diseases of Women in Child-bed .

THE Fever from Milk , whilst the Child-bed Purgations proceed right , seldom lasts beyond three Days , for about that Time it usually goes off , by a great Sweat coming of its own accord : But this Intemperies occasioned by the coming of the Milk is somewhat heightned , and continues longer , when the Milk flows plentifully to the Breasts , and is not milkt out , but repelled : For by its going back as well as its coming , there is a Disturbance in the whole Body usually , which comes more certainly , if the Milk be driven violently back by Repelling Topicks .

Some common Rules are to be observed concerning the Coming of the Milk , or in driving of it back .

If the Milk flow too freely into the Breasts , that the Inflammation of them , and the immoderate Effervescence of the Blood may be prevented , a thin and spare Diet must be ordered , viz. of Broath without Flesh , and the Breasts must be often sucked , and if it be not thought convenient that the Woman should give Suck , it is customary on the First or Third day of Lying-in , to apply over the Breasts moderately Astringent Cere-cloaths : But this kind of Remedy must be used with Caution , lest the Milk should be Excluded altogether , or too hastily , and so cause a disorder in the Blood , and a putrid or malignant Fever , of which we shall speak next .

Women with Child , by reason their Bodies are ill affected , are as it were infected with a Pestilential Contagion , and so are very subject to a putrid , or rather malignant Fever . This Fever seizes Child-bed Women at various Seasons , and upon several Occasions ; sometimes presently after Delivery , especially if it has been difficult and hard ; sometimes on the first , sometimes on the second , third , or fourth Week ; but the later it begins , the better it goes off . It begins and proceeds , most commonly , in the following manner : After a previous Indisposition the Fever begins most commonly , with a Shaking and Shivering , which Heat presently follows , and after that Sweat ; the first or second day fits of Heat and Cold succeed one another , and then all the Blood being inflamed , the Lochia , if they were not suppressed before , flow but little , or quite stop . If the Disease be acute and of quick motion , it comes to its height the third or fourth day ; the Heat is violent , and the Thirst very much , the Pulse vehement and quick , Watchings obstinate , there is great Restlessness , so that the Sick tumble from one side of the Bed to the other continually , the Urin is thick and red , and there are many other grievous Symptoms ; when this Fever is in its State , no Crisis is to be expected ; for I never saw this Disease go off by a critical Sweat ; for when the Blood has a while Boyled , the adust Matter being presently translated to the Brain , dangerous disorders of the Genus Nervosum are occasioned , and convulsive motions of the Tendons , and inflations of the Bowels , like Mother Fits , and sometimes a Phrensie , or Delirium , and often a Stupo● and loss of Speech follow , and the Strength is suddenly dejected , almost in all , without any manifest Cause ; the Pulse is weak and unequal , and the Sick soon die : And if any chance to escape , the flux of the Courses being restored , or a Loosness happening , they recover difficultly after a long Sickness .

The acute Diseases of Women in Childbed , are not always according to the manner of the fore-mentioned Fever , but sometimes they are accompanied with some great Symptom , as with a Quinsie , Pleurisie , Peripneumonia , Bloody-flux , Small-pox , and the like . Of these a Quinsie , Pleurisie , and Peripneumunia , by reason of the great similitude of the Cause and analogy of the Cure , may be considered together . Presently at their first beginning , we must endeavour , that the Blood fixed any where , and beginning to be Extravasated , be restored to Circulation , lest an Imposthume should be occasioned ; wherefore internal Remedies , which free the Blood from Coagulation , must be used , of which sort are Diaphoreticks abounding with Volatile Salt , as Spirit of Harts-horne and Soot , Urin , also Testaceous , and Bezoartick Powders , Lapis Prunella , Decoctions and Juleps , made of Vegetables that force Urine and the Courses ; with all which must be mixed such things as have been found by Experience to have been proper for Uterine Diseases . Moreover Discutient Medicines , which disperse the Matter Impacted , such are Liniments , Fomentations and Cataplasms , must be carefully applied to the Parts affected : In the mean while the violent Motion and immoderate Effervescence of the Blood must be driven far from thence , and the Filth must be driven , as much as possible , downwards . To this end Frictions , Ligatures , Epispasticks , and if there be occasion , Cupping-glasses must be applied about the Legs and Feet ; if the Disease be very violent , Bleeding is indicated , and unless there be a Plethora in the whole Body , and the Inflammation be very acute in the Part affected , it will be best to open a Vein in the Foot , or to apply Leeches to the Hemorrhoidal Veins : But if necessity urge we may Bleed in the Arm , and afterwards , if it can be admitted , in the Foot . But you must take notice , that Bleeding must be cautiously used in these Cases ; for unless it does good , which I have seldom found , the Sick is in worse condition , the Pulse being thereby rendred weaker .

A Dissentery is very often deadly , and so much the rather because such things as qualifie the Blood , and that moderately bind are Indicated ; but the flux of the Lochia forbid the use of them . Wherefore in this case till she has been well Purged by a long flux of the Lochia , the fierceness of the Symptoms must at present be only appeased .

The Indications of the Small-pox are not only contrary to those above-described , but also to one another ; for the flux of the Lochia must be moderately restrained ; but in the mean while the Efflorescence of the Blood and gentle Sweating must be continued : For seeing a twofold venomous Ferment is in this Disease , and the corrupt Particles of the Blood are to be carried out two ways , we must take care that the least and narrowest Passage do not draw all the Matter , or more than it can let out . Wherefore , lest the Lochia flowing plentifully should turn inward the Venom that is inclined to go off by Sweat , the course of Diet must be somewhat changed , and first such things as are of an Alexipharmick and astringent nature must be boyled with their Broaths , as the Roots of Tormentil and Bistort , also Powders , Juleps and Electuaries endued with such Vertues must be given at due Intervals ; and in this case the Woman must be no ways allowed Flesh , or the Broath of it , not must she Rise , but she must be kept as quiet as is possible , and the whole Business must be left in a manner to God and Nature .

All Women in Child-bed have an inbred Venom , and they ought to be careful of it , and to avoid it as much as the greatest Malignity . Wherefore they ought to use an exact course of Diet , whereby the Impurities of the Blood and Humours may be purged in Child-bed without the danger of a Fever ; and that the disorders of the Womb may be heal'd , and their strength , weakned by Delivery , may be restored : To which end three things are to be minded ; First , An exact course of Diet must be ordered , viz. That they be fed for a Week at least with Water-Gruel , sometimes made with Beer , sometimes made with Water mix'd with Whitewine , or with Panada , and other things of easie Digestion . Secondly , They must take great care that they do not catch Cold , whereby the Pores and the Lochia may be stopt ; wherefore let them continue in Bed , at least till the Tenth day . Thirdly , The Lochia must be gently provoked ; to this end Midwives , when after hard Labour , there is danger of a stoppage of the Lochia ; give Sperma Caeti , Irish Slates Powdered , or White Wine tinctured with Saffron , and they make the Gruel with Water and White Wine , wherein , as also in Posset Drink , they Boyl Marygold Flowers , the Leaves of Penny-royal or Mugwort .

CHAP. CXIII . Of Childrens Diseases . Of ordering them ; and of the Choice of a Nurse .

A Child , which during the stay in its Mother's Belly , had no other Nourishment , but the Blood it received by the umbilical Vessels , hath for want of that after its Birth , need to take some by the Mouth , and Suck Breast-Milk ; however , it is not good to give it Suck , as soon as it is Born , to prevent that so sudden a Change , as well in respect of the difference of Nourishment , as the manner of receiving it , lest it cause some alteration in its Health . First therefore empty the Phlegm out of its Stomach , by giving it the first three or four days some Wine and Sugar to cut and loosen it , to prevent the Milk he shall take from Corrupting , it being mixed with this viscous Phlegm ; wherefore it is best to stay until the next day before you give it Suck .

It were to be wished that the Mother shou'd not give it Suck until the Eighth day of her Child-bed at soonest , and it is best if she stay three Weeks or a Month , for in that time she will be well Purged by the Lochia , and the Blood will be much more pure ; besides the small holes of the Nipples are not at first sufficiently opened , and therefore it is necessary for a Woman to Suck first .

But often poor People cannot observe so many Precautions , and such Mothers are obliged to give their Children Suck from the first day ; and likewise others will not suffer any but themselves to do it . In this case let her Breasts be a little drawn by some old Woman , or some lusty sucking Child , or they may Draw them themselves .

If the Nurse has much Milk , she must not give the Child any thing else , at least the first two Months . As to the quantity of Milk the Child ought to suck , it must be proportionable to his Age and Strength ; in the beginning he must not suck too much , nor too often , afterwards by little and little let it be daily augmented , until he may take his fill ; but he may suck at any time night or day .

After the Child has suck'd two or three Months , more or less , according as one finds he needs stronger Nourishment , give him then Pap made of Flower and Milk , though but little at first , and not too thick , lest his Stomach may be overcharged . When the Child has taken Pap thus made , which must be but once a day , especially in the Morning , or twice at most , the Nurse may give it a little suck , to the end that being washed down into the Stomach , the Digestion may be the better and easier made .

There are many Women who give their Children Pap as soon as they are Born , and Nurses who have little Milk , ordinarily do so to hinder their Crying , as they will do when they are Hungry : But sometimes this of it self is enough to kill them , because of the Indigestion and Obstruction it occasions , which by reason of its gross and viscous consistence can scarce find Passage through the Stomach and Guts , which at the beginning are weak and not sufficiently opened and dilated , whereby there happens to Children great Oppressions , difficulty of Breathing , Gripes , Swellings , Pains of the Belly , and often Death . Wherefore do not give it the Child , till after the first or second Month at soonest , and if you forbore it three or four Months he would thrive the better , provided the Nurse does not want Milk .

When he is in the Cradle , let it be so turned as it may be towards the Fire , the Candle , or the Chamber Window , that having the Light directly in its Face , he may not be allured to look continually on one side ; for doing so often , his Sight will be so perverted , that he will grow Squint-ey'd . Wherefore for the better secucurity , throw some Covering over the head of the Cradle .

Many Children are so Grip'd that they can't forbear Crying night nor day , and some die so , and this is very often the first and most common Disease that happens to little Infants after their Birth .

To remedy all these Pains which Women generally call Gripes , respect must be had to their different Causes : As to that which is the general cause , viz. The too sudden change of the Nourishment , you must forbear giving the Child Suck till the next day , lest the Milk being mix'd with the Phlegm which is in the Stomach corrupt ; and at first it must Suck but little until it be accustom'd to digest it , if it be the Maeconion of the Intestines , which by its long stay causes these Pains , for to help to discharge them of it , give them inwardly a little Oyl of sweet Almonds and Syrup of Roses ; and to provoke it further , give it beets-Stalk cover'd with Hony for a Suppository , or a Sugar'd Almond also dip'd in common Honey , or you may give a small Glister .

And when the Child is Grip'd , give no Pap , because this Food by its Viscosity , easily causes Obstructions , which afterwards ingender Wind. If the Pain be occasioned by Worms , lay a Cloath dipp'd in Oyl of Worm-wood mix'd with Ox Gall upon the Belly , or a small Cataplasm mix'd with Powders of Rue , Wormwood , Coloquintida , Aloes , and the Seeds of Citrons incorporated with Ox-gall and Flower of Lupines ; and to drive them downwards if the little Infant can take any thing by the Mouth , give it a small infusion of Rubarb , or half an Ounce of Compound Syrup of Succory , having before given a small Glister of Sugar'd Milk .

When the Gripes are caused by Wind , as it often happens , or by sharp Humours in the Guts , anoint the Child's Belly all over with Oyl of Violets , or else with Oil of sweet Almonds , or else with the Oyls of Wallnuts , Camomel and Melilot , mixed together , having first warm'd them , in which also a Cloath may be dipp'd to lay upon it , and a little Anodyne , or Carminative Glister may be given .

Very frequently the Milk of a Nurse that is red Hair'd , given to Wine , or very Amorous , may by its heat and acrimony , cause small Ulcers in an Infant 's Mouth , which are called Apthae , or the Thrush ; and Vulgarly Cancers : Sometimes also though the Milk have no ill Quality in it self , it may however corrupt in the Stomach , because of its Weakness , or for some other Indisposition .

Of these Ulcers some are benign , as they are caused by a simple heat of the Nurses Milk , or by the Child's Blood and Humours being a little Over-heated , or also from having had a small Fit of a Fever , and they are then very superficial , of a small continuance , and easily yielding to Remedies : Others are Malignant , such as are caused by a Venereal Venom , or that happen after a Malignant Fever , and are Scorbutick ; these are putrid , corrosive and spreading , and do not only possess the Superficies of the Membranes , which cover the Roof of the Mouth and Tongue , but make deep Scabs , and are communicated to the internal Parts of the Throat , the Venereal ones especially , which can never be Cured by ordinary Remedies , but must be handled with Specificks , without which they ever augment , and soon kill little Infants , who are too weak to undergo the Remedies fit for their Cure .

To Cure these Ulcers , when they are small and without malignity , you must take care to temper the Nurse's Milk , prescribing her a Cooling Diet ; Bleeding and Purging also if there be occasion , and wash the Child's Mouth with Barly or Plantain Water , and Hony of Roses , or Syrup of dryed Roses , mixing with them a little Verjuice , or Juice of Limons , as well to loosen and cleanse the viscous Humours , which cleave to the inside of the Child's Mouth , as to cool those Parts , which are already over-heated . This may be done by means of a small fine Rag , fastned to the end of a little Stick , and dipp'd in the Remedy , wherewith the Ulcers may be gently rubb'd , being careful not to put them to too much Pain , lest by irritating them an Inflammation should be caused . The Child's Body must be kept open , that the Humours being carried to the lower Parts , so many Vapours may not ascend , as usually do , when the Excrements of the Belly are too long retained .

If the Ulcers participate of any malignity , let topical Remedies then be used , which do the Business speedily , and as it were in an instant . For this purpose , touch the Ulcers with Plantain-water , sharpned with Spirit of Vitriol , taking great care that the Infant swallows none of it ; and the Remedy must be so much the stronger and sharper , as the Ulcers are profound and malignant . As soon as they have been cauterized with this Water , by only touching them once or twice with it according to their bigness , depth or corruption , that no sharp Serosities may destil upon the parts not yet ulcerated , and upon the Infants Throat , wash its Mouth with Plantain-water , or with a decoction of Barly , Agrimony and Hony of Roses , continuing to touch and wash the Ulcers , as it may be judged convenient , and until you find they spread no further . To prevent that in the use of these sharp Medicines , not the least portion of them should fall upon the Child's Throat , and that by swallowing of them , you may receive no great prejudice . Some chuse rather to cauterize these Ulcers with small Linnen Tents dipt in boiling Oil , and if it should be swallowed , it would be no great hurt . It will not be amiss to punge the ill Humors out of the whole habit of the Child , by giving him half an ounce of syrup of Succory with Rhubarb .

The Teeth , which were hidden in the Jaws , usually begin to come forth , not all at a time , but one after another , towards the fifth or sixth Month , sometimes sooner and sometimes also later ; for to effect which , they cut the Gums wherewith they were covered . Then because of the exquisite sense of those parts , there happens so great pains to the Children , that many who were hitherto very well , are now in great danger of their Lives , and often die by reason of many mischievous Accidents , which happen to them at that time . And Hippocrates says , When Children begin to breed their Teeth , they are troubled with itching of their Gums , Fevers , Convulsions and Loosnesses , and principally when they breed their Tusks or Dog-teeth , especially those Children who are fat , and full of Humors , and bound .

The Dog-teeth , commonly called the Eye-teeth , cause more pain to the Child than any of the rest , because they have a deep Root and a small Nerve , that has communication with that which moves the Eye . The Teeth , which are first bred , are the Cutting or Foreteeth . The Signs when Children will breed their Teeth , are , when the Gums and Cheeks are swelled , they feel a great heat there with an itching , which often makes them put their Fingers in their Mouths to rub them , from whence much Moisture destils into the Mouth , because of the Pain they feel there . The Nurse in giving them suck , finds their Mouths hotter ; they are much changed , and cry every moment , and cannot sleep , or but very little at a time . And one may feel and see small points of the Teeth through the Gums , which appear thin and pale on the top , and swelled and red on the sides ; and if it happen that the Teeth are a long time 'ere they are cut , or that too many of them cut at a time , there is great danger that the Child will fall into those Accidents mentioned above . In this case two things are to be regarded ; first , to preserve the Child from the ill Accidents that may happen to it , by reason of the great pain : Secondly , to assist as much as may be the cutting of the Teeth , when they can hardly cut the Gums themselves .

To prevent these Accidents , the Nurse must keep a good Diet , and use all things that may cool and temper the Milk , that a Fever may not follow the pain of the Teeth , and to hinder the falling of the Humors upon the inflamed Gums , keep the Child's belly always loose , to which purpose give him a gentle Glister , if the Belly be bound ; but there is commonly no need of it : For at this time the Children are usually troubled with a Looseness .

As to the second , which helps the cutting of the Teeth , that the Nurse must do from time to time , by gently rubbing the Childs Gums with her Finger ; to which end the Child it felf may be useful , if they give a little Stick of Liquorish to them , or a small piece of a new Wax-candle , which is very good to soften the Gums . Coral is also often used to this purpose , and the Teeth of a Wolf . But these things that are peculiarly proper , what they do is by their Solidity and Roughness : But if these things do no good , the Gums must be cut with a Lancet to prevent ill Accidents .

As soon as little Infants are in the least indisposed , they very commonly fall into a Looseness , to which their natural moisture very much contributes .

For the most part the Looseness happens to them , by reason of the great Pain they have at the cutting their Teeth : It may also happen by the vitiousness of the Nurses Milk . But if the Looseness be not accompanied with a Fever , or some other Accident , it is not dangerous ; but if it continue so long , it will not be amiss to remedy it . For this purpose , let the Child suck good Milk , and give it a slight Infusion of Rhubarb , or a little compound Syrup of Succory ; gentle Anodyn Glisters may be also given , made of Milk , yolks of Eggs , and Hony of Violets ; and after Purging , let them be made with Plantain-water , and mix the yolk of an Egg with the Pap. Anoint the Belly with Oil of Quinces , and lay on the Stomach a Compress dipt in red Wine , wherein Province Roses have been boiled .

Vomiting usually happens to Children , because they often draw more Milk than their little Stomachs can easily contain or digest : A Cough does sometimes occasion it , so does the swathing of the Belly too hard .

When the Vomiting is too frequent , it is fit it should be stopped ; to which end , regard must be had to that which causes it , as when the Child sucks more than it should , the Nurse must not give it so much , but it must suck but little at a time , that the Stomach may the easier contain and digest what it receives . If it be occasioned by an ill quality of the Milk , the Nurse must be changed for a better ; if from a Cough , it must be helped by things fit to appease it . The Nurse must not dance it rudely , nor rock it fiercely after it has sucked . Care must be likewise taken , that it be not too close wrapt , and swathed about the Stomach . And it will be very convenient to purge the Infant with a gentle Infusion of Rhubarb , or with half an ounce of compound syrup of Succory : And after it has been well purged , it may take a little syrup of Quinces to fortify the Stomach , and a Compress dipt in red Wine , wherein Province-roses , Cinnamon and Cloves have been boiled , may be applied to the region of the Stomach .

Children are sometimes afflicted with Scabs in the Head and Face , but the course of these Humors must by no means be hindred by driving them inwards ; because their Evacuation defends little Infants from many ill Diseases ; and we ordinarily see them , whose Bodies have a long time purged away such Superfluities , to be better in health , after they have cast forth all this kind of Corruption . But Endeavours must be only used to hinder the generation of more of these ill Humors in the Child ; wherefore , a healthy Nurse must be provided , whose Milk is pure and cool , the Child's Belly must be kept open , and purged upon occasion with a little syrup of Roses or of Succory , that so the Humors may not be sent in too great abundance to the Head , and that the Sanies under the Scabs may not eat and corrode the Skin , and so cause deep Ulcers ; it will not be amiss also to make the Scabs fall off , that there may be a freer vent or issue ; for which end , fresh Butter is ordinarly made use of to moisten them , or Oil of sweet Almonds ; afterwards , apply a Cabbage-leaf , and change it twice or thrice a day .

As to the choice of a Nurse , the first and principal of all the Qualities in a good Nurse , is , That she be the own Mother of the Child , as well because of the mutual agreement of their Tempers , as that having much more love for it , she will be much more careful than an hired Nurse , who ordinarily loves her Nurse-child but with a feigned and seeming Love , having no other end or foundation , but the hope of the Recompence she expects for her Hire . Wherefore the true Mother , though not the best Nurse , should ever be preferred before a Stranger . But because there are several that either will not , or cannot suckle their own Children , there is a necessity to provide an other Nurse , which should be chosen as convenient for the Child , as may be .

Now as we see Trees produce Fruits of a different Taste , by reason of the difference of the nourishment , so the Health of Children , and sometimes their Manners depend on the nourishment they receive at the beginning . For as to the health of the Body , it is well known , it answers the Humors that all the Parts are nourished and maintained with , which Humors ever retain the nature of the Food whereof they are engendred : As for the Manners , they ordinarily follow the Temperament , which also proceeds from the quality of the Humors , and the Humors from the Food . By this consequence , as the Nurse is , so will the Child be , by means of the nourishment it draweth from her ; and in sucking her , it will draw in both the Vices of her Body and Mind . This appears very easily in Animals that suck a strange Dam , for they always partake something of the Creature they suck ; being accordingly , either of a mild or fiercer Nature , or of a stronger or weaker Body , which may be noted in the Example of young Lions , tamed by sucking a domestick Animal , as a Cow , a Goat or Ass ; and , on the contrary , a Dog will become more furious or fierce if it sucks a Wolf .

The necessary Conditions of a good Nurse are usually taken from her Age , the time and manner of her Labour , the good constitution of all the parts of her Body , and particularly of her Breasts , from the good Nature of her Milk ; and , in fine , from her good Manners .

As to her Age , the most convenient is from twenty five to thirty five years of Age , because that during this space the Woman is most strong , healthy and vigorous : She is not fit before five and twenty , because her Body not having yet acquired all its dimensions , cannot be so robust ; nor after thirty five , because not having Blood enough in so great abundance , she cannot have Milk enough for the nourishment of the Child . However , some Women are indifferent good Nurses from twenty to forty , but very rarely before or after .

As to the time and manner of her Labour , it must be at least a Month or six Weeks after it , that so her Milk may be throughly purified ; because , at that time , her Body is usually cleansed of the Lochia , which follows Labour , and the Humors are no longer disturbed with it ; nor must it be above five or six Months , that so she may be able to make an end of Nursing the Child , that there may be no necessity to change her afterwards for another . She must not have miscarried , but have been brought to Bed at her full time of a healthful Son , for it is a mark of a good Constitution ; and it must be her second or third Child , that she may by experience know the better how to tend her Nursery .

As to the healthful Constitution of her Body , 't is the principal thing , and on which almost all the rest depends .

In general , she must be very healthful and of a good habit , not subject to any Distemper ; that she be come of Parents that never had the Stone in the Reins and Bladder , nor subject to the Gout , King's-evil , Falling-sickness , or any other hereditary Disease ; that she hath no spot , nor the least suspicion of any venereal Distemper ; that she have no Scab , Itch , Scald , or any other filth of the like nature ; that she be strong , the better to watch and tend the Child in all things necessary for it ; that she be of a middle Stature , neither too tall nor too low , too fat nor too lean , because a Person of such a natural Symmetry performs all the Functions more perfectly , and as is usually said , In medio consistit Virtus . But above all , she must not be with Child : Let her be of a sanguine Complexion , which may be known by her Vermilion Colour , not altogether so red , but inclining to white ; of a firm Flesh , not soft ; she must not likewise have her Courses , for that is a Sign that her Blood is too hot , either because her Temperament is such , or from an amorous Passion , or otherways ; neither must she be subject to the Whites , for such Superfluities are a Sign of a bad habit ; she must not be red haired , nor marked with red Spots , but her Hair must be black , or of a Chesnut brown : She must be well shaped , neat in her Cloaths , and comly in her Face , having a sprightly Eye , and a smiling Countenance : She must have good Eyes , sound and white Teeth , not having any rotten or spoiled , lest her breath should smell ; she ought to have a sweet Voice to please and rejoice the Child , and likewise ought to have a clear and free Pronunciation , that he may not learn an ill Accent of her , as usually red-haired have , and sometimes also that are very black-haired and white Skins ; for their Milk is hot , sharp and stinking , and also of an ill Taste : She must not have a strong Breath , as they who have a stinking Nose and bad Teeth , as we have said before , because the Nurse that constantly kisses the Child , would infect its Lungs by often drawing in her corrupted Breath : Her Breasts ought to be pretty big , to receive and concoct there a sufficient quantity of Milk , but not big to excess ; they must be sound and free from Scars proceeding from former Impostumes ; they must be indifferent firm and fleshy , and not flaggy and hanging : The Nurse must be broad-breasted ; as to the Nipples they must be well shaped , they must not be too big nor too hard , nor grisly , nor sunk in too deep , but they must be a little raised and of a moderate bigness and firmness , and with many little holes , that the Child may not take too much Pains to draw the Milk .

The quantity of the Milk must be sufficient for the Child's nourishment , it must be of a middle consistence , neither too waterish nor too thick , which may be easily judged , if the Nurse milking some into her Hand , and turning it a little on one side , it immediately runs off ; but if it remains fixed , without running by turning of the Hand , it is a Mark it is too thick and viscous . As to the colour , the whitest is best ; it must taste and smell sweet and pleasant .

The Nurse must not be subject to Choler nor be quarelsome ; she must not be melancholy , but merry and chearful , smiling often to divert the Child : She must be sober , not given to Wine , and yet le●● to the excess of Venery ; but she may moderately use the first , and not totally abstain from the second , if her Nature requires it .

If a Nurse has all , or most part of these Conditions here specified , as well respecting her Person as Manners , and that she maintains this condition by a Diet fit for the Childs Temperament , and not contrary to her own , there is then great reason to believe she is fit to make a very good Nurse , and to bring up , in perfect Health , the Son of a Prince .

CHAP. CXIV . Of the Rickets .

THIS Disease began about fifty years ago in the West of England : It is a Disease of Children , and it seizes them when they are about half a year old .

The Diagnostick of this Disease , as of all others , depends upon the knowledge of the Symptoms , which follow .

The proportion of the parts is irregular , viz. the Head is bigger than ordinary , so is the Face , the Wit is sharper than is usual at such an Age , the external Members , especially the Muscular , are thin and wasted , the Skin is loose and flaccid , the Bones most commonly bowed , and about , the Joins sticking out and knotty , the Spine is variously bent , the Breast is narrow and sharp , the extremity of the Ribs knotty , the Belly somewhat swelled and stiff . These things are observed outwardly .

As to the inner Parts , the Liver is larger than usual , so are all the Parenchyma , the Stomach and Bowels are larger than in those that are well , the Mesentery is affected with Glandules that are larger than ordinary , if they are not Scrophulous ; these things are observed in the Belly .

In the Breast the Lungs are stuffed and swelled , they are sometimes purulent and scrophulous , and often stick to the Pleura , the jugular Veins and the carotid Arteries are sometimes larger than they shou'd be , but the Brain is only peccant in bigness .

To these are added a weakness of almost all the parts and unwillingness to move , for such Children will play only sitting and do not care to stand , and at length in progress of the Disease , the Head can scarce be sustain'd by the weak neck .

As to the Prognostick of this Disease , most commonly 't is not deadly ; but sometimes the Symptoms growing to a heighth , it degenerates into a Consumption , Hectic Fever , Dropsie of the Lungs or an Ascitis , and so at last is deadly ; but the Prognostick may be easier instituted by the following Rules .

First , if this Disease invades before the Birth , or presently after , 't is very dangerous , and most commonly deadly .

Secondly , the sooner it comes the worse ' t is .

Thirdly , the more violent the Symptoms are , viz. if the Parts are very much disproportion'd and much wasted , the Cure is the more difficult .

Fourthly , if this Disease is accompanied with the foresaid Diseases , it can scarce ever be cur'd .

Fifthly , those that are not cured before they are five years of Age , are ever after sickly .

Sixthly , an Itch coming upon this Disease , much conduces to the Cure .

Seventhly , in those the Symptoms are not increased , but rather lessened , the Cure need not be doubted .

As to the Cure , we must begin with Purging , because most commonly there is abundance of slegmatick Humors heapt up in the Belly , and the Bowels are frequently affected with scrophulous Tumors ; but Purging is to be instituted by Glisters , Vomits and lenitive Catharticks .

The use and forms of some Glisters .

If the Belly be bound , or the Bowels are troubl'd with Wind or Gripes , Glisters must be us'd frequently , which must not be only solutive , but sometimes alterative and corroborative . For instance :

Take of the leaves of Mallows , one handful , of the flowers of Melilot , Camomile and Elder , each one pugil , of the seeds of Annise and Fennel bruis'd , each half a drachm ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of new Goat's Milk , to four , five or six ounces of the strain'd Liquor ; add of red Sugar and of syrup of Violets and Roses , each one ounce : Make a Glister , inject it warm a good while after Eating .

Take of the roots of Marshmallows bruis'd , half an ounce , of the leaves of Mallows and Pellitory , each half an handful , of the flowers of Camomil and Elder , each one pugil , of the Carminative seeds , two drachms ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Posset-drink to 5 or 6 ounces of the strained Liquor ; add of Lenitive Electuary , or of Diacassia half an ounce , of fresh Butter six drachms ; mingle them , to be injected warm .

Corroborative Glisters may be made in the following manner .

Take of fresh Stone-Horse dung , one ounce and an half , of the flowers of Rosemary and Sage , each one pugil , of Juniper-berries , two drachms , of the seeds of Annise , Fennel , each half a drachm ; infuse them close and warm in a sufficient quantity of Whey , in four ounces of the strained Liquor , dissolve one ounce of brown Sugar and six drachms of fresh Butter ; mingle them , make a Glister : There may also be added , if it seem convenient , six drachms of Manna .

Take of Millepides washed number 20 or 30 , bruise them , and pour upon them 4 or 5 ounces of Posset-drink made of white Wine , in the strained Liquor dissolve an ounce of brown Sugar , and a drachm of Venice-Turpentine dissolved in the yolk of an Egg ; mingle them , make a Glister to be injected warm .

The use of Vomits and Forms of them .

If the Stomach be burthened with vitious Humors , and they tend upwards , Vomits must be given ; but in the prescription of them , respect must be had to the tender Age , and they should consist rather of Salt of Vitriol and the Wine of Squills , than of stibiat Medicines ; for it is not so safe to give these to Infants for fear of Convulsions , though sometimes they may be of use .

Take of Wine or Oxymel of Squills , half an ounce or an ounce , which being taken , give half an hour after a great quantity of Posset-drink , and provoke Vomiting with the Finger , and let it be repeated now and then . Or ,

Take of Oxymel of Squills , half an ounce or an ounce , if it does not vomit in half an hour , give of Salt of Vitriol half a scruple or fifteen grains , in a draught of Posset-drink .

If the Strength will bear stronger Vomits , let them be used . As ,

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum well clarified by standing , one or two drachms , according to the Age and Strength , of Oxymel of Squills three drachms or half an ounce , of simple Walnut-water , or of the water of the lesser Centaury , six drachms ; mingle them , make a Vomit .

Forms of Catharticks .

Some days after Vomiting , or if Vomiting be not to be used , gentle Purging must be instituted , and repeated by Intervals . As ,

Take of the Augustan syrup , or of syrup of Succory with Rhubarb , six drachms or an ounce , of Cream of Tartar ten or fifteen Grains , mingle them , let them be taken early in a morning , either by themselves or in a draught of Posset-drink . Or ,

Take of Calabrian Manna , half an ounce or an ounce , of Tartar vitriolated five or ten grains , mingle them , let them be taken in a morning in broath or in Posset-drink .

Take of the roots of Polypody of the Oak , and of sharp pointed Dock each six drachms , of the bark of the roots of Elder , and of Dwarf-elder , each half an ounce , of the roots of flowering Fern , male Fern and Succory , each half an ounce , of the herbs Agrimony , Liverwort , Speedwel , Hartstongue and Spleenwort , each half a handful ; boil them in three pints of Fountain-water to the consumption of a third part , strain the Liquor into a matrass , and put to it two ounces of Senna , one ounce of Rhubarb , of Dodder , of Thyme and yellow Sanders , each two drachms , of the seeds of Annise and Fennel , each one drachm , of salt of Wormwood , one drachm and an half ; infuse them hot in a close Vessel 12 hours : To the Liquor , cleared by standing , add an equal weight of Sugar , and by gentle boiling make a syrup . The dose is one , two or three spoonfuls , either by themselves , or in some proper Liquor .

Or to the above-mentioned purging Infusion , add of Cassia and Tamarinds extracted , with part of the same Infusion of Manna strained and of the best Sugar , each one ounce and an half ; evaporate them over a gentle heat to the consistence of an Electuary . The Dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg , more or less , as it works .

Take of the Species hiera picra simple , one drachm , of the best Rhubarb powder'd half a drachm , of Tartar vitriolated ten grains , of Gum Ammonieum dissolved in Vinegar fifteen grains , with a sufficient quantity of Elixir Proprietatis , of Paracelsus , make a mass for Pills , of which half a scruple or a scruple may be made into Pills , and taken at Bed-time .

A Bochet made of Rhubarb and yellow Sanders , in convenient distilled Waters , may be used .

If the Sick be affected with Worms or the King 's Evil , or if there be any suspicion of the King 's Evil , the following Bolus may be given by Intervals .

Take of Mercurius Dulcis , from six to ten grains , Rosin of Jalap , or of Scammony two or four grains , of the chymical Oil of Juniper , one drop ; make a Powder , which may be made into a Bolus with the pap of a roasted Apple , or a drachm of the Conserve of Violets ; let it be taken early in the morning . Or ,

Take of Mercurius Dulcis , six or ten grains , of the Conserve of flowers of Succory , half a drachm ; mix them , make a Bolus . Let it be taken early in the morning , drinking presently upon it a sufficient dose of the purging Infusion or Syrup .

Chyrurgical Remedies .

After gentle Purging , if the Sick be of a sanguine Constitution , Blood-letting is of use . Our Empericks use to draw a small quantity of Blood by scarifying the lobe of the Ear ; which operation they rather perform with a blunt Knife , than with a sharp Lancet ; and they repeat it twice or thrice , intermitting about the space of 7 days . Altho' Practitioners greatly praise this way by Scarification , I do not know but Leeches may be more effectual . Neither do I think it is to be fear'd that the sucking of Leeches should cause a greater afflux of Blood to the Head . For whatever Blood is drawn to the part by their Sucking , is also evacuated by it ; and as to the greater afflux of Blood , by reason of the emptying of the Vessels , the same happens in bleeding by the Lancet .

Issues are also very effectual in this Disease , especially an Issue made between the first and second Vertebrae of the Neck . The usefulness of Issues consists in that they are very effectual to evacuate the superfluous ferosity of the Brain , and also to lessen the irregular form of it , and likewise to dry up the too great moisture of the spinal Marrow , and consequently to strengthen the Nerves that arise from thence . A Seton may be put in the place of an Issue .

As to Vesicatories , it is not to be doubted , but that they give ease being applied upon the Vertebres of the Neck or behind the Ears . But their Strength is soon gone , and the use of them seems to be both troublesom and painful to Children .

Moreover , Cupping-glasses , without Scarification , apply'd along the Back-bone are very effectual to correct the moist and cold Temperies of the spinal Marrow , and to remove the dulness of the Nerves . And I think also that they may be applyed upon the upper Vertebres of the Neck , with a light Scarification .

Besides Purging and Chyrurgical Remedies , Specifick altering Medicines are to be used , to which sometimes Diureticks and Diaphoreticks are to be added ; of which we shall add some Examples .

The specifick Remedies , that are found most effectual to cure this Distemper , are either simple or compound ; among Simples , the following are most approved . Wood of Guiacum and its bark , Sassafras , Lentiskwood , Rosemary , the knotty parts of Firr , the roots of China , of Sarsaparilla , the three Sanders , the roots of Osmund-royal , or rather the Cloves of the roots ; the roots of Sea-fern , or rather the buds of them ; Grass-roots , the roots of Asparagus , Eryngo , Succory , Burdock , the barks of the roots of Cappers ; the capillary Herbs , and chiefly Trichomanes , Ceterach , Wall-rue , Harts-tongue , Liverwort , Male-speedwell , Agrimony , Brook-lime , Water-cresses ; the leaves and flowers of Sage , of Rosemary , Betony , dead Nettle and of Tamarisk ; also Steel prepared , or its Salt or Vitriol . Tartar , Castor , flowers of Sulphur , Earthworms , Millepides prepared , and the like .

Of which Compositions may be made after this manner :

Take of the Cloves of the roots of Osmund-royal , or the roots of Sea-fern , or the Twigs of the roots of it scarcely sprung above Ground , onehandful ; boil them in a pint of Milk or Spring-water to the consumption of a third part . Let the strained Liquor , sweetened with Sugar , be drunk twice or thrice a day .

Take of the leaves of Tea , one drachm , of the flowers of Sage , Betony , each half a drachm ; put them in a convenient Vessel , and pour upon them a pint of boiling Water , let them stand close and warm about an hour . Sweeten the strained Liquor with Sugar , and let it be drunk in the same manner as the former .

Take of the Cloves of the roots of Osmund-royal , of the roots of Burdock , Grass succory , each one ounce , of the herbs Male-speedwel , Agrimony , Hartstongue , Liverwort , Maiden-hair , each half an handful , of the raspings of Ivory and Hartshorn , each an ounce , of Raisins of the Sun stoned , one ounce ; boil them in two quarts of Fountain-water , to the consumption of a third part , add of White-wine or Rhenish-wine , half a pint ; strain it presently , and then add to it of the leaves of Water-cresses and Brooklime , and of the tops of Fir , each half an handful , of Juniper-berries , half an ounce ; make a warm Infusion in a close Vessel for about two hours ; keep the strained Liquor in a Glass well stopt , and sweeten it at pleasure . The dose is two or three ounces at nine in the morning , at three in the afternoon , and six in the evening .

Take of Lignum Lentiscinum , Rosemary , of the roots of Sarsaparilla , flowering Fern , or of male Fern , each three ounces , of the herbs Agrimony , Maiden-hair , Speedwel , Hartstongue , Sage , Bettony , each two handfuls , of the teps of Fern and Tamarisk , each 2 handfuls , boil them in four Gallons of Ale till one is consumed ; when it has done working in the Vessel , put into a bag 200 Millepides washed in Whitewine , and gently bruised , of Juniper-berries , two ounces , of Nutmegs cut number two , hang the bag in the Vessel , and put a piece of Steel into it to make it sink . If there be any suspicion of the Scurvy , you may add of Water-cresses and Brooklime , each two handfuls ; after a fortnight , let it be drunk for the ordinary drink .

But the Medicine which is most approved of in this Disease is ens veneris , five or six grains of it may be taken every night at bed time , in half a spoonful of syrup of Gillyflowers .

If the Lungs are stuffed with viscid Humors , as happens often , and the Mesentery with scropholous Glandules , Balsam of Sulphur may be given , three or four drops being mixed with Sugar-candy powdered , and taken morning and evening .

Sometimes the use of Steel agrees ; but it must not be used in Coughs , Pleurisies , a stoppage of the Lungs and hectick Fever , and the like .

To the foresaid Remedies are sometimes added Diaphoreticks , as a decoction of Guaiacum or the like , which must be taken in Bed , and Sweat must be promoted according to the strength .

The Bath-water also is very proper , and is excellent to take off the swelling of the Belly . The following artificial Bath is much commended . Place the Sick in a large Vessel , and put round him warm Barly fermented , which has been a while infused in boiled Water , as is usually done for making Beer ; cover him well , and let him abide in it to provoke sweat .

Of the Symptoms .

Regard must be had to the Symptoms coming upon this Disease , the most frequent whereof is a Loosness ; for the Cure whereof gentle Catharticks , as an infusion of Rhubarb and Tamarinds , and of Sanders , or a Bolus made of them is of use : But sometimes Astringents , and gentle Opiats may be used ; but Purging and sometimes Vomiting must go before . Sometimes immoderate sweating afflicts the Child , which if it follow a feverish Fit , is critical , and ought not to be rashly stop'd ; but if it flow inordinately , it is a Sign that the Body is oppressed with ill Humors ; and , therefore , this sort of Sweat must be corrected by a gentle Purge , especially with Rhubarb . A Vomit does also good sometimes in this case . Aperitives also , and such things as help Concoction , must not be omitted .

Moreover , breeding of the Teeth difficultly is familiar to this Disease , which often occasions a Fever ; in which case , gentle Evacuations , especially by Glisters must be made , tho' sometimes Purging and Vomiting gently are of use . If the Tooth be about to pierce the Gum , Nurses are wont to rub the Gum with a piece of polished Coral ; but the roots of Marshmallows or sharp pointed Dock will do as well : But sometimes it is necessary to cut the Gum to make way for the Tooth , and to apply Blisters behind the Ears ; and if there be great pain and watching , Hypnoticks must be used ; as one or two drachms of Diacodium in a spoonful of Cowslip-water .

Besides internal Medicines and chirurgical Helps , external things also must be used , as Exercises of all sorts , and if the Child be able , walking frequently ; if not , he must play sitting , or be carried about in the Nurses Arms , and the like .

Frictions are also good in this case , with warm Flannels ; the parts to be rubb'd are the Spine , which is primarly affected , and the muscular Parts ; but with this caution , that you must not rub the Bones where they stick out ; but you may rub freely the concave parts of the Bones .

Ligatures are also of use , which are to be made above the Knee and above the Elbow ; but they ought to be soft and loose . Boots are also of use , but you must take care that they press a little upon the protuberant part of the bone , and scarce touch the cavity . Bodice are also to be used to keep the Body upright . Swinging is also necessary .

Lastly , we will mention some things that are to be applied outwardly . A fomentation of all sorts of Wine , also common Aqua Vitae is very good to corroborate the nervous parts , which must be used for the weak parts and especially for the Spine ; which being done , the parts must be anointed with Oil , or some proper Ointment , which we shall mention by and by , and instead of Wine , the following Decoction may be used .

Take of the roots of Osmund-royal , or of male-fern three ounces , of the leaves of Bettony , Sage , Rosemary , Marjoram , Water-cresses , each one handful , of the flower of Camomel , Melilot and Elder , each one pugil , of the berries of Lawrel and Juniper , each half an ounce ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of fountain Water to a quart , add of White-wine , or of common Aqua Vitae , one pint ; keep the strained Liquor for use .

Take of the leaves of Elder , Lawrel , Marjoram , Sage , Rosemary , Bettony and the tops of Lavender , each two handfuls , of the berries of Juniper and Lawrel , each one ounce ; cut them and bruise them , and put them into a Vessel with three pound of May butter , or of fresh butter not salted , and add to them half a pint of Aqua Vitae ; boil them to the consumption of the Aqua Vitae , and while the strained Liquor is hot , add half an ounce of the Oil of Nutmegs by expression , and one drachm of Peruvian balsam ; mingle them , make an Ointment . Instead of May-butter , Beef , Marrow , or Deers Suet , and Oil of Worms or Oil of Foxes , each one pound and an half , may be used .

The Ointments must be applied warm before a hot Fire and naked , with a warm hand , till the parts are dry .

If the Belly be hard and swelled , the following Ointment must be applied .

Take of the Oils of Cappers , Wormwood and Elder , each one ounce , of the Ointment above described , one ounce and an half , of Gum Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar , half an ounce , make a Liniment .

Whilst Ointments are applied to the Hypochondres , the bowels must be handled by the Nurse .

If the Lungs are affected , the Breast must be anointed with the pectoral Ointment , or with the Ointment of Marsh-mallows , or both mixed together ; and at the time of Unction a little Oil of Nutmegs by expression may be mixed with it .

The Nerve-Plaster , or a Plaster of Bettony may be apply'd to the Spine .

CHAP. CXV . Of the Gout .

THe Gout chiefly seizes those Old Men , who after they have lived the best part of their Lives tenderly , and delicately indulging themselves freely with splendid Banquets , Wine and other spiritous Liquors , at length , by reason of the sloth that always accompanies old Age , wholly omit those excercises of Body , which young Men are accustomed to . Moreover , they who are obnoxious to this Disease have large Skulls , and are most commonly of a gross habit of Body , moist and lax , and of a lusty and luxuriant Constitution , the best and richest foundation for Life .

Not that the Gout only seizes those that are corpulent , for sometimes , though seldomer , it invades thin People ; nor does it wait always till they are Old , for sometimes it seizes those that are in the flower of their Age , when they have receiv'd the unhappy Seeds of the Disease from their Parents , as it were ex traduce : Or if this be not the cause , they have too early us'd Venery , or have quite forsook violent Exercises that they us'd formerly . Moreover , they have great Stomachs , and have drank spirituous Liquors immoderately , and afterwards they have suddenly betook themselves to thin and cooling Liquors .

I will discourse of this Disease as it proceeds regularly , and afterwards of its anomalous and uncertain Phaenomena . When the Gout is regular , it seizes the Patient most commonly after this manner , about the latter end of January , or at the beginning of February it comes suddenly and for the most part without giving any notice , except that the Patient has been troubled with indigestion and crudities of the Stomach for some Weeks before . Moreover , the Body is oppress'd and puff'd up with Wind , which daily encreases till the Fit thunders upon him ; but a few days before it comes the Thighs are benummed , and there is as it were a descent of Wind through them , with convulsive motions ; and the day before the Fit the Appetite is sharp , but not natural . He goes to Bed , and to sleep well , but at two a clock in the morning is wak'd by the pain , seizing either his great Toe , the Heel , the calf of the Leg or the Ankle : This pain is like that of a dislocated Bone , with the sense as it were of Water almost cold , pour'd upon the Membranes of the part affected , presently shivering or shaking follows , with a feverish disposition , the pain is very gentle but increases by degrees , ( and in like manner the shaking and shivering go off ) and that hourly , till towards night it comes to its height , accommodating it self neatly according to the variety of the Bones of the Tarsus and Metatarsus the Ligaments , whereof it seizes , sometimes in a manner resembling a violent stretching or tearing those Ligaments , sometimes the gnawing of a Dog , and sometimes a Pressure : Moreover , the part affected has such a quick and exquisit pain , that 't is not able to bear the weight of the Cloaths upon it , nor hard walking in the Chamber , and the night is not only pass'd over in pain upon this account , but also by reason of the restless turning hither and thither till two or three a clock in the morning , ( viz. a night and a day being spent from the first approach of the Fit ) at which time the Sick has suddenly ease ; and now being in a breathing sweat , he falls asleep ; when he wakes , he finds the pain much abated , and the part affected swell'd ; the next day , and perhaps two or three days after , if the Matter apt to degenerate the Gout is copious , the part affected will be in pain , but 't will be eased about the Cock's crowing ; within a few days the other Foot will be in pain as the former was ; and if the former has left off aking , the weakness which render'd it infirm , will presently vanish . After it has vext the Feet , the Fits that follow are irregular both as to the time of invasion and duration , yet the pain always returns in the Evening and is less in the Morning ; and of a series of these small Fits , consists that which is call'd a Fit of the Gout .

But when the Gout is disturb'd by improper Methods , or by the obstinate continuance of the Disease , the very substance of the Body being as it were perverted to the nourishment of the Disease , and Nature unable to eliminate the same by its wonted method , then the Phaenomina are much different ; for whereas the pain was hitherto only troublesom to the Feet ( which are the genuine seat of the peccant Matter , and if it possesses any other parts , 't is most certain that either the method of the Disease has been alter'd , or that the vigour of the Body is by little and little diminish'd ; ) now it possesses the Hands , Wrists , the Arms , the Knees and other Regions , tormenting these as much as it us'd to do the Feet ; for sometimes distorting one or more of the Fingers , it makes them like a bunch of Parships , taking away the motion by degrees , and at length it generates stony Concretions about the Ligaments of the Joints , sometimes the Matter occasioning the Disease thrust upon the Arms causes a whitish swelling almost as big as an Egg , which is by degrees inflam'd ; sometimes falling upon the Thigh , it feels as if there were a great weight hanging upon it , yet without any considerable pain ; but , passing to the Knee , it handles that more severely .

And whereas the Gout before did not use to invade before the latter end of Winter , and was wont to go off after two or three Months , now it continues upon the Sick a whole year , excepting only two or three of the hot Months .

The Sick is also afflicted with many other Symptoms , as with a pain of the Hemorrhoidal Veins , and with unsavory Belchings , and upon Yawning , especially in the morning , the Ligaments of the Bones of the Metatarsus are violently pull'd ; and sometimes when Yawning does not go before , the Sick just dropping asleep , suddenly feels a blow , as it were , of a Club breaking in pieces the Metatarsus .

Women are very seldom troubled with the Gout , and if they are , not till they are old , or unless they are of a masculine habit of Body .

As to the Cure , Bleeding , Purging and Sweating are not indicated ; but the Intention of curing is to be directed to the helping Concoction . Whatsoever , therefore , assists Nature in duly performing her Offices , whether in comforting the Stomach that it may rightly concoct the nourishment , or the Blood that it may well assimulate the Chile brought into it , or the solid Parts that they may the better convert it to their proper substance , the Juices designed for their nourishment and increase . Lastly , whatever preserves the various Organs of Excretion , and the Emunctories of the Body in such a state , as that they may be able to discharge duly and orderly the Excrements of each part : This , and such like , conduce to the answering this intention , and are properly called Digestives , whether they are Medicines or a course of Diet , or Exercise , or any other of those things which are called the six Non-naturals .

Medicines of this kind are those in general which moderately heat , and are bitter , or gently bite the Tongue ; for they are very agreeable to the Stomach , they purify the Blood and comfort all the Parts . The Remedy which I use , is made in the following manner .

Take of the roots of Angelica , sweet-smelling Flag , Master-wort , Elecampane , leaves of common Wormwood , the lesser Centaury , white Horehound , Germander , Groundpine , Scordium , Calaminth , meadow Saxifrage , S. John's-wort , golden Rod , Feverfew , Thyme , Mint , Sage , Rue , Carduus Benedictus , Penny-royal , Southern-wood , of the flowers of Camomil , Tansie , Lilly of the Vallies , English Saffron , of the seeds of Treacle , Mustard , Garden scurvy-grass , Carraways , Juniper-berries , each a sufficient quantity ; let the herbs and flowers , and roots be gathered when they have most vertue in them ; let them be dried , and kept in Paper-bags till they may be finely powdered : To six ounces of each well mixed , add a sufficient quantity of purified Hony and Canary-wine , to make an Electuary : Take two drachms morning and evening . Or for want of this , use the following .

Take of conserve of Garden-scurvygrass , an ounce and an half , of Roman Wormwood and of the yellow rind of Oranges , each one ounce , of candied Angelica , and of Nutmegs candied , each half an ounce , of Venice Treacle , three drachms , of compound Powder of Wake robin , two drachms ; make an Electuary , with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Oranges ; let him take two drachms twice a day , drinking upon it five or six spoonfuls of the following water .

Take of the roots of Horse-radish sliced , three ounces , of Garden-scurvygrass , twelve handfuls , of Water-cresses , Brooklime , Sage and Mint , each four handfuls , the peels of six Oranges , two Nutmegs bruised , of Brunswick Mum , six quarts ; distil them in a common Still , and draw only six pints of Water for use .

Among the Medicines commonly known , Venice-Treacle is the best ; but because it contains a great many Species that heat too much , and besides a great deal of Opium , the Electuary above-mentioned may be more commodiously prepared of the chief heating Vegetables ; but we must take care to chuse such Simples as are pleasant to the taste , for the Sick must take it a long while , viz. almost as long as he lives .

Among the Simples , the Peruvian-bark is the best ; for it strengthens the Blood and renders it vigorous , if some Grains of it are taken morning and evening .

A Mediocrity is to be observed in Meat and Drink , so that neither more nourishment be taken in than the Stomach can concoct : Nor , on the contrary , must the Parts by too much Abstinence , be defrauded of that proportion whereby their Strength and Vigour ought to be sustained . Morever , as to the quality of the Meat , though things of easy digestion considered by themselves are to be preferred before things of hard digestion , yet regard must be had to the Patient's Palat ; for we must take notice , That that which the Stomach earnestly craves for , though of difficult digestion , is sooner concocted by Nature , than that which is accounted to be of easier digestion , if it be offensive to the Stomach ; but those things that are reckoned of hard digestion , are therefore to be eaten more sparingly : And , I suppose , the Patient ought to feed upon one sort of Meat at a meal ; for various sorts of Flesh eaten at once , disturb the Stomach more than one sort eaten in the same quantity ; as to other things besides Flesh , let him eat at pleasure , if they are not sharp , nor salted , nor spiced .

As to the times of eating , a Dinner is only necessary , for the Bed being most proper to digest the Humors , that time ought not to be wasted about concocting the Meat ; therefore , they that are subject to the Gout should not eat Suppers , yet they may allow themselves a large draught of small Beer ; for such are inclinable to breed the Stone in the Kidnies , the concretion whereof is much hindred by such kind of Liquor drunk at this time , the Reins being cooled and cleansed thereby .

The drinking of Milk or a Milk-diet , either crude or boiled without any thing else , except perhaps a piece of Bread with it once a day , has been much used this 20 years , and it has done more good to many than any other sort of Remedy for this Disease , as long as they kept to it ; but as soon as they return to common Diet , though of easy digestion , the Gout returned more violently than before , and held them longer ; therefore , he that intends to betake himself to this method , ought , first , to consider seriously whether he can persist in the use of it all his Life long , which perhaps is not in his power , how resolved soever he may be . For I knew a Noble Man , who after he had been dieted with Milk only a whole year with pleasure ( all which time he went to Stool daily once or oftner ) was forced to leave it off by reason he was suddenly bound in Body , and the temper of his Body altered , and because at length his Stomach nauseated Milk , tho' the inclination of his Mind still continued ; but some Hypochondriacal People of a gross habit of Body , or who otherwise have accustomed themselves much and a long while to spirituous Liquors , can by no means bear a Milk-diet .

As to Liquors , those in my opinion are best , that are neither as strong as Wine nor as weak as Water , of which sort is our London small Beer , either with or without Hops , for extreams on either hand are hurtful .

But now though it may be sufficient for him that has the Gout but little and at sometimes only , to use small Beer and diluted Wine , the degree of his Disease not requiring more severe usage ; yet when the whole substance of the Body is as it were degenerated into the Gout , he will be less able to conquer the Disease , who does not wholly abstain from any sort of fermented Liquors though small and mild ; therefore , a dietetick Drink must be prescribed for his ordinary Drink . The following pleases me best .

Take of Sarsaparilla , six ounces , of Sassafras , China and the shavings of Hartshorn , each two ounces , of Liquorish , one ounce ; 〈◊〉 them in two gallons of Fountain-water for half an hour , afterwards let them stand covered in hot ashes 12 hours ; afterwards boil them to the consumption of a third part : As soon as it is taken from the fire , infuse in it half an ounce of Anniseeds ; after two hours strain it , and let it stand till it is clear ; keep the clear Liquor in Glass-bottles for use .

This Liquor is most conveniently us'd at first when the Patient recovers of the Fit , and he must persevere in the use of it all the rest of his Life , as well when he has the Fits as at other times ; at the same time the foresaid Electuary must be us'd daily , as well in the Fits as when they are off .

Yet if the Sick , by reason of a long and too great use of intoxicating Liquors , or by reason of old Age or Weakness cannot concoct his Meat without Wine or some other fermented Liquor , he cannot leave it off suddenly without great danger , the doing whereof has been fatal to very many ; therefore , in my Opinion , he shou'd not use the dietetick Apozem at all .

The Sick must go to bed early ; for besides Bleeding and Purging , nothing does so much destroy the strength of Nature as watching a-nights .

Moreover , Tranquility of Mind must by all means be obtain'd ; but the exercise of the Body is more profitable than all other things that are us'd to hinder the indigestion of the Humors , and to corroborate the Blood and to restore strength to the parts ; but unless 't is used daily 't will do no good , yet it must not be violent . As to the kind of Exercise , riding on Horseback , when old Age and the Stone do not hinder , is much to be preferr●d before the rest ; if this cannot be used , riding in a Coach does almost as well : And on this account , at least , it is well with gouty People , for their Riches , which enticed them to Luxury , whereby the Disease was bred , can provide them a Coach , which kind of exercise they may use , when they cannot the other : But it is to be observed , that it is best to use exercise in a good Air , viz. in the Country , and not in the City , where the Air is filled with Vapors exhaling from the Shops of various Artificers , and thickned by the closeness of the Buildings , as it is here in London , which is generally supposed to be the largest City in the whole World .

As to Venery , old and gouty People must not indulge themselves in it .

But notwithstanding what has been said of the utility of exercise in the Fits of the Gout ; if the Sick , by reason of the violence of the Fit is as it were overwhelmed presently by the first assault of it , which happens to those , for the most part , in whom the Gout has now come to its height , nor is yet grown gentle by a course of many years ; In this case , if the Sick is confined to a Chamber , it will also be convenient that he keep his bed for some of the first days , till the violence of the pain is abated ; for the bed does somewhat supply the want of Exercise : For the continual use of it does more powerfully digest the morbisick Matter in a few days , than keeping up in many , especially at the beginning of the Disease , if the Sick can abstain from Flesh without fainting or other ill Symptoms , and can be contented only with Barly-broath , small Beer , and the like . But you must take notice , that if the Gout is inveterate and inclines the Sick to Fainting , Gripes and Loosness , and such kind of Symptoms , he will scarce avoid being destroyed by one of the Fits , if he do not use Exercise in a free and open Air ; for a great many gouty People , perish by these Symptoms , whereunto they have been obnoxious by being confin'd to their Chambers , and especially to their Beds , whereas had they bore the fatigue of riding in a Coach the greatest part of the day , they had not died so soon .

But as to the Symptoms of the Gout , we must apply our selves to those whereby the Life of the Patient is endangered , viz. the debility and faintness of the Stomach with Gripes of the Belly ; for the Sickness and faintness , a small draught of Canary Wine is very good .

But if any great Symptom , scarce bearing a truce , comes suddenly , by reason of striking in of the gouty Matter , and threatens Death , we must neither trust to the Wine nor to the Exercise above commended ; but in this case , if it does not fall upon the Head , but upon the natural or vital Parts , we must presently fly to Laudanum , viz. give 20 drops of liquid Laudanum , mixed with a small draught of Epidemick Water , and let the Patient compose himself to rest in his Bed . But if the Matter occasioning the Gout produces a Loosness , because it is not yet cast upon the Limbs , if it be not the crisis of a particular Fit , and if notwithstanding the Laudanum above commended , and Exercise of all sorts ( for these must be first used for the cure of the Diarrhaea ) the Loosness continues accompanied with Sickness and Gripes , there is only one Remedy that I know of , viz. to provoke Sweat by a method , and Medicines designed for this use , which if it be done two or three days , Morning and Evening , for two or three hours at a time , it most commonly stops the Loosness , and forces the Disease upon the Limbs .

There is another Symptom not so frequent , though I have seen it divers times , viz. a translation of the peccant Matter upon the lobes of the Lungs , when a Winter-cough , by reason of cold taken in the time of the Fit , has by degrees drawn the Matter upon the Lungs . In this one case , the curative Indication is not to be directed to the Gout , but this Symptom is to be treated as a true Peripneumonia , by Bleeding repeated , and cooling and thickning Remedies and Diet. Moreover , the Sick must be purged betwixt the Bleedings ; but Sweating does hurt in this case .

Moreover , it is to be noted , That almost all gouty People , when they have been conflicted a long while with this Disease , are subjected to the Stone in the Kidnies , most commonly at the declination of a general Fit . In this case , setting aside all other Medicines , let him presently take a Gallon of Posset-drink , wherein two ounces of the roots of Marshmallows have been boiled , and let the following Glister be injected .

Take of the roots of Marshmallows and Lillies , each one ounce , of the leaves of Mallows , Pellitory of the Wall , Bears-breech , and of the flowers of Camomil , each one handful , of Flax and Fenugreek-seeds , each half an handful ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water ; dissolve in the strained Liquor , of brown Sugar and syrup of Marshmallows , each two ounces ; mingle them , and make a Glister .

As soon as he has rendred all the Posset-drink by Vomiting , and has ejected the Glister , let him take a large dose of liquid Laudanum , viz. 25 drops , or 15 grains of Mathew's Pill .

If any one inquires for external Remedies to ease the pain of the Gout , I have hitherto known none , excepting things meerly cooling and repelling , which are very dangerous ; and I confidently affirm , That the greatest part of those who have perished in the Gout , have not so properly been killed by the Disease , as by an improper use of Medicines ; therefore , if the pain be very violent , it will be better for the Sick to keep himself a bed till the pain is a little abated , than to use external Anodynes . But it will not be amiss to take a little Laudanum in the Evening , if the pain is intollerable , otherwise it will be better to omit it .

CHAP. CXVI . Of a Rheumatism .

THIS Disease comes at any time , but especially in the Autumn , and it chiefly seizes those that are in the flower of their Age , and it begins most commonly upon the following occasion , viz. the Sick catches Cold after having been much heated with violent Exercise , or any other way . It begins with Shaking , and Shivering and Heat , Restlessness , Thirst , and the other unhappy train of Symptoms which accompany Fevers , follow , after a day or two , and sometimes sooner , the Sick is seized with a violent pain sometimes in one Limb , sometimes in another in the Wrists , Shoulders , Knees especially , which changing place , seizes them by turns , redness and swelling remaining in the part which was last affected .

There is another sort of this Disease , though it is commonly thought of another kind , it may be properly called Lumbago Rheumatica , viz. a violent and fixed pain about the region of the Loins , which sometimes reaching to the Os sacrum , resembles the Stone in the Kidnies , only the Sick does not vomit . This violent pain , unless it be removed in the same manner the former is , lasts as long , and is full as painful .

Having seriously considered that this Disease arises from an Inflammation , I thought it was probable it might be cured by a simple cooling Diet moderately nourishing , as well as by Bleeding repeated , and a Whey-diet I found did as well as Bleeding .

Mr. Malthus , an Apothecary , an honest and ingenious Man , was seized violently with a Rheumatism ; and because he was of a weakly and dry habit of Body , I was afraid he would not be able to bear large Bleeding ; and therefore I ordered , That he should be dieted with Whey alone for four days : Afterwards , besides the Whey , I allowed him white Bread for Dinner ; being contented with this Diet , he continued it for 18 days , only at last he eat Bread for Supper also . He drank daily four quarts of Whey ; afterwards , when he went abroad , he eat Chicken , and other things of easy digestion ; but every third day he was dieted with Whey only , till he was quite well .

But how well soever a Whey-diet may agree with young People , and with those that live temperately , it is not safe to treat old People so , or such as have too much addicted themselves a long while to Wine , and other spirituous Liquors , for in such it will weaken the Stomach and chill the Blood , and so cause a Dropsie . In this case , therefore , it is necessary to bleed twice or thrice , and after the second , or at most after the third Bleeding , to purge very often till all the Symptoms quite cease with Lenitives , as with Tamarinds , Sena , Rhubarb , Manna and syrup of Roses solutive ; and you must give , every night after Purging , one ounce of Diacodium , somewhat earlier than is usual .

But here we must take notice of a Symptom like a Rheumatism , which also sometimes resembles a nephritick pain , but it proceeds from an Ague , and must be cur'd as that is .

There is also another sort of Rheumatism which comes near the Scurvy , and requires in a manner the same Cure ; and , therefore , I call it a scorbutick Rheumatism ; the pain seizes sometimes this , sometimes that part , but seldom swells ; nor is it accompanied with a Fever , nor is it so fixt , but is of a more wandering and uncertain disposition , and accompanied with irregular Symptoms : Sometimes it seizes this or that Member , and then presently it affects only the inner Parts , and occasions Sickness , which goes off again , when the pain of the external Parts returns , and so afflicts the Patient by turns , and continues a long while like those Diseases that are accounted most Chronical , it chiefly seizes Women , and Men of a weakly nature .

They who for a long while have us'd the Peruvian-bark are subject to this Disease , which , by the by , is the only inconvenience I ●ver knew follow upon the use of this Remedy ; but , however it be , whether the Disease take its rise on this occasion , or from any other cause , 't is very easily cur'd by the following Remedies ; which should have been kept secret , if I had a greater regard to my private Advantage than to the publick Good ; for by these alone , I have cured many Afflicted after the manner I have described .

Take of fresh Conserve of Garden scurvy-grass , two ounces , of Wood-sorrel , one ounce , of the compound Powder of Wake-robin , six drachms ; make an Electuary , with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Oranges . The dose is two drachms , to be taken thrice a day for a month , drinking upon it three ounces of the following Water .

Take of Garden scurvy-grass , eight handfuls , of Water-cresses , Brook-lime , Sage and Mint , each four handfuls , of the peels of six Oranges , of Nutmegs bruised half an ounce ; infuse them in six quarts of Brunswick-mum , and distil them in a common Still , and draw off three quarts for use . The precise dose of the compound Powder of Wake-robin must be observed , or , at least , it must not be lessened .

CHAP. CXVII . Of the Pestilential Fever , and of the Plague of the years 1665 and 1666.

THE Plague rarely rages violently in England oftener than once in the space of 30 or 40 years : The last dreadful Plague destroyed 8000 in the space of a Week , notwithstanding that two thirds , at least , of the Citizens of London fled into the Country for fear of the Infection .

Its first approach was always accompanied with shaking and shivering like the Fits of an Ague , presently violent Vomitings , a pain about the region of the Heart as if it were pressed , a burning Fever , with the usual concourse of Symptoms perpetually molest the Sick , till either Death it self , or a happy eruption of a Bubo or Parotis , discharges the morbifick Matter , and so frees them from that deplorable condition . It does , indeed , now and then happen , but it is seldom that it comes without any sense of a Fever before , and suddenly destroys Men , the Purple-spots , which are the Fore-runners of present Death , breaking out , as they are about their Business . It sometimes also happens , That Tumors appear , when neither a Fever , nor any other grievous Symptom went before .

As to the Cure , if a Tumour has not broke out , I bleed moderately with respect to the strength and temperament of the Sick , and afterwards a Sweat is easily and soon raised ( whereas otherwise it is not only very difficulty procured , but there is also danger , lest the Inflammation should be heightned by it , and so the Tokens forced out ) and the benefit of the Sweat immediately following abundantly , compensates the loss of Blood , which how little soever it be , would otherwise be very injurious . After Bleeding , which must be performed in Bed ( when all things are in a readiness to promote Sweat ) without any manner of delay ; I order the Patient to be covered quite over with Cloaths , and that a piece of Flannel be bound to the forepart of his Head ; and , indeed this covering of the Head conduces more to the procuring Sweat than any one would easily imagine ; afterwards , if the Patient does not vomit , I give these and the like Sudorificks .

Take of Venice Treacle , two drachms , of the Electuary of the Egg , one scruple , of compound Powder of Crabs Eyes , twelve grains , of Cochinel , eight grains , of Saffron , four grains , with a sufficient quantity of the juice of Kermes ; make a Bolus , which let him take every sixth hour , drinking after it six spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of Carduus water , compound Scordium water , each three ounces ; of Treacle water two ounces ; mingle them , make a Julep .

But if the Patient be troubled with Vomiting , as he is very frequently in the Plague and other pestilential Fevers , I defer the giving of Sudorificks so long as till he begins to Sweat by means of the covering only , excepting that sometimes I put part of the Sheet over the Face to collect the Vapors , for ( which is indeed very well worth Observation ) when the Rays of the morbifick Matter extend themselves to the circumference of the Body , the Loosness and Vomiting that were occasioned by their being inwardly reflected and cast upon the Stomach and Bowels , cease presently of their own accord ; so that how great soever the preceding subversion of the Stomach was , the Medicines that are taken afterwards are easily retained , and procure Sweat as well as can be wished .

I order , That the Sweat should be continued for the space of a natural day , by Sage-posset-drink or Mace-ale , now and then taken ; and I strictly forbid , That the Patient should be any way cleansed ; neither indeed do I permit , that the Shirt , how moist and foul soever it be , should be changed within the space of 24 hours from the end of the Sweat , which I would have observed with the greatest caution . But if the Sweat be circumscribed in a narrower compass of time , the violence of the Symptoms soon returns , and the health of the Patient is very uncertain , which a longer continuance of the Sweat would have put out of danger . If any defection be perceived towards the latter end , I permit the Sick to take a little Chicken-broath , the yolk of an Egg or the like , which with Cordials and Draughts commonly used to keep up the Sweat , abundantly repair the Strength .

I admonish , that Cold be carefully avoided , that their Cloaths dry on their Body of their own acc●●d , and that all Drinks are taken somewhat hot , and that the use of Sage-posset-drink be continued for the space of 24 hours after the Sweat . The next morning I give a common Purge , viz. of the infusion of Tamarinds , of the leaves of Sena , of Rhubarb , Manna and syrup of Roses solutive ; and with this method , the next year after the Plague , I recovered very many that were seized with the Pestilential Fever , so that not one died of this Disease that was under my care , after I began the use of the same .

But where the Tumor has been out already , I have not hitherto ventured to bleed , though in a Body unapt to sweat , fearing least the sudden death of the Patient should prevent the designed sweat , by reason of the morbifick Matter flowing back to the empty Veins ; yet perhaps Bleeding may be very safely administred , if a sweat be procured presently after it , without any manner of delay , which being prolonged to the space above required , may be able to dissipate and consume by little and little the whole bulk of the Humor , and with much less danger than when a legitimate maturation of the Imposthume ( which is very uncertain and fallible in so very acute a Disease ) is long waited for .

CHAP CXVIII . Of the regular Small-Pox .

THere are two sorts of them ; either they are Distinct or Confluent .

The Distinct begin with a shivering and coldness , which is presently follow'd with excessive heat , a violent pain in the Head and Back , Vomiting , a great propensity to Sweat ; I mean in grown Persons , for I never yet observed any such disposition in Children , either before or after they came out ; a pain at the cavity of the Breast , beneath the region of the Heart , if it be pressed with the Hand , dulness and sleepiness , especially in Children , and sometimes Convulsive Fits ; and if these happen to them that have all their Teeth , I reckon the Small-Pox are at hand , which most commonly coming out a few Hours after , sufficiently answer the Prognostication : For instance , if the Child has a Convulsive Fit in the Evening , as it usually happens , the Small-Pox appear the next Morning ; and moreover I have very often observ'd , that when they come immediately after these Fits , they rise in large Pustles , and are mild and favourable , and seldom flux : And these for the most part were the Symptoms which accompanied this Disease at its beginning , and preceded the eruption of the Pustles . But here it is proper to acquaint you , that sometimes it happened so , that in a looser texture of the Blood , which is easily changed , the course of separation was passed over gradually without any violent sickness , before the expulsion of the Matter discover'd it self , by the eruption of the Pustles .

The Distinct Small-Pox usually come out on the fourth day inclusively , and sometimes a little later , but rarely before , at which time , for the most part , the symptoms are very much abated , or totally vanish , and the Patient thinks himself very well ; only grown People are so disposed to Sweat , that they can scarce be kept from it , though they have little or no Cloaths on them , which disposition does not leave them till the Pustles begin to ripen , and then it vanishes of its own accord : The eruption is after this manner , first Pimples as big as small Pins heads here and there shew themselves , and first of all in the Face , Neck and Breast , and afterwards in the whole Body . At this time the Jaws are affected with a pain that increases as the Pustles rise , which growing daily bigger and higher , inflame the neighbouring skin and Flesh ; for about the eighth day from the first approach of the Sickness , which I always diligently observe in this Disease , the spaces between , that before were somewhat white , now begin to be red and swell more or less , according to the number of the Pustles , with a tensive and launcing pain of these Parts , which increasing , hourly occasions the Inflammation and Swelling ; so that in progress of this Disease the Eye-lids are so filled up and extended , that the Patient is sometimes depriv'd of Sight , and when they are thus Tumified , they shine and are like a Bladder blowed up ; and if a greater number of Pustles besiege the Eyes at the first eruption , they sooner retire to their dark Mansions ; next after the Face , the Hands and Fingers , swell more or less , according to the number of the Pustles : The Pustles that were smooth and red to this day , are now grown rough and somewhat white , which is indeed the first sign of their coming to maturity ; moreover , they cast out by degrees a certain yellowish Matter , in colour like a Hony-comb , and the inflammation of the Face and hands , when it is at height , causes a very florid Colour , not unlike a Damask-Rose , in the spaces between the Small-Pox . On the Eleventh the Tumour and Inflammation of the Face manifestly diminish , and on the Fourteenth or Fifteenth day totally vanish .

That sort of Small-pox which we call the Flux , has the same Symptoms with the Distinct , only they are more violent ; the Sickness , the Vomiting , the Fever , and the Restlesness , rage more violently : Moreover , a Loosness sometimes precedes the Eruption , and continues a day or two after it . This sort comes out generally on the third day , sometimes before , scarce ever after it . But it is to be Noted , when some grievous Symptom afflicts the Patient before the eruption , as a most violent pain , sometimes in the region of the Loins , like a fit of the Stone ; sometimes in the Side , like a Pleurisie , sometimes in the Limbs , like a Rheumatism ; lastly in the Stomach , with violent Sickness and Vomiting ; In these cases I have observed the Small-pox to come out later than ordinary . And in the nex place , I must acquaint you , that the Fever and other symptoms molest the sick many days after the coming out of the Pustles . This sort comes out sometimes like an Erysipelas , sometimes like the Measles , and as to the outward appearance they cannot be distinguished by any but those that are very conversant in this Distemper ; yet he that shall diligently consider the great difference as to the time of eruption in these Diseases , and other Circumstances which he may gather from the History of each of them , will easily be able to distinguish them . These do not rise so high as the Distinct , especially those in the Face ; after the eighth day they begin to change into a duskish Colour .

There are two other Symptoms that attend the Flux-pox , which are as considerable as the Pustles or Swelling , viz. Salivation in grown People , and a Loosness in Children . The first of these is so perpetual a Concomitant , that I never knew but one that had the Confluent kind and was free from Salivation ; but the latter , viz. a Loosness , does not so certainly vex Children that have this sort . Sometimes Salivation discovers it self at the first coming out , sometimes not till a day or two after ; first the matter is thin and easily spit up , so that the sick foul a great many Cloaths in a nights time ; but about the Eleventh day it is most commonly more clammy , so that it is difficulty hawked up , the Sick is thirsty , and now and then coughs as he drinks .

A Loosness does not invade Children so soon , as spitting does old People ; but at what time soever it comes , if it be not stopped by Art , it continues through the whole course of the Disease .

In both kinds of small Pox , the Fever is highest from the beginning to the eruption ; after which it is more moderate , till the Pustles begin to ripen , and afterwards it totally evanishes .

I have always observed , that when the disease was violent , the sick had , as it were , a Fit in the evening ; and then the Symptoms raged more cruelty .

In the next place I will treat of the irregular Symptoms that happen in this disease , when it is unskilfully handled .

It is to be noted , therefore , that the irregular Symptoms that occur on the eight Day , in the distinct small Pox , and those that happen on the eleventh in the Flux , always reckoning from the first approach of the Disease , are of very great moment with respect either to the Life or Death of the patient ; and , therefore , they ought to be exactly weighed ; for it is manifest that the greatest part of those that die of either sort , die on the days above-mentioned .

When Sweat is promoted much by Cordials and hot Regimen , the Particles are eliminated , which should have served to elevate the Pustles , and to swell the Face on the Eight Day ; and it appears flaccid and white , and the Sweat , which flowed freely to this day , now ceases of its own accord , nor it can it be raised again with the hottest Cordials : The patient is taken light-headed of a sudden , with Anxiety , violent Sickness and restlessness , he makes Water often , but little at a time , and in the space of a very few hours , takes leave of his Friends , and repairs to his long home .

But in the Flux the Sick is in the greatest danger , and most commonly dies on the 11th Day ; for the Salivation which hitherto preserved the Patient is wont to cease of its own accord at this time : Therefore , unless the swelling of the Face persists a little longer , and that of the Hands now manifestly beginning supplies it's place , the sick must necessarily perish : But it happens too often in this hot Disease , that the Cras●s of the blood being weakened , and broke by an over-hot Regimen , and being so highly inflamed , that it is no longer able to exterminate leasurely the inflammatory Particles , ( to say nothing at present of those Mischiefs that are occasioned by sweat unseasonably forced ) so that either the Face or Hands do not swell at all , or the Tumour vanishes with the Salivation .

There are yet other symptoms that happen at any time of the Disease , and belong as well to the distinct small Pox as the Flux . As a Frensie , a Coma and Purple Spots , which are most commonly the forerunners of Death ; and sometimes there is a bloody Urin , or Blood is cast up from the Lungs , both these Hemorrhages happen most commonly at the beginning of the Disease , before the Pustles come out ; sometimes also there is a total suppression of Urine . There are also other symptoms that sometimes arise from a cause contrary to those above mention'd , when the Patient has been injured by violent Cold or excessive Bleeding , or by being over purg'd , viz. the Pustles fall of a sudden , and a Loosness supervenes , so that the Patient , if he be Adult , is in great danger ; moreover , the Tumour of the Face and Hands is repell'd on this account .

But the Symptoms that proceed from taking Cold very rarely occur , for what those do that are occasioned by too hot a Regimen .

As soon as the Signs of this Disease shew themselves , I keep the sick from the open Air , and forbid them the use of Wine and Flesh , and allow them small Beer gently warmed with a Tost for their ordinary Drink , and now and then permit them to drink as much of it as they will , I order them for their Victuals , Oatmeal and Barly Broaths , and rosted Apples , and other things , which are neither too hot nor cold , nor too hard to be digested ; I forthwith prohibit a hot Regimen and the use of all manner of Cordials . On the fourth day I commit the sick to his Bed ; and then if they come not out well , some gentle Cordial may be properly prescribed , at least for once , to drive out the Pustles . Among the Medicines for this purpose , those they call Paregoricks , such as liquid Laudanum , Diascordium , and the like , if they be mixed in a small quantity with some proper cordial Waters excell the rest : But it is to be noted , That if I am call'd to a strong young Man , who has besides given occasion to the Disease by excessive drinking of Wine , or any Spirituous Liquor whatsoever , I reckon it not sufficient for the restraining of the ebullition of the Blood , that he abstrain from his Bed and Cordials ; unless , moreover , he be blooded in the Arm.

When the Pustles first come out , I then diligently consider whether they be of the distinct or confluent kind , because they differ exceedingly one from the other , though they agree as to some symptoms . If , therefore , from the bigness and paucity of the Pustles , and the slowness of their coming out , and from the vanishing of sickness and other symptoms , which tire the Patient after the eruption of the flux Pox , it appear that they are the distinct sort , I take care that the sick be refreshed with small Beer , Oatmeal and Barly-gruel , and the like . And if the small Pox be but few , and in Summer-time , and that very hot , I see no reason why the Patient should be kept stifled up in Bed , and why he may not rather rise a few hours every day , provided the inconveniencies of too much Cold or Heat may be prevented by the place and cloathing ; but if either the cold season of the Year , or a large eruption of the Pustles , put the Patient under a necessity of keeping his Bed continually , I take care that he lie not hotter nor has more Cloaths on him than when he was in health , and that he have a Fire kindled only morning and evening , unless it be Winter ; nor do 〈◊〉 require that he should be always fixed to one place , lest he sweat , which I confidently affirm cannot be promoted without great danger .

When the Disease is going off , it is proper to give three or four spoonfulls of Canary-Wine hot , or some other temperate Cordial Medicine . At the same time also , a little hotter and more Cordial-diet may be allowed . For instance , Sugar-so●s , and Oatmeal-candie and the like ; nor is there need of any other thing at all in the distinct and gentle sort , if the Patient will suffer himself to be treated moderately in this method and diet , unless by change Restlessness , or Watchings , should now and then persuade the use of a Paregorick .

But if the small Pox Flux , the case is very hazardous ; for I reckon this sort is no less different from the other than the Plague is from this ; though among the Vulgar , who take names and words for things , the cure of both is said to be the same ; for towards the end of the disease the sick is in great danger , viz. on the 11th Day in the common Flux-pox , on the 14th Day in a worser sort , and the 17th Day in the worst sort : But sometimes , though rarely , one the 21st Day , the Fever , the Restlessness and other symptoms invading together , whereby the sick is generally destroyed , unless Art relieve him : Wherefore , seeing there is so much danger when they Flux , the Physician should endeavour all he can to hinder their Fluxing , by bleeding presently in the Arm , if there be the least suspicion of the Flux-pox , and by giving a Vomit afterwards , and by keeping the sick up till the 6th Day from the first sickness . Afterwards he must be put to Bed , and keep there to the end of the disease ; but he must have no more Cloaths on , nor a greater fire in his Chamber than he used to have when he was well , and he must drink freely of small Beer or other cooling Liquors . But because , notwithstanding the sick frequently grows hot , lightheaded , and restless , I give an Anodyne every Night , but a little earlier than is usual ; because in this Disease , a fit of heat and restlessness comes almost every day towards the evening .

But , which is to be lamented , notwithstanding these things , and all other Physical Helps , the sick is very often seized on the 11th Day , or on some other of those Days , which we said , were most fatal in the various kinds of Flux-pox , with a violent Fever , difficulty of breathing , and restlessness , and dies suddenly . In this case nothing is more effectual than the taking away of ten or twelve ounces of Blood , and in the evening a large Anodine must be given , as before ; and so afterwards morning and evening , and sometimes oftener ; for it is diligently to be noted , that in some the fury of the Disease is so high , that a very large dosed Anodyne cannot stop its force in 12 hours ; in which case it is necessary to repeat the Anodyne every 6th or every 8th hour .

But because it happens often at the latter end of the Disease , that the Body is bound up so much , that the sick is like to be suffocated , and consequenrly is in great danger ; in this I have given successfully an ounce and an half of Lenitive Electuary dissolved in four ounces of Succory-water or the like ; which Draught gives some stools before night ; but if it does not , an Anodyne must be given in the evening , and sooner , notwithstanding the Purge , if great Restlessness or some considerable sickness threaten danger .

If , therefore , the Purge does not answer the first day , it must be repeated the next , and then it seldom fails , and in this manner Bleeding and Purging may be repeated by Intervals , as occasion requires . But it is to be noted , that the sick must not be purged till the 13th day or after , nor then , unless Bleeding has gone before . For spitting of Blood and a bloody Urine coming upon the small Pox , for both these Hemorraghes come sometimes at the beginning of the Disease : After bleeding largely once , give an Anodyne .

Take of red Poppy water , two ounces , of liquid Laudanum , 14 drops , of distill'd Vinegar , three drachms , of Diacodium , half an ounce ; make a Draught to be repeated every night at bed time .

Take of Troches of Lemnian Earth and of Bole-armenick , each one drachm , of sealed Earth , Bloodstone , Dragon's-blood and red Coral prepared , each half a drachm , of Mastich and Gum-arabick , each one scruple ; mingle them , make a fine Powder , whereof let him take half a drachm every third hour in a spoonful of syrup of Comfry , drinking upon it four or five spoonfuls of the following Julep .

Take of the Waters of Plantain and Oak-buds , each three ounces , of Cinnamon-water Hordeate , two ounces , of syrup of dried Roses , one ounce ; make it a little acid with spirit of Vitriol .

Emulsions also of the four greater cold Seeds with white Popies do a great deal of good . But after the Hemorrhage is stopt , you must proceed according to the method described in the small Pox.

Great care must be taken that the Salivation continue according to the manner of it , from the beginning to the 12th or 13th day ; for if it quite stop before the 11th day , the Sick is in great danger : It may be much promoted by ordering the Sick to drink freely small Beer , or any other Liquor , which is neither heating nor provokes sweat .

In the next place the Loosness in Children must be permitted , because it evacuates the morbifick matter . At last , when the Pustles are crusty and hard , I use to anoint the Face often with Oyl of sweet Almonds .

If in the distinct small Pox the Face does not swell , I give an Anodyne presently ; but if the Patient be light-headed and very sick , and makes Water often , but little at a time , he can be relieved no other way , Death being near at hand , than by giving Narcoticks freely , or by taking away a large quantity of Blood , and by exposing the Body to the Air ; but I would not be so understood here as if in every Phrensy coming upon the small Pox , there being no Symptom more frequent , that I should advise Bleeding presently ; but only in that which therefore happens , because the Face does not swell in the distinct kind , tho' there be a great number of Pustles .

If in the Flux-Pox the Spitle be so thick and clammy that the Sick is in danger of being suffocated , which happens often on the 11th day , a Gargarism must necessarly be prescibed , and must be ordered to be used often Day and Night : It may be made of small Beer or Barly-water , with Hony of Roses . Or , the following may be used .

Take of the bark of Elm , six drachms , of Liquorice , half a drachm , of Raisins of the Sun ston'd number twenty , of red Roses , two pugils ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Water to a pint and an half : In the strained Liquor dissolve of simple Oxymel , and of Hony of Roses , each two ounces ; mingle them , make a Gargarism .

But when the sick is in danger to be suffocated every moment , and is stupid , an ounce and an half of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum must be given , for a less Dose will not work , by reason of the stupidity of the sick . But this Remedy does not always do the business .

The Coma may be easily relieved by the help of a moderate Regimen .

For a Suppression of Urine , which sometimes afflicts young and brisk People , nothing does so well as taking the Sick out of Bed ; and after he has walked twice or thrice cross the Room , by the assistance of the By-standers , he will presently make Water freely , and be much relieved thereby .

But the Symptoms arising from catching cold , or by Evacuations unduly used , whereby the small Pox are struck in , must be removed by Cordials , and an agreeable Regimen ; but they must not be continued after the Symptoms are gone off : The chief of these are a flatting of the Pustles , and a Loosness in the distinct small Pox ; for in the Flux a depression of the Pustles is natural ; nor is a Loosness dangerous in Children . In both these cases , a Cordial-potion made of distilled Waters , Diascordium , liquid Laudanum , and the like , is proper , not only to remove these Symptoms , but also at any time of the Disease , if the Sick complain of a pain at the Heart , or of sickness . But to speak the truth , Symptoms of this kind are very rare , compared with those which owe their original to the other extream , which is more fatal , though less blamed .

When the Patient is mending , and the Pustles are falling off , after he has 〈◊〉 Meat a few days , namely , about the 21st or 22d day , I think he ought to be blooded , if the Disease has been violent ; and , after Bleeding , he must be purged three or four times .

But sometimes after the Sick has recovered of the Flux-Pox , and rises daily , he has great swellings in his Legs ; but they either go off of themselves , or are easily cured after Bleeding and Purging , by the use of emollient and discutient Herbs boiled in Milk , as Mallows , the leaves of Mullein , Elder , Bays , with the flowers of Camomil and Melilot .

The distinct irregular small Pox of the years 1670 , 1671 and 1672 , differed from the general distinct small Pox in the following things : First , the Eruption was generally on the third day , and then in the process of the Disease the Pustles did not arrive to a due bigness ; and towards the end , when they began to ripen , they seemed black .

Moreover , there was a salivation sometimes , though rarely , when there were very few Pustles : But the flux-Pox differed in many things from the other Flux-Pox ; for they came out sometimes on the second , sometimes on the third day , in the form of a redish Tumour covering the whole Face , and thicker than an Erysipelas , and scarce any visible distance betwixt the Pustles , with a heap of almost infinite , red , angry Pimples running into one , and disguising the whole Body between the Pustles ; especially in the Thighs appeared some little Bladders very conspicuous like a burn , and distended with clear Water , which flowed out plentifully , when the skin was broken , the Flesh underneath being black like a Mortification . But this dreadful symptom seldom happened .

The Fever , and all other symptoms which either preceded or accompanied this kind of small Pox were more violent than in other sorts of Pox , and had a greater Inflammation . The free use of the white Decoction and Milk-water did a great deal of good in this sort .

The Flux of the Courses , which happens often to Women when they have this Disease , requires a free use of these Liquors , if they flow at an unusual time .

A Gentlewoman that had this black sort of Pox was seized with so large a Flux of the Courses at an unusual time , that the Women about her thought she had miscarried , and tho' this Symptom continued many days , yet I continually used the Milk-water through the whole course of the Disease .

CHAP. CXIX . Of the Measles .

THIS Disease chiefly invades Infants , and all those that are together in the same House . It begins with shaking and shivering , and with an inequality of heat and cold , which mutually expel one another the first day ; the second day it ends in a perfect Fever with violent sickness , drowth and want of Appetite , the Tongue is white but not dry , there is a tickling Cough with a heaviness of the Head and Eyes accompanied with a perpetual drowsiness , and for the most part a Humour distils from the Eyes and Nose , and this effusion of Tears is a certain sign of the approaching Measles . To which this is to be added , no less certain , that tho' this Disease shews it self most commonly in the Face after the manner of little swellings in the skin , yet in the Breast rather red spots than swellings are perceived , arising no higher than the superficies of the skin ; the Patient sneezes as if he had taken cold , and the Eye-lids swell a little before the Eruption ; he vomits , but is oftner troubled with a Loosness with greenish Stools : But this chiefly happens to Children that are breeding their Teeth , and they are frowarder in this Disease than they are wont to be for the most part ; the symptoms increase till the fourth day , at which time generally , ( though sometimes they are deferred ) little red spots like Fleabites begin to come out about the Forehead and other parts of the Face , and being increased in number and magnitude branch into one another , and so paint the Face with large red spots of various Figures , which are occasioned by little red Wheals , not far distant one from another , that are elevated a little above the superficies of the skin , and their Protuberances may be perceived by a gentle touch , though they can scarce be seen . These spots spread themselves by degrees from the Face , which at first they only possess'd to the Breast , Belly , Thighs and Legs : But they affect the Trunk and Members with redness only , without any sensible inequality of the Skin . The symptoms of the Measles do not abate by the Eruption , as in the small Pox , yet I never observed the Vomiting afterwards ; but the Cough and Fever increase , with the difficulty of Breathing , weakness of the Eyes , and the defluxion on them , with perpetual drowziness and want of Appetite , continuing the same as before . On the 6th day , or thereabouts , the Skin breaking , and the Pustles drying off , the Forehead and Face grow rough , and at that time the spots in other parts of the Body are very large and very read . About the 8th day , the spots in the Face vanish , and are scarce perceived in the rest of the Body : But on the 9th day they totally disappear , and as we said the Measles most commonly vanish on the 8th day , at which time the Vulgar , being deceived by reckoning upon the time the small Pox use to last , affirm , They are struck in , tho' really they have finished their course , and they think that these symptoms which come upon their going off are occasioned by their being struck in so soon : For it is to be noted , That the Fever and difficulty of Breathing are increased at that time , and the Cough is more vexatious , so that the Patient can neither sleep night nor day . Children are chiefly subject to these ill symptoms , which appear now at the going off of the Measles by reason of too hot a Regimen or hot Medicines that were used to force them out ; and by this means they are cast into a Peripneumonia , which destroys more than the small Pox or any symptom belonging to it ; and yet the Measles are not at all dangerous if they are skilfully managed . And among the rest of the ill symptoms , a Loosness often happens , which either presently succeeds the Disease , or continues many Weeks after it and all its symptoms are gone off , not without great danger to the Patient by reason of a continual loss of Spirits ; and sometimes after a very hot Regimen , the Measles are first livid and afterwards black ; but this only happens to grown People , and they are utterly lost when the blackness first appears , unless they are presently relieved by bleeding and a more temperate Regimen .

As the Measles are much of the same nature with the small Pox , so is the method of Cure much the same . Hot Medicines and a hot Regimen are very dangerous , how frequently soever they are used by ignorant Nurses to drive the Disease from the Heart . This method , above others , has been most successful in my practice , viz. That the Patient be kept in his Bed only two or three days after the Eruption , that the blood may gently breath out , according to its own genius , through the Pores of the Skin , the inflamed Particles , which offend it ; and that he have no more Cloaths nor Fire than he is wont to have when he is well : I forbid all Flesh , and allow him Oatmeal and Barly-broaths , and the like , and sometimes a rosted Apple ; his Drink must be either small Beer , or Milk boil'd with treble the quantity of Water . I oftentimes mitigated the Cough , which almost continually accompanies this Disease , with a draught of some pectoral Decoction , or with a Linctus fitted for the purpose ; but above all the rest , I took care to give Diacodium every night through the whole course of this Disease . For Example ,

Take of the pectoral Decoction , one pint and an half , of syrup of Violets and Maiden-hair , each one ounce and an half ; mingle them and make an Apozem , take three or four ounces three or four times a day .

Take of Oil of sweet Almonds , two ounces , of syrup of Violets and Maiden-hair , each one ounce , of white Sugercandy , a sufficient quantity ; mingle them and make a Linctus , of which let the Sick lick often , especially when his Cough troubles him .

Take of black Cherry-water , three ounces , of Diacodium , one ounce ; mingle them for a draught to be taken every night . But if the Patient be an Infant , the dose of the Pectorals and of the Narcotick is to be lessened with respect to the Age.

But if by means of too hot Cordials and too hot a Regimen , the Patient be in danger of his Life after the Measles go off , which is very frequent by the violence of the Fever and the difficulty of breathing , and other Accidents that use to afflict those that have a Peripneumonia , I have bled the smallest Infants in the Arm , and have taken away that quantity of Blood which their Age and Strength indicated , with very great success ; and sometimes when the Disease has been obstinate , I have repeated bleeding : The Loosness also which follows the Measles , is also cur'd by bleeding .

What we have now said of the Cure of those symptoms that come upon the going off of the Measles , may be sometimes also of use when they are at their height , if they are occasioned by a false and artificial heat .

I was called to visit a Maid-servant that had this Disease , together with a Fever , difficulty of Breathing , and purple spots all over her Body , with very many other dangerous symptoms ; all which I attributed to the hot Regimen and hot Medicines , which were too much used . I ordered her to be bled in the Arm , and I prescribed a cooling pectoral Ptisan to be taken often ; by the help of which , and a temperate Regimen , the purple Spots , and all the other symptoms vanished by degrees .

CHAP. CXX . Of a continual Fever .

FIRST , I observe , That the inordinate commotion of the Blood , the Cause or Companion of this Fever , is stirred up by Nature , either that some heterogenious Matter contained in it , and inimical to it , should be excluded , or that the Blood should be changed into some new disposition .

I reckon that the true and natural Indications that arise in this Disease shew , That the commotion of the Blood must be kept to that degree , which is agreeable to Nature's purpose , that it does not rise too high on the one hand , from whence great symptoms flow , nor be depressed too low on the other , by which means the protrusion of the morbisick Matter may be hindred , or the endeavours of the Blood affecting a new Condition frustrated ; so that whither the Fever takes its rise from heterogeneous Matter provoking it , or from the Blood affecting a new State , in either case the Indication is the same . These things being premised , I institute the method of Cure in the following manner .

When I am called to Patients , whose Blood of it self is weak , as it is most times in Children , or when it wants Spirits , as in old Age , and in young Men weakned by long Diseases , I forbear bleeding ; for if I should bleed such , their Blood being already too weak , it would be rendred altogether unfit to perform the business of Despumation .

But when I have to do with those whose Blood is of a contrary Nature , such as is wont to be in young Men of a robust Constitution , and sanguine Complexion ; I order Bleeding in the first place , which cannot be omitted here without hazard ; beside , in some other cases to be mentioned hereafter ; for otherwise not only Phrensies , Pleurisies and such-like Inflammations may be feared , but also by reason of the superfluity , a Stagnation of the whole Mass .

As to the quantity , I only take away so much Blood as I conceive will free the Sick from such dangers he is obnoxious to by the immoderate commotion of the same ; furthermore , I regulate the Estuation by repeating Bleeding , or omitting it , by using or forbidding the use of hot Cordials , and lastly by keeping the Body loose , or stopping it , as I perceive the commotion is high or low .

After Bleeding , if it be necessary , according to the cases above-mentioned , I diligently enquire whether the Patient was enclined to Nauseousness at the beginning of the Fever , and if so , I presently prescribe a Vomit , unless the tender Age , or some great Weakness of the sick forbid it : Truly a Vomit is so necessary when an inclination to Vomiting has preceded , that unless that Humour be expelled , it will occasion many difficult Symptoms , that will hinder the Physician in performing the Cure , and will very much endanger the Patient ; a Loosness is the chief and most usual of these , which most commonly follows in the declination of the Fever , as often as Vomits are Indicated . The Vomit I frequently use is this following .

Take of the infusion of Crocus Mettalorum six Drachms , of Oxymel of Squills , and compound Syrup of Scabious , each half an ounce , mingle them , make a Vomit , which I order to be taken in the Afternoon , two hours after a light Dinner .

And that the Vomit may succeed the better , I appoint six or eight pints of Posset-drink to be provided , for these Medicines are dangerous , if they are not washed off ; and therefore as often as the Patient Vomits or goes to Stool , he must presently take a draught of it , by which means the Gripes will be prevented , and he will vomit easier .

It is to be Noted , that if the condition of the Patient requires Bleeding and Vomiting , it is safest to bleed first , for otherwise , whilst the Vessels are distened with Blood , there is great danger , lest by violent straining to Vomit , the Vessels of the Lungs should be broken and the Brain hurt , and so the Patient may die Apoplectick , of which I could produce some Examples , if I thought it convenient ; let it suffice that I warn you to use great caution in this case .

If any one should ask , at what time of the Fever I would give a Vomit , I say at the very beginning , if I had my choice ; for by this means , the Sick may be defended from those horrid symptoms that take their rise from the filth of those Humours that lurk in the Stomach and Neighbouring Parts , and perhaps we may crush the Disease in its beginning .

But if we are called in late , as we are often , so that we cannot assist the Patient at the beginning of the Fever by prescribing a Vomit , yet I have thought it proper to order one at any time of the Disease , provided the Patient has strength enough to bear the operation of it : I have given a Vomit on the twelfth day , and I should not doubt to prescribe one later , unless the weakness of the Patient forbids .

The Evening after taking the Vomit , I always endeavour to quiet the tumult raised in the Humours by the Vomit , and therefore I prescribe an Anodyne to be taken at Bed-time , for Instance ,

Take of Erratick Poppy two Ounces , of Aqua-Mirabilis two drachms , of Syrup of white and red Poppies , each half an ounce , mingle them , make a Draught .

But if there be no fear of raising the ebullition for the future , either by reason of a great loss of Blood , or by frequent Vomiting and Stools , or by a present apurexy , or debility of the Fever , or its declining State , I boldly order a large Dose of Diascordium , either by it self , or mixed with some Cordial-water , instead of the Anodyne above-described , and it is indeed an excellent Medicine , if it be given in a due quantity .

And now before I leave off discoursing of Vomits , I must acquaint you , that it is by no means safe , at least in this Fever , to give Vomits of the infusion of Crocus Metallorum to Children , or to any under Fourteen , no , not in the least quantity .

The Fatigue of Vomiting being over , I further consider with my self , whether notwithstanding the preceding Evacuations , the Blood continues yet to rage so much , that it is still necessary to restrain its effervescence , or whether it be so very languid that it wants to be heightened , or lastly whether the Fermentation being reduced to a due degree , may be left to it self , without danger to the Patient .

First therefore if the Blood ferments so violently , that we may reasonably suspect that the Patient is either obnoxious to a Phrensie , or any other troublesome Symptom , proceeding from too great an ebullition of the Blood ; the day after taking of the Vomit , I prescribe a Glister . For Instance ,

Take of the common Decoction for a Glister one pint , of Syrup of Violets and Brown Sugar , each two ounces ; mingle them , make a Glister .

And I order it should be repeated upon occasion ; by which it often happens that the Blood being somewhat ventilated and cooled , its effervescence is sufficiently bridled : But sometimes it is necessary to repeat Bleeding once and again , viz. In those of a very Sanguine Complexion , and in the flower of their Age , or in others who have imprinted on their Blood a certain inflammatory disposition , by the too frequent use of Wine : But for the most part there is no need of so great a remedy as is repeated Bleeding ; and except in the cases above-mention'd , the effervescence may be sufficiently suppressed by the help of Glisters ; wherefore , if the Blood ferment too much , I order a Glister to be injected every day , or every other day , as the case requires , and that it he done to the tenth day of the Disease , or thereabouts ; but if much Blood has been taken away , or the Patient is Aged , I order no Glisters at that time , though the Blood be very hot ; for in these cases as there is no fear that by the omission of Glisters , the ebullition begun should proceed so far as that there should be eminent danger from some violent Symptom ; so it is most certain , that by the use of them , the Strength , and as I may say , the Tone of the Blood , is so much relaxed , that especially in old Men , ( for Glisters are not used with so good Success in old Men as in young ) Nature is obstructed in her business .

But whether Bleeding has been used or omitted , if the effervescence be too languid , and wants to be stirred up ; in this case we must wholly abstain from the use of Glisters , even before the tenth day , and much rather if it be past , for to what purpose should we endeavour to suppress the fermentation that is too weak already ?

As to Cordials , I have found by experience , that the too early use of them has been very injurious , viz. ( Bleeding having not been first used ) there is danger lest the crude Matter should fall upon the Membranes of the Brain , or the like , or on the Pleura ; and therefore I always take care that Cordials be not given , when no Blood , or but very little has been taken away , and there has been no other considerable Evacuation , or when the Patient has not passed the flower of his Age. But if the Patient be weakned by profuse Evacuations , I use to give Cordials even at the beginning of the Fever ; but on the twelfth day of the Disease , things then tending to Secretion , I suppose we ought freely to indulge the use of hotter Medicines , and indeed a little sooner , if there be no danger of driving the febrile Matter upon the principal Parts .

If the Fermentation proceed well , the Despumation will be finished about the Fourteenth day . But if you use Coolers too late , and so by their means suppress the effervescence , it is not strange if the Fever continue to the Twenty first day , and much longer in feeble Bodies ill managed .

The Cordials I prescribe are such as those , which I will mention by and by ; those that are more moderate , I use at the beginning of the Disease , when the heat is very violent , always proceeding gradually to the use of hotter , according to the progress of the Disease , and the degrees of ebullition , always remembring that it is lawful if much Blood has been taken away , or if the Patient be Aged , to administer stronger Cordials than when bleeding has not preceded , or when the Patint was in the flower of his Age.

Those Cordials I call Moderate , are made of Distilled Waters . For instance , of Borrage , Citron , Strawberries , Treacle , compound Scordium-water , mingled with the Syrup of Baum of Fernelius , of Gilliflowers , of juice of Citron and the like ; but the Stronger of Gascoin's Powder , Bezoar , Confection of Hyacinth , Venice Treacle and the like . These which follow are frequently used .

Take of the Waters of Borrage , Citron , compound Scordium , Black-cherries , each two ounces , Cinamon-wawater hordeated one ounce , Pearls prepared two drachms , of Christaline Sugar a sufficient quantity ; mingle them , take four spoonfuls often in a day .

Take of the Waters of the whole Citron and of Strawberries , each three ounces , of the cold Cordial-water of Saxony , one ounce , of Treacle-water , and of the Syrups of Baulm of Fernelius , of Gilliflowers , and of the juice of Citron , each half an ounce ; mingle them , and make a Julep , of which take often .

Take of Gascoin's Powder , of oriental and occidental Bezoar-stone , of each one scruple , one leaf of Gold ; mix them and make a fine Powder . Take to the quantity of twelve grains when there is occasion , in the Syrup of the juice of Citron , and of Gilliflowers , each two drachms , drinking upon it a few spoonfuls of the Julep prescribed .

Take of Treacle-water four ounces , of the Seeds of Citron two drachms ; beat them together and make an Emulsion ; add to the strained Liquor a sufficient quantity of Pearl-sugar , to make it grateful to the Taste . Take two spoonfuls three times in a day .

But if the Fermentation be neither too high nor too low , I leave it in that state , and use no Remedies unless I am forced to do something by the importunity of the Sick , or his Friends about him , that may please them without obstructing my design .

And now I must tell you , that when I was called to a poor Body , who was not able to be at the charge of going through a long course of Physick , I did nothing else , after Bleeding and Purging was over , if they were indicated , but order them to keep their Beds all the time of their Sickness , and to drink Oatmeal and Barly-broath , and the like , and that they should drink Small-beer warm , moderately , to quench their Thirst . I took care that they should have a Glister of Milk and Sugar every day , till the Tenth or Eleventh day , and towards the end of the Fever , separation being now begun , if it were slow , I permitted them now and then stronger drink to help it instead of a Cordial . And so without any more ado , except that I used to give a gentle Purge at the end of the Disease , I cured them .

If the Patient be very weak , or if there be not a perfect Despumation , so that I cannot boldly give a Purge on the Fifteenth day , I defer it to the Seventeenth , at which time I give the following , or the like , according to the strength of the Patient .

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of Senna two drachms , of Rhubarb one drachm and an half ; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Water ; to three ounces of the strained Liquor , add Syrup of Roses solutive and Manna , each one ounce ; mingle them and make a Potion .

Purging being over , I order the Patient to rise , who has been hitherto kept in Bed by my prescription , and to return gradually to his accustomed Diet.

It happens often , especially in old Men , that the Patient , though the Fever be cured and the Body sufficiently purged , is notwithstanding very weak , and sometimes expectorats by Cough , and sometimes also hauks up a great quantity of clammy Phlegm , which Symptom does not only affrighten the Patient , but also imposes upon the Physician , especially if he be unwary , and induces him to believe , that this will make way for a Consumption , though I have observed that this is not so very dangerous . In this case I order the Patient to drink Old Malago , or Muskadine with a Toast , which takes off this Symptom in the space of a few days , as I have often Experienced .

If the fermentation proceed well , there will be a perfect despumation of the morbifick Matter within the time aforesaid ; but if cooling Remedies or Glisters have been given too late , the Fever will continue much longer , especially in very ancient Men , ill manag'd by the Physician . I have been sometimes called to such after they have laboured under a Fever forty days or more , and have tryed all things to induce despumation of the Blood ; but it was so much weakened , partly by old Age , and partly by Glisters and cooling Medicines , that I could not attain my end , either by Cordials , or any other corroborating Medicines , but either their Fever stood its ground , or if otherwise it seemed to cease , the Patient's strength was very low , and in a manner gone .

But other Remedies being unsuccessfully used , I have been often forced to take this course , and indeed with very good Success , viz. I have applied the brisk heat of young People to the Sick ; neither is there any reason why any one should much wonder , that the Patient is so mightily strengthned and weak Nature relieved by this method , though it be unusual , as that it can deliver it self from the relicks of the Matter to be eliminated ; seeing it is easie to conceive a transfusion of a great quantity of vigorous Es●luvia from the sound and strong Body into the withered one of the Sick . Nor have I ever found , that the repeated application of hot Cloaths could at all do that which the now mention'd method has perform'd , where both the heat applied is more agreeable to the human Body , and gentle , moist , equal and lasting : And though this way of emitting balsamick Spirits into the Body of the Patient may seem absurd , yet it has been used by others with happy success . Nor truly am I ashamed to mention this Remedy , though perhaps some impertinent Men , superstitiously contemning all things Vulgar , may ridicule me for it ; for I think the health and good of my Neighbour is very much to be preferred before their vain Opinions .

He that prudently and with due consideration hath observed ●he method hitherto deliver'd , will free the Patient , if not from all , yet at least from most of these Symptoms , which are either wont to accompany this Fever , or to come after it . But forasmuch as such accidents often happen , either because the Sick neglected to call the Phisician in time , or by reason of the unskilfulness or carelesness of the Physician , I think it not amiss to treat briefly of their particular Cure , but will confine my self to those Symptoms that require a different Cure proper to themselves .

And to begin with a Phrensie ; if the Sick either upon the account of taking hot Medicines unseasonably , or by being naturally of too hot a Constitution , becomes Light-headed ; or which is next to it , if he does not sleep at all ; if he looks and talks fiercely ; if he rakes Medicines and common drink greedily , and as it were snatches it , and lastly has a suppression of Urine ; in this case I say , I bleed more freely than before , and use Glisters and cooling Medicines oftener , especially in the Spring . And though this Symptom does not appear in young People , and in those whose Blood is brisk , they admit of these Remedies without much hazard , and by the use of such Remedies I endeavour to keep up the Patient till the Disease has lasted a while , and then it is not difficult to free him at once of the Symptom and the Disease too ; and this may be done by giving some Narcotick Medicine in a large Dose ; for though when the Fever is at the height , those things that are of a narcotick quality , do no good nor answer the Physician 's end ; yet being given seasonably at the declination of the Disease , are very beneficial . But if the use of a Narcotick be deferred till the 14th . day , it will do the better . The Narcoticks which I am wont to use , are either London Laudanum , from one Grain , to one Grain and an half , or the following .

Take of Cowslip-flowers , one handful , boil them in a sufficient quantity of black Cherry-water , mix half an ounce of Diacodium and half a spoonful of the juice of Lemons , with three ounces of the strained Liquor . Or ,

Take of black Cherry-water , one ounce and an half , epidemick Water , two drachms , liquid Laudanum , sixteen drops , syrup of Gillyflowers , one drachm ; mingle them .

I will only add this , which I think worth observation , to wit , That if this symptom will grant a Truce so long , and the Fever continues a long space , so that the Patient may be safely purged before the taking of the Anodyne , it will prove more effectual ; wherefore , I used to order two scruples of the Pill Coch. Major dissolved in Bettony-water ten or twelve hours before the taking of the Narcotick ; nor is there any danger from the Tumult which that hot Pill would otherwise occasion ; for the vertue of the following Narcotick will appease these Commotions , and establish most gentle and sweet Peace .

But if the Watchings continue after the Fever is gone off , all the other symptoms being likewise ceased , I have observed that a Rag dipt in Rose-water , and applied cold to the forepart of the Head and Temples is more beneficial than any Narcotick whatever .

It often happens that the Sick is vexed with a Cough through the whole course of the Disease ; it is first dry , because the Matter being yet thin frustrates the expulsive Faculty , but it soon grows thick , and is difficulty expectorated , because by degrees it is baked by the febrile heat ; and hence it comes to pass , that the Patient is discouraged by fear of choaking , because he wants Strength to cough off this viscid Matter . In this case , I rarely use any other Medicine than Oil of sweet Almonds fresh drawn , unless it happens ( and sometimes it is so ) that the Patient has wholly an aversion to Oil , and then we must use the common Pectorals : But I think Oil of Almonds , if the Patient can bear it , is to be preferred before other Pectorals for this Reason chiefly , for that is necessary , they are given in a larger quantity , if we would do any thing to the purpose , and by this means we overcharge the Stomach , which was too weak before and inclined to be nauseous ; and sometimes also , we are hindred upon the same account , so that we cannot mind those things which are to be dispatched at the same time . Nor can I understand nor learn by experience , why we should abstain from the use of this Oil ( which we have now mentioned ) in Fevers , because it is inflammable , and therefore to be feared lest it should increase the Fever ; for suppose it naturally hot , yet certainly its heat is not so great , but that the advantage of it on another account may compensate for it ; for it is manifestly more pectoral than other things , and opens and lubricates the Passages , and promotes Expectoration , by which especially if it happens to be large , the Blood is both freed from a troublesome Humour now conveniently evacuated , and also somewhat cooled ; and , therefore , I am not much concerned , when I perceive this Symptom : But the Oil must be given frequently , a little at a time .

Sometimes the Hickops happen , but most commonly to old Men , after large Evacuations , either by Loosness , or especially by Vomiting . In this case a large dose of Diascordium , viz. two drachms , has done the business , when I could do no good with the seeds of Dill , and other things that are cried up as Specificks .

If in the course of this Disease a Loosness arise , which uses to happen when a Vomit was indicated at the beginning of the Disease , and was not taken : In this case a Vomit may be given at any time of the Disease , if the Strength does not contraindicate , tho' the inclination to Vomiting be long since past . But if a Loosness comes , tho' a Vomit has been given , I have found the following Glister more beneficial than any other Astringent whatever .

Take of the bark of Pomgranats , half an ounce , of red Roses , two pugils ; boil them in a sufficient quantity of Cows Milk , dissolve half an ounce of Diascordium in half a pound of the strained Liquor ; mingle them , make a Glister .

I would not advise that a Glister should be injected in a greater quantity ; for tho' it may be naturally Astringent , yet there is danger lest it should weary the Intestines by its b●●● , and so provoke the Flux more .

CHAP. CXXI . Of the Scarlet Fever .

THE Scarlet Fever , tho' it may happen at any time , yet most commonly it comes at the latter end of Summer , and seizes whole Families , especially Children : They shake and shiver at the beginning as in other Fevers , but they are not very sick ; afterwards the Skin is covered with smali red Spots , but they are more , and much bigger and redder , and not so uniform , as in the Measles . These Spots continue two or three days ; when they vanish and go off , Scales of Skin , like Bran , cover the whole Body .

This Disease seems to me to be nothing else than a moderate Effervescence of the Blood occasioned by the foregoing Summer , or something else ; and , therefore , I do nothing that the Blood may not be hindred in its despumation and injecting the peccant Matter through the pores of the Skin ; only I order , That the Sick should abstain wholly from Flesh , and from all spirituous Liquors , and that he should not go out , nor contine himself perpetually to his Bed : But after all the Scales are fallen , and the Symptoms cease , I think it is proper to purge the Sick with some gentle Medicine agreeable to his Age and Strength ; and by this simple and natural method , this name of a Disease , for it is scarce any thing else , is easily removed without trouble or danger ; whereas , on the contrary , if we are over officious , by confining the sick to his Bed continually , and by giving Cordials and other Medicines unnecessarly , the Disease is increased , and the Patient killed secundum artem .

CHAP. CXXII . Of Childrens Fevers .

THE first Indication in curing Childrens Fevers , is , to prepare well the acid , that it may be the easier ejected : But this preparation must not be endeavoured by Sudorificks , properly so called , that is , such as heat the Body , which are by no means to be used for Infants or Children ; but such things as absorbe the acid , and gently restrain the Ebullition , are to be used ; the chief of these are Crab's Eyes and Claws , Oister-shells , Cuttle-bone , Egg-shells , Coral , Chalk , Coralline , Pearl , Mother of Pearl , both the Bezoar stones , Hartshorn burnt , burnt Ivory , the bone of a Stag's heart , shavings of Hartshorn , Bole-armenick , sealed Earth , Blood-stone , and the like ; and among Compounds , compound Powder of Crab's Claws , the Goa-stone , and Confection of Hyacinth .

Being called to an Infant of a year old troubled with a Fever or the Gripes , as they frequently are , I used to relieve them with the following Prescriptions ,

Take of the compound Powder of Crab's Claws , and of Pearl prepared , each one drachm ; mingle them , make a Powder to be divided into six equal parts . Or ,

Take of Oriental Bezoar , prepared Pearl , and Crab's Eyes prepared , each half a drachm , of the species of the confection of Hyacinth , one scruple ; make a Powder to be divided as before . Or ,

Take of the simple Powder of Crab's Claws , one drachm , of Crab's Eyes prepared , two scruples , of Cochinel , six grains ; mix them , make a fine Powder to be divided into six Papers ; let one be taken as soon as may be , and another two hours after , and afterwards let one be taken every fourth hour for the first two days , unless the Child be asleep : But let the Powders be taken in a spoonful of the following Julep , and give a spoonful presently after .

Take of the Aqua lactis alexiteria , four ounces , of black Cherry-water , two ounces , of compound Peony and epidemick Water , each two drachms , of pearled Sugar , half an ounce ; mingle them , make a Julep . Or ,

Take of Pennyroyal-water and Aqua lactis alexiteria , each three ounces , of syrup of Gillyflowers , 6 drachms , mingle them Or ,

Take of sweet Almonds blanched , number ten ; beat them in a marble Mortar , and pour upon them gently half a pint of Barley-water , or of Aqua lactis alexiteria ; strain it , and add six drachms of small Cinnamon-water , half an ounce of white Sugar ; mingle them , make a Julep .

Sometimes I am wont to use , other things being omitted , a Julep that hath much Pearl in it , but I order that the Glass should be well shook , before it be poured out .

Take of black Cherry-water , four ounces , of all the Citron , two ounces , of Aqua mirabilis and prepared Pearls , each two drachms , of white Sugar , half an ounce ; mingle them , make a Pearl-julep ; give three spoonfuls at a time .

But if the Child be troubled with the Cough , give half a spoonful of some pectoral Mixture or Linctus , and let him take less of the Powders above-prescribed .

Take of the Powder of Coralline and simple Crab's-claws , each one drachm and an half , of the syrups of Maiden-hair and Marshmallows , each one ounce , of balsam of Tolu , half an ounce , of red Poppy-water , half an ounce ; mingle them ,

Bole Armenick is often properly mixed with such things to good purpose , it powerfully stops Catarrhs flowing upon the Lungs ; the juice of Pennyroyal heated and sweetned with Sugarcandy , is also better than most other Remedies ; Oil of sweet Almonds is also very good , if Children can take it ; so is Brimstone , and the Flowers of it .

The foresaid Powders are to be repeated , seldom or often , according to the degree of the Symptoms ; but it is here to be noted , that the Gripes , Restlessness and the Watchings of Children are as easily appeased by testaceous Powders , as pains and watchings by Narcoticks in grown People .

The third day , unless the small Pox , Measles or a Scarlet Fever appear , I order a Child of one year old to be purged in the following manner .

Take of syrup of Succory with Rhubarb , two drachms , of choice Rhubarb powdered , fifteen grains or a scruple , of the Aqua lactis alexiteria , one drachm , of small Cinnamon-water , thirty drops , mingle them . Or ,

Take of syrup of Buckthorn , one drachm and an half or two drachms , of the Powder called Diasenna , eight grains ; mingle them .

Take of the Earl of Warwick's Powder , which is also called Pulvis Cornachinus , described in the last Edition of the London Dispensatory , six grains ; let it be taken in a spoonful of black Cherry-water , sweetned with a little Sugar .

Take of sweet Almonds blanched , number three ; beat them in a marble Mortar , and pour upon them gently an ounce or an ounce and an half of Barley-water , or any other simple Water ; in the strained Liquor , dissolve three drachms , or half an ounce of the best Manna ; mingle them , make a purging Emulsion .

Take of Lenitive Electuary , two or three drachms , and dissolve it in an ounce of the Aqua lactis alexiteria .

Sometimes I order this or the like Plaister to be applied to the region of the Navel , especially , if they are troubled with Worms .

Take of Succotrine Aloes , one drachm , of the Powder of the leaves of Savin , of the tops of the lesser Centaury , and of the flowers of Camomil , each one scruple , with a sufficient quantity of Venice-turpentine ; make a Plaister , let the margin of it be spread with the Plaister of Cummin , to make it stick the better ; and sometimes it may be convenient to add to the other Ingredients , a scruple of Coloquintida .

There is no purging Medicine more proper for Children and more innocent than Rhubarb ; it gently and safely evacuates the Matter occasioning their Fever , and it gently purges off the Humors that burden the Stomach and whole Body , and it strengthens ; wherefore , it is very proper for Infants , Children , big-bellied Women , old Men , and such as have been weakened by Diseases .

After the Purge hath done working , some Powder like the former must be given in the Evening , and afterwards must be repeated three or four times in a day at fit times , for two days , and on the third day Purging must be used , and it must be dosed according to the operation of the former .

These things being performed , the worst Symptoms most commonly cease , or at least are much abated .

It is to be noted , That the first Purge we give to Children that have Fevers , must not be only Lenitive , but the Dose of it must be less than otherwise it ought to be ; and the night before Purging , a gentle Glister , made of four ounces of Cow's Milk , Sugar and a little Salt , must be injected , if the Belly be bound .

Moreover , to quicken the Purge , a scruple or two of Cream of Tartar may be dissolved in some spoonfuls of Water-grewel or the like , and so given .

As to bleeding of Children , tho' it may be used , when the febrile Matter is cast upon the Lungs , or in a hooping Cough , yet it is plain that it is a Remedy not agreeable to their Nature .

A Child about three years and an half old , was seized with a small Fever that was continual , and accompanied with Exacerbations that were very irregular ; she complained of a great pain in the Head especially , and sometimes of the Belly , she nauseated all Meat , and was very sleepy , so that the Standers by thought she would have the small Pox ; there was a twitching of the Nerves in sleep , and she had sometimes a dry Cough ; I prescribed the following things .

Take of the Aqua lactis alexiteria , six ounces , of Epidemick water , half an ounce , of prepared Pearl , one drachm , of the simple Powder of Crab's Claws , two drachms , of Cristaline Sugar , half an ounce ; mingle them , make a Julep , whereof let her take three spoonfuls every fourth hour , shaking the Glass well before using it .

Take of Succotrine Aloes , one drachm , of the tops of the lesser Centaury , of the leaves of Savin dried , each half a drachm , of Burgundy-pitch , one drachm , of Venice-Turpentine , a sufficient quantity , make a Plaister to be applied to the Navel .

The next day she persisted in the use of the Julep , and a blistering Plaister was applied to the Neck ; a Glister made of six ounces of Milk , with Sugar and Salt was injected , because the Belly was bound .

Take of Aethiops mineralis , and of Mercurius dulcis , each six grains , of Marmalade of Quinces , two scruples ; make a Bolus , to be taken at Bed-time .

The next Morning , she took the following Cathartick syrup .

Take of syrup of Buckthorn , two drachms , of the Earl of Warwick's Powder , six grains , of choice Rhubarb powdered , twelve grains , of Tincture of Saffron twenty drops , of black Cherry-water , one drachm ; mingle them .

Half a drachm of Cream of Tartar was given in a draught of Posset-drink to quicken the Purge ; the same night , at Bed-time , four spoonfuls of the foresaid Julep were given . On the fourth and fifth days , the following mixture was given by spoonfuls .

Take of Coraline , two drachms , of the leaves of Mint dried and powdered , one scruple , of the simple Powder of Crab's Claws , one drachm , of balsamick syrup and of the syrup of Marshmallows , each one ounce , of Orange-water , half an ounce ; mingle them .

The Evening preceding the sixth day , the Bolus before-prescribed was repeated , and the Morning following the purging Syrup , by the vertue whereof the Child vomited up a Worm a span long , and soon ●●●erwards was well .

CHAP. CXXIII . Of Agues .

AS to the Cure , I have for many years taken notice how dangerous it is to endeavour to cure by Sudorificks , in Tertians and Quotidians , when they are new , and have not yet formed themselves , being at present like continual Fevers : For though it is well known , that upon Sweating , the restlesness and other symptoms presently vanish ; yet if Sweat be forced too much , the Fever will be made continual , and the Life of the Sick will be endangered . Having therefore considered how ineffectual this method is , and the inconveniency of other Evacuations by Bleeding and Purging , I suppose the Peruvian Bark would do best ; and I can truly affirm , notwithstanding the prejudice of the common People , and of a few Learned Men , I never perceived any injury by the use of it , nor can imagin any ; only they that have used it a long while , sometimes fall into a scorbutick Rheumatism ; but this seldom happens upon this occasion , and when it does , it is easily cured by the Remedies proposed for it in the Chapter of a Rheumatism .

Being called to a Patient of a Quartan Ague , for instance , on a Monday , I do nothing if the Fit be to come that day , only I give the Sick hopes that he may be freed from the next Fit ; and therefore on the two well days , namely , Tuesday and Wednesday , I give the Bark in the following manner .

Take of the Peruvian Bark finely powdered , one ounce , with a sufficient quantity of Syrup of Gilliflowers , or of dried Roses , make ad Electuary to be divided into twelve parts , whereof let him take one every fourth hour , beginning presently after the Fit , drinking upon it a draught of some Wine . Or if he likes Pills better ,

Take of the Peruvian Bark finely powdered , one ounce , with a sufficient quantity of the Syrup of Gilliflowers , make Pills of a moderate bigness , whereof let him take six every fourth Hour .

But an ounce of the Powder may be easier taken , and as successfully , mixed with a quart of Claret-wine , eight or nine spoonfuls of it being taken every fourth hour . On Friday when the Fit is feared , I give nothing , for most commonly no Fit comes ; but lest the Disease should return , eight days exactly after the last Dose , I give the same quantity of Powder , viz. One Ounce divided into twelve parts , according to the method above-mentioned : But though most commonly by giving the Powder after this manner , the Disease is commonly Cured ; yet to secure the Patient from a relapse , it is safe to repeat it three or four times , at the same intervals , especially when the Blood has been weakened by foregoing Evacuations , or by catching Cold.

But though this remedy has no purging quality , yet by reason of the peculiar Constitution of some Bodies , it often happens , that the Sick is violently purged by it ; in this case it is necessary to give Laudanum with the Powder ; wherefore I give ten drops of Laudanum in Wine , after every other Dose , if the Loosness continues .

I use the same method for Tertians and Quotidians ; but Tertians and Quotidians often are almost continual , and there is only a remission of those days they should intermit , especially when the Sick has been confined to his Bed , and has used too hot a Regimen , and Medicines : In this case I give the Powder , as soon as I perceive any remission .

But there are some that cannot bear the Bark , neither in the form of a Powder , nor of an Electuary , nor of Pills ; for these I infuse in the cold two Ounces of the Bark grossly powdered in a quart of Rhenish-wine , and four Ounces of the Infusion standing some days , seem to contain the vertue of one Drachm of the Powder ; and because it is neither unpleasant , nor oppresses the Stomach , it may be taken as often again as any other form of this Remedy .

Sometimes it happens , that before this Disease is come to a regular Type , the Sick cannot retain the Bark in any form , by reason of continual Vomiting ; in this case the Vomiting must be first stopp'd before the Bark can be given , to which end I order , that six or eight times in the space of two hours , one spoonful of the fresh juice of Limons be taken with a scruple of Salt of Wormwood ; afterwards I give sixteen drops of liquid Laudanum in a spoonful of strong Cinamon-water , and soon after , if the Vomitting stop , the Jesuits Powder . For Infants , whose tender Age would scarce bear the taking of this remedy in another form , at least so much of it as would cure the Disease ; I use to prescribe the following Julep ,

Take of Black-cherry-water , and of Rhenish-wine , each two ounces , of the Peruvian Bark finely powdered , three drachms , of the Syrup of Gilliflowers one ounce , mingle them , make a Julep ; let one or two spoonfuls of it be taken according to the age , every fourth hour , till the Ague is cured . If there be a Loosness , you must give a drop or two of liquid Laudanum with every other Dose .

As to the Diet , the Sick may eat any thing that agrees with his Stomach , only he must avoid cold Liquors and Summer Fruits , and let him use Wine moderately for his ordinary drink , by which alone I have cured some Patients that could not be cured with the Jesuits Powder .

The Disease being taken off , the Sick must carefully avoid all evacuations , for the gentlest Purge , yea , only a Glister of Milk and Sugar , will be apt to cause a Relapse .

CHAP. CXXIV . Of the various Forms and Shapes of intermitting Fevers .

THese Fevers often resemble most other Diseases , and such as are most acute , yet they yield to the Peruvian Bark , and if the Bark is not given , they often become deadly . Sometimes they come with great Shivering and with violent Vomiting , a Loosness with Gripes , the Cholera Morbus , the Colick of the Stomach , a periodical Hemicrania , Apoplexy , fainting Rheumatism , general Convulsions , Phrensie , Peripnumonia , and the like .

Mr. Amblar , dwelling at Mile-end , a Man of Fifty years of Age , that was lean and sickly , was often before subject upon slight occasions , to an obstinate Ague , accompanied with violent Symptoms , but in the Year , 1690 , having taken a great Cold , he was suddenly taken with Shaking and Shivering , which was succeeded by an universal Chilness , during which , his Pulse could scarce be felt ; he was also violently afflicted with Vomiting , a Loosness , and with a horrid oppression and Sickness : I visited him the next Morning , and found his Face plainly Hippocratick ; his whole Body was cold as clay , and a Dew upon it , the Skin looked black , by reason of the congelation of the Blood , his strength was almost spent by the perpetual Sickness , and the evacuation of divers coloured Choler by Vomit , and stinking white Excrement by Stool , of the consistence of a Cream ; all things shewed that Death was approaching , for the vital principal , or the animal Spirits , was so oppressed by the Venom , that there was no hope that they cou'd expand themselves : But to blunt the malignant acrimony of the Humours , I ordered that he should drink Chicken-broath plentifully , and that it should be injected through a Syringe into the Anus , I also ordered that the Stomach should be well fomented with Aromatick Bags made hot , and a very cordial Bolus , with as much Laudanum in it as the strength of the Patient would bear , was given with a draught of a Cordial , and alexipharmick Julep , every fourth hour . After the third or fourth Bolus , I perceived the Pulse was much stronger , and the blackness of the skin went off , and heat returned to the extream Parts , and the evacuations were something suppressed , the colliquative Sweat was diminished , and he was more quiet , he slept a little , and was not so sick after he waked . After this remission of the Symptoms , I endeavoured to remove the Venom , by giving the Jesuits Powder mixed with Laudanum in the form of a Draught , every fourth hour , knowing well that the Sick could not bear a second Fit ; but before the third Dose of the Powder , the Fit returned again unexpectedly , accompanied with the former dreadful Symptoms , and the poor Man died within the space of twenty four Hours .

I was called to one Mrs. Baker , an ancient Woman dwelling in Fleet-street , I found her oppressed with continual Sickness and Vomiting , and so she had been for four days : She presently vomited up all she took ; she fainted often , her Pulse was quick and Weak ; but her temper by reason of faintness and perpetual sickness , was moderate , and in some sort cold , her Urine looked in a manner well , she could not rest , and was almost delirious , but she complained only of Nauseousness and Vomiting . Having enquired carefully about every thing , I was told that this Woman had been sick six Weeks , that she was hot and cold by turns , the periods were uncertain , and that she was troubed with a Nauseousness and Vomiting frequently . After I had prescribed a Cordial , Bolus , and Julep , and Chicken-broath for her ordinary Drink , I ordered a Julep made of Salt of Worm-wood and juice of Limons , to be taken by Spoonfuls , to comfort her Stomach ; afterward I ordered the Peruvian Bark should be given freely in the form of a Draught and of a Tincture , adding twice or thrice a day ten or twelve drops of liquid Laudanum , upon the account of the violence of the Vomiting , and in a days time the Sickness and Vomiting were lessened , and critical white Aphtha covered the whole Mouth , the Urine was very red , and other signs of the expansion of the Spirits , and of the feverish heat were present , and soon after a tertian Ague appeared in its proper form , the cold , heat and sweat succeeding one another alternately , and after two Fits , the Sick was cured by the Bark .

CHAP. CXXV . Of Over-purging .

AS Purging Medicines are sometimes necessary to loosen the Belly , and to evacuate ill Humours , so if the evacuation be immoderate , remedies must be used to stop it .

To prevent it , consideration must be had of the Constitution and Strength of the Patient , and of the Nature and Dose of the Medicine , and while the Medicine is in operation , the Bowels and Blood and Spirits must be kept free from disturbance ; wherefore at this time , gross and viscous Meats must be avoided , and much must not be eaten ; Cold must be carefully avoided , and the mind must be clear and free ; and after the operation of the Medicine , the Animal Spirits must be quieted , and the effervescence of the Blood , by giving an Anodyne .

Take of Cowslip Flower-water two ounces , of Cinnamon-water hordeated , and of Diacodium , each half an ounce , of Pearls half a Scruple ; make a Draught to be taken at Bed-time .

But if Over-purging happens , the Patient must be presently put into a warm Bed , and you must apply to his Belly a Plaister of Venice-Treacle , and he must presently take inwardly a Bolus of Venice-Treacle and burnt Claret diluted with Mint-water , often by Spoonfuls , and if he be much grip'd , a Glister must be injected , made of Milk and Venice-Treacle .

CHAP CXXVI . Of the French-Pox .

THE French-pox came first from the West-Indies into Europe , in the Year , 1493. but a violent Gonorrhea shewed it self first about an hundred years since . It is propogated either by Generation , as when a Child is infected by the Parents , or by touching of some soft part , as when a Child is Infected by sucking a Diseased Nurse , or a Nurse by Suckling a Diseased Child , or by a Child's lying in Bed with such as are Infected ; but it chiefly comes by impure Coition : But in sound and firm Constitutions impure Coition it self is not always sufficient to Infect ; for sometimes many lying with an infected Woman , some are infected and others not , though they all equally deserve it . When a Man has to do with an impure Woman , either he has a heat or inflammation of the Penis with Exc●riation , or else he finds a heat in his Urine , and in a day , two or three , a Gonorrhea , or virulent Matter issuing from the Privy parts ; sometimes Chancerous Ulcers , and when the Infection has been very violent , or the Inflammation neglected , a Gangren , and christaline Bladders arise , and the part Mortifies .

Sometimes there is no Gonorrhea , but instead of it a Bubo arises in the Groin , which according to the degree of its Malignity , either proves easily curable , or else improves its Venom , and terminates in a phagedenous Ulcer with jagged Lips : There are also many vene●●l Ulcers upon the Scrotum and Perineum .

A Cancer is commonly attended with breaking out all over the Body like a Flea-biting , which terminates in various sorts of ulcerous Scabs , or Tete●rs ; or it may be Pustles arise in one or more places of the Body , as Head , Face ▪ Arms , Thighs , or Legs , or Ulcers in the Throat ; then wandring pains begin towards night to affect the Shoulders , Arms , Legs , Head ; and about this time appear in the Fundament , Warts , and other kind of Proturbances ; also about this time Tumours arise in the Breast , Arms , Legs , and become Ulcers that are difficultly Cured .

The pains growing more fixed , Nodes usually arise , and continually afflict them , but towards night grow more intolerable .

Co-incident with several of these later degrees , are the noise in the Ears , Deafness , a Polypus , Opthalmia , the Fis●ula , Lacrimalis , fierce Catarrhs , Colick , Loosness and Consumption .

Authors , upon the entrance of the Pox into Christendom , generally lookt upon it as not only Incurable , but also so highly infectious , that they ran away from it as much as the Jews did from the Leprosie ; but later Ages and long experience , have made it less formidable ; yet even to this day , it must needs be acknowledged difficult to Cure , in consideration of its malign and contagious quality , and the ungovernable disposition of the Patients .

If the habit of the Body be strong , the cure of all the species of the Pox , whether they be Chancer , Pustles , Tetters , or eating Ulcers , or Ulcers in the Throat and Nose , are much easier cured , than the same are in many other chronick Diseases ; but to root out the malignity is somewhat more difficult .

If the Patient has been Clapt formerly , it will be more difficult to cure him the second time , and worse the third .

If he has passed through long courses of Mercurial remedies ineffectually , his Cure will be difficult ; and if he has been Salivated by unction , and relapsed , the Cure will be hard , by reason the Mercury is become familiar to him , and his Body is for the most part wasted .

Nodes are more difficultly Cured than any of the Species above mentioned , and those whose Bones are corrupted are yet more difficult to cure ; but if the habit of the Body be strong , and the Bowels sound , all the Species of this Disease are curable , if the Patient keep his Chamber , and submit to the rules of Physick and Diet ; without which submission we can scarce cure the lesser Species .

If the Bowels be unsound , or the Patient hectick , the Disease is incurable .

As to the Cure , though Bleeding does not take off the Disease , yet in the very beginning of it we usually let Blood to quiet the fermentation of the humours , and to dispose them for evacuation , and prescribe a Glister before or after .

If the Disease be of long continuance , and they have been let Blood some Months before , yet if we design Salivation , we do again let them Blood , if the Body be not too much wasted ; for in some of those a Fever has happened in the time of raising the Salivation , and in Bodies of a Strong habit I have often seen them to break out in heat all over in the beginning of the Flux , so that then I have been necessitated to let them Blood when it was not so proper : But when there is a Bubo in the Groin , bleeding is not proper . But purging is more Universally necessary .

Of Purges some are only lenitive , as Manna with Cream of Tartar in Whey or Posset-Drink , Tamarinds , Cassia , Senna , Rhubarb , lenitive Electuary and the like . Stronger Purges are these that follow .

Take of the Leavs of Sena four ounces , of Gummy Turbith , Hermodactiles , each two ounces , of black Helebore , and of the pulp of Coloquintida , each six drachms , of the raspings of Guiacum , and Sassafras , each one ounce , of the Bark of Guiacum , of the Berriei of Juniper , of the outward Peel of Citrons , each half an ounce , of Cinnamon four Drachms ; infuse them in equal parts of the Water of Baulm , Meadow sweet , and Carduus Benedictus for forty eight hours ; then boyl them gently , and press them out strongly ; in the strained Liquor dissolve too ounces and an half of Aloes , one ounoe of Diagrydium , evaporat them to the form of an extract for use . The Dose is half a Drachm or a Drachm .

Take of Pil. Coch. min. A Scruple or half a Drachm , Mercurius Dulcis twenty Grains , make six Pills . Or

Take of the extract above mentioned , of Gum Guiacum half a Scruple , of Mercurius Dulcis one Scruple , with Syrup of Buck-thorn make pills .

Vomiting is of use in great disorders of the Stomach , when the foulness of that requires it , or when the Ulcers of some particular part require a sudden revulsion ; so likewise when after the use of much Mercury outward or inward to Salivate , it does not rise kindly ; they generally give strong Vomits if the party can bear them , viz. some preparations of Mercury , as Turbith , Mineral , and the like , or Crocus Metallorum : But in weaker constitutions , such as we may .

The next thing which offers it self to our consideration is Salivation , without which few great Cures are done in this Disease .

The methods of Salivating are diverse , but all by Mercury . Inwardly are prescribed various preparations of Mercury . When we design Salivation by Mercurius dulcis , we give it from twenty to twenty five grains , and sometimes to thirty , either in a spoonful of white Bread and Milk , or in conserve of red Roses , or the like ; when we suspect it may worke by Stool , we prescribe it with Diascordium or Venice-Treacle at Bed time . If after taking of it four or five Days , their Chops do not swell , it may be reasonable to move it upward with a few grains of Turbith Mineral ; according as their Chops swell , they will Salivat ; if their Mouths be much ulcerated and swelled , the Salivation may last eighteen or twenty Dayes , during which they are to be kept warm , especially about their Head Neck and Chops , and to drink Chicken Broath or Posset Ale .

Arcanum Corallinum , as it is generaly sold in the Shops , may be given from three grains to five , one Dose of it prescribed to a Woman Vomited her often , and Salivated twenty Days .

Red Precipitat . is also Vomitive , but being well washed may be taken as safely as the white Precipitat . White Precipitat may be given proportionably as has been said of Mercurius dulcis . Turbith Mineral made of Vigo's Precipitat is best , twelve or 18 grains of it may be taken at a time , but that which is sold in the Shops is a rough Medicine , and must be given in a less quantity .

There is also a way of raising a Salivation by suffumigation , the prescription whereof is as follows .

Take of Cinnabar two ounces , of Crude Mercury one ounce , of Mastich , Frankincense , and Sandarach , each half an ounce , of Storax , Calamit , and Benzoin , each three drachms ; make a fine powder of all , and with Turpentine make Troches , each weighing three drachms for use .

But when the Pox is grown inveterate and affects the most solid parts with Node's , and the like , Salivation by unction must be used .

Take of Lard two ounces , of Crude Mercury one ounce , mix them well .

You must begin the unction in the following manner ; the Patient must lodge in a close warm Chamber ; if the Season be cold , the Windows must be covered with Blankets , and the Bed must be placed near the Fire , and encompassed with a Skreen , if the Chamber be large ; you ought also to have a strong healthy Nurse , such as has been accustomed to the employment , that she may know how to wash the Patients Mouth , and direct and encourage him in such rules , as may be necessary in the time of Salivating .

The most proper place for unction is a Stove , if it may be had , and the Patient can bear it ; if he be weak , his Bed must be used , otherwise for want of a Stove , he must sit encompassed with a Screen by the Fire side , but not too near it . He must anoint himself , begining at the Feet , and then the Legs , Thighs , Hips , and so upwards taking in the Arms and Shoulders ; the Belly must not be anointed , and indeed much of the trouble in weak Bodys may be spared ; for in such the anointing of the Legs and Arms may be sufficient , the parts first anointed ought to be covered before you proceed to the next , as the Legs with Stockings , the Thighs with Trousses and the like ; at last his Neck must be well wrapp'd with a Napkin tacked up to his Cap round about to his Ears and fastened before to keep his Chops warm ; after this a warm Bed will be convenient and a Draught of Posset-drink to procure a breathing sweat ; having reposed himself an hour or two he may rise and provide for his Dinner , which must consist of Meat of easie digestion Roast or Boyl'd , at his Dinner he may drink Beer or Ale with a Toast , the rest of the Day he must be confin'd to Posset-drink .

You must use a third part of the Ointment at a time and continue dayly to use it for three Days following ; when the Patient spits you must keep him to Posset-drink or Chicken-Broath , also a Cordial must be at Hand to prevent fainting , his Mouth must be syringed with Barly-Water and Liquorice and the like . New Milk held in his Mouth or Chicken-Broath will ease the pain and digest the Sloughs that rise ; a rolled Clout ought to be placed between his Teeth to keep his Chops from closing ; he must be rais'd high in the Bed if his weakness constrain him to it , and kept forward that the Rheum may run out of his Mouth and not down his Throat ; but if he can rise he will spit the better and more plentifully . Salivation by unction commonly lasts twenty four or twenty five Days ; sometimes to the thirtieth Day .

In the hight of it our work is to keep up the strength , and if through Costiveness they Spit little , give them a Glister , that they may Spit better , and attend the washing their Mouths ; but as the Sloughs begin to separate , which will be towards the declension of the Salivation , prescribe them a decoction of Sarsa or the like , to drink at least thrice a day ; and before the Slough is quite cast off , purge them , and as they are able to eat Meat , put them into a drying diet , and sweat them , as shall be shewed in its proper place .

It happens sometimes in anointing , that their Mouths are much Ulcerated , and their Breath smells strong , yet their Cheeks do not swell , nor do they Spit considerably ; in which case , forbear the anointing , and consider the cause of it , and if the body be strong and plethorick , Vomit them with Turbith , or infusion of Crocus metallorum : But if they are weak or costive , administer a Glister ; and if afterwards it rise not , dispose them to Sweat with draughts of warm Posset Ale , or bath them ; for that way it will sometimes arise , when with the other it will not . But if they have faintness , palpitation of the Heart , shortness of Breath , Fever and the like , your best way will be to purge it off , with an infusion of Sena , and the like with the adition of Syrup of Roses solutive , or of Syrup of Buckthorn , and keep up their Spirits the while with Cordials , and good Broaths ; if their Lungs be opprest , let them Blood , and prescribe Lohochs ; but if there be also a suppression of Urine , or if they make but little and high coloured , purge them with Barnet or Epsom Water turned into Posset , and quicken it with some purging Syrup . If by these ways of purging the accidents remit , and the Salivation rises , it is well ; but if it does not , yet there being a colliquation made , you may by well purging , strict diet , sweating and the like , obtain your end . While you are removing the abovesaid acciden●s , you must have a special regard to the Ulcers within their Mouths ; for it is from the fixing of the Mercury , that those malign Ulcers are made , which the less sensible they are of them the more corrupt they are . Sometimes by raising the Salivation by unction , it passes downwards by Stool , in which case , we prescribe Venice-Treacle , Diascordium , Laudanum , Opiatum and the like , which being given at Night will not only strengthen their Bowels . but dispose them to rest , and incourage them to go on in the anointing , a Vomit of Turbith mineral . After the unction has been some while used , does frequently raise the Salivation , and after it is well raised , you may heighten , or continue it by the application of some of the following Plasters : But if after all your endeavours to raise the Salivation it does discharge it self by a loosness , with great evacuation , you are then to defend the Intestins from the acrimony of the humours , by Glister of Chicken-broath , lest the bloody Flux follows . Inwardly we prescribe large draughts of Chicken-Broath , a Decoction of burtnt Hearts-horn , and Milk-water boyled with a Stick of Cinnamon .

After the Flux is stopt , you must consider the strength of the Patient , and if the Sick be very weak , you must not insist upon Fluxing , but proceed with Sudorificks , and the like , not doubting of success in the Cure ; for such a loosness does for the most part contribute as much to the Cure , as if they had Salivated .

There is yet another way of Fluxing , and that is by the application of Mercurial Plasters about the Arms Legs , and the like ; they were first designed I suppose for the more tender , and delicate sort of People , who would not admit of the unction .

Take of Diachylon with Orris one pound , of Red-Lead Plaster eight ounces , of Gum Carranna , and Tacamahaca , each four ounces , of Benzoin , Storax Calamit , and Ambar , each two ounces , of Liquid-storax , and of Peruvian Balsam , each a sufficient quantity ; mingle them over the Fire , and when it is removed from the Fire , add eight ounces of Crude Mercury extinguished with Turpentine ; make a Plaster .

These being spread upon a Cloath thick , and applyed , you must then put them into a warm Bed , and with a draught of warm Posset-drink , sweat them dayly , and treat them , as has been said , in the Salivation by unction . If it arise not by the first Plasters , you must apply fresh once in four or five days ; and if there be occasion you may hasten the Salivation by a few grains of Turbith Mineral . I have sometimes Salivated Persons by these Plasters , but for the most part , I use them to raise a Salivation , or continue it in such , where I began it with internals , and for that purpose they are of excellent use .

The humours being evacuated by Salivation and purging , sweating will be necessary ; they may sweat in Bed or out of it ; the Bed is proper for the weaker sort , and there they may sweat with Bottles of hot water , or Bricks heated and placed about them ; or they may sweat under a Frame ; if they sweat with Bottles or Bricks , they must have many Cloaths , as Blankets and the like to cover them close , and the Bottles or Bricks may be wrapped in Napkins , and applyed according as you design to sweat , more particularly any one part ; generally they are placed one each side near the Armpits , Hips , and at the Soles of the Feet . If you sweat with Bricks , let them be heated rather by boyling Water than Fire , lest in the Bed they burn the Patient .

The way by a Frame is this , you are to fold a well aired Sheet four double , and lay it under the Patient ; then his Shirt being stripped off , the Frame must be placed over him , and a Sheet over the Frame , and Blankets over that Sheet and both Sheet , and Blankets must be brought over the end of the Frame , and be tucked down close to the Neck ; then a Pan of well burnt Charcoal , or Spirit of Wine must be put in the lower end of the Frame ; this being done shut the Door , and take care that the heat be kept in . His Head ought also to be covered warm that it may sweat ; if he took not his Sudorifick before , he must take it now , the Diet-drink must be warmed , and may be commodiously given with a Glass pipe ; a couple of Servants must attend the Patient during his being in the Frame , the one of them must attend him with a warm Napkin to wipe the sweat off his Face , and to give him Cloaths to rub his Body with , which Cloaths ought to be thrust in and taken out at one side of the Frame ; this Servant ought to have regard his Master , that upon the least complaint , he may give warning to his fellow to renew the Fire , or to take it out according as there should be occasion . The Fire being removed , and the Sheet next the Frame somewhat cool , one of the Servants must hold the Cloaths close to the Patients Neck and Shoulders , whilst the other draws the Frame away . Then shall they both tack the Blankets and Covering close to him , and give him another draught of his Diet-drink , and continue him in his sweat half an hour or more , if he can admit it ; then gradually cool him , and pull away the wet folded Sheet from under him ; then rub him with dry Cloaths and put on his Shirt ; and if he be disposed to slumber an hour he may ; otherwise he may rise and Dine at his pleasure . They commonly sweat three quarters of an hour in the Frame , and an hour in Bed , after the Frame is pulled away .

The ways of sweating out of Bed are by Stove , Tub , Chair , or Cradle ; the Stove is most eas●y in regard they may sit , stand , or walk up and down ; but when they go out of them to Bed , there is danger of taking cold .

Bathing is of great use in this Disease , whether it be new or old ; in dry Bodies , where the Disease has been long confirmed , bathing is necessary to dispose them to Salivation ; it is also proper after the Patient has past through the strict course of Salivation , purging and sweating ; the Body being thereby dryed and wasted is hereby cooled , moistned , and restored to its natural temper .

In order to bathing , we generally let blood and purge , if there be a Plethoria ; but when the Body is wasted and dry , a Glister may serve : Before the Patient enters into the Bath he may drink a draught of Caudle or Broath , and in the Bath he may take a spoonful or two of Harts-horn-Gelly , or the like .

The Vessel we bath in is a Tub wherein the Patient may sit up to the Neck , for want of such a Barrel may serve , the one end being beat out , and a stool placed in it to sit on ; the bath Liquor is according to the occasion , and quality of the sick . Sometimes it is all Milk , other times Milk and Water , or only Water with a Bag of Wheaten Bran , which serves the Patient as a cushion and makes the water milky : They are sometimes Perfumed with Wood of Cassia , Rhodium , yellow Sanders , and the like . The Baths of Milk are apt to sowre , therefore ought to be renewed daily ; the other will last longer sweet . In the time of Bathing , there ought to be plenty of hot and cold water , to continue the Bath of a moderate temper , neither too hot nor too cold ; some Hoops should be fastened over the head of the Tub , whereon a Blanket or Sheet as a Canopy may be cast , in case the Air be cold ; a Servant or two ought also to be attending in case of Fainting , lest he sink into the Water ; therefore upon his complaint , raise him up , and casting a Sheet about him , put him into a warm Bed , where he may refresh himself , and at his pleasure rise and cloath himself , and Dine or Sup , as his appetite requires . Bathing may be used twice a day , but never upon a full Stomach .

During the cure of this Disease , it will be requisite that the Patient keep his Chamber , and that it be made temperately warm ; the taking of Physick and rambling abroad in the Cold being extreamly prejudicial to their Cure , and is frequently attended with a Loosness and noise in the Ears and Deafness There is also a special care to be taken concerning their Diet , that on those days they Purge , their Dinner be of good Nourishment , Boiled or Roasted . We also allow them good Broath , and Beer or Ale to raise their Strength , so as they may be able to bear the evacuation which is required . But in the time of their Sweating , we confine them to a very slender and drying Diet , only sufficient to support their Spirits . A Chop of a Neck of Mutton or two Ribs dry Roasted , was the old stint . I permit them to make choice of one sort of Meat , and keep them to it ; which among the better sort is , Partridge , and that without Sawce , their Suppers may be Bisket , Raisins of the Sun , and a few blanched Almonds , and their Drink a Decoction of Sarsa , and the like ; but in weak and extenuated Bodies , China Broath , or a mixture of Milk with their Diet-drink may be necessary .

Exercise is of use in the beginning of this Disease , and may serve to rouse the native heat , and to thrust forth the malignity , and waste superfluities ; but after the Disease is more confirmed , violent exercise is hurtful .

Sleep is allowed in the day to refresh them , they being for the most part disturbed in the night by their Pains , which are therefore called Nocturnal .

Venery ought to be avoided , and the Passions of the Mind .

As to a Gonorrhea , the main of the Cure is performed by Purging ; but because the Disease is accompanied with an Inflammation , and cured by Purging Medicines that are hot , cooling Diet must be ordered through the whole Course .

Take of the mass of the Pill Coch. Major , three drachms , of Extract of Rudius , one drachm , of rosin of Julap , and Diagridium , each half a drachm , with a sufficient quantity of Opobalsamum ; make six Pills of every drachm .

The Sick must take four of them at four or five a Clock in the Morning , and sleep upon them for twelve or fourteen days or more , till the heat of Urine and the yellow colour of the Matter be much lessened ; afterwards every other day for a Fortnight , and afterwards twice a Week , till the Humour quite stop , which will not be done till a long time , though it be commonly affirmed , that that Ichor that is seen especially in a Morning at the top of the Yard being pressed , proceeds only from a loosness of the parts , by reason of the long continuance of the running : Yet the Sick will find it otherwise , if he neglect Purging before it is quite gone : For upon any small occasion , as by immoderate Drinking , violent Exercise , or the like , the Gonorrhea will return .

But if the Gonorrhea does not yield to such kind of Purging , it will be proper instead of Pills , especially if the Sick are difficultly Purged , to give betwixt whiles some more powerful Medicines , as is the following Purge .

Take of Tamarinds half an ounce , of the leaves of Sena two drachms , of Rhubarb one drachm and an ha●f ; boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Water , in three ounces of the strained Liquor ; dissolve of Manna and syrup of Roses solutive , each one ounce , of syrup of Buckthorn and of Electuary of the juice of Roses , each two Drachms , mingle them ; make a Potion .

If the Cure proceed slowly , give eight Grains of Turbith Mineral , only twice or thrice , and at due distances , lest a Flux arises ; and this Medicine is certainly the best for an obstinate running of the Re●ns .

But sometimes the Sick has such an ●ver●●on for Purging often repeated , that he cannot so much as see or smell the Medicine ; and sometimes by a certain Idiosyncrasy , there is such an obstinate opposition to Purging , that a due quantity of the peccant Humour cannot be evacuated ; and whilst we waste time to no purpose in endeavouring to purge the Sick , the Pox creeps on ; when the case is so , we must use Glisters , and on those days the sick does not use them , we must give Catharticks by the Mouth : I proceed in the following manner , I give the foresaid Pills , or the like for two or three Mornings following , and afterwards I order the following , Glister to be injected in the Morning , and at five in the Afternoon daily , till all the Symptoms cease ; only once or twice a Week I give a Purge , omitting on those days the Glister .

Take of the Electuary of the juice of Roses , six drachms , of Venice Turpentine dissolved in the yolk of an Egg an ounce , mix them with a pint of Barly-water ; to the strained liquor , add two ounces of Diacatholicon ; mingle them , make a Glister .

Every night at Bed-time I give twenty five drops of Opobalsamum , mixed with Sugar , or for want of it , Cyprus Turpentine , to the quantity of a hazel-Nut .

I forbid salt Meats and other things of hard digestion , as Beef , Pork , Fish , Cheese , Roots and Herbs , and all Summer Fruits , and instead of them , I order Veal , Mutton , Chicken , Rabbets , and the like , and the Sick must eat but sparingly of these . He must forbear Wine and all strong and sharp Liquors ; but he may drink Milk boyled with thrice the quantity of Water , and a small quantity of small Beer at Meals , and betwixt the Purging , he may drink of the following Emulsion frequently , to qualifie the heat of Urine , and the Inflammation .

Take of the seeds of Melons and of Pompious , each half an ounce , of the seeds of white Poppies , two drachms , of blanched Almonds number eight , beat them together in a marble Mortar , pouring upon them gently , a pint and an half of Barly-water ; to the strained Liquor add a sufficient quantity of Christaline Sugar , and make an Emulsion .

When the Sick is of a very sanguine Constitution , and when the Disease is obstinate , after I have Purged him a Month or thereabout , I order eight or nine Ounces of Blood to be taken from the Arm.

In this disease he that Cleanses well , Cures well , only Mineral waters must not be used .

But it is to be noted , if the Glans be covered all over with the Prepuce , and if by reason of the Inflammation it be swelled hard and callous , so that it cannot be drawn back , it is in vain to attempt the cure of the Running , unless at the same time the Part affected be reduced to its natural State , the hardness and swelling being removed ; therefore the following Medicines must be used

Yake of the roots of Marshmallows and of Lillies , each one ounce and an half , of the leaves of Mallows , Mullein , Elder and Henbane , of the flowers of Camomile and Melilot , each one handful , of the seeds of Flax and Fenugreek , each half an ounce , boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Fountain-water , make a Fomentation , wherewith foment the part half an hour at a time , twice or thrice a day .

After the fomentation I order that the part affected be anointed with the Oyl of Flax-seeds fresh drawn , and that a Plaster of the Mucilages be apply'd to the swell'd lips of the Prepuce ; but if the Ulcer in the Lips of the Prepuce or on the Glans under it hinders it from being drawn back easily , besides the fomentation above mention'd I prescribe also the following Liniment .

Take of Basilicon six drachms , of the Ointment of Tobacco two drachms , of red precipitat wash'd in Rose-water and well powder'd half a drachm ; mingle them , make a liniment wherewith make Pledgets and apply them to the Chancres after the use of the fomentation .

But when the Scrotum is the seat of the Disease , after the use of the fomentation , if the pain and swelling be not abated , apply a Cataplasm of Oxycrate and Bean-flower ; also at the same time , I use inwardly Catharticks and cooling Medicines , and order the Diet above-mentioned , and bleed at any time of the Disease , if the swelling in the Scrotum be great , and if the pain be violent .

If a swelling arises in the Groin , apply the follow-Plaster to suppurate it .

Take of Galbanum and Ammoniacum , each two ounces , of Opopanax and Sagapenum , each one ounce , of Mustard-seed and Pellitory of Spain , each six drachms , of common Soap , two ounces , of Burgundine Pitch , four ounces , of Oil of Lillies , two ounces , of Wax a sufficient quantity ; make a Plaister .

For Ulcers in the Pallate and Tonsis .

Take of all the Throatwort , three handfuls , of Holm , Self-heal and Male Speedwell , each one handful , of red Roses , one pugil , of red Sanders and the Wood of Juniper , each one ounce ; make a Decoction in two quarts of Barly-water ; boil it to the consumption of a third part ; in the strain'd Liquor dissolve of syrup of dried Roses and Diamoron , each three ounces , of Hony , two ounces ; make a Lotion .

With this the Ulcer may be washed daily either by Syringing or Gargling : but if the Ulcers be behind or over the Palate , the best way to cleanse them will be to pass the Injection up into the Nostrils ; but the Patient must keep his Mouth full of Water all the while to prevent Coughing .

If the Ulcers are sordid , dress them with the Lac sublimate upon an armed Probe ; if there be a Caries in the bone of the Palate , touch it with Aqua divina Fernelii ; if the bone be corrupted through , 't will be necessary to wear a plate .

In Ulcers of the Nose , the matter usually mixing with the excrementitious humours dryes in the passage , and thereby prohibits the discharge , and increases the ulceration , and also the Caries , and therefore you are in the first place to supple and remove that , by casting up mucilaginous decoctions .

Take of cleans'd Barly one ounce , of the roots of Marsh-mallows two ounces , of the Seeds of Quinces three Drachms , of Liquorish two drachms , boyl them in a quart of Fountain-water ; to the strain'd Liquor add three ounces of Oyl of Almonds ; let it be injected often in a day ; the mucus being thus removed , inject the following Water .

Take of Sarsaparilla sliced three ounces , infuse them twenty four hours in three pints of plantain-water , then boyl half away , towards the end add of the Leaves of Agrimony , Sage and the tops of Brambles each one handful , of red Roses and Balaustines each half an handful , quench Steel often in the strain'd Liquor , and add to it two drachms of Roch Alum , and make an Injection .

This will cleanse the Ulcers , and in the mean while you may by Anti-venereals hasten the exfoliation of the Bones , and consolidation of the Ulcers . For the extirpation of Warts and the like Excrescencies magisterial water of Alum , lac Sublimati , Spirit of vitriol , and the caustick Stone , are proper ; when these will not do the business , the Ligature and Knife and actual cautery will ; but the growing of them again must be prevented by Anti-venereals .

To cure the fluttering noise in the Ears arising in this Disease ,

Take of the bark of Guiacum one drachm , of the bark of Sassafras two drachms , of Castor four scruples , of the flowers of Lavender one drachm and an half , of Cloves half a drachm , of Spirit of Wine rectified , eight ounces ; make an Infusion in a glass Vessel , twenty four hours upon hot Ashes ; keep the strain'd Liquor for use . Put some of this daily into the Ears warm with Cotton .

To ease Pains ,

Take of Lard four ounces , of Oil of Scorpions two ounces , of the Oils of Camomil , Rosemary and Sage , each half a drachm , of Petroleum and Spike Oil , each one drachm , of London Laudanum one Scruple more or less ; mingle them and anoint the Part.

If Nodes cause the Pain , apply the Plaister of Frogs , with four times the quantity of Quick-silver .

CHAP. CXXVII . Of the Itch , and Spots and Pimples in the Face .

OFten and constant eating of salt Fish or Flesh , and dryed in the Sun , also Drinks that are disagreeable and poysonous , do commonly cause cutaneous eruptions ; also the Humour gathered in the cutaneous Glands , sometimes by meer Stagnation , becomes not only itchy , but oftentimes corruptive ; wherefore , not only they that have been long kept in Prison , but also they that have liv'd a Sedentary Life and are used to Filth and Stinks , are subject to these Diseases .

As to the cure of the Itch , there are two primary Indications ; First , that the glandulous Humour be reduced to a due disposition . Secondly , that the pores of the Skin be freed from ichorus concretions .

The preservative Indication respects these two things . First that the itchy Humour does not regurgitate upon the Blood and nervous Liquor . Secondly , that itchy Humour , if it be fallen upon the noble Parts , be eradicated .

All these intentions of Healing , ought to be complicated , or at least provided for by turns , by external and internal Remedies . You must begin and end with Purging ; and Bleeding , if nothing contra-indicates , must be used at the beginning . Alteratives must be also used , and Liniments and Baths , or Topicks of other kinds . I will set down some choice forms of Medicines of every kind , and first as to Purges ; a Purge or a Vomit must be given at the beginning , and after bleeding , ( if it be used ) a purging Apozem , or Diet-Drink , must be taken for seven or eight days .

Take of the Electuary , called Diacarthamum , three drachms , of the Species called Diaturbith with Rhubarb , one drachm , of Cream of Tartar and Salt of Wormwood , each half a Scruple , of the purging Syrup of Apples a sufficient quantity ; make a Bolus .

Take of Sulphur of Antimony grains seven , of Scammony sulphurated , grains eight , of Cream of Tartar , half a scruple ; make a Powder .

Take of the Roots of Polipody of the Oak , of sharp-pointed Dock prepared , each one ounce , of the leaves of Sena ten drachms , of Turbith , Agarick , and Dodder of Thyme , each one ounce , of the seeds of Carthamus half an ounce , of yellow Sanders two drachms , of the Seeds of Anise and Caraways , each two drachms , cut them and beat them , and digest them hot in two quarts of White-wine in a Vessel close stopped for twenty four hours ; pour off the clear Liquor without pressing . The Dose is six ounces , either by themselves , or with a spoonful of the Syrup of Dodder of Thyme . Or ,

Take the fore-said Ingredients and boyl them in three quarts of Fountain-water till half is consumed , then add a pint of White-wine , strain it presently to be taken as before . Or ,

Take of the roots of Polypody of the Oak , of sharp-pointed Dock , each three ounces , of the best Sena four ounces , of Dodder of Thyme , Turbith , and Mechoacan , each two ounces , of yellow Sanders one ounce , of Coriander-seeds six drachms , prepare them according to Art , make a Bag for four Gallons of Ale , after five or six days Tap it , and take three quarters of a pint , more or less every morning for eight or ten days .

For the ordinary drink provide four gallons of small Ale , and hang in a Bag in it the following Ingredients .

Take of the tops of Tamarisk and Fumitory dryed , each four handfuls , of the roots of sharp-pointed Dock dryed six ounces , of the bark of Woody Night-shade two ounces , cut and beat them .

As to altering Remedies , there is little need of others besides the altering drink above prescribed ; only the Patient must observe a good course of Diet , he must forbear salt and peppered Meats , Shell-fish , and such as are Pickled ; also Wine , Strong-waters and strong Beer .

As to Ointments , the following is commonly used .

Take of the powder or flower of Brimstone , half an ounce , of Butter that is not Salted , four ounces , of Ginger powdered half a drachm , make a Liniment .

The following is neater , though not much more effectual .

Take of Ointment of Roses four ounces , of Brimstone half an ounce , of the Oil of Tartar per deliquium , a sufficient quantity , make a Liniment ; you may perfume it with a scruple of Oil of Rhodium .

But after all , I have found by much Experience , that Quick-silver Girdles ( though they are generally much disliked ) are most effectual for curing the Itch , and as Safe as any other Medicine , if they are prepared in the following manner .

Take of Quick-silver three quarters of an ounce , the White of one new laid Egg , beat them together in a woodden Dish with a Stick two hours , then spread it on a Girdle of new Flannel the breadth of three Fingers ; you must spread it all by degrees and dry it in the Sun , or by a moderate Fire , and it must be worn a Month or six Weeks , being sewed strait round the Waste ; the side whereon the Mercury is being turned to the Body . The Patient must be Purged once before the use of the Girdle , and once after the Itch is cured .

And by this short and easie Method , I have cured whole Families infected with the Itch , and never perceived the least Injury , though I have used it frequently and several Years .

The following Water is excellent for taking off Spots and Pimples from the Face , and the redness of it , and that blackness which looks like Gunpowder in the Face , especially about the Nose and Fore-head , which is sometimes the black heads of Worms .

Take of Sublimate one ounce , put it into a tin Pot with three pints of Fountain-water , let them stand together twenty four hours , stir them now and then with a Stick , till all the Liquor looks black ; filter it through Paper , and with a Feather or the like dipt in it , touch the Face gently once in a day or two .