CHAPTER I. Of Spasms or Convulsive Motions in Generall .

IN handling the Convulsive Distempers , many Physitians distinguish between the Spasme or Convulsion , and Convulsive Motion ; by the first they understand a constant Contraction , whereby the member becomes stiff and inflexible ; by the Second , swift motions , and Concussions , which , coming between , cease , and return alternatly : But neither those who have observed these notes of difference , nor other Authors , have taken notice that they are continual : for that by the words Spasme , and Convulsion , they often designe a certain Spasmodick or Convulsive Affection ; wherefore to distinguish it better , we will call the former distemper with Cardan , tetanon , a continual Convulsive Cramp , but the other Spasm , or , a Convulsive motion in generall .

But that the irregular Nature , and Causes of Convulsive motion , might more rightly have been made known , it should first have been declared , after what manner the regular motive function , is effected in an animated Body : but the more full Consideration of this , because it belongs to the Physiologie , or Reasoning of the Nature , of the Brain , and Nervous stock , it is deferred to another Discourse : For the present , we will signifie in a word , as much as shall serve for the elucidation of the matter proposed . That the animal Spirits are the next Instrument How the regular Motion is Effected . of regular motion , and that their Action , or moving force , consists only , in that they being more thickly heaped up together , in the motive part , and there spreading themselves in a more large space , they blow it up , and intumefie it , which for that reason , being contracted , as to its length , draws to it self the part hanging to it . In our description of the Nerves already published , It s beginning twofold . we have shown this kind of motion to be twofold , to wit , Spontaneous , and meerly natural , the Instinct of this is derived from the Cerebel , but of that from the brain , but both through the pipes of the Nerves , as it were the channels , both to the muscles , and also to the fibres , interwoven with the membrains , and other motive parts of the Parenchyma , or Inwards ; Lastly , in all these , the various actions are so expeditiously effected , which either natural necessity , or the rule of the will requires , by that only means , that there is an intimate Conjunction , and communication of Duty , and most swift Commerce , between the animal Spirits , which Constitute the Hypostasis of the sensitive Soul , within the foresaid parts , disposed , or fitted by a continued Series . But there is this notable difference between The Subject also twofold the motion of a muscle , and that performed by other parts ; for in these , the action is most often circumserib'd within the bounds of the motive body , so as its membranes only , or one part of the inward moves another , and consequently this is moved of its neighbour : But in the musculous stock , usually the moving part is placed in one member , and to be moved of another next it ( although within some musculous part , as the Heart and Diaphragma , they properly for the most part move themselves only ) hence the Membranes and Inwards , are said to have as it were an intestine , and vermicular Motion ; such as where-ever it is begun , the Spirits there more thickly gather together , and Spreading themselves forth , they first intumifie this part , then going forward another , and so farther , till at last they draw the hindermost parts , and by this means transfer an intumifaction , and therefore a motion , from one place to another ; almost after the same manner as worms , and other Creeping creatures make their progression . But to this motive function of the Membranes and Inwards , if it be frequent or undiscontinued , plenty of spirits are required , which notwithstanding execute their task calmly enough , without tumult or great force : And indeed it is to be observed , that the Animal Spirits , flow not more sparingly into the Membraneous Inwards , than into the Muscles ; as it appears from the more exquisite sense of those parts , and by the manifold insertion of Nerves within them , and the diversity of divarication , through the foldings and fibres , although in the mean time , the muscles are watered , with a more plentifull influx of Blood : But as to the motion , performed in the musculous stock , the heaping together , and rarefaction of the Spirits , through the whole joynting of the motive part , suddenly , and at once unfolded , are performed with such force , and strength , as the attraction of the muscle , in its motive endeavour , may exceed the force of a pully or windlace ; and when this force , only depends on the expansion or rarefaction of the Spirits , seated in the motive part , we can conceive it to be no otherwise , but that the Spirits so expansed or stretched forth , as it were fired , after the manner of gunpowder , to The Motion of a Muscle is a certain explesion of the Spirits . be exploded or thrown out . But we may suppose , that to the Spirituous Saline particles , of the spirits inhabiting the interwoven fibres in the muscle , other nitrous-sulphureous particles , of a diverse kind , do come , and grow intimately with them , from the arterous blood , flowing every where within the same fibres . Then as often as the particles of either kinde , as Nitre and Sulphur combined together , by reason of the instinct of motion brought through the nerves , are moved , as an inkindling of fire , forthwith on the other side bursting forth , or being exploded , they suddenly blow up the Muscle , and from thence cause a most strong drawing together : for indeed it seems to be ordained for this end , that the Muscles are imbrewed much more plentifully with the arterous blood , than the membraneous inwards : to wit , that the Elastick coupling of the spirits , being consumed , and perpetually falling off , through the very often , and sometimes continual motion , might be by that means supplyed , from the fresh sanguineous juice : in the mean time , that the spirits themselves , being supplyed in a smaller quantity , through the small nerves , might even like old Soldiers continue longer in the same station , and follow their manifold coupling or labour . How else are labouring beasts supplyed with a sufficient stock of spirits , for so much labour , whilst they exercise allmost all their muscles , by a swift course for many howers , yea sometimes a whole day : or who can believe that a little handfull of spirits brought through the small branches of the wandring and Intercostal pairs of the Nerves to the heart , can be able by their own strength to effect that it s so strong and indiscontinued motion ? Indeed it seems , that of necessity there must come to them from the blood perpetually , auxilarie aid , and those afterwards to be allways exploded . For this reason certainly , the motive virtue , both of the Heart , and the rest of the Muscles , becomes more strong and Elastick , above any mechanick Organ : to wit , for as much , as the animal spirits , acting every where in the musculous stock , get to themselves an explosive Copula .

If any one shall be displeased at the word Explosion , not yet used in Philosophy or Medicine , so that this Spasmodick Pathologie , standing on this basis , may seem only ignoti per ignotius explicatio , an explication of unknown things by more unknown things ; it will be easy to shew the effect of this kinde of notion , and very many examples , and instances both concerning natural and artificiall things ; from the Analogie of whose motions , in an animated body , both regularly and irregularly performed , most apt reasons are to be taken . For besides the mixtures of Nitre with Sulphur , with Tartar , and with Antimony , all which are fired with a thundring noise ; also Aurum fulminans or fulminant Gold , and a Composition of salt of Tartar , with Nitre and Sulphur , without any actual fire , being only thoroughly heated , are exploded with a vehement Crash ; also to this may be referred , many Liquors , which being mixed together , or poured upon some certain bodies , cause or stir up violent motions , and plainly Explosive : The spirit of Nitre , and the liquor of congeled Antimony , being powred on one another , or either of them thrown upon the filings of Iron , cause a great Ebullition , with heat and black smoke . It is commonly known , what heat or effervescency , and force plainly explosive , arise from fixed Salts melted together , and from acetous or sharp salt of every kind , mixed with one another : Nor is the effect of Explosion less seen , when a Liquor imbrued with a volatil Salt , as the spirit of Harts-horn , or of blood , is put to a saline , either fixed or acetous Stagma , or sulphurious Nitre , to wit , the particles being vehemently stricke●… one against another , leap up with a force , and on every side are carried forth , a great way ; which without doubt , if they were restrained within the space of any body , as the fibres of a Muscle , they would suddenly intumifie it , and so would constitute an Instrument of Local motion . Concerning this thing , we have more fully discoursed already in our Neurologie , or Tract of the Nerves , and perchance we may yet publish the explication of this more fully and more accuratly some other time .

In the mean time that this opinion may not be thought altogether new , and that I have exposed it as a childe of my own brain , that had no other Patron , I will here shew you the assertion of the Famous Gassendus , which as it openly favours this our Hypothesis , and in some sort gave an occasion of it , so perhaps it will give to it some Authority . Therefore this Rational man , weighing in his minde , how much that force or strength might be , with which , not only the Arm , or Thigh , but the whole animal Machine , is moved , govern'd , lifted up , and carryed up and down : He adds , Who can easily comprehend that small thing , whatsoever it is , within the body of an Elephant , whether we conceive it to be a soul , or spirit , or any other beginning of motion , that it should be able to agitate such a bulk , and to cause it to perform a swift , and regular dance ? and so much the more , for that , when as that small thing within that body , no longer flourishes , there is need of so much outward strength , to remove it never so little from its place : but indeed , the same fiery nature of the sou●… , serves chiefly to this , which , although it be a very little flame , it is able to perform within the body , by its own mobility , the same thing in proportion , that a little flame of Gun-powder does in a Cannon : whilst that it not only drives forth the Bullet , with so much force , but also drives back the whole machine , with so great strength . But indeed he says as to the spirits , which ( like explosed Gun-powder ) cause the agitation , it is doubtfull , whether it be they , which come from the brain , or those in the little tendons as it were of kin to them or springing from them , that are thought to do it : But although either of them concur , yet they seem to be more presently destinated to this office , which are those of the same kin or off-spring in the Tendons . There needs no more , it is declared , that the motive function depends on the Elastick Copulae , of the animal spirits , and its decision or abating . But from this being supposed , ( which indeed we may suppose with very great probability ) it easily follows , that the Convulsive motions proceed from the like cause : For whosoever shall consider the sudden puffings up , the violent and strong Contractions , in th●… members and affected parts , yea sometimes the most impetuous concussions , and violent throws of the whole body , can conceive no less , than that very many heaps of the animal spirits are exploded , or thrust out , even as lightning breaking forth from a Cloud . Further from hence it may be Argued , by a reciprocal Argument , that because the Spasmodick motions are explosive , that therefore the regular are also produced by the explosion of Spirits : But after what manner , and by what means , and from what causes , the animal spirits being exploded , or thrust forth ; produce Spasmodick affections , shall be our present business , a little more largely , and plainly to demonstrate , however difficult , and abstruse the matter ●…eems to be .

We will not here stand to recite many opinions of others , concerning the The Conju●… Cause of Spasms . Nature , and causes of a Spasm , or Convulsion ; that which was most common , and long famous among the Ancients , that this distemper was only produced from repletion or inanition , or from fullness or emptiness , ( however , besides the authority of Hipocrates , for the establishing of this , an example is brought , Not repletion or fulness or inanition or Emptin●… of a Skin , or the strings of Lutes , which are wont to be contracted , being either filled with a moist , or empted by too dry an aire ) easily falls of it self ; because it seems to suppose ( that which is credible to none by Experience , the fragility of a Nerve ) to wit , that the Nerves themselves , after what manner soever abreviated , and contracted , are able with a certain force , to draw to them the Muscles . If that it shall be said , that repletion or inanition , ought to be understood , in respect of the solid parts , which are wont to be drawn together ; it may be observed to the contrary , when as the Muscels and Nervous stock , are very much watered with a watery humour , as in an Anasarca , or are plainly destitue of the same , as in the Consumption , or Mirasmus ; yet no Convulsive motions are for that reason excited : among the mod●…rns , very many have determined , irritation of the Nervous parts , to be the cause of Convulsion ; taking their Conjecture from thence as I suppose , for that by ocular inspection it appears from the Vellication it self , and by the only touch of the Nerves , that spasms are induced : And indeed we have clearly observ'd , in the dissection of a living whelp , that the knife being put upon the naked ends of the spinal Nerves , presently both themselves , and the Bodies of the Muscles , in which they were inserted , were hauled : neither is it unusual , that spasms are excited almost in every man , by the punctures of the Nerves and Tendons . I remember by reason of an Ulcer , in the Arms of a certain man , that the Tendons of the Muscles were laid open , which when touch'd by the Surgions Instrument , caused in the Patient a certain rigor , through his whole body , and forthwith a Concussion arising , made him to quake for a good space . But in truth , albeit we grant the irritations of the Nervous parts , not seldom to serve the turn of the evident Cause , and further that sometimes this solitary Cause , produces more light and transient spaims ; nevertheless , that the more grievious paroxisms of this Disease , and their frequent repetitions by turns , may be duly unfolded , it behoves us to investigate , or search out other , and deeper Causes , to wit , the Conjunct and procatartick Cause .

Forasmuch , as spasms never happen but in a living Body , where the Nervous parts are blown up , and grow turgid with the animal Spirit , we may readily Conjecture that those animal Spirits themselves , are , as in regular motion , so also in the Convulsive , the next Instrument of Action : to wit , so long as they are imbued , with a fit and moderate explosive Copula , and are moved to that striking forth , only by the Command of the Appetite , or instinct of Nature , they bring forth motions altogether regular ; but if the same Spirits get to themselves an heterogeneous Copula , and too much Elastick , or if they are snatched into their Actions , more impetuously and vehemently than they should be ; they even like unbridled Horses , pricked forward with Spurs , leap forth inordinately or throw off , or explode violently their Copula , although genuine and natural : and so they carry away the containing parts , as it were a Chariot tied to them , together with themselves , with a fierce and perverse motion .

When therefore as aforesaid , the Convulsive motions are chiefly stired up for There 〈◊〉 a double Cause and two kinds of Spasms . Irritation . two Causes , hence , as many Species of them are ordained . For first , it happens that a Convulsion is induced without a procatartick Cause , or heterogeneous Copula , first acquired only from a solitary evident Cause : For so a vehement passion , impressed on the brain , a dissolution of the parts , hapning somewhere in the Nervous stock , a spasmodick passion is suddenly brought upon some , whose brain and Nerves are of a more weak Constitution : for that the animal spirits do trouble the containing parts , the improportionate Object flying from them , and by striking vehemently their Copula , though very agreeing it blows them up , and so they pull others annexed to them : Spasms being after this manner excited , because the natural Copula of the spirits in them , is stricken more vehemently , they are after a manner explosive , which notwithstanding , quickly leave off , and very often pass away with moving of the viscera , or Members ; only with a trembling , and some horror , into a fainting of the spirits . But Secondly , Convulsions , whose paroxisms are more grevious and stay longer , or are oftener repeated , seem altogether to depend on a procatartick Cause , or a previous disposition , and to arise from some other Conjunct Cause , befides Irritation . And therefore in this Case we suppose , that the heterogeneous , and greatly explosive particles , do increase with the spirits , acting in this or that A preternatural explosive Copula . region of the Body : then from this wicked Combination , and restless Collision of this kinde of matter , and the Spirits , frequent and vehement explosions being brought forth , the spasmodick Paroxisms are induced .

But besides the Elastick Copula , which every where happens to the Spirits , from the arterous Blood , and from whose orderly explosion , the motive force is performed , according to the Beck of the Appetite , or instinct of Nature , in all the Nervous parts ; ( as we have elsewhere declared ) also sometimes other kinde of little bodys , of a fierce nature , or rather like Gun-powder or Nitre , come to the Spirits , and intimately adhere to them , when frequent and suddain divorces of this matter , from the Embraces of the Spirits , happen from the mutual striking together of the particles , the conteining Bodys are variously blown up , and so are thrown into Convulsive motions . In truth , as often as the Spasmodick Affection becoms habitual , that the Convulsive Paroxisms arise no●… rarely on their own accord , and without any evident cause , but still on every light o●…asion ; the procatartick Cause of such a disease , consists in the evill disposition , of such a sort of animal Spirits : For neither is the Serous filth , or other less sharp humours , although deposited in the very ventricles of the Brain , or about the origine of the nerves , sufficient to stir up such a sickness : For that I have seen in the heads of dead people , oftentimes the middle part of the brain , and the very beginings of the Nerves , wholly covered with a limpid water , who , whilst they were alive , had neither the Epilepsie , nor Convulsive Motions : But to the producing or these motions , very active Bodys are required , such as are Saline , and Sulphereous , which being combined with the Spirits , and then on a sudden breaking from them , they imitate the combinations , and violent explosions , of particular mineralls . For indeed , if in regular and ordinary motion ( as we have intimated ) the Muscles cannot get a motive force , and elastick strength , unless a certain explosion of the animal Spirits be supposed , certainly much more lawfully may we assert , that , epileptick fits , and other admirable Convulsions , which still happen to be excited , complications of the same Spirits , with other very firce particles , and vehement elisions , or strikings of these , one against another , are required . But , as to this kind of Sposmodic Copula , because it differs from the natural and ordinary , which we have elsewhere shewn to be in regular motion , and to be supplyed from the blood ; it behooves us to inquire , from whence it comes , and by what means , and in what places , it is wont to get to the Spirits .

As to the first , it is to be observed , that Spasmodick explosions do every way happen , not only in the m●…scles , to which only they are limited , which effect the r●…gular motion , but also in the membranes , to wit , the ventricle , mesenterie , and other p●…rts almost without blood : besides , that the explosions themselves , in the Convulsive Affection , though they are excited contrary to the will of the Appetite , and the manner of Nature , are far more vehement , and do longer continue , than in the regular motion : out of which it seems to be manifest , that the Explo●…ive Spasmodick Copula , doth come from some other place , than the ●…ce of Regular motion : And indeed , it is probable , that , that flows not , ●…s , from the arterous blood , running every where among the musculous fibres , ●…descends from the Braine , with the Liquore watring the Nerves , and so is The explosive Spasmodic Copula not immediatly from the Blood but from the Brain . ●…eaped up , about their beginnings , middle , processes , en●…oldings , and Extremities , as it were the mine of the Convulsive disease . Indeed nothing appears more evident , than that the Spasmodick Disease , doth most often arise , by reason of the evill first fixed in the Brain , and from thence is transmitted , into various parts of the Nervous System : for it happens from hence , that a vehement Passion , as of fear , or Anger , or of Sadness of spirit , affecting the inhabitants of the Encephalon , the passion called Hysteric , and Hypochondriac , doth so often arise : Further , that in the evill Crises of Feavours , when the adust recrements of the blood , are transfer'd into the head , Convulsions do generally succeed . Moreover , and this is the reason , why the Vertigo , the inflation of the head , torpor of the minde , and other accidents of the Supreme Region , are wont to be the proaemium , of Spasmes presently following , in the Inwards , and not seldom , in the whole Body . Wherefore it is not to be doubted , but that the heterogeneous , and explosive particles , are instilled from the Blood , together with the nervous juice , into the Brain ; which afterwards being thrust forth , into the nervous stock , do there grow to the Spirits , and with them bring on a Convulsive disposition . In truth , the Spasmodick distempers , which are either universal , or at least occupie many parts of the body at once , arise for the most part , by this only means . But in the mean time , we will not deny , b●…t that particular Spasms , which contain themselves within Certain places , the Head being no ways affected , are induced sometimes by other means . For if the nerves imbibe their humour from either end , to wit , the root , and the extream fragments , ( which both the learned Gliss●…n maintains to be most likely , and by us is shewed in our Neurologie , not without great probabillity ) it may be from hence inferr'd , that the Spasmodick particles are broght inwardly , not only from the beginning of the Nerves , but somewhat also by their extremities : Therefore that perhaps appears clear and plain enough , that from the spleen being evilly affected , Spasms arising about Sometimes received from the ends of the Nerves . its region , do not seldom asfect the Hypochondria and Praecordia . I have known som●… , from a tumour or ulcer existing in the Mesenterie , womb , and other inwards , were wont to have Convulsions , both in the grieved part , and also all about it ; the reason of which seems to be no other , than that the heterogeneous particles being more plentifully heaped up , in the affected place , Creeping also into the nervous fibres , planted nigh thereunto , supply them with matter for Convulsive motions like to fired gunpowder : But indeed , Spasms arising from such a cause , are not wont to diffuse themselves far about , nor always to ascend to the Head .

These things being thus premised , concerning the inward and next Cause of the Spasmodic Distemper , which we affirm to arise chiefly , and most often , from the head it self , and in some respect also from the extremities of the Nerves , it now remains , that we more particularly declare , the Various remoter Causes in either Kinde , and the manifold provision of this disease . The Convulsive Disease The more remote Causes of Spasms . therefore , for the most part , takes its original from the head : to wit ; as often as the heterogeneous and explosive particles , being diffused from the blood into the Brain , or its medullarie Appendix , are afterwards derived ●…o the nervous stock , and there grow together with the Spirits : But this happens to come to pass from various causes : for there are very many ways and means , whereby the morbifick matter is admitted into the head , and very many also , whereby it is deduced into this , or that region of the nervous System ; and according to the various translations of this kind of morbifick matter , the divers kinds of Convulsive motions are constituted .

Therefore , that the Heterogeneous and Spasmodick particles are admitted into 1 The mortifick matter is heaped up within the Head , by the default both of the blood sendi●… . the Encephalon , it is to be imputed to the fault , both of the blood sending , and of the Brain receiving it .

1. When the Blood powrs upon the Head the morbifick matter , either all its whole mass is depraved , as it frequently happens in malignant feavours , also in the Scorbutick , cacochymick , and chiefly in an originally corrupt Distemper ; or the Blood of it self innocent and incorrupt , receives elsewhere malignant little bodys , and afterwards fixes them on the brain , so in great impurities of the Inwards , and chiefly when any parts are affected with an Inflamation , or virulent ulcer , or hurtfull ferment , for from such mines the taint of the disease , the noxious particles bubble up into the blood , and afterwards , in its passage , are laid up in the Brain : So , by reason that the spleen , womb , and other Inwards , being evilly affected , Convulsive Diseases are excited , which notwithstanding , depend more immediatly upon the Brain receiving the corruption of those parts , through the commerce of the Blood .

2. But in the second place , the Blood however vitious it should be , and impregnated And also of ●…he brain rec●…iving it . with the morbid seed , it could not easily leave its Infection on the head , unless there were some fault in the Constitution of the brain , and its Appendix ; as long as these parts are well made , and are full of vigour , they defend themselves , and what belongs to them , and the doors being shut , they admit nothing but an unmixt spirituous Liquour , destinated for their use : but if either the passages , and pores of the Brain are too lax , or the door-keeping Spirits leave or are called off from their watches , an heterogeneous and morsific matter , creeps in together with the nervous juice , and unfolds its malignity , in the animal government . As to the evil disposition of the Brain it self , it is sometimes hereditary : The evil dispofition of the brain is either ●…ditary So those sprung from parents obnoxious to the Epilepsie , or Convulsions , are themselves for the most part prone to the same Distempers : and indeed , the Constitution of the brain , may several ways become vitious from the birth : for either its temperature is more moist , or more dry than it should be , or it may be faulty by the excess , or desect of either Quallity . Sometimes the pores are more lax , or its consistency is too soft , or too hard : and also the Conformation of the parts of the Brain , and its Appendix , may be after an undue manner ; But sometimes , ●…r acquired . the disposition of the Brain and Nerves , originally whole , and firm , is vitiated by accident , and acquires a morbid inclination : long Intemperance may enervate these parts : as also malignant feavours , and chronical Diseases , very much debillitate them : besides outward accidents , as the excess of heat or cold , an ulcer or a blow oftentimes perverts their Crases , and renders them more incident to the impressions of Diseases . But as to the Constitution or irregularities of the animal Spirits , by reason of which , the heterogeneous and Spasmodick particles , enter the brain without any repulse , and more easily cleave to it ; it is to be observed , that the animal Spirits are in some more tender , and easily dissipable , from their very birth ; so that indeed , they are not able to sufser any thing very strong or vehement , to be brought to the sense or Imagination , but strait they fly into confusions : For this Reason , women more than men , and some of them more then others , are obnoxious to the passions called Histerick . Further , sometimes a violent Passion , impresses on the spirits , though moderatly firm , this kind of dissipation and inordination , so that afterwards they are able to suffer nothing strongly , or to resist any injurie : So it often happens , that morbid impressions are affixed on the animal regimen , by sudden fear , or great sadness , which can hardly ever after be blotted out : for from hence women often contract first the Diseases named the Mother , or from the Womb , and men the hypochondriack , and are for the most part still subject to them .

From these things it appears , after what manner , and for what Causes , the 2. How the morbific matter being admitted within the head is disposed . Spasmodick Matter is wont to be admitted into the Head : now let us see next , what is done with it afterwards ; if that this matter brought to the Brain , induces the Convulsive distempers , either not always , or not altogether , after the same manner .

1. It sometimes happens , that the heterogeneous and explosive Particles , are Sometimes it is carried back again from the brain . admitted into the Brain , which notwithstanding are again exterminated , without any great hurt , and before they enter into the nervous stock : for that the veins and Lympheducts , or water-carrying Vessells , often sup up what is superfluous , and an enemy to the animall dominion , and convey it forth of doors , or dispose of it into Emunctuaries , or Sinks . Whilst such a matter is for a little while agitated in the brain , its particles being affixed to some of its Spirits , and at length striking against them , cause the Virtego , and the swimming in the head ; but because they enter not into the passages of the nerves , Spasmodick Distempers do not follow .

2. When the morbifick matter is admitted within the Head , and not presently from thence sent back , oftentimes it produces not its evill , till it is inserted Sometimes it is t●…rust out into the nervous stock . into the stock of the Nerves ; for the animal Spirits within the Brain , being as yet strong , and having got a more free space , they evade the embraces of every heterogeneous Copula ; which indeed they are not able to do , within the strait channells of the nerves : Besides , the morbifick matter it self , if it cannot be sent away out of the Brain by the excretory vessells , it is by and by sent forth to the System of the nerves as the more ignoble part : but if in spite of the force of the Remaining in the brain causes the falling-sickness . superiour faculties , such a matter stays long within the brain , it much infects the Spirits that inhabit it , and induces the Epilepsie , as shall be more particularly shewed hereafter : but more often , the hurtfull matter is thrown on the nervous ftock , from the brain , without much harm to it , but this happens to come to pass , not always after the same way .

For truly , the heterogeneous Particles , being mixed with the nervous Liquor , and fallen towards the beginings of the Nerves , do not indifferently enter all of The spasmodic matter being fallen on the n●…rvous stock . them together , or these , or those , as chance shall guide them , but they are directed to the passages of some before others , and that not without some Reason . For we observe , that the Convulsive Symptoms , do choose for the most part one place in children , another in riper years , and a different one in more tender , than in the more rebust .

In children , who are not yet accustomed to the Affections of the Heart , and Afflict the foreparts of the Nerves in Children . exercise of the outward members ( whereby the morbifick cause may be further carried from the brain ) the Spasmodick matter runs more often into those nearest Nerves , viz. the third , sifth , and sixth pares ; wherefore , their faces and mouths , and those parts , are chiefly handled : and it is rare and unusual for them , to have their viscera , and praecordia , lifted up , or affected , with an inordinate motion , as in those of riper years : on the contrary , in men of more advanced years , by Otherwise in those of r●…per years . its approach to the intercostals , and the Nerves of the wandring pare , it being more open to those of the spinal marrow , which those nerves respect are wont to be more frequently pulled : but yet with this difference , that in the more tender , ●…nd those who are very delicate , and subject to passions , and who by reason of the passions of the minde , have very often their praecordia and viscera disturbed , the Spasmodick matter , more readily enters the more open passages of the interiour Nerves , and therefore , they are rendred more obnoxious to Spasmes , stirred up in the Abdomen and the Thorax : for hence it is that women are molested with the passions called Hysterical , and some men with the hypocondriack ; as shall be more largely declared hereafter , when we come to treat particularly of these Distempers .

When the Spasmodic matter falls upon the heads ofsome nerves , or remaining After what manner it dsturbs the spirits , whilst it stays near the beginnings of the Nerves , or being fallen more deeply into their passages . there , it creates only a giddiness , and lighter Spasmes , and leapings of those parts , to which these Nerves belong , or being slidden more deeply into the pipes of the Nerves it brings sorth more cruel Convulsive Paroxisms : but the same being dilated , into the nervous processes is disposed through one or more of the branches of the stock , or Trunk , sometimes all , and sometimes only those more open than the rest , and by degrees cleave to the Spirits , both within those Nerves , as also to those planted within the hanging Fibres : so that it is after the same manner , and there is the like preparation in the disposition to Convulsive Paroxisms , as if grains of Gunpowder were laid in a long train to be fired successively : The Spirits after this manner imbred with an heterogeneous Copula , are lodged within the Fibres , interwoven with the membranes , and Muscles , but chiefly within the nervous foldings ; and when they grieved with too great plentitude , or troubled on any other occasion , are compelled to shake off their Copula , the particles striking and leaping one against another , hugely blow up the containing parts ; and so excite a motive force , contrary to the commands and Laws of the Appetite , and Nature : Besides , the Spirits once stirred up , to the performing Convulsive The spirits enter into explosions , by reason of plenitude or irritation . motions , begin their explosions , from the one or the other extremity , of the nervous System , but for the most part at the end . But they who are first explosed , snatch or take with them their neighbours , also praedisposed , like a siery train ; and so they propagate the begun asfection , with a long , continued series of Spasms , from one end to the other : For a convulsion begun in the bottom of the belly , or at the foot , or hand , creeps by degrees to the upper parts , and for the most part to the head it self : and the same Distemper , when it begins in the brain , ( as in the Epilepsie ) is derived in like manner thence downwards , to the remote Viscera , and also to the exteriour members and Limbs .

The morbifick matter , flowing in the heads of the nerves , produces divers kinds The spasmodic matter causes Convulsions either continued or pe●…iodical or by fits . of convulsions , according to their various plenty and dispensation ; for first of all , it is to be observed , that the whole passages of the nervous System , or of some of its parts , through the abundant , and exuberant matter , are sometimes possessed , so that the animal Spirits , both flowing in , and there implanted , being full of an heterogeneous Copula , and a perpetual supplement of it , are urged into continual Spasms . I have known some , who have had all the muscles and tendons through their whole body , asflicted with Contractions and leapings without intermission : I have known others whose thighs , arms , and other members , were perpetually forced into various bendings , and distor●…ions : and also others I have seen , who of necessity were comp●…lled to leap and run up and down , and to beat the ground with their feet , and hands ; and if they did it not , they fell into cruel Convulsions of the Viscera and Praecordia : 2. If the explosive and heterogeneous Particles , be combined with the Spirits in a lesser plenty , they stick to them without tumult or perturbation , untill after some time , both Particles leaping again one from another , and from their striking one another , raise up Convulsive paroxysms ; which sort of Paroxysms are periodical , and are repeated exactly at certain hours ; which happens by reason of the morbifick matters , being dayly poured upon the nervous stock , with an equal dimension , and there●…ore about the same space of time , it is also dayly heaped up to an explofive plenitude ; or they are wandring , and uncertain , in others , for that the heterogeneous particles , are poured in with a lesser company , and so arise not to an explosive fullness , under a long time ; when in the mean time , the more full heaping of them together , and their explosion , are wont to happen sometimes more often , and sometimes more seldom , by reason of several occasions , or evident causes : henc●… it comes to pass , that the Spasmodic Distemper is sometimes altogether attributed to the evident cause , when indeed , if a more remote convulsive cause had not gone b●…fore , such a cause had stir'd up none .

Therefore , that we may say something of the evident causes of Convusions , we have already observ'd , if they be more vehement , and happen to a weak and The Evident causes of Spasm●… . tender constitution of Brain , and nervous stock , they are sometimes solitary , or of themselves cause convulsive passions : but as often as the Spasmodick Distemper is heavi●… , and being made habitual is wont to return oftener , though the evident Cause be manifest , and bears the blame of the effect , nevertheless it is to be suspected , that a procatartick , or more remote cause exists , and is the more strong efficient , though it lies hid within : for unless the Spirits are imbued with an heterogeneous Copula , they would not be so easily , nor so often , driven into involuntary , and praeternatural Explosions .

We meet with a double order or Classes of Evident causes ; for either they are The Evident Cause ●…wofold viz. Filling and Irritateing . of that sort which increases the procatarick or more remote , and brings it sooner to an explosive fullness , as are an ill manner of living , and errors in the six non-naturals , which by infecting the blood , and nervous juice , heap up to a Saturity , in greater plenty , on the Spirits heterogeneous particles , and by that means do the sooner procure Sp●…smodick accessions . Or 2dly , the evident cause is said to be , whatever stirs and irritates suddenly the spirits , that they presently fall into explosions , and whatever it be , that causes them to strike off their Copula , and of this sort there are very many accidents , that provoke the spirits , planted now within the Head , and now within the nervous System , to convulsive motions The irritateing Cause , stirs up Spasins , direct , or reflected . by a divers instinct ( as is wont in the regular motions ) which motions are either direct , or reflected .

1. Of the former kinde chiefly are violent perturbations of the minde , wherewith the spirits of the brain being agitated and confused , they excite others lying within the nervous stock , and often praedisposed , to irregular explosions , so a vehement fear , anger , or sadness , do not only introduce epileptical and hysterical fits , to those that are disturbed in their health , but sometimes cause to divers others , palpitation , and trembling of the heart , and also horrid convulsions of the members and Limbs . 2. As to the other kinde of evident cause , to wit , whereby Spasms are excited by a reflected Act , this indeed comes to pass not unfrequently , as often as any heavy trouble , with an irritation of the fibres and spirits , happens any where to the nervous stock : for that this trouble being by and by communicated , to the chief fountains of the Spirits , to wit , the brain or Cerebell , from thence inordinate and violent motions , against the will of the minde , that is convulsive , being begun , they are returned back , for so either worms , physick , or sharp humours , cruelly hauling the coats of the Intestines , cause spasms in those parts , and not seldom in the outward members .

So much for the several kindes of causes , the conjunct , procatartick , and evident , whereby convulsive Diseases , becoming habitual , and are wont to be repeated with more grievous Paroxisms , do arise : But as we have assigned another species of this Disease , where the Paroxysms depend on an evident solitary cause , or at most only from irritation , the Spirits being not yet praeoccupied with an explosive Copula : it is now next to be inquired into , by what , and how many ways , this may come to pass . Concerning this in general , it is affirmed , that the Spasmodic fits produced by mere irritation are either lighter and quickly passing away , or more grievious and not seldom deadly , as when poyson is taken , or when they come upon an overpurging medicine . Moreover it is noted , when the morbifick , or irritative matter falls upon the tales themselves , or the foldings of the nerves , that it also not rarely becomes explosive , and so Spasms produced also The irritateing Cause distinguished , as to the places affected , as to the subjects . from mere irritation ( as we have already noted ) are certain explosions ; these being thus premised , we will dispatch the business in hand .

The irritation of the Nervous parts , which is wont to cause convulsive motions , happens in various places , and from various matters , which are incongruous and inimical to the spirits , and fibres . As to the things , enemies to the Nature of the spirits , you may observe , besides poysons , and the excess of cangible quallities , The places affected , are the beginnings the extremities , and the middle procefses , and foldings , of th●… Ne●…ves . which are inflicted from without ; many things which are begot within us , viz. the various recrements of the blood , and nervous juice , feverish taints , praeternatural salt , or s●…lphureous humours , yea worms , the stone , with many other things , to be infestous to the nervous stock , and ordinarily to stir up Spasmodick irritations . As to the places affected , or the seat of the irritative matter , although this brings hurt in any part of the nervous System , yet for the most part , it is wont to become most infestous , when it is fixed near the beginnings , or the ends of the nervous System , or about the middle processes of the Nerves , and especially in their foldings : Besides , such a matter , which irritating the Spirits , is wont to have the place of an Evident Cause , doth not seldome become , as we hinted but now , the means of a more remote cause , forasmuch as the heterogeneous particles , being sent from it , enter into the nervous fibres , and being combined with the Spirits , renders them more apt and ready to be exploded .

1. Therefore , it sometimes happens , that malignant humours , and infestous How the irritating Cause affects the origine of the Nerves . to the nervous stock , being poured out from the blood , on the region of the brain , and from thence dilated to the hinder region of the Head , do fall upon the origine of the nerves ; where , if the little skin , which cloathes the oblong pith , be broken , they fall into the naked trunks of the nerves , and enter deeply into their fibres ; wherefore indeed , Convulsive motions arise , not only in the neighbouring parts of the head , but sometimes in very remote , and not rarely in the whole nervous System : This is generally observ'd , in evill Crises of feavours , the morbifick matter being translated to the head ; also in cephallic Distempers , being brought to the worst and deadly state . Truly , when I have opened the heads of those , who have dyed by this means , I found in all of them , the hinder Region of the oblong pith , immers'd with a sharp , and salt Serum .

2. As the interiour extremity , or original of the System , so not rarely the exterior , How the extremities of the Nerves . or the end , from a vellication or hawling there made , begets Spasms , or Convulsive motions , and transfers them on every side : that this is done ordinarily in the outward members , the prickings of the tendons , and Nerves , do testifie . No less are Spasms wont to be excited every way about , from a vellication or pulling , made in the Viscera , when at any time Medicines , or sharp humours , also worms lying in the Ventricle or Intestines , pull the membraneous part , and so impress a troublesome sense on the chief sensories ; presently from thence , by reason of the firing of the spirits , Convulsive motions torment now the affected parts , and now indifferently any other parts : for oftentimes Spasms , from the more grievous hurt of some Inwards , do not only imploy the affected parts , and their neighbours , but also the Muscles of the face and mouth , and are likewise transfer'd to the exterior members . The stone impacted in the Uriters , causes not only cruel Contractions in that passage , but in all its neighbourhood . Moreover , some hysteric and other hypochondriac Symtoms , are sometimes induced by this means , forasmuch , as by a vellication made in the membranes of some Viscera , thence the Spasm is returned back .

3. The irritative matter , which is wont to be the Evident Cause of Spasms , How the middle processes and foldings . sometimes occupies the middle processes of the nerves ; and therefore the parts , sometimes above , sometimes beneath its seat , are incited to convulsive motions : This appears plain enough in the foldings of the Nerves ; for when the sharp recrements of the nervous juice , are laid up in them , they do not rarely create Spasms , through the whole neighbourhood : by this means , the Collick or Histerick Distemper , is often seen to be begot or excited , there being no fault in those Inwards , only from the humours , deposited in the foldings of the mesenterie , as we will shew hereafter , when we come to treat of those particular Distempers . In like manner , by reason that the ganglioform foldings , being stopped up with a sharp and irritative humour , perfocation or choaking in the Throat , and various Contractions of the Praecordia are caused . Besides , Spafmodick Distempers do not seldom depend , upon a sharp humour within the whole trunks of the nerves , and filling the passages of the nervous Bodys . We have seen some troubled with admirable , and perpetual Convulsions , so that they have been forced ( as we have already mentioned ) to run about , to leap , to fling about , and distort their members , to strike the ground with their feet and hands , and to exercise other strange gestures , even as if they had been bewitch'd ; the genuine Cause of which kinde of passion , seems to consist in this , that the Juice watering the nervous stock , being most sharp like stygian water , and being become degenerate from its due Crasis , doth irritate continually , and as it were possess with a certain madness , the Spirits therein flowing , and implanted .

From these things , which we have discoursed , about the various causes of Convulsions , The difference of Spasms in respect of their origine . their manyfold Species and differences are made manifest : For first , we have made known , that Spasmodick Passions are most often derived , in respect of their origine , for the head , being affected ; or the morbific matter , slowing into the beginnings of the Nerves : yet sometimes , though more rarely , they depend upon such a matter , Creeping into the extremities of the nerves .

2. As to the production of the Disease and symptoms , we observe the same sometimes to be produced , from a solitary evident Cause , as a sudden and vehement Of their Causes Passion : but indeed more often , to require a more remote , or procatartic cause , or praevious disposition : moreover , the causes sometimes so to interfeer , that the procatartick , also may supply the place of the evident cause ; and also , on the contrary , that this may serve in the place of the other .

3. As to the extention of the Disease , the Convulsive Distemper may be distinguished into Universal , because the Spirits actuating the whole nervous System almost , and the Encephalon it self , are successively exploded ; and Particular , in which the Spirits , within some private Region of the Animal Kingome , are disturbed .

1. The former is meant , when the animal Spirits are irritated , within their first fountains , to wit , the pith of the brain , and cerebell , from whence their violent Of the extent of the disease . explosions happen ; wherefore every internal function of the soul , to wit , the sense and Imagination is obscured , and its exterior locomotive faculty perverted : This kind of universal Spasmodick Distemper , in which , besides the spasms of the Limbsand Viscera , the interior powers of the Soul suffer an Ecclipse , is again twofold : to wit , either primarie , which begins at the Head , and arises , forasmuch as the Spirits inhabiting that place , being imbued with nitro-sulphureous particles , are first exploded , and their inkindling snatches or takes hold of the rest , flowing in both the medulary and nervous Appendix , and there stirs up Convulsive explosions , as may be discerned in the Epilepsie .

2. Or this universal passion , causing Insensibility is Secondary , to wit , which being begun somewhere in the nervous stock , from thence , plenty of spirits being successively affected , becoming like the undulation or moving of waters , is at length carried to the head it self : this often happens in paroxisms called hysterical , in which , by reason of the Spasm begun at first in the bottom of the belly , or some intumescency or rising up in the Abdomen , then , the same spreading higher , with the same effect , through the pipes of the Nerves , the Ventricle , and by and by the Praecordia are drawn together , and at length , the Spasm forceably rushing to the Head , the patients fall down , and all Knowledg is taken from them , and lastly , the Disease being reflected into other nerves , Convulsive motions of the exterior members succeed .

2. But as to the particular Spasm , in whose fit the sick continue well in minde , this Indeed is distinguished into various differences . As to the seat of the matter , which happens about the beginnings , extremities , or middle processes of the Nerves ( as we have shswn ) there arises a difference : For even as this morbifick matter , beseiging the beginnings of the nerves , is fixed about the head , middle , or end of the oblong pith , it therefore happeneth , that sometimes only the parts of the face or mouth , sometimes the Viscera of the lower , or middle Belly , and again sometimes chiefly the outward limbs , are hauled together .

Further , a Convulsion , as to the duration of the fit , and its magnitude , uses to be distinguished , into a continual , and Intermitting : The former , as we have Of the duration of the Fit . already hinted , is called Tenasmus , or a permanent Contraction , as when one part , or more , being Contracted or distorted with a constant stretching , are detained for some time in the same praeternatural posture ; so , when the muscles , or a member , suppose the eye , Lipps , Cheeks , are distorted from their right position , nor cannot easily be presently reduced : the cause of which is sometimes a resolution , or Palsie , in some other muscles , which when they are loosened , the opposite do too strongly Act , and draw forceably the whole part , towards themselves , which ought to stand , as it were betwixt them , in an equall ballance : but sometimes , such a permanent contraction , is excited , by reason of the tendons being stopped with an impacted serous humour , which become for that cause stiff : This Kinde of Distemper becoms very familiar in the Scurvy , that the sick sometimes are not able to extend any member or Joynt , but they are contracted round like a globe . Sometimes the Tendons in the back by reason of such a course of humour , draw the bones out of their due scituation , and cause a gibbousness , or bending out of the Body . The Tenasme is wont to be distinguished into universal , of which there are three Kinds , to wit , Tension forward , Tension backwards , and Tenasmus properly so called ; and Peculiar or particular , which chiefly respects some certain member or joynt : we will speak of these distinctly hereafter .

2. The intermitting Convulfion , is either short and momentary , which is acted by frequent turns , and as it were by little leaps , as is to be observed in the quaking and shakings of the Tendons in horror , which are to be distinguished between , with a frequent alternation of motion and rest : or the leapings of the Spasms , and their intervals , are drawn out longer : So it is usual , for Convulsive paroxysms , when they are repeated , to endure for some time , and to leave off again ; but such periods are now certain , or come to certain set hours , now rare , and incertain , and happ●…n after a divers manner , and as various occasions are given . There are other differences of this distemper , which will be better illustrated hereafter , when we shall speak particularly of each kinde of Convulsions .