a physical treatise grounded, not upon tradition, nor phancy, but experience, consisting of three parts. the first, a manuduction, discovering the true foundation of the art of medicine. second, an explanation of the general natures of diseases. third, a proof of the former positions by practice. by william russell, chymist in ordinary to his majesty. russell, william, 1634-1696? 1684 approx. 212 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 104 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-08 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a57952 wing r2357 estc r218554 99830136 99830136 34586 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a57952) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 34586) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 2018:15) a physical treatise grounded, not upon tradition, nor phancy, but experience, consisting of three parts. the first, a manuduction, discovering the true foundation of the art of medicine. second, an explanation of the general natures of diseases. third, a proof of the former positions by practice. by william russell, chymist in ordinary to his majesty. russell, william, 1634-1696? [14], 179, [13] p. printed for john williams at the crown in st. paul's church-yard, london : m dc lxxxiv. [1684] the words "first .. practice." are connected by a left bracket on the title page. includes index at end of text. caption title on pg. 1: a manuduction, discovering the true foundation of the art of medicine. caption title on pg. 55: of the general nature of diseases. caption title on pg. 70: a proof of the former positions by practice. reproduction of the original at the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -early works to 1800. diseases -causes and theories of causation -early works to 1800. 2004-05 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-05 aptara keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-06 jonathan blaney sampled and proofread 2004-06 jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion a physical treatise , grounded , not upon tradition , nor phancy , but experience , consisting of three parts . the first , a manvdvction , discovering the true foundation of the art of medicine . the second , an explanation of the general natures of diseases . the third , a proof of the former positions by practice . by william russell , chymist in ordinary to his majesty . london , printed for john williams at the crown in st. paul's church-yard , mdclxxxiv . the preface to the reader . my blooming years , happening to be in that sullen time , wherein nothing here but storms and tempests appeared were so blasted ; that little else was manifest in me , but what those sad disturbances had impressed ; so that , at the one and twentieth year of my age , i found ambition to outweigh my natural inclination : which i had never discerned , had i not been overwhelm'd by the providence of the almighty , and by his great judgments ( both on mind and body ) brought to submit to his government . whereupon , it was clear to me , that the actions of childhood had not so blemished my understanding , as youthful ambition had done : from hence , a strife arose in me , which ended not , until ( through mercy ) a right apprehension was given to me again ; by which , after some series of time , i could and did willingly turn out this unnatural and haughty guest . hence proceeded my private life , which hath now continued for about thirty three years ; and given being to my principles , and practice ; and by consequence birth to this treatise , which is a brief account of my frequent experience , that being an unquestionable ground ; and every thing , that hath not its original from some such undeniable principle , can never have a certain effect . to fear god , and love our neighbour , are precepts , so universally adhered to ( as the summary of divine and moral acts ) that jews and christians , turks and pagans , have ever subscribed to them ; notwithstanding the various forms , and figures , wherein they have been represented . therefore do i think , that there is no sensible man , but must say , that remedies of an universal tendency , in which all apprehensions and inclinations agree , are more efficacious , safe , certain and speedy , than any particular remedy whatsoever , whereof there are doubts and different opinions ; in as much as nature never varyes , in all her endeavours , from the capacity , ordination and end of every individual ; and that , which all concur in , must needs be true : so that , whatsoever seed she manageth to generation , that still produceth the uniform figure and virtue , according to its primitive appointment ; unless by some accidental cause impeded . nevertheless , altho i seem in this whole treatise , to mind nothing but universal dispositions ; yet i have bid fair for particulars also , as my seven years living upon vegetables hath sufficiently demonstrated , and in that time my examinations of their particular virtues ; not by reading what others have written thereupon ; but by experimenting their operation on my own body , and on others also . but , since i do not find them useful , except particularly to some persons ; and tho specifical to diseases of each kind , yet unable to supply the defects of nature so well as things of an universal tendency ; being seldom singularly serviceable , till after other medicines are given : i presume no ingenious man will think i wholly decry their use , but rather exalt them in their proper place , intending ( in my explanation of this treatise ) to write more fully of them , whereby it may be known i have indeavour'd to understand the use of particulars , as well as of generals . but , let not any one think , the doctrine here asserted to be novel ; for 't is as ancient as physic , or physicians ; which hermes trismegistus his smaragdine table sufficiently declares , where he saith , as is that , which is above , so is that which is beneath ; and all is by the mediation of one thing . which true position of his hath been so far from being denyed by those men , who have observed nature in her secret meanders , from that time , unto this very day , that none of common reason will or dare contradict the same : for the egyptian learning plainly enough demonstrates hermes to be their prince ; and their hieroglyphicks shew , that not tradition , but natural sagacity should be the guide of all inquisitive minds , whereby to understand their powers and actions . this was so certainly believed in that age , that all the neighbouring nations , even in the times of the greeks , sought knowledge no where , but in that place ; and from thence the same hath been derived to us , as appears by the romans first admitting thereof , and bequeathing it to our climate . for , from esculapius his time , to hippocrates ( the 14th in descent from him ) it doth appear , nature was always allowed to be the physicianess of diseases ; and from that time , unto this day , none have denied it ; except such men , as sought innovation , and thought they could govern nature better , than she could govern her self . but since that age , there have risen a sort of people , that did not so ingenuously follow nature and reason , in the investigation of truth , as their predecessors did ; but have ( for interest sake , or else out of ignorance espoused , and imposed upon the world false doctrines suitable to their ambitious or covetous designs ; whereby they have clouded the understandings of men , and introduced erroneous positions , to the shame of sciences , and prejudice of mankind . aristotle , having a monarch to defend him , presumed to burn the books of his ancestors ; yet could not fully confute , nor wholly smother the truth therein contained . by these , and other like means , the very tract of the ancients is almost wholly lost ; and now nothing , but nature her self , can restore that to man of which there are no plain presidents , or evident footsteps . for , when christians had forsaken that simplicity , which was the crown of religion , and became asserters and ascribers of infallibility to themselves ; then arose the roman vicar , as their dictator , the limiter , bounder , and measurer of all divine and natural things which they themselves ( being seized with egyptian darkness ) could not distinguish ; so that , if any new matter was apprehended and declared , which was not affirmed by this governor , death ensued ; as appeared by that german bishop , who ( endeavouring to prove the antipodes ) was condemned to dye ; because he had presumed to assert that , which was not approved by this head of the church ; and the learning which many academicks ( at this day ) boast of , is not so much the result of natural sense , as of that politic government . nevertheless , these men own and acknowledg hippocrates to be their patron ; but did they ( as they pretend ) truly consider , and imitate him , they would not force , but follow nature . for , it appears ( by his rules and sayings ) that nature was his guide ; because he taught , that matter , while crude , was not to be expelled out of the body ; which is a perfect indication , that he would have us to expect a due time 'till nature shewed what she would have performed , and when she expected such assistance ; and not to precipitate her into actions , unto which she had no tendency ; and by taking her off from her own work , to take part with the disease . the same hippocrates long since declared , that the man , who in all his life brought forth nothing , which was of service or benefit to his neighbour , deserved no remembrance among men. therefore , if i have herein aimed ( according to my narrow talent ) to be serviceable to mankind , i am thereby but a disciple to that great master : yet , if what is contained in this treatise , be of any advantage to others , the thanks thereof is not so much due to me , as to my opposers , whose provocations have excited me to this vindication of my proceedings ; like the philosopher's contranatural fire , which ( in destroying the outward form ) excites the inward spirits to unite , and concenter , for their own preservation ; to the begetting or bringing forth of some new substance of another species . charge not on me the scribe's , or printer's faults , who see with others eyes ; but they whose thoughts vulgar opinion governs , are worse blind : in me the organ's dark , in them the mind . the first part. a manuduction , discovering the true foundation of the art of medicine . the practice of physick being various , ( and in the judgment of most very uncertain ) because the galenists have one theory , and chymists another ; i cannot perceive any thing herein more serviceable to the publick , than to distinguish their foundations , and what use i have made of them . the galenists have 4 humors , 4 complexions , and 4 qualities , to raise their structure on : and when either of these exceed their due temperament , they judg a disease present ; and to that apply their remedies ; never so much as thinking of a mover , or first cause of these disorders . the chymists , according to paracelsus and helmont , establish their theory on the first disturbance given to nature in her own inns , and acts ; not so much respecting effects as causes , nor the matter disturbing , as the spirit disturbed : and to this they apply their remedies . this later foundation , with me ( under great trouble of spirit ) at last overcame all doubtings , and i readily adhered to these sublime conceptions ; having for their basis such perspicuity as the light of nature did really demonstrate , and hippocrates , their allowed patron , doth attest , saying ; nature is the physician and curer of diseases . yet , upon examination of their remedies against this spiritual assault , or first being of diseases , i perceived they depended not upon any particular known medicines , but on universal dispositions , drawn from metals , minerals , salts , animals , or vegetables . hence , i began to despair of arriving at any certainty to attain remedies so gifted , as to be capable to reduce nature to her primitive unity with and in the faculties of the body . for , i well knew , that all the known remedies of these times , were not the medicines of our famous progenitors , nor capable to answer to those ends ; being the products and off-springs either of unfound hearts , or ignorant heads , too much devoted to gain and applause ; who , having forsook the substance , embraced the shadow ; and gave names to remedies , as paracelsick , which have as much difference from his in disposition , as light has from darkness . all their medicines were either endued with particular faculties , and hostile dispositions , ( as purging , and vomiting , the sound as well as the sick ) or else curtailed by fire , and fiery spirits , and so rendred diaphoretical ; under all which considerations , they became wholly unfit to answer that great end of nature , curation . i did not think those supream and general gifts were wanting in nature ; but ( because i knew not the artifice , by which they might be attain'd ) they were to me as things of no value or concern : having therefore suspended my thoughts , till i better understood them , i greatly bent my mind to animals , salts , and vegetables ; and from them endeavoured ( as far as in me lay ) to separate their terrestreity , and by mistion , their specificality ; and having spiritualized them , i found they were not unfit to be administred in any case , so far , as communication of strength was needful : and so great a blessing attended for some space of time , that they seemed to answer the utmost desires of nature . yet , my mind being not idle i allways feared , that this success might arise from the smallness of the malignity , or the happy genius that prompted me to these endeavours : nor was it long before my suspitions proved truths . for , when i found some persons not cured , thô the principal parts were not perished ; and that continual strife stirred up by nature , ended in her own conquest ; i positively concluded , that those medicines , that were fit to stir up action ( if not also endued with a vitality , to keep nature in union with and in her own organs , to act unto the time of death without loss of sensibility ) were far short of what a true physician should endeavour to compass . now was i again bewildred , my grief renewed , my ignorance seemed greater then at first , and my labours i undervalued as things of no moment , books could not help , and counsel ( at that time ) among men was not to be hoped for . therefore i accused my self as rash in attempting that , which seemed impossible to be attained ; and even despaired thereof . but , considering in my self , that these my endeavours had not their original in me by education , nor by any consideration of profit or honour , that might accrew from the pursuit of the same ; but from a natural propensity , strongly overweighing my other inclinations , which ( at that time ) to my outward man were pleasing enough , and not without great strife fully subdued ; i resigned my self to the good pleasure of the highest , and endeavoured stilness more then understanding . indeed i plainly viewed all things , but would not discuss them so far , as to raise any foundation therefrom , or to bring thoughtfulness in my self . for , i perceived a disquisition of ought , that stood not in unity with all things , would be particular , uncertain , and dangerous ; yea , utterly unfit to answer the ends of nature : because i found it wanting to the attainment of true healing : and in this way of simplicity i was found of what i knew not how to search for : nature , in stilness , brought forth that , which reason ( without light ) could never have acquired , even under its most acute scrutiny ; for , it not being sensible , there was no ground for reasoning . in this opening , i saw , that every universal remedy had its root in the first , or second life of minerals and metals ; the last life of them being either over-compact , or venomous . this aspect was grateful to me , and gave me strong hope , that time and stilness might produce more evidence . nor was i deceived : for the way of destroying the last life of some subjects ( endued with an universal tendency ) was in the properties of nature made manifest to me . then did i see , as in a glass , the wonderful gifts implanted in metals , minerals , &c. by the pleasure of the most high , as a relief to mortals , in this latter age of the world ; wherein diseases are increased and heightned by various venoms ( the relicts of popular distempers ) and complicated through the vices of life , and want of an unspotted vitality in our original constitution . besides , it appears that the world it self waxeth old , the powers thereof are much altered , all the external virtues of its superficies are declined ; but metals and minerals , that have not known the force of the external air ( the great propagator of life and corruption ) are less partakers of the universal debility , than those things which exist chiefly by that air. not that they have not their air also , but it is otherwise qualified ; rather to forward their compaction , and concentrate their virtues , than to corrupt them . by which means they seem to be appointed ( since , as to our air , they share an unspotted , unchangeable life ) as true succours , to withstand the impressions of our external air , and the many changes and complications of diseases , that reign amongst us . but vegetables , by reason of a seeming decay of vigour in the elements , or the declining state of the external virtues of the worlds superficies , ( thô they have many excellent and peculiar endowments , which wisely used may be sometimes serviceable in the cure of the sick ; when freed from their terrestreity and grossness , that in their reception , they put not nature to too much trouble of digestion ) yet , if they be not so universalized by vnition , that they no longer serve under their particular gifts , they indeed cannot contribute any thing to nature in her most deplorable cases : whereas , mineral and metalick virtues , being more concentrate , have more universal dispositions ; and so are more fit to serve nature , to all intents , than the other . for , minerals and metals are not specificated to this or that person , or to this or that disease ; but to the properties of nature , in her first operation in bodies : by which indeed , as to the noble parts of principal members , one mineral or metal may be more suitable , than another ; but , as to diseases and persons , there they solely act according to nature's deficiency and so become true succours : because , when they are prepared as requisite , they are not transchanged in the body , the light and vigour , or ray of them being the medicine . so that the substance of them passeth away unalter'd as to weight ; and therefore not being touched by our ferments , bringeth less trouble to nature , than one spoonful of wine would do ; and this is , because there is no reaction of nature upon them , as in other medicines : but if they be administred in so weak a state , as before separation of the form they are cast out by the draught , then they are altogether useless . minerals and metals have their gifts from god , not from man's art : for art doth not confer virtue , but by separating the shell discovers the kernel : and their implanted virtues are for our benefit ; posited there and not to be concealed , neglected or slighted , as things not to be used ; because envy and ignorance have condemned them : for , by that means , the end of their creation would be frustrated ; which will seem to the rational an evil conceit . shall wheat be contemned as unfit for nourishment , because it hath husks ? or almonds for their hard shells ? i write not of the external properties of minerals and metals , but of their inward parts , in which is concentred a more vital air than in other things , by which they famously manifest their universal disposition . air , we see , above all things visible , refresheth man ; now , the air inclosed in them is of an unsearchable power , purity , and penetration , beyond what is in any single concrete ; more friendly than ours , wherein we breath ; for though it be lyable to it's laws for transchangement , yet its virtues in order to sanity are thereby not diminished . but , the external parts of minerals and metals are indeed venomous , and may justly be censured as altogether unfit to be relyed on , for succour in diseases ; because they compel nature to expulsion , and are not subservient to her , in exciting natural vigour , except against their own poysonous hostility . therefore , what hath been , or shall be writ , concerning this , must not be understood of the exterior parts of metals or minerals , or of the medicines made thereof , which are commonly known ; but of such medicines , as truly perform what i have specified , by assisting nature , and are so vastly different from those of common use , that their subsequent operation can never be declared , before they are taken : to day they have one action , to morrow another , and the third day another , as the diseases happen to be changed by their virtues . as for instance ; in all acute diseases , if much material , vomits , stools , or vrine are largely provoked ; and then afterwards , sweats ; but after the feavers are extinguished , then stools again , till the relicts are removed . but in acute diseases , where there is more depression of spirit , and less matter , there sweats arise at first , and continue dayly till the evil be overcome ; and then stools for a day or two , according to the relict , and so they cease acting . and all this is effected by the same medicines ; which , if continued from the beginning to the end of distempers , will clearly manifest these properties . now , can any one imagin , that this variety of actions , in one and the same medicine , in the same body , and in the same disease , is any thing else , than the action of nature ? seeing it is evident , that vomiting and purging medicines never become sweaters or binders , except nature , through incapacity of expelling them ( falling under the burthen of their venome ) sends forth sweats , as signs of an evil guest . whatsoever therefore doth so directly fortify nature , as to make her act every way suitable to her own necessities , cannot be any other than virtue ; and seeing it hath pleased god to implant such virtues and powers , in minerals and metals , no unbyass'd person will say 't is unfit they should be inquir'd into . medicines thus endowed are more safe than others , as never performing ought that can be injurious , seeing nature only manageth them , and they purge not when they should provoke sweat ; nor do they vomit , when purging by vrine or perspiration is required ; they leave no relicts in the body , for they are clean , having all unnatural impurities removed . the child new born , the woman new layd , the most aged and most weak safely take them , without any the least dammage ensuing therefrom . i write not this conjecturally , but from the experience of more than twenty years . for , these remedies , having an universal tendency ( not working by vomit , stool , or sweat upon the sound ) do only in the sick operate , as nature findeth most convenient , and so are only her servants : but other medicines , that have not so universal a disposition , thô in former ages ( when diseases were more simple , and had rarely any thing extraordinary in them ) they might be very profitable , yet now they cannot be used without danger . for , where nature her self is undetermined , a remedy , that hath not a gift to reach the life , and strengthen her to compose those confusions , that cause so great a complication , and indetermination , may indeed by its particular act alter the scene , but not the tragedy ; and change the seat of a disease from one bowel to another ; but if any do impartially observe the event , they will soon perceive ; that the change of place hath rendred the disease ( before easily cured ) not curable , unless with great difficulty ; and not at all , but by general , remedies . yet , let no man mistake me so far , as to think these medicines ( i mention ) to be very easily obtained : no , the common preparations have no such endowments ; nor can the converting of a vomitive and purging medicine , into a diaphoretick , render its gifts more splendid : nay , rather , what before in it self had an universal disposition , is now become only a particular bemedy , being no otherwise serviceable , than where sweats are needful . and it is clear to every skilful labourer in the way of natural medicines , that every universal being , tormented by fire or fiery spirits , is not bettered thô changed : for every direct change is a diminishing of the natural gift ; and whosoever spends his time this way to alter general medicines , will injure both himself and his neighbour , and shall never arrive to any certainty in the true matter of medicine . the outward life of metals or minerals is poyson , which unless overcome , with conservation of the species of them , they cannot exhibit their natural gifts . for mineral virtues are like lillies among thorns : if a man remove not these , he will be wounded with their prickles , before he can attain the sweetness of those . the outward life of minerals must dye and be annihilated ; their middle life is medicine , antidote against poyson , an exhilirator and server of nature , without any determinate action ; a great light , impressed with a divine seal , capable to extirpate the characters of diseasy images , or at least to subvert their acts ; having a natural faculty to remove every occasional matter , by nature's own power ; not compelling but exciting her , as hath been sensibly experimented . this proved to me the truth of helmont's theory , which thô believed , yet without this testimonial act , i might ( with the generality of searchers ) have ruined my self , by adhering to what was visible , and supposing what i enjoyed not , as impossible to be attained . for every true natural medicine worketh not by its own power ( which is ever inimical to nature ) to vomit , purge , sweat , provoke urine , &c. but by nature's dispose ; being such as never operates on bodies well and in health , althô taken in a six-fold quantity ; nor on the diseased and sick , but in the way nature finds most conducent to health . because nature is the physicianess , and all that is ministred to her , ought to be at her dispose . and that she knoweth how to use medicines of an universal disposition , appeareth , in that she doth by them purge , vomit or sweat , where occasion is ; and that as forcibly and sensibly , as the strongest direct medicines can do ; yet with so different success , that sweats , thô endured for many daies , do not weaken so much as others ( thô only for some hours ) excited by a forcible diaphoretick ; nay , the patients ▪ each day grow stronger and stronger , than the first day of taking them . so likewise , in vomiting and purging , there is no debility of nature , thô they work many weeks together , in such a measure , that the gentlest of direct purgers ( if used so long , and wrought after the same manner ) would bring to death's dore , if not totally extinguish life : but these separate the occasional matter only , and weaken not . besides these properties mentioned , that prove their subserviency , ( which is but the dark part of vniversal remedies ) there are other more vital separations , which manifest their endowments ; insomuch , that the very same medicines that did provoke , do also stay vomiting , repress unnatural sweats , stop fluxes , cure the dysentery and gripings of the guts , as also all fluxes of the womb , white or red ; stay the menses if inordinate , and bring them down when stopped ; hinder abortion , further the birth when ripe ; prevent the after-pains , yet cleanse more securely , than any specifick whatsoever ; dissolve or ripen imposthumes , transmit seemingly fixed tumors from one part to another , so as sensible tumors of the womb , have by the use of them become imposthumes of the abdomen : an action , if well noted , of no small advantage to the sick , and of great comfort to an honest ingenious physician . i have also known urine ( in a great obstruction thereof , contrary to the common course of nature , yet naturally ) vented through the fleshy parts about the kidneys ; and that in such a quantity , as was not inconsiderable , had it been voided the usual way : thô this continued no longer , than the obstruction was separating ; for then nature assumed her usual passages . and for a crown to the reality of vniversal medicines , i shall add ; they more powerfully excite nature by insensible transpiration , than by all the usual passages ; which operation ( if physicians be not stark blind ) is of more service a thousand fold , especially in our days , than purging , vomiting , sweating , &c. were it not the grand unhappiness of mankind , to measure the offices of their living spirits , by the effects and consequences of their intemperate lives . for these remedies of an universal tendency , exciting nature to insensible transpiration , perform that part of medicine , which is least minded , thô of greatest concernment ; and althô of late years it hath been conceded to , as true , because sensibly experimented ; yet the medium , by which it is performed , is a mystery to the greater part of physicians . but to proceed to more sensible , and less disputable actions , ( what hath been already specified being most certain , because so often known by my self ) nothing , below an universal tendency , is capable of such different operations , nor can it be so disposed , as nature may be capable by the same , to extravert the introversate , and that without damage to the parts or organs , since it is not given to nature to create gifts , but to use them . for every particular remedy , thô most pure , cannot be extended beyond its gift : as for instance ; the purest stomachical , that hath gifts to fortifie , to cleanse and separate the impurities of that part , not being indowed with an universal disposition to strengthen nature ( to war against those dark images she hath conceived , and by that means impressed on another digestion ) and also a capacity of removing occasional causes ; it shall indeed corroborate the part for the present , but at the same time shall separate the impurity thereof to other digestions , and so rather render the party worse : because , the root of the disease being in the archeus , and that specifick is uncapable of communicating ought thereunto ( except what concerned that particular bowel ) the disease it self must necessarily be increased in the place to which it is transferr'd , and never be subdued , until the darkness , overwhelming the spirit , shall be driven away ; or the occasional matter ( in which those idea's are impressed ) nullify'd . whence it is clear in the light of nature , that remedies of an universal disposition are essential to true healing . not that i judge specificks altogether useless ; because i certainly know , that the great art of physicians consisteth in finding out and fitly applying the same : yet with this proviso , viz. that thay suit to parts and the operations thereof , and be universalized as to persons , so , that the sad , the merry , the cold , and hot constitutions may thence reap a like benefit ; which is no such hard matter to accomplish : for , if a specifick be fermented with an vniversal , by this means it is made more general , and mindeth not constitutions , but the offended part , in the operations thereof . yet these remedies must be used with great judgment ; because all specificks have a direct action , ( whether they be acidums or alkalies , aperitives , diureticks , diaphoreticks , vomiting , purging , resolving , separating , contracting or coagulating medicines ) and if unduly or unseasonably applyed , are direct evils . for , whosoever giveth a diaphoretick in the begining of a feaver , before any digestion happens in the febrile matter , doth by the same indeed produce sweats , but to the great disadvantage of the sick : because that action of the medicine , contrary to the disposition of nature , carrieth the more subtile parts of the occasional cause into the blood. and besides , the sweating remedy , because not gifted to strengthen nature , and incline her to her own acts , leaves the more gross and oft-times uncoctable diseasy matter in the stomach ; which proves fatal to the patient ; or at least renders the disease difficult to be healed . therefore specificks , thô never so pure or certain , and having an universal ferment , but not having thereby universal gifts , cannot be used generally without apparent danger : thô , in defects of parts and faculties , where nature indicates her own wants , they act more swiftly and certainly than remedies more general . yet it hath been obvious to me by manifold observations , that direct working medicines , given in the beginning of diseases , have generally injured the persons afflicted ; by removing the offensive matter to places , where nature ( without that force ) would never have done . let any one but observe the progress of malignant feavers , small pox , plague , &c. and he must necessarily discern , that any purging remedy , thô but a clyster , ( because nature endeavours to make separation another way by the skin ) doth notably hinder the then needful and necessary expulsion ; and , by attracting inward , brings death , or a very great danger thereof . now , althô in these acute diseases , by reason of their swift motion and sudden determination , errors are more obvious ; yet are they as certainly committed in the chronical and more slow distempers , and attended with the same consequences , thô longer before they be manifested . for , whensoever , by direct remedies , the diseasy-matter is transmitted from one digestion to another , must it not unavoidably be rendred worse ? and what was originally an evil in the stomach or spleen , if carried to the gaul or liver , ( and there hurting the actions and parts of the same ) shall it not be more difficult to cure , seing those bowels are remote from the stomach , and have a different digestion , and are not so easily reached by physick ? for , as mustiness in a barrel affects wine , beer , or vinegar , with the same odour ; so doth it in like manner affect any urinous liquor . how much more shall diseasy ferments , if by separation , without being overcome ( which no purgative remedy can do ) they be carried to the duodenum , necessarily infect the adjacent parts ? also , if i understand any thing in nature , the original of all chronical diseases , that are not seminal , proceeds rather from the errors of physicians , or the unruliness of patients , than from the weakness of nature , or strength of increasing diseases . for , it is almost daily seen , that one disease is changed into another ; not as progressing naturally thereto , but through irregular practice , by purging , bleeding , sweating , and other direct actions ; whereby acute diseases become chronical , and chronical acute ; by the one making the life miserable , and by the other inferring sudden death . which may easily be demonstrated , and i intend something thereof , when i shall treat of the progress of diseases . moreover , it is very manifest , that particular medicines ( how prevalent soever to any particular part , and the disease thereof ) where a complication of diseases is present , act rather against than with nature ; because they cannot be imployed by her against the complication , or the original of the defective part , for such remedies , acting particularly , and not generally , by cleansing the part render it more fit for reception of the complicating evil. so that , by such irregular practices , diseases of the first digestion consequently become distempers of the second or third , &c. and this is , because diseases of the first digestion , not being there subdued , but carried thence to the second or third , put on another nature ; and sometimes become complicated , thô simple before , through a natural disposedness to receive all depending evils of the place the diseased live in , or of the time or season of the year , or of the parts they possess . for , when diseases once degenerate , they are excited ( nature growing weaker ) by every adjacent evil : whereas in their first assault , one digestion alone being concerned , nature can much more easily overcome them . if i thought what is here expressed were not sufficient to prove the truth of this matter , i could easily demonstrate the same , by the practice , either of patients not timely using remedies , or of physicians using things improper . for , i do not find chronical diseases ( in their beginnings ) to have took root in us , except from the above specified errors . and althô some seminal dispositions derived from parents ( labouring under the same affects ) may beget diseasy inclinations ; yet they , not being able to act without matter , may well be subdued , or at least kept from further increase , if general means be timely used ; unless some principal vessel be naturally deficient . every seminal disposition is incorporeal , till matter ( through debility of nature ) be conjoyned with it ; for then it becomes active and a disease : but if the matter , which is the occasional evil , be removed , the action ceaseth . now , this matter at the first is easily expelled in a short time ; because , every such occasional matter is first manifested in the stomach . but when the seminal disposition and that matter have moved each with other any time , strange f●rments are begotten , and the actions of divers parts injured thereby . then indeed medicines , thô never so speedy in the beginning , cannot do much , but require length of time , by reason of the complication , which happens through the many digestions damnified . for , in the first motion thereof , the first digestion is but begun to be defiled therewith , and strives against it : then universal medicines can easily contest with the matter , and in small time overcome ; because the disease is yet undeterminate and floating ; no disease of any denomination having existence in the body ( except where some vessel or part is hurt ) till the first digestion submitteth to it , as an admitted guest , and ceasing to strive against it , sends superfluities ( as nourishment ) thereunto . this is apparent in every true gout ; before the paroxysm begins , loathing at the stomach , and a restless disposition is perceived for a day or two , and the pain never approacheth , till the burthen be thence removed ; thô indeed , the torture which happens afterward , doth many times cause , as it were , a loathing : yet that is rather the effect of anguish , than of matter . for , whereas at the first , these universal remedies work upon the matter , by vomits , sweats , stools , or urine , and when the pains exist in the joynts , have no action at all ; yet when the dolours are removed , then they operate the same way again . and this is a sufficient proof of the possibility of keeping even hereditary diseases , from growing , or increasing to any great height , by general medicines , if seasonably applyed . these general dispositions of medicines here treated of , are singularly useful , to keep physicians from error ; because medicines of an universal tendency do manifest the distempers of particular parts ; and ( as with the finger ) point at the seats of diseases , beyond the imagination of any , that have not proved them : for they most sensibly act on the diseased part. and , where such medicines are first administred , there particular remedies , that are specifick to parts , have afterwards the greater efficacy : because nature being assisted in general , doth readily dispose of the particular , according to its gift also . for , althô they cannot cure every disease , yet their clearing the first digestion , by strengthening and removing the evil thereof , cause the particular medicine to act , without any stop , upon the affected part . and by this method it is , that distempers accounted uncurable , have often been cured . but the great occasions of errors committed in the medicinal faculty , are : 1. ignorance of nature , what she is able to do . 2. want of knowledg of the possibility of remedies to be so universal in their nature , as to do , or leave undone , as it most conduceth to nature's help . 3. the grand mistake of practitioners , touching the causes of diseases ; judging all distempers to have their original from humorous filths , and in the mean while never thinking of venoms arising through ferments ▪ much less of the spirit that makes the assault . for , althô they hourly see the effects of anger , sorrow , envy , fear , &c. yet , when they apply remedies , the first obvious cause , that turns the whole frame of man , is not consider'd by them ; and only what they produce is the subject against which their medicines are directed . as for example : when rage kindleth choler , they seek to allay choler , that is only the product of rage . choler maketh not men angry , but anger conceived maketh that sensible ; for nothing liveth , but hath enough of that juice ( so called ) to be in rage sufficiently , yet unless the spirit be defiled by a wrathful image , there is no sense of it apparent . so also , when our thoughts are greatly exercised with a strong desire to attain what is unknown , the constringing fiat presently ferments the chyle with so great a sharpness , through the contraction of the spirit in that exercise , that it is manifest in the gust , or sensible tast , and is in nature the cause of what is called melancholy ; but , if persevered in so long till separation happen , without great helps , a certain distraction is produced , or some violence that is worse . envy and malice have not much different effects , for the former cause , when they are conjoyned with a strong desire , except that madness hence does more rarely happen ; yet in that cold dark harsh fire they impregnate the chyle , and induce great leaness on the body , harshness and darkness in the skin and hair , and are not curable any more than the other , by any means applied to the humour : for , althô that be altered by the force of physick to day , and wholly separated ; yet if the spirit strenuously persist in the same design , the disease ( in the twinkling of an eye ) is generated again : because , what is once done , may be done a second time , and needs not any intervening agent . althô 't is true , that matter once generated , augments the evil , and increaseth the darkness so largely , that the spirit is thereby more materiated , more exasperated , and in greater anguish . fear stagnizes the blood , brings coldness , sighing , intermittent pulses , convulsions , and ( if strongly persisted in ) sudden death , or great stupidity . now , it is true , that in case the occasion of fear be removed , it is no hard matter to conquer the effects ; and so , it is consequently true in other idea's : but if continued in , thô but in a mere dejection , or sinking of the life , they are rendred more difficult to cure , than the more evil and active passions . sorrow is accompanied with debility of faculties , a pining away of the body , and a wasting of the spirits ; and is a causer of pains in peculiar vessels , through the alteration of chyle , ( the parent of manifold evils ) yet if once overcome , the effects are not long in expelling , thô they have altered almost all the constitution . now , in as much as 't is evident , that disturbance of the spirit is the generator of defects in the body ; can it be thought , that real venomes ( whether epidemical , endemical , or artificial ) shall less distast then the aforementioned conceptions ; since they absolutely assault the spirit , and endeavour the extirpation of vital light ? the former arise as well from feigned as real objects ; the later only from real , active , and ( after a sort ) living essences : therefore in reason more perceptible , and causes of greater wrath , fear , stupor , sorrow , or irregular action in our nature ; unless we think every thing is agitated by necessity , as sparks fly upward , and that there is no living understanding and election in us. but , if we bring these things to a sensible test , it cannot be denyed , but that we feel the force of anger , fear , &c. in our bodies ; which , if the spirit in us were not the ruler , could never be so . yet , to come nearer to our selves : do not trivial errors , even of meats and drinks , heats and colds , primarily affect the spirit ? who is there , whom fulness of meats and drinks doth not affect with dulness and heaviness ? do not heats , when overmuch , cause faintings and languishments ; and doth not the supplement of cordials ( actual or potential ) supply that defect ? likewise , is it not apparent , that cold ( when offensive ) stagnizeth the bloud , giveth cause for dolour in the external parts to imposthumous humors ; or stirs up disorders internally , through the let of vital separations ; and is usually the begetter ( if the spirit be not helped to perform its natural separations ) of vomitings , fluxes , feavers , coughs , and what not , through the obstructing of the vital spirit ? yet however , this can be no more than the occasional cause ; the efficient must be the spirit erring in its own acts , that must constitute this formal part of distemperature , and bring it to a disease . and doth any thing sooner restore nature to her wonted action , than such things as fortifie her , and help forward transpiration , which the cold letted ? also , it is very clear , that if any one , upon the first sense of a distemper , doth but use such universal means , as can keep nature to act without disturbance ; he will certainly find , that all these distempers ( so generally afflicting ) are driven away almost as soon as they came . for , by the first assault , the archeus is only confused , and hath not throughly impressed the obstructed matter with a diseasy character . and this my patients do generally find true , insomuch that for many years , few of them know ought of a compleat disease , unless they neglect their remedies in the beginning . for every medicine of an universal tendency is gifted from above , to withstand the formation of diseases ( if the internal spirit hath not given to them a seminal being ) inasmuch as it addeth power and activity to nature , through the light and life that is in it , to act regularly . therefore , of how great concern is the knowledg of medicines strengthening , exhilarating , and pacifying nature ; since she is the only actor , as well as curer of her self ? how chary then ought a physician to be of what he gives to his patients , that he may not compel nature by the crudeness , contrariety , or poysonous property of medicines ( which qualities all direct purgers and vomiters have ) to exhaust her strength , by opposing one evil with another ? if physicians have not remedies more general , pure and friendly , than those that are usually given ( i mean such , as can excite nature to action , give her strength , be imployed by her to this or that operation , without leaving reliques offensive , nay sometimes more troublesome , than the disease it self ) the want of such can be no excuse to them : for god hath not left mortals deprived of remedies , of a more friendly and benign nature and condition , did not pride , covetousness and an overweaning conceit , accompanied with negligence , attend some book-doctors , keeping them from searching into the mystery of true practice . these men conclude , if they administer according to a written rule , set out by any they esteem able ( let the success be what it will ) 't is justifiable , because answearable to what was directed ; they themselves being judges ; thô it be contrary to nature in all respects . but , were nature more minded , and the receipts of doctors less , we should see an happier effect on diseased persons . and were the errors they commit , writ on their foreheads ; or the means , by which they have attained their grandeur among the people , duly examined ; they would be ashamed of the one , and abhor the other . nature is that we ought to observe , to strengthen her where she is weak , to enlighten her where dark , to pacify her when inraged ; that fear may vanish , rage may cease , and amazement be expelled . whosoever can accomplish this , shall find the most stubborn , and accounted uncurable diseases , to fly before him . but , diligence , a sound and unbyassed understanding , accompanied with patience , love and zeal , are essential to open these deeps , and to discover such medicines , as are fit to extirpate those exorbitances . alas ! those that have trod this path , have been very few ( or they have concealed themselves ) and what they have written rather stirs up desire , than satisfies . the famous medicines of paracelsus and helmont , notwithstanding their voluminous writings , and frequent citations of them , contribute little to us , only , that they incite us to follow nature : but the remedies themselves , either dyed with them , or are very secret : no general rule is extant , whereby such medicines may be obtained . what shall we do ? where shall we seek ? unless we can find the path of nature is general , we shall not be able by art to answer her deficiency in particular . the pious and learned silurist , in his silex scintillans , hath something fitted to this purpose , where he saith : when nature on her bosome saw her children dye , and all her fruits withred to straw , her breasts grown dry ; she made the earth ( her nurse and tomb ) sigh to the sky : till to those sighs , fetcht from her womb , rain did reply . so , in the midst of all her fears and faint requests , her earnest sighs procur'd those tears , that fill'd her breasts . what is most natural is most fit to be exemplary , and will seldom fail those that follow it . but , to rake the volumes of the dead ( when their sense is buryed with them ) to find understanding , is as irrational as for the blind to endeavour to discern colours . besides , it is a great undervaluing of mans own capacity , natures bounty , and god's blessing , to judg what hath been once done may not be done again . for , altho their medicines be dead with them , or obscured ; yet nature is still in being , and her lord ( the dispenser of every virtue ) lives for evermore , loves his creatures , created medicines for them , and never faileth to impar● gifts to the sons of men , according as they stand capacitated to receive them . but , if we think the old metho● of the ancients ( set the natural part thereof aside , which is the least particle thereof ) which is already known , and found to be uncertain , to be sufficient for diseases which were not then in being , it is as much as to fit one hat to every head , and one shoo to every foot. let it be inquired how remedies came first to be known , seing we know man is born into the world , with the least capacity to help himself ; and then knowledg must either arise by instinct , or by being acquired by experience ; or be attained to by education , or by something beyond all . assuredly , education cannot rightfully assume to it self the principal place ; for it is most certain , that that knowledg which is real , must either be taught from natural instinct , or be acquired from observation . and if from either of these , whensoever new diseases happen , must not the cures of the same naturally arise from one of them two ? because there is no rule , nor can be any for what was not in being before . if no rule , then certainly natural instinct , or experience acquired by observation , must be the only available and truly prevalent medium , by which the most certain and proper remedies of such new evils can be known . education in these cases cannot help ; for , 't is apparently manifest , that all education ariseth from certain received principles , of supposed conveniency or inconveniency : and as the principles are , true or false , particular or general , so do they enlarge or diminish the understanding . what takes being from experience is true ( if they , who possess the same , have a true sentiment of the experiment , and well understood the causes ) being sensible ; yet , as it hath being from effects , it is not always presidential for the future : but , what ariseth naturally , and hath the inborn principles in man for its guide , is the true patron of all general and particular knowledg ; i call to witness the testimony of all ages , and ask : who instructed the first authors of physick , when there were neither books , nor precedents ? who taught hippocrates so many ages since , to distinguish something divine in certain diseases , and to have a cure for a popular plague , never known or heard of before ? whence was it , that the same man ( in that age of the world , wherein diseases and their remedies were neither known nor distinguished in any measure ) did obtain a most clear light , not only to distinguish , but also to cure diseases with proper medicines ? how was basilius a monk instructed , who in his days became a most knowing physician ? did not paracelsus and helmont , neglecting the traditions of their predecessors , obtain medicines of greater efficacy , than all that went before them ? paracelsus , thô bred up in schools , chosen professor of physick in basil , raised not his knowledg from what he had read , but from the light of nature operating in him ; as sufficiently appears by his dissenting from every known rule ; and by his effectual cures ; as also , by his own declaration , that he had not read any book of philosophy or physick in ten years time together . and helmont acknowledged , that he found out more certainty , when discourse and phansy , or imagination was subdued , than by all his readings or conceptions : to the truth of which , some now in being can bear their testimony . and is it not daily manifest , that the indians , which have no books , by natural instinct only find out the virtues of plants , so that they rarely want a medicine for their common distempers ? do we not our selves often see sick persons ( given over by physicians ) to be cured by their own natural impulse ? one person is cured after one sort , another after another , altogetehr contrary to a known method ; which we ignorantly call chance , but it is so only to us : for , without doubt , this is nature , that naturally excites man to his cure ; as the dog , to quitchgrass ; the cat , to nep ; the swallow , to celandine , &c. if nature be ( as indeed she is ) the exciter of these animals , to their proper remedies , without any conception , fore-thought , or reasoning of their own ; how much more is she of man , in whom is latent a capacity of knowing things in their roots , so , that some men , void of much discourse or reasoning , when the internal man in them is touched or excited , utter wonderful things ; yet , are uncapable of reasoning how , or why they utter them ? even so , arts appear more polite , where nature bringeth them forth in man , without the consult of his reason . for as the strength of the lion , and fierceness of the tiger , the courage of an horse in time of battel , and the fearfulness of the hare , are not the consults of their strengths or weaknesses , or the effect of education , but ingenited properties ; so we see some apted to musick , to poetry , to limning , to arithmetick , the mathematick science , and mechanick arts , in so high a measure , that they evidently outstrip all others that have been educated therein . who did ever exceed appelles ? when did ever art make a poet come near homer , for exactness of phansy ? nay , 't is generally taken for granted , that poets are born , not made . our own days produced a child , capable of solving most solvable questions in arithmetick , without a teacher , or known rule . the merchants , that trade to the gold-coasts , have told me , that the negroes , upon their fingers , sooner account the value of commodities , thô in broken numbers , than our acutest merchants can with their pen. how many have we seen excellent artists in mechanick works , that never learned them of masters by education skilled therein ? but to conclude all , of whom did archimedes learn his admirable ( and as yet unparallell'd ) inventions of mechanick engins , by which he so long withstood the roman army , both by sea and land ; using his single artifice only , without the help of other weapons ? insomuch , that marcellus , general of that army , speaking in mockery to the engineers of his own camp ( as plutarch writeth ) said : what ? shall we never cease to make war with this briarean engineer , and geometrician here ? who , sitting still at his ease , in sporting manner , hath with shame overthrown our navy , and exceeded all the fabulous hundred hands of the giants , discharging at one instant so many shot amongst us ? whence , i say , had these men their instruction , while we , who have had their books and experiments ( or at least an indubitate relation of them ) yet attain not to their perfection , thô so many hundred years be past , and so many hands and heads have been imployed since their time ? surely nothing hath been a greater cause of this deficiency in us , than our supposing things declared to be a better rule to be gone by , than the principles they began upon , who declared them . and were it not for that , i cannot but , think , that we had been long ago so enlarged in our understandings , as these lines need not have been written at this time . but then , i would also be understood to suppose , that the foundation , in and by which these famous men attained to the perfection of their arts , be not neglected by us : for they , not regarding ( perhaps not having , or not using ) the frail and uncertain help of books , not trusting to the written experiments of others , suffered themselves in great simplicity ( as the child above mentioned ) to be taught by nature . this way they obtained a more certain knowledg , than wa● possible to be attained by any other way . wherefore , to be unlearned in the art of physick , is not to want the benefit of languages ; for a due observation of , and living up to the rules of nature in that case provided , are the chief things necessary to that science , which is more easily attain'd by a sound judgment , than by reading the most book-learned wits . for , since nature is the guide of the universe , and of each thing therein , it is not to be doubted , but that as she brings forth medicine , so she doth the physician also to administer the same , whether it be considered generally or particularly , as to those remedies , the gifts of which ( in all ages , times and seasons , to all persons and all diseases ) are alwayes the same : or to such remedies as are more specifick , or particular , which are produced by her in one place only , at one time , and for some persons ; as medicines fit for fome certain personal , or local diseases ; and in another place and time , for other persons and diseases . and it is clearly manifest , that the knowledg of the virtues of roots , herbs or plants , hath been nothing advanced since the days of theophra●tus ( a man naturally experienced ●herein , and the divulger thereof ) ●xcept what hath been discovered by observation from beasts , birds , old women , clowns , indians , or some such way unexpectedly . not , that nature hath been all this time ignorant , or uncapable of succouring her own off-spring , especially since diseases have multiplyed ; but those that pretend themselves physicians , have not been gifted by her , but have opposed and hindred her proper endeavours ; they , being bent and resolved to be wiser than she , and to compel her by remedies : a practice their fore-fathers never knew : thinking that man , who was made in the image of god , hath no light or guide in himself , sufficient to direct him to his own help , or the help of his neighbour . o great blindness ! what man ? the summary of all created things , that hath an immortal soul , shall not that in him , which descended from above , be capable to distinguish what is fit for his help ? shall birds and beasts have the priviledge to know the fitness of remedies , and man be judged uncapable thereof ? shall barbarous indians , and rude shepherds husbandmen or old women do greater cures , than the learned doctors of our age ? o shame ! for , to be ignorant of what illiterate persons know , is a great reproach to the learned ; if they , pretending great knowledg perform little , ( even in the faculty , of which they call themselves masters ) and the other , pretending little , are able to do much more than they . but , this is , because the one is excited by natural instinct , and the other only by credulous reading . althô , at present , these things may sound harsh to the ears of some , yet being true , and having nature for their foundation , they will , perhaps , out-live the enemies of the same ; and ( in this latter age ) be as generally received as heretofore ( in times of apostacy ) they have been denyed . our ancestors in art ( though vulgarly reverenc'd under the notion of antiquity ) were really but the infancy of the world ; 't is our age which , by following long after theirs , is indeed the true antiquity : why then should we dote wholly upon their childhood-inventions ; and not rather , having the advantage of example ( which the beginners must needs have wanted ) proceed and grow old in understanding , as well as in time ? a pigmey set upon a giant 's shoulders , may be able to see farther than him. the second part. of the general nature of diseases . a person is then properly said to be sick , when some part , at least , cannot perform its due action ; and whatever produceth that infirmity , is styled the cause ; and that disability of the part to do its proper office or function , is call'd a disease : of which some are simple , some are complicated . simple diseases are either natural , preternatural , or contranatural : pardon the coinage of the last word , because it seems as analogical , as the terms , supernatural , vnnatural , connatural , and the like . of the first sort are all hereditary diseases transferr'd from parents to children , and may be considered under the deficiency of parts , transmitted idea's , or corporeal venoms ; sometimes singly , as when any weakness of parts in parents ( not labouring under any other disease ) is conveyed to their off-spring , who have those deficiencies during life , in one measure or other ; yet are not at all thereby the more lyable to greater diseases , but to the trouble of nature's exercise , where that deficiency is ; except , nature failing in her own endeavour , admit retents of things to her further disturbance ; which yet may easily be prevented , by the help of remedies specifick to the parts . but , if to the weakness of a part , a material evil be added , then indeed the persons ( if not quickly cleared of that disease ) through the weakness of their inward parts , do either soon die , or live a miserable life . nevertheless , even in the conveyance of such morbifick idea's , if the parts be sound , and no accidental thing happen to give vigour thereunto , they perceive nothing thereof for a long time , as is observable in the derivative gout , which a child ( thô begotten by parents strongly possessed therewith ) feeleth many times nothing ▪ thereof , till 40 , or 50 years of age : for , it is absolutely necessary and essential to every ideal disease , ( except mental evils ) to have material filths for the idea to work upon . for instance i have observed , that those , who have contracted the poyson of the lues mummially , and have otherwise been of sound parts , have had no tokens , nor appearance thereof in several years themselves , ( and perhaps never may ) yet some of the children proceeding from the same bodies , have been naturally infected therewith . and likewise i have known other parents ideally defiled , to have had issues that appeared sound and free ( because seeds admit not of ought but idea's ) for 7 , 10 , or 12 years ; and afterwards that ideal disease , by occasional matter , hath manifested it self apparently as an hereditary communication . besides , it is observed generally , that those who are contaminated with that disease , by a seminal contact , have never any sense thereof for several months ; and others , on whom the disease ( so acquired ) breaks out at any time , are conscious of some disorderly acts , that have introduced superfluities , for captivating the spirits ; without which that malady , when seminally induced , is not made manifest . but , if the lues be materially contracted , then the soundest body , and the clearest spirit , escape not free from the sense thereof for many hours , or at the most not for above 3 days : because it materially affects the parts , discovers its proper signs , and manifesteth it self to be material ; and the archeus , striving against it , produceth sores and fluxes in the parts infected , thereby to center the evil in the part , to prevent its further progress in the body : by which means , gororrhea's newly gotten are quickly healed , all the internal parts being sound ; nor do they ever arise to the lues , except means be wanting to keep them from further spreading . for , material diseases , ( thô very venomous , by reason of their corporeity ) are easier overcome , than the spiritual or ideal ; because they aseend not to so great an height , as to captivate nature , so as to make her nourish the evil without resistance , except great errors are committed : whereas the ideal do at first darken the spirits , and then make them subservient ( through insensibleness of the unmateriated venom ) to prepare matter for the existence and nourishment of that spiritual evil , and then is the disease formed . now , for corporeal evils that are derived from parents , having their original from maternal nourishments , they manifest their cruelty so soon as the child is born , by one sign or other evident to the sense , as by vomitings , loosness , restlessness , thrush , or convulsions ; sometimes by acrimonies external or otherwise , by which their lives are quickly cut off , if they be not helped with remedies that can fortify the natural powers to resist those evils . and that general opinion ( grounded upon the defectiveness of common remedies ) that physick is not fit for children , hath in all probability cast away many , that might have been preserved : for material evils , how great soever they seem , are seldom mortal , if the internal powers are strengthened by natural medicines ; because the spirit in them is not so vitiated , as to nourish the evil : thô indeed a diseasy . idea , imprinted upon the archeus of a child , striveth to bring the disease into act , upon the advantage of every occasional disorder . preternatural diseases ( so called , because they have no root naturally from parents , or from diseasy seeds ; but are accidentally begot by variety of distempers , as the spirit or part is more or less vitiated ) are such as arise through the errors of digestion ; by fulness , emptiness , colds , heats , sorrow , anger , fear , hatred , &c. things transmuted , transmitted or retained ; or when one disease is changed into another through misapplication of physick , or the irregularity of the patient . under fulness , is comprehended gluttony , drunkenness , or any excess beyond the ability of nature to digest : for the disagreements likewise of foods ( which , thô taken in small quantities , may notwithstanding offend ) are to be numbred among excesses ; because , by reason of their properties disagreeing with constitutions , through want of use ; their difficulty to be digested in their being over solid , their tendency to corruption , their fermental dispositions , or their hostile venomes to particular natures ( by their antipathy thereunto ) may prove equally burthensome , as the over-charging of the stomach with agreeable meats and drinks : either of these are the foundations of surfets , which beget languishings in the body , vomitings , headaches , and loosnesses , through disability of the pylorus ; and if not conquer'd or healed in their primitive root and seat , then the jaundies ( black or yellow ) iliac or cholic passion , diarrhoea ; quotidian and tertian feavers , dysentery , lientery , imposthumes , and obstructions in the spleen , mesentery , and reins , have their existences : whence dropsies , consumptions , hysterical passions , cachexies , falsies , vertigoes , apoplexies , and epilepsies , have their original . for , when evils are not subdued in the stomach , but vitiously slide into other bowels , to defile and beget strange ferments in them ; then the spleen and stomach conspire to the maintenance thereof ; their own government being characterically blemished with the foregoing disorders . emptiness , if too much , makes a depression of the spirits , languishing of the vital powers , and an indisposition of the parts of assimilate nourishment . the only remedies of this , are foods of a nourishing and more spiritual operation . colds and heats , in too great a degree , congeal or resolve the natural spirits to an extream , and obstruct , or expend the same . contranatural diseases are all epidemics , endemics ; and every poyson , yea , all such maladies as derive not their original from the parent 's seed ; nor take beginning from preternatural excesses in meats and drinks , errors in digestion , or the like ; but immediately from without assault the life . of this kind are the pestilence , and all annual ( commonly autumnal ) distempers , by us called new diseases , which arise from the putridness of the external air , by which our internal air or aether , being primarily defiled , suddenly contaminates the spirit of life , so as to beget diseases correspondent to the calamity the spirit is oppressed with , under the predominating powers of stupor , rage , or fear . in stupor , the disease having enervated the efficacy of the spirits discrimination , finisheth the tragedy without resistance : and when 't is finished , nature her self gives testimony of her own vanquishment , by that small refuscitation of her proper powers , which plainly shews her incapacity to strive against the prevailing evil ; because , while sensible of the assault , she willingly yields to death , without strife : as was sufficiently manifest to me in those , that ( in the year 1665 , ) had the plague ; in whom , nature , so soon as she was sensible of her own inability of overcoming , voluntarily submitted to the prevailing evil. and , thô sense was perfect , yet , when the tokens appeared , each person so concerned , thô seemingly well ( weakness excepted ) as at any other usual time , seldom fayled of dying in 12 , or 24 hours ▪ under this manifestation of the prevailing disease , the pulses are equal ▪ thô slow , the vrine thin , and nothing visibly different from an healthful state : nevertheless in these , there are twitchings of the nerves , tendencies to convulsions , which ( except remedies be applyed of so benigne a nature , as to be capable and able to enliven the spirit to act against the disease , and resist its venome ) always end in death . in rage , nature being sensible of the evil , acts violently against it , moves in and by the fire of nature , stirs up vomitings , headaches , phrensies , and vehement burnings , blanes , buboes , carbuncles , pustles , &c. ferments the bloud sometimes to evacuation by the nostrils , bowels and vrine . but , if remedies be used , that can resist the venome and appease the rage , sweats following , all those inordinate acts cease ; blanes , carbuncles , and pustles ripen ; buboes dissolve , and the disease is by little and little overcome . fear betrayes the succours of nature , and renders all endeavours useless ; because ( through that ) she readily receives the venome , sinks under it , and rather endeavours to nourish , than strives against the enemy . the signs of which are faintings , languishings of the spirits , palpitations of the heart , tremblings of the pulse , and rarely ever any other testimony of the disease , than the tokens : and if such persons have ( as sometimes happens ) blanes , pustles , carbuncles , or buboes , they neither ripen , nor dissolve . in this case ( thô so desperate ) if high cordials be at first administred and continued , with those medicines , that resist malignity , then sometimes the sick are happily cured , otherwise they certainly perish . the distinctions of diseases , natural , preternatural , and contranatural , being premised ; it is now to be understood , that the change of one of them into another , or the mixtion of them each with other , beget a complication ; as the two general evils , the lues and scurvy ( in their progress , from their first beginnings in us , to the exit of our lives ) do clearly demonstrate . touching the lues , a distemper too well known , i forbear to speak ; but generally in the scurvy , a disease by me long observed , i find the power of contraction ( or congelation ) and resolution . for scurvys present themselves to our consideration , as arising either from too great constringency , whereby the effervency of the bloud is stayed ; or from an over-great tartness , or resolution of the chyle into an abounding fermentation . in the one case , the bodies of people afflicted are always ( or for the most part ) chilly , sleepy , numned , stiff , and indisposed to motion ; in ●he other , they labour under faintings , ●alpitations of the heart , involuntary ●weats ▪ and heats , and as soon troubled with cold again . for , in the assault ●●om without , are inferred numnesses , ●ontractions of the nerves , extream ●oldnesses and lamenesses . and when ●ature ( by the assault perverted ) er●neously strives against them , hor●ble pains ensue , and produce rheu●atisms , and scorbutick gouts , ( the effects of tartness ) known by dolors in the nerves , as well as in the joynts and , when the assault is more inward , then arise palsies , convulsions , vertigoes , and all other capital diseases , that have their original from congelations in the nerves . on the other hand , when resolution is present ( for congelations and resolution● are too frequent in every part of the body ; and , as paracelsus well observed , are the sources or originals o● all diseases ) there sometimes happen● a resolution of the members , by fermentations in the bloud , erysipela's all open sores , cancers , and the like also inordinate bleedings , preternatural fluxes of bloud , bloudy vomitings , vehement burnings , loosnesse of all kinds , and the like . for , th● diarrhea , lientery , dysentery , catarrhs , hectick feavers , solution o● the joynts , &c. are properly calle● diseases of resolution . i should now subjoyn a discour● touching the forms and operation of ●●enomes , foremention'd in this theory , but because they rarely come in play , i had rather supersede that treatise , until the doctors vouchsafe to allow them an existence ; wherefore i shall here put a short end to the general nature of diseases , whose universal work it is to put such an end to ours . the third part. a proof of the former positions by practice . now , i proceed to a direct explanation of my practice in cure of diseases , consonant to the theory above given . but , because i have elsewhere spoken of cures , by me performed in the same method , from the year , 1657 , to the year 1665 ; i will discourse only of those distempers , that since that time ( thô of the progress and determination of the plague alone then raging , i could write a large volume ) have fallen under my care , and been cured without the help of any of the compositions of the shops , or commonly known chymical remedies ; both which kinds of medicines , i do , in a manner , tacitly disclaim , as unfit to serve the extream necessities of nature ; yet , have i so far allowed of them , as they may in some sort or degree be of use in cases less difficult : well knowing , that 't is only the prudence of physicians , in a due application of remedies specifick to parts or juyces , which renders them serviceable to the end , for which they were made . nevertheless , for brevity sake , and because in my theory to this present practice of physick , i have at large discoursed about this matter , i shall say no more of them ; but go on , by the practice it self , to prove the use of general medicines to be rational , and true , certain in nature , and confirmed by experience . in order to which , i begin with the plague in the year 1665 , and the diseases of the following years ; wherein popular distempers ( the relicts of the preceding plague ) did sufficiently manifest themselves in their vigour , and reigned long , to the astonishment of those doctors , who ( the year before ) conscious to themselves of the deficiency of their own medicines , fit to resist that malignity , forsook their patients in a time , when their skill ( had it been worth esteem ) would have been of greatest service . having affirmed , diseases to be either simple , or complicated , resolved or congealed , as i must ( with paracelsus ) acknowledg all diseases are , it is now time to speak of their cures ; first particularly , and afterwards , generally . in order to which , for order sake , i intend to give a short hint of cures , both particular and general ( in discoursing of which , i shall be exceeding brief ) afterward , by many examples produced from my own experience , of more than eighteen years since the last plague , confirm the truth of this my theory , by my proper practice in a larger manner . therefore first , i thus say : in congealed distempers , remedies furthering transpiration , by resolving those acrid powers , that hinder the same , are most conducent to the cure of them . but , in resolution of the powers , where faintings , and palpitations are predominant ; there constringents are most serviceable . yet open tinctures , by which nature may ( as in a glass ) see her own deficiency , perform both the one and the other , more strongly or more remissly , according to the excellency of them . of the plague . in the beginning of the said plague , i used all the known anti-pestilential medicines ( both of ancient and modern physicians ) which i found would indeed provoke sweats ; yet not naturally , but by help of cloaths , where a great burning generally was , before the sweats appeared . by reason whereof , nature , ( being wearied ) through such a forcible way of acting , could not be supported sufficiently to the extirpation of that venome , so as to dissolve buboes , without maturation ; nor ripen blanes , or carbuncles , but by a long series of time , and great conflicts of the sick , which too frequently ended in death ; thô , the plague ( at that time ) was not come to the height of its malignity . perceiving this , i had recourse to my own medicines , which i had formerly found successful in most feavers : for , by these remedies , such as came to me upon the first assault , if the chyle was infected , and any fulness remained in the stomach , they usually vomited at first , and presently after fell into sweats , without preceding burnings , or the help of cloaths . and the sweats , for the first 12 , or 24 hours , were like drops of water from a bucket , for largeness ; yet was there not any depression of spirit , but more ease , and greater vitality or liveliness , and the continuation of the same sweats was pleasant and refreshing : by which means , buboes dissolved , and in the third day ( at farthest ) the malignity was separated : and , thô the same remedies were continued , yet after that time no sweats appeared , otherwise , than was usual in an healthful person , the time and season being considered . but where blanes and carbuncles appeared , there sweats were not so great , nor so continual ; but usually on the third day , the blanes and carbuncles opened , and their eschars were divided from the living flesh , and digestion so followed into matter , that in a short time ( comparatively to that , where other medicines were used ) perfect health followed . the different manner of assaults at that time . in the first assaults of that pestilence , some were taken with great shivering pains in the back and head : others were afflicted with lightness of the head , without pain ; but had tremblings and palpitations of the heart , and sometimes swoonings . some were assayled , as with a stroak , stab , or prick ; others with blanes , buboes , or carbuncles , without any manifest sickness at their first appearance . my method of cure. under all these various manifestations ( except where great fear was ) i always used one and the same method . when they were first taken ill , i ordered them to go to bed presently , and lay no more cloaths on , than they usually did in time of health ; then i gave them my pouder , in a spoonful of wine , ale , or beer : and i gave my aqua pestilentialis , if taken with shiverings , two or three spoonfuls ; but if hot , then but one spoonful , or one spoonful and half , perswading them to lye still ; which if they did , sweats presently followed , and for their supports therein , they were allowed mace-ale , posset-drink , sack or white-wine ; thin caudle with a little wine in it , and either of these somewhat often repeated , but in small quantities . my aqua pestilentialis was taken as often , as need required ; sometimes once in an hour , sometimes more , and sometimes less , as occasion was . my pouder was repeated once in two , four , or six hours , according to the capacity of nature : where diminution of sweats and of strength hapned , it was often taken ; but if the patients continued sweating , and strong and brisk , only once in six hours . but , if there seemed a tendency to a loosness , which ( in that disease ) was usually fatal , my coralline cordial was often used , a spoonful at a time every half hour , until the signs of laxity disappeared . where great thirst was concomitant with the disease , i used my simplex , mixed into the form of a small cordial drink , ordering one spoonful at a time to be taken into the patient's mouth , and swallowed down leisurely , as it were by drops . and if great restlesness hapned , through want of sleep , i administred ten grains of salt of hartshorn purified , and dissolved in cytron-water , or white-wine posset-drink , and repeated the dose once in two hours , not neglecting the foresaid pouder . this remedy thus seasonably given , seemed to me far more successful in relieving nature in that exigency , than any common dormative medicine , of what kind soever . but , if presently after the assault there appeared a stupor , drowziness , and a slow pulse ; then did i make a strong cordial of the simplex , and gave of it a spoonful at a time , once in an hour ( not neglecting either the said pouder , or the said aqua pestilentialis ) till the pulse was raised , and the sweats flowed free ; and then i proceeded in all things , as before specified . in great fear , thô i gave the pouder at first , yet i always used large quantities of the coralline cordial , to refresh the declining spirits , and to procure free sweats ; which if attained , then the method before spoken of was continued to the end of the cure. in the anguish of carbuncles and blanes , i applyed outwardly ( besides the internal medicines ) my resolving cerot , and changed the same once in 6 , or 12 hours , according as the dolours were more intense , or more remiss . for i had , by sad experience , seen the fruitlesness of all magnetical attractives , whether mineral , vegetable or animal : nay , the prepared toads , so famous in the year , 1603 , ( testifyed of by helmont , and before him highly extolled by paracelsus ) proved here of no use , either to extract the venome , or prevent the malignity of that disease . i here write nothing of buboes , because ( where my medicines were used ) they never ripened , but dissolved ; except , where patients were disobedient , and unwilling to continue in their sweats , and so gave occasion to the maturation thereof : which ( thô but seldom ) hapning , i then applyed only my resolving cerot , as before ; and found the same , as well in ripening as in resolving , to exceed all poultisses and plaisters , i ever used before , or since . remarks upon the carelesness of patients afflicted with the plague , or their attendants , &c. when some persons , using my medicines , had layn in sweats , for 24 hours , more or less , and found themselves seemingly well , and free from all disturbances , or sense of the pestilential venome , they ( notwithstanding their sweats continued large and free ) would needs rise out of bed , and so checked those sweats , inferring on themselves sudden death . for , i always observed , that no one , having that disease , who did rise out of bed before the third day ; or at least before sweats ( excited by the use of my medicines ) had wholly ceased , did ever recover ; except by that long and tedious way of maturation of buboes , which then admitted not of dissolution ; because after that time , sweats could never more be naturally excited . also , no less fatal errours were committed by nurses , and such as attended the sick , in laying on too many clothes , during the time of their sweats : for , so doing , violence was offered to nature , and the spirits , oppressed thereby , languished under their own burthen , and were no longer capable of help , by any means whatsoever . moreover , where people ( in time of the pestilence ) to please their appetites , eat large meals , or over-cooling foods , as fresh-fish , all sorts of fruits , melons , cowcumbers , &c. thô in a remiss degree ; yet , if the same persons were taken with that disease , great vomitings and loosnesses followed , which did generally end in death . because such persons could not ( by any remedies ) be brought to sweat , after the manner of those , that lived temperately , and avoided like excesses . also , these patients were wont , for the most part , to impute their extream loosnesses and vomitings , rather to their own inordinate eating , than to the power of the plague , then raging ; and so , sought not remedies against the invading venome , but used particular medicines , according as the present and ( by them thought ) only occasion required . whereas , on the contrary , those that lived temperately , and were watchful over themselves , so as to take remedies presently after the first sense of any assault of that venome , and followed the order before prescribed , very rarely miscarried . for , whole families , that have been large and infected , have all escaped , through their proper care , and prudence , in duly observing the directions above given . yet , which is to be lamented , i have observed , that when spots appeared , of what kind soever they were , the nurses and tenders of the sick , seeing them , were seized with so great amazement , that they forsook all their former care , insomuch as they gave up their patients for dead ; thô those spots were not the direct signs of mortality . for all i have seen , having such spots , ( except one ) did recover . but that spot , which whosoever was seiz'd with dyed under it , had a round circle , dark blew , and green , ( after the manner of mixtions of colours in the rain-bow ) and in the center thereof a crimson spot , that felt hard under the finger , in comparison of the softness of the other flesh. this , in that plague , was the infallible token of sudden death : therefore such spots were rightly called tokens . of the griping of the guts . this disease , for some years ( especially the first ) after the plague , did sufficiently manifest it self to be a relict of that popular distemper : for this malady exceeded all other acute distempers ; the patients , afflicted therewith usually dying at the third or fifth day . the reason of this , was because the veins opening , the bloud flowed out , like a torrent , and passing through the guts , no laudable excrement could be seen in the stools , but bloud , and a gelly-like matter , that smelt like boyled horns . the pains were excessive , stools almost continual , thô in small quantities ; and until such time as by the power of nature alone , or through the help of proper medicines , the bloud was restrained , the gelly-like-matter lessened , and excrements laudable ( both in odour and existence ) began to appear , this disease was never cured . my method of cure. upon the first assault , or great gripings , and appearance of bloud , or gelly-like-matter in the excrements , i gave my pouder ( above specifyed in the plague ) once every two hours , my coralline cordial once every hour , and applyed to the belly tripe parboyled , which was laid on warm ; and when that waxed cool or smelt , other warm parboyled tripe was applyed . by this method , the first day the bloud was restrained , and the pain somewhat mitigated : the second day , the gelly-like-matter lessened , and some appearance of excrement shewed it self : and on the third day , laudable excrements were seen , and the gelly-like-matter disappeared . then , by continuing the same medicines , in the former method , large sweats were produced , which ( being continued in but one day or two ) perfect health succeeded . nor did i ever know any one , from that time unto this very day , perish by ahe malignity of this disease ; if they took my medicines ( and begun with them at first ) according to this order . the order of diet , by me prescribed in this disease . i ordered gelly of hartshorn to be given to the sick , and thin broth made of tripe or sheeps-feet , with bread ( not oatmeal ) boyled in it : beer and wine i forbid , till the disease slackned . i permitted milk and water , with mallowes in it , to be frequently drunk , in small quantities at a time . but , where great thirst was , i allowed posset-drink , made white , ( not green ) with a little canary , or malago wine in it . remarks upon the errors of physicians at that time , in administring common binders , opiates , or other restringents . in the cure of this disease , i deservedly rejected all common binders , or restringents , too much at that time used by other physicians , how specifical soever they were , or might be supposed to be ; because i discerned , that nature , being enraged by the presence of that corroding venome , wanted only suitable helps , to restrain her own exorbitances . i likewise rejected opiats , because they were uncertain ; and thô they eased pains , they cured not . for , i had well observed , in this disease , that whensoever a forcible stop was made , either by opiats or restringents , ( if nature were not , at the same time very strong ) then light-headedness and sudden death followed . for , such remedies , having no power to expel the present venome , did only stop the passages , by which nature her self intended to separate that evil ; so that , instead of being natural helps , they proved no other , than unnatural introducers of death . of the scurvy . this being the general disease of our country , seemeth both nurse and tomb to all other distempers . the last plague was buried in it . for , when that pestilence waxed more mild , it plainly exhibited scorbutick symptomes . the lues is , by it , so masked , that its original cannot be discerned . autumnal distempers are hid therein ; and every preternatural disease , of what kind soever , if not radically expelled by suitable remedies , discovers it self under a scorbutick form. yea , paternal diseases , thô very various , do never appear without some signs of the scurvy commixed with them . hence it comes to pass , that when particular remedies are applyed to particular parts , or the vices of them , ( no general medicine being in the mean time used ) thô they may cure or remove the particular offences of these or those parts , yet it is but as the cutting off the hydra's head , in stead of which many more appear . now , as it is apparent , that all these diseases are covered by the scurvy ; so it is no less manifest , that the same distemper doth both nurse and nourish them . for the lues becometh more mild , through the dark cold and stupifying nature thereof ; so that it doth not so often occasion great pains in the bones between the joynts , as were usual ( when the lues was simple , and not complicated with the scurvy ) but wandereth in the nerves , disaffecteth the brain , produceth gouts of a new strain , rheumatisms , convulsions , palsies , vertigo's , lethargies , atrophea's , lamenesses , &c. in every of these diseases , thô particular , which by the ancients ( according to what we read of former ages ) were well known , and often cured ; yet , at this time , if they be remedied , it is rather casual , than real : because the greatest part of those patients , that in our time have been thus afflicted , were never cured by any medicines of the ancients , unless in a long series of time , where nature her self was the sole and principal actor : but , by general remedies , they usually obtained a safe and speedy cure. for , it is clear , that when the lues is new shaped , by the modifying power of the scurvy , that the remedies , usually successful in expelling and annihilating the rage of that disease , proved notoriously inimical to nature ; by reason of the cruel qualities of mercury , by the power of the venome of the lues , made corporeal . which corporeity , where the lues is simple , is found to be of great use and service in abating the rigour of that disease ; but when scorbutical it rather increases , than lessens the same : as i my self can ( by sad experience ) testify ; and hartmannus did many years ago , in his own practica chymiatrica , and in his annotations upon crollius his basilica chymica , sufficiently manifest the inimiciousness of mercury to persons in any measure afflicted with the scurvy ; yet he highly praiseth the virtue of antimony in scorbutick distempers ; which plainly shews he had a true sense of the different nature of such diseases and their remedies . the gouts of our time very rarely appear simple . for in all my practice , for 30 years past , i never could discern above three persons , afflicted with that disease ( which in them was hereditary ) that did exactly answer to the descriptions of the ancients : all the other have appeared rather scorbutical , than otherwise , and been by me cured after the same general method above specifyed . but in every true gout , simple and not complicated ( as in this our day all such distempers generally are ) the tormenting pain thereof is only in the joynt-water , or synovy between the joynts ; not elsewhere : whereas these complicated or scorbutick gouts are attended with pains in the muscles , nerves , between the joynts , and in the vertebra of the back , in the os sacrum , and head ; places never mentioned by the ancients ( in all their descriptions of that disease ) as lyable to arthritick dolours , or more or less to be affected therewith . therefore , having thus far given a brief , but true , definition of the nature of the scurvy , shewing how it intermixeth it self with other distempers , disguising , changing and nourishing them ; i now proceed to examples of cures of the same disease , as it hath manifested it self to us , in these our days , under several forms . example 1. a man of good repute , having for some years laboured under great debility of faculties , with dejection of spirit , and leanness of body , insomuch , that the physicians he then used , concluded an atrophea or consumption to be present ; therefore , as the best remedy for one in his condition , they ordered him to suck his wife's breasts : this means he used , and other remedies by them prescribed , notwithstanding which , a general lameness followed , with a palsey , and great convulsions , which wrought so great confusion in his physicians , that ( not knowing what to do further ) they gave him over for dead or uncurable . after which , application being made to me , when i had well weighed his deplorable state , heard what had been done , and saw the lamentable effects thereof , i discerned that the source of all was the scurvy , and that nothing could alleviate that evil , but medicines of another strain . therefore , i first of all gave him my scorbutic cordial ( the brain being deeply affected ) with my pouder , repeating that once in six hours , and the cordial as oft as he pleased . at night going to bed , i gave my arcanum metallorum , and my scorbutic tincture , 30 drops at a time , in all his drink , day or night . this method being continued for some few dayes , his convulsions ceased , the weakness of his limbs began to abate ; and , instead of great chilness and coldness , that formerly attended , warmth and itchings began to discover themselves , and ( at last ) gentle breathing sweats : by which means , his palsy was taken off , his lost speech restored , by little and little he recovered the use of his limbs , and was at length wholly freed from his disease , and lived ( thô alwayes a weakly man ) thirteen or fourteen years after . example 2. an aged gentlewoman , afflicted with rheumatism-like pains , ( after an autumnal feaver ) which physicians labouring to remove , by applying cooling and altering things , did indeed take off the external dolours ; but ( by their remedies ) retracted the matter causing those pains inwards to the bowels and mouth of the stomach ; which great evil deprived her totally of the use of her limbs . whilst in this sad and deplorable state , being utterly given over , as a dying person , or at least uncurable , by her physicians , i was sent unto . when i came , and had well considered her condition , and found her stomach to be so very weak , as not able to retain a glass of sack , without rejecting the same suddenly by vomit ; i did not in this case ( as in others ) give her my pouder at first , but my scorbutic cordial and scorbutic tincture , as i saw cause , and the exigency of her present state required . when , by these means , i discerned her spirits to be somewhat enlivened , and her stomach fortified in some competent measure , i then gave my pouder once a day , and my arcanum metallorum at night . having continued this method for six or seven dayes , i found her water began to change , and some signs of separation therein , whereby i judged her digestion to be in some measure recovered . this course i continued day by day for a long time together ; in which , i discerned that those pains , which were before ( by their medicines ) brought into her belly and mouth of her stomach , were again retired outward : after which many pustles came forth , and her limbs by little and little gathered strength ; and , about three quarters of a year after , she recovered her pristine state of health , and is now alive at this day , thô several years since . example 3. another woman , thô young ▪ yet through convulsions was so drawn together , as to go almost double ; and when no remedy could be had for her from other physicians , she came to me . after i understood from her how it had been with her , i proceeded to the cure as follows . i gave her my pouder every morning , my arcanum metallorum , and arcanum veneris at night ; sometimes one , sometimes the other , as occasion was , and the exigency of the disease required ; not omitting to give my scorbutic tincture to be taken in all her drink , during the whole time of the cure. continuing this method , she was recovered in a short time , and is yet living , thô several years since . example 4. a young gentlewoman , afflicted with a great congelation in the sternon , always inclining her head downwards to the stomach , as if it had been contracted and forced thitherwards , never having the benefit of sneezing , but long suffering great palpitations of the heart ; little or no sleep , and such as was , much confused , continually under terrour , and at the same time with child ; sustaining this misery until the time of her delivery , and after that finding no abatement of the evil , notwithstanding the advice of several physicians , and the frequent use of their remedies , did at last send to me . i , finding her in that sad condition , and understanding all the remedies she had used to be fruitless and unsuccessful , discerned her disease to arise from congelation , under the scorbutic power . therefore , the fourteenth day after her delivery being come , i first gave her my pouder , which quickly brought her to more sedateness , than she had found in some months before , and the small sleep , she then had , proved more refreshing than formerly , as she her self acknowledged . this encouraged me to proceed , and she ( according to the result of her own reason and judgment ) rationally submitted to the following course . my pouder was given once in 4 , or 6 hours ; my scorbutic tincture in all the drink she took ; my arcanum veneris , and arcannm metallorum every night alternately ; my hysteric cordial , and hysteric drops , upon every occasion , or exigency of nature ; not neglecting other cordials ( by intervals ) for support . this method , being dayly continued , till strength came , and she was able to move , did at last ( with a few other auxiliaries ) accomplish the cure so apparently , that the external cutis all peeled off , her whole mass of bloud renewed , and she seemed unto all ( that knew her ) to have assumed a new complexion , and nature . note : that this woman had not sneezed in 6 , or eight months ; but upon the first motion thereunto , the congelation seemed to be much more easy , and afterwards she sneezed usually twice a day , and by that means the contraction daily lessened , until it was totally dissolved . also , among the various scenes , that hapned in this disease , there never was any purgation by stools and vomits ; but the distemper gradually vanished , by transpiration , small sweats , and vrine , without any other sensible evacuation thereof . and now she hath attained her full strength , and perfect use of her limbs , with as great activity of spirit , as did ever attend her before , and hath since conceived with child . it cannot rationally be expected i should here set down every accident , that hapned , and the particular auxiliaries i used , in this and the other scorbutic diseases before spoken of : because , so doing , i should extend this treatise to too great a bulk , and render it less serviceable ( by augmenting the price ) than otherwise , as by me intended , it is like to prove . i could also here subjoyn many more examples of scorbutic distempers by me cured , after the former method ; but for the same reason i omit them , and proceed to examples of cures performed in other diseases no less deplorable . of palseys . palsies are four-fold , and therefore have rightly obtain'd four distinct denominations , as follows : palseys of contraction , palsys of resolution , numn-palsyes , and shaking palsyes ; which two last are partly resolved , and partly congealed , therefore cannot be ranged under either of the former . of the cure of these , by four examples only , i intend to speak , with as much brevity , as the subject matter it self can admit . example 1. of a contracted palsy . a mayden child , about ten years old , having her arms and legs drawn together , and her neck drawn of one side , ( this being certainly known to every physician , to be a paralytic contraction ) i began at first , as i had done in other cases , with my pouder , giving it twice the first day , and at night my arcanum metallorum . this method i continued day by day , using frequently my mixtura simplex , given five or six times every day . sometimes i gave her my volatile spirit ( not the fetid acid phlegm ) of tartar , in all her drink . by which method , in three weeks time , there seemed to be some amendment , the nerves were more relaxed , the head began to ake backward , and a warmth more than usual in that part ; and this descended down by the back-bone . soon after this appeared a drivling in the mouth . after the pouder had been taken for a month , it began to work every day , and wrought a whole month after by vomit and stool alternately : yet still , with increase of strength , and restoration of faculties . and , in about ten or twelve weeks time , she was perfectly restored to her pristine state of health , and is since married , hath had children , and is alive at this time . note . in this whole cure , no other medicines ( than what are above specified ) were used , except a resolving oyl , and that only for the first three or four weeks , untill the powder began to work ; then i ceased the use thereof . example 2. of a resolved palsy . in resolution of the members of a male child , where all the nerves were relaxed , so that arms ; legs , and neck , hung like parts , that never had capacity of motion ; i used only my powder , and my arcanum metallorum for three or four weeks together , and the child by little and little gathered strength , and was at length perfectly recovered ; is since become a strong man , and alive at this day . example 3. of a numn palsy . a man of seventy years of age , was numned all over one side , his speech for the present quite taken away ; but coming to me , and taking my medicines presently ( having long before been my patient ) he was cured in three weeks time , in manner thus : i gave him my powder twice a day , and my arcanum metallorum every night , with my scorbutick tincture in all his drink . this method being followed , in the first three days he could move some of his fingers ; and so , strength and heat coming gradually into every part , about the tenth day he began to drivel , and the powder to operate so , that he had loose stools every day ; and soon after recovered his speech , and the perfect use of his limbs , and is yet alive , though about ten years since . example 4. of a shaking palsy . a lad , about 14 years of age , labouring under an autumnal feaver , fell into a palsy , having a continual shaking , with strong convulsions also attending . to him i gave ( as to others i had don ) my powder , my arcanum metallorum , my mixtura simplex , and the arcanum of antimony prescribed by basilius . by which medicines , used after my former method , he was perfectly restored in a short time . of convulsions . convulsions take beginning , either from an unnatural fermentation of the juyces of the body , whereby every vessel or organ is overmuch disturbed ; or by particular compunction or compression of the nerves contracted ; or else from nature's true sense of what is fit to be separated from the parts offended , and her endeavour to separate the same ; as is apparent in the beginnings of the small pox , where the nutritive juyces are condensed , by reason of the morbific ferment , and so made unfit for the nutrition of the spirits , and the necessary separation appertaining thereunto ; being wholly uncapable to be distributed to the parts . here nature , regularly acting , makes convulsions , which open the nerves , and render that diseasy ferment fit to become the matter of the small pox , or feavers : for , so soon as the convulsions cease , the small pox appears ; as is sufficiently evident by the events : and it is apparently manifest , that such convulsions are sooner perioded , than the ideal . and althô the small pox or feavers be very malignant ; yet it is rare to see any one fail under those distempers where convulsions have preceeded : thô a convulsion happening after those diseases , is most frequently mortal . for , the first is the result of nature's strife against the disease ; but the other ( the disease being annihilated , and nature overcome ) ariseth from the terror of death , of which it is a general prodrome . also , the superfluities , that children bring with them into the world , are the occasional causes of those many convulsions , that attend them in their infancy . for , they being retents of the maternal nourishment , which ( coming then first under the dominion of the stomach of the infant ) cannot not be received as a guest , but are rejected , and opposed as an enemy to nutrition ; and if not subdued in the act of the first digestion , by vomiting , or stools , red or white-gum , &c. they become the matter of long continuing convulsions . likewise , in breeding teeth , convulsions often happen ; for , by the compression or punction of the nervous fibres in the gums , made by the ingrowing teeth , nature is enforced to make convulsions , that the teeth may break through those fibres , impeding their forth-coming . but most lamentable are the ideal convulsions , which have their original from terror , frights , or fears : for the spirit , by the amazement they infer , produceth a dark image , or impression , by which it is overwhelmed , and so driven to irregular actions , which occasion uncertain events ; because being surprized with stupor , and not knowing what to do , it doth nothing to right purpose , by reason of the variety of imaginations which ( in these cases ) are as various as the conceptions of the mind can be . of the cure of convulsions , that happen before the small pox , &c. in the cure of these convulsions , i generally use my pouder once in six hours , by which the rigour of them is usually abated ; but , if in a short time the convulsions be not lessened by the use thereof ; then i give my arcanum metallorum , or my arcanum of camphire ( administring either of them , as i see cause ) and repeat the dose once an hour , till the convulsions cease . note : here it is to be observed , that even in these convulsions ( where my medicines are used ) the fits are more frequent , but shorter , until wholly annihilated , and the small pox appears . of the cure of convulsions from relicts of maternal nourishment . these convulsions rarely happen , where my pouder is given to children , so soon as they are born , and often repeated ; and if they do afterwards arise , such convulsions are soon and easily taken off , by the use of other medicines prenominated . but , where convulsions happen in children , that have not had the benefit of such remedies ; there i must confess the work to be long , and irksome , requiring soundness of judgment in the physician , because of the great variation , that happens therein ; but more especially , by reason of the dissatisfaction of parents and nurses , seeing the fits more frequent , thô much shorter , when under my cure : for , i once knew a child , so afflicted that had an hundred fits in one day ; and this continued ten days together , the number not lessening ; yet , with this advantage , ( notwithstanding the fits were so numerous ) that the child became daily more lively , and each fit shorter and shorter . after the tenth day , this child had no more fits ; but was constantly attended with breathing sweats unto perfect recovery . note : in cure of this child , i used the same medicines as before ; but not without other peculiar auxiliaries , too long to be here recited : nevertheless i purpose to speak of them , when i write ( as i intend hereafter ) of particular diseases , and the remedies i used in cure of the same . of the cure of convulsions in breeding teeth . in the cure of these convulsions , i have by experience discerned , that thô the former medicines were effectually helpful in this case ; yet , if incision also were not used , the cure was not so easily compleated . of the cure of ideal convulsions . in ideal convulsions , i have experimentally found my pouder , and my arcanum veneris , to be of general use and service ; but could not ( so speedily as i desired ) compleat the cure by them , without the help of particular auxiliaries . for , in these convulsions , the variety of idea's is so great , that it requires a judicious application of various specificks . of lethargies , coma's , and apoplexies . these diseases have all their original from one dark and stupefactive source , where the gates of sleep continually stand open : for such as are afflicted with them , are either troubled with over-much drowsiness , or oppressed with sleeps too profound . these distempers differ only in the degrees of their power : in the two first , there are only subtile vapours , ( by the schools called smoaky ) which having their assent from the diseasy power of darkness in us , do after an obtuse manner stifle the natural faculties ; but in the latter , viz. apoplexies , they more intensly act , and materially by bloud , or otherwise suppress the faculties of life , and so absolutely overwhelm all the powers of nature , that the body ( or the spirit thereof ) becomes wholly insensible . i have great reason to speak of these diseases in this manner , having been much exercised therein . if called in the beginnings of them , i have found them to be sooner removed , than several other distempers of less danger : for if the spirit can be timely excited , to strive against the evil , they quickly vanish . what medicines are helpful to one , are really helpful to all , the dose only considered : but i never found , in any of these cases any other than general remedies to be profitable , or available in exciting nature to free her self from the imimpending danger ; therefore generally , in order to curation , i here begin with my cephalic drops , which i give once , and a little while after they have been taken , my arcanum metallorum ; and 6 hours after that my pouder , and so interchangeably using my pouder and arcanum , except that sometimes ( as i see cause ) instead of my arcanum metallorum , i give my arcanum veneris . i proceed always giving my cephalic drops once every hour , during the whole cure , which is usually compleated in three dayes time ; during which , sweats rarely happen , until the drowsiness be wholly over ; but now and then loose stools . and in real apoplexies , nature stirs up vomitings , sneezings , bleedings at nose , or else expels by urine great quantities of insipid water void of odour . note : where vomitings are , which usually precede an apoplexy , if any physician endeavour to restrain such vomitings , or the patients themselves be unwilling to bear them , then they inevitably fall under the burthen of that disease . a particular example of the method i used in the cure of a lady of sixty nine years of age. this lady alwayes dreading an apoplexy , by reason her relations had often dyed of the same ; desired i would give order , in case of a sudden assault , what should be used whereupon i left with her woman some of my arcanum metallorum , giving charge , that if the lady were suddenly taken with vomiting , o● lightheadedness , she should give that to her first , and not the pouder , thô she was formerly used to take it ; and to send immediately away for me , because she then lived four miles ou● of london . this assault happening my arcanum given , and i sent for , ● hastning thither , found her drowsie , thô the cold and stupidity were somewhat less , than before the taking what i had left for her . i then gave her the arcanum antimonii basilii ; which is not used or known by any one else that i can tell : after the taking of which , warmth increased , a little sneezing hapned , vrine came away abundantly ; insomuch , that in six hours time , there was above 3 pints of water received , void of all urinous odour , or saline tast. the head grew hot , bloud issued by drops at the nosethrils ; these actions happened in the first six hours after the assault . after this , the spirit became more lively , and the bloud more frequently issued out at nose and mouth , which continued more or less for three daies together : in the mean time her sleeps were short , but refreshing . then my pouder was given every 4 hours , my arcanum metallorum once in 12 hours , and my cephalic cordial once an hour . and in four daies time , all symptomes of the disease vanished , weakness only remained . note : this cure being taken in hand before the brain was fully stupified , the remedies had the greater effect ; for i have ( to my grief ) too often seen the same medicines prove useless , thô the dose was given in a threefold quantity ; and where they were serviceable to prevent the evil , they did not bring away so much bloud , but caused sneesings , and vrine in like quantity , and frequency . also i have observed , that direct vomitories , given in this disease , ( as they too often are ) are as dangerous , as things repressing vomits , before the patient is throughly seized with the disease ; but after the stupor is at its height , a forcible vomit , if it operate strongly enough , may do good , otherwise the patient certainly dies . the same may be said of sacrification , phlebetomy , ( thô that carry a seeming conveniency in sanguineous apoplexies ) blistering , clysters , and other forcible things , which cannot separate the sanguineous matter , except accidentally only ; therefore are uncertain helps ; whereas medicines of an vniversal tendency , and truly gifted , act just as nature requires , and so frequently act with greater force and certainty , than any of a specific operation can do . but there is too often a great failing in physicians , that they discern not apoplexies before they seize , and so cannot contribute help for preventing them ; which is much to be bewailed . of imposthumes . imposthumes are as various as the juyces of the body , yet all of them have but one original , which is the retents of superfluities , not capable to be separated without apertion of the skin ; except such remedies be used that can further the resolution of what is congealed or stagnized ; which resolution , so procured , yields more ease to nature , and is performed with less anxiety , than when turned into quitter . for it is clear , if nature can separate things , without corrupting them , her government is not then much blemished ; in the performance of which , general medicines are only capable to assist her . here books must be laid aside , all recipes dis-esteemed , conclusive judgment , and all indications neglected , but nature wholly tended , and referred to ; we in the mean while ( by a due application of suitable remedies ) adding light to her to act by , and power to overcome the present stagnization . for in so doing , the scene is altered , and nature rendred capable with ease to remove that , which before could not be removed , without too great molestation . for the wisest of men , upon the first appearance of a tumor , cannot by any known rule judge of nature's capacity or propensity to determinate the evil ; or whether it be more profitable to resolve , or suppurate the same . as is apparent in some tumors , where by attempting resolution , the subtillest or thinnest parts being separated , the remainder is so indurated , as not to be resolved or suppurated ; and so it becomes the same , that chyrurgeons call a schirrus . but , in suppurating tumors , great pains , anguish , and different symptomes , in differing forms of heats , colds , &c. often happen ; through the distress nature falls under , by reason of the largeness of the tumor , and the difficulty to bring such evils to perfect suppuration : and at last , unless they open themselves and be judiciously handled , they are often changed from one thing into another . for , 't is evident , that the opening of some tumors by incision , and keeping them open by cramming in of tents ( a practice too often used ) doth either change the nature of the tumor , or at least prolong the cure. whereas , in either case ( viz. in resolution , or suppuration ) if nature be well minded , no such symptomes or accidents happen . now , if such errors be committed , as is daily obvious they are , in external imposthumes , how much more in the internal ( i mean not those , that are internally caused by contusion , or other acts of violence ; because of them i have elsewhere spoken ) which are never seen , or known , but by their effects ? thô , in truth , every internal imposthumation hath the same occasional cause , as the external have : for they , being also caused by the relicts of nourishment not separated , fall under the laws of a disturbed , or sensible spirit ; which makes so great variety in them , not sensibly to be discerned by the physician , that he must of necessity , either refer himself to the help of such virtual remedies , as are capable to take off the disturbance , and fortifie the sensible power of right distinction in nature ; or he can never arrive to so much satisfaction in himself , as ( scientifically ) to declare how , or which way , the disease is , or may be cured . this is , by reason of the great uncertainty of the inclination of nature in these cases : for sometimes shee seeks to resolve , or maturate the relict , in the place , where it is , which is a true natural way ; at another time invirons the same with a cistis , in order to suppuration ; and at another season , and in another place , sends forth bloud out of the veins , intending thereby to separate that retent ( without digestion ) by the common passages ; which , if stopped or letted by the way , quickly tends to pus : and then ( if in that form it be separated ) the irruption is so violent , that it sometimes proves mortal ; as is too frequently apparent by those cataracts of bloud and matter , that ( in such cases ) issue out by the nosethrils , by the vreters , by vomiting , by stools , and by the womb. here nature her self erroneously acts , like those physicians , who inconsiderately attempt to purge out retents before they are digested , contrary to the mind of hippocrat●s , and the known rule of paracelsus , who saith , every disease ( to which i add , every diseasy-inclination ) ought to be cured in its own place . for 't is evident , that some imposthumes are not wholly sanguineous ; and the retents , being rarely such , ( because the veins as they have their own valves , so they have their peculiar passages to evacuate superfluities by ) the bloud that attends them , is rather in order to resolution , than putrefaction , provided nature be in her own path ; but if diverted therefrom , either through the want of light in her self to act by , or the physician 's error ( in mis-application of remedies ) those sad effects , above spoken of , do inevitably follow . for every retent , which nature can neither resolve nor digest , ( being forsaken ) naturally corrupts , by the heat and moisture of the place , and so maketh a real imposthume : but experience proves , that those actions of corrupting , may be prevented by a timely application of suitable remedies ; as is apparent by the following example . where relicts of preceeding feavers are , there nature sends bloud to be materiated , to maturate by putrefaction the offending evil , in order to its expulsion ; but if prevented by due medicines , and transpiration happens , then no putrefaction follows . for where proper means are used , bloud ( extra vasa ) is not corrupted , but kept from putrefying , or otherwise resolved without pus ; i my self having often seen bloud after long extravasation coughed up dry and hard , without the least sign of putrefaction . likewise every vessel ( of what kind soever ) being over-filled , and nature not capable to separate the same by the common passages ; that fullness ( by her forsaken ) becomes the matter of imposthumes . or if any matter be stagnized , that also is liable to the same transchangement , and produceth effects as bad , or worse than the former ; as is sufficiently witnessed by the dry belly-ache in the west-indies ; and by some of our country-men afflicted with the scurvey , in whom the knots in their nerves give a palpable testimony , not only of siagnization , but also of preternatural congelation ; not much unlike to our knotty gouis , or tophuses in the lues , which happen upon the bones ; where , for want of internal attraction of the parts , or external separation from them , the nutritive juice of the parts is indurated , and thereby becomes the matter it afterwards shews it self to be . for , when a floating evil , or diseasy spirit undetermin'd , assaults the life ; then nature sends forth bloud out of the veins , to encompass that spiritual evil , to materiate the same , and so makes fiery phlegmones , and diseases of like kind , which are true , real , and natural imposthumes , proper issues of her own intentions . of fiery phlegmones in general , and their cure. i forbear to write particular examples of these diseases , because they are so numerous , so frequently cured by my method , and so certainly known to the patients themselves ; but in general the tumors are large , the blood ( at first appearance ) uncorrupted ; yet it is not long before great pains , the forerunners of putrefaction , discover themselves . and thô at the first manifestation of these tumors , when only a weight and burthen upon the life is perceived , letting blood doth somewhat diminish the tumor , and prevent pain ; yet , if it have a diseasy character , that doth not hinder the foregoing determination of nature towards separation ; but allaying part of her fury , doth i acknowledge render the suppurative power less burthensome . but if quitter be begun to be made , then nature by phlebotomy is hindred of her own determination ; and being thereby weakened , languisheth , and labours to little purpose , making those distempers tedious in suppurating ; whereas , had not that supposed expedient been used , suppuration would much more speedily have followed . the cure. in the beginning of these diseases ( whether inward , or outward ) if there be a tendancy to pain , or no pain , if a burthen be , i give my powder once every 4 hours ; if sweats happen after taking it , and the pain be not great , the tumor is soon resolved . but if there be real matter made in these tumors , then thô the tumor seemingly decrease , yet the impostumation cannot be hindred ; but doth quickly and suddenly come to maturity ; and being throughly ripened , is as suddenly cured , yet if pains increase after taking the pouder , i give my arcanum veneris once in 24 hours , and my pouder ( as before is said ) once every 4 hours ; continuing this course unto the end of the cure. note also , in external cases , i apply my resolving cerot once in 12 hours . of an imposthume in the liver , and its cure. being called to a child 7 years of age , having hardness , weight and pain in his right side , and a short cough , with an unsavoury odour ; which i strictly observed , and thence presently distinguished ( especially after i had compressed the side of his belly under the ribs ) what the disease was , and that the seat of it was in the liver ; yet , not willing to be happy in my own distinction , i desired an intimate friend of mine ( one of the honoured society of the colledge of physicians ) to accompany mee , to see the progress of this distemper ; which he observing , fully concurr'd with me as to the seat of the disease . the cure hereof was thus perform'd ; the first day i gave my pouder once in 4 hours , my arcanum veneris at night , and my aperitive spirit in drink , as often as the child drank ; and outwardly i applied my resolving oyl . after the first or second day ( continuing the same method ) i found the tumor did not increase in magnitude , but the dolour was much augmented , till two nights were past . the third night , the pain lessened , and within a day or two after , the child being taken with great sickness , and vomiting , a large quantity of suppurated matter was cast forth ; and no sooner was a cessation of that vomiting , but great coughing happened , whereby more of the same putrid matter was plentifully spit up . after which , the child falling to sleep , and resting , no more vomiting followed ; but the coughing and spitting continued ( by intervals ) for 3 daies together . this time expired , the coughing began to abate , and the urine thenceforth was filled with purulent matter , which continued to come forth in great quantity ( with the urine ) for 7 daies together , not seeming to be diminished in all that time. about the eighth day happened a loose stool ( the child having been costive all the time before ) in which appeared the same purulent matter , as was before separated by vomiting , coughing , and urine . from that time , the urine began to clear , and so continued clearing each day unto perfect recovery . in this cure no other medicines were used , than those above specified . note : notwithstanding this child had stools each day after his first loose stool , yet ( except that once ) no pus appeared in the excrements . also , it is worthy of note , that during the whole cure , no bloud came forth with the purulent matter ; a sufficient testimony of the perfect suppuration thereof . of an imposthume of the stomach , and its cure. a young woman coming to me , having great dolour in her stomach , and that largely extended to hardness on the outside , yet compressive ; notwithstanding the many remedies she had taken ( according to the judgment of her physicians ) pro dolore ventriculi , the anguish of her stomach increased , her spirits languished , she was subject to great heats and colds , hysteric passions , fumings in her head , uncertain sleeps , &c. indubitate signs of an imposthume present . in this condition i took her into my care , and proceeded in her cure , as followes . i gave her my pouder once in six hours for the first day , and my arcanum metallorum at night ; and daily continued the same method , with my scorbutic tincture in all her drink . in 7 or 8 daies time , the imposthume opening , she voided by vomit a large quantity of pus ; and for 4 or 5 daies after ( taking the pouder ) vomited every day , and brought up part of the cistis . at 5 daies end the pouder wrought downwards , and the purulent matter came away by stools , with the remaining part of the cistis . note : here was no separation by urine , for that was clear ( as the urine of a sound body ) during the whole time of the cure. of an imposthume separated by vrine . a woman complaining of great pains in the sides of her belly and loyns , without any sign of tumefaction ( sensibly perceived by her self ) thô full of pain and torture ; when all means failed , used by other physicians , ( they judging her to be afflicted with cholic-passions ; because of the heats , colds , tying up , and great anguish she endured ) applyed her self to me . this deplorable case of hers , not being at all obvious to my distinction , and finding no place for any peculiar remedy , i gave my pouder first , as in other cases i had usually done ; and ( because the pain was in the descending parts ) my aperitive drops in all her drink , and my arcanum metallorum . the pouder i gave but once in a day , and the arcanum every night . this method i continued for 10 daies ; in which time the pains daily lessened , and all bad symptomes vanished . yet , being careful , that no relict might be left , i appointed the same medicines to be taken , in the same order , for 4 daies longer ; in which space of time came away by urine a little long bag ( some drops of bloud preceeding the exit thereof ) in which was contained matter perfectly suppurated . notwithstanding this , she continued the use of the pouder , for some weeks after , unto perfect recovery . note : here , in this cure , was no separation made , but by urine only . of an imposthume in the head , and its cure. a man of middle age , having weight , puncturing and a swimming in his head , being perswaded to take my medicines , used them for a small time according to my order ; but , finding his pain to increase , refused to be longer governed by my directions . after this , taking advice of others , he used sternutories , whereby issued by the nostrils a very small quantity of bloud and matter . these remedies not producing that ease he expected , his physicians advised him to purge ; in the doing of which , appeared both matter and bloud in his excrements : and , thô the purge was very gentle , yet this loosness continued upon him for several daies , infering so great weakness of body , that he was not able to walk the length of a room . bloud and matter issued at every stool , and the torment then was greater in his belly , than in his head. he languishing thus , and himself and his friends discerning their own inadvertency , to follow a specious ( but groundless ) hope of the advantage of separation by stools ; and finding his weakness greater than before , referred themselves a second time to me . then i gave my pouder every 2 hours , my coralline cordial once an hour ; which medicines , thô they did somewhat ease the pain in the belly , and lessen the quitter which was exonerated with the excrements ; yet was it full 10 daies time , before a stop was put to this unnatural way of separation . note : as the dolour of the patient's belly decreased , the pain of his head increased ; and then , to his own sense , his head was seemingly extended . perceiving this , i every night gave my arcanum veneris , and the pouder every 4 hours : then in 4 , or 5 daies the imposthume in the head opened afresh , yielding through the nostrils and mouth an indifferently large quantity of matter , but imperfectly concocted ; together with small pieces of skin , and at last so much skin , as extended upon a trencher , was as large in length , as the trencher it self . afterwards more small pieces of skin came away ; but in conclusion , nothing except bloud and matter was vented , till the extirpation thereof . of an opened imposthume in the head , and its cure. a woman middle-aged , having for some months laboured under the great trouble of an imposthume opened , as was manifest by the fetid matter , that flowed from her nostrils and mouth , having so great a swimming in her head , that she could not go half a flight-shot , without resting ; and so great a sense of fulness in her head , that ( putting her finger into her ear ) she could feel the floating matter moveable ; after all endeavors had been used , by errins , purgations , drying-drinks , and whatsoever other means her physicians thought most fit to be practiz'd ; the putrefaction being not changed , nor the fluctuation stopped , she applyed her self to me . in this case , i used nothing but my pouder twice a day , for several daies together , and my aperitive drops in all her drink during that time . by the continued use of these means , her head seemed ( to her ) more lightsome ; that ill savour of the descending matter was almost totally extinct . then , i gave my arcanum metallorum , after which a gleety-water flowed a great while , but void of savour . this method i continued for almost 9 months after ; in which time all that distemper seemed to be subdued , and nothing remained , except an ill habit , under a scorbutic form ; against which i administred what was formerly specify'd to be proper in scorbutic distempers . by which remedies , her head was reduced to its pristine state , weakness only continuing in that part. this cure was performed many years since . note : it is impossible to write of all particular cases of imposthumes , ( thô very briefly , they being so numerous , and daily presented ) without enlarging the present work to too great a volume ; therefore i refer the reader to the reasons urged by me in the foregoing prologue to these examples : because the medicines ( by me used ) are one and the same in every kind of imposthume ; without other variation , than what occasional accidents may cause me to use . of feavers , putrid , malignant , epidemical , or accidental . all these feavers are so well known , and so frequently happen , that they need no description : for , whether the patients be taken with chilness , head-ach , vomiting , pain in the back , or other symptomes ; they are all ( by me ) cured after one and the same method , with small , or very little variation . i alwaies give my pouder , in the beginning of these distempers , and order the same to be repeated every four hours . and then , if a tendency to putrefaction be in the chyle , the pouder either makes vomits , or stops them : yet , in these cases , sweats do not suddenly follow the taking the pouder , till all the putrefactive disposition is removed ; however , on the fourth day a laudable hypostasis will appear in the vrine : after which time , constant sweats follow unto the end of the cure , which ( if my simplex be daily used with the pouder ) is usually compleated on the 7th day . but , in epidemics , that are continual , if the patients take the pouder so soon as they are seized with shiverings , then sweats quickly follow ( unless the chyle be infected ) without vomiting , or loosness : and if the pouder be repeated once in four hours , it rarely happens , that the cure is not finished , on the third , fourth , or fifth day at farthest , if the sweats ( coming forth in the mean time ) have not been check'd . note : that in cure of these feavers ( viz. putrid and epidemic ) i administer all things , as in the former plague ; except my aqua-pestilentialis , and some other things only fitted for that present necessity . of feavers continual , and intermitting , complicated , and of feavers simply intermitting . in these continual feavers , thô stronger paroxysmes daily be , or every other day ; yet , in the intermissions the feaver is not wholly off . nevertheless , in these cases , i follow the same method , as in the other feavers , with this variation only , viz. that i give my simplex ( or febrifugal drops ) once in an hour or two ; both in the paroxysme , and intermission . this order being observed , these feavers are generally terminated , at the third or fourth fit : at which time usually 3 , or 4 loose stools happen , just upon the separation of the febrile power . in intermitting feavers , where no constant continuance is , between the paroxysmes , i also give the same medicines , thô not in the same quantity , and have alwaies found them to answer the ends of nature ; unless , by irregularity of patients , their proper effects have been impeded . therefore , in these cases , i could never see any just necessity for the use of the peruvian bark , call'd the jesuits pouder : for what repute soever that bark hath got in the world , the merit thereof is as yet undiscerned by me . by my medicines , both spirit and matter are separated , and not lockt up together , as by the peruvian bark they alwayes are . for , i have by experience discerned more grievous and long adhering calamities to follow the use thereof , ( especially in quartanes , or malignant feavers ) than those diseases themselves would ever have left . yet , i deny not , but that sound people ( of haile constitutions ) where no malignity is , having intermitting feavers , may receive benefit , by the taking off the fits by that way ; provided nature her self be strong enough to subdue the relicts afterward ; otherwise not . of quartanes . these feavers , according to my opinion , are far better and much more safely cured without ; than with the jesuits-pouder ; because i never found their long continuance prejudicial to nature ; except where nature her self , or physicians , have inferred dammage , by not resolving matter , and spirit , at the same time ; therefore , i here speak no further of them . likewise of small pox and meazles , diseases very well known , i forbear to write any thing ; except this observation , that their malignity is somewhat abated , their matter diminished , and the patients continue in sweats most of the time , by the use of my medicines : and of convulsions , preceeding the said small pox , i speak not here , because they are sufficiently treated of in the chapter of convulsions . of diseases of the womb. having hitherto said nothing of those grievous infirmities , incident to women only , that arise from the inordinacies , defects , and distemperatures of the matrix , ( which hath a peculiar government in their bodies ) and generally prove to be more frequent , lamentable , and dangerous , than most or all of the other diseases above treated of ; i thought it highly necessary here to subjoyn a peculiar , plain , and succinct discourse of them , shewing what remedies i used , and the method i alwaies observed in cure of the same of imbecillity of the womb. i call that an imbecillity , when the matrix is not capable of conception ; or after conception , hath not strength sufficient to retain the embryon . both these do naturally arise , either from some superfluity adhering to the part , or through indisposition of the archeus thereof : the one of these is spiritual , the other material . the spiritual is evident by the proneness of the archeus ( or spirit of life ) to form a too great contraction , or overmuch laxation in the part : the material is sensibly obvious , by overmuch moysture , or extream dryness . that , which is material , consisting of those excesses of dryness and moysture , is remedied by my pouder taken twice a day , three daies before the , monthly flux , and during that flowing , and for three daies after . this method being observed for two or three months , those weaknesses are for the most part removed , and the womb rendred apt to perform those natural offices , it could not do before . but , in contractions and laxations of the womb ( most true effects of the errour of the spirit , or archeus , of the part ) there is no observation of time required : only , when such patients come to me , i order them to take my pouder twice a day , for three daies together ( all the said three daies ▪ and during the whole time of their cure , taking my scorbutic tincture , 20 drops at a time , in all the drink they drink ) and when the three first dayes are expired , i give one dose of my arcanum veneris , every night going into bed , and my pouder every morning following ; always keeping this method , till the evil be sensibly removed . other accidents , that may inter●een , during such cures , cannot well be described here ; but must be referred to the judgment of physicians , to apply their helping-hand whensoever they do occur . of miscarriages . but , because ( in the former paragraph ) i but tacitely hinted at abortion , where i spake of the imbecillity of the womb , to retain the conceived embryon , i think it needful here to express my self further , touching such like accidents attending women with child ; of which , some are false conceptions , with the true ; others only tendency to abortion ▪ without any false conception ; in both which , i intend to declare , what hath been my judgment and practice , candidly and freely , and how ▪ i have cured , or helped the same ▪ where false conceptions have been ( in women with child ) which were usually followed with great floudings rendring the parties doubtful , whether they had conceived or not ; gave my pouder often , till the flou●ding ) ceased . then ( if the embryon wa● not too much injured by that flouding ) the false conception was explled and the true preserved . and , because in this case , there is often great faintings , i ordered my scorbutic● tincture to be given , 20 drops at a time ( in drink ) once in 2 , or 3 hours ▪ where no false conception was , and yet a tendency to abortion , perceivable by the falling of the womb and pains attending , i gave my pouder once in four hours ; and if i● twelve hours the pains ceased , th● continued use of my pouder perfectly cured , without other helps : but if ( as sometimes hap'ned ) those symptomes vanished not , i gave one dose of my arcanum veneris , at night , and six hours after my pouder , then i applyed my histerick plaster to the navel , and by these means compleated the cure. yet , where abortion unavoidable hap'ned ; i ( by experience ) found the continued observation of my method above prescribed ; with the addition of my hysterical spirit , did certainly take off all relicts of the said abortions without prejudice to the party . of child-bearing . if child-bearing women , before the birth , have floudings , and no pain , and yet the child be right ; the taking the pouder stops floudings , brings on pains ( if the time of the birth be fully come ) and causeth an happy delivery . but , if the child be not right , ( for which there is no help but the hand ) then if the due time of the birth be not fully come , the same medicine , stops floudings , and represseth pains till the natural time of delivery approacheth . when that comes , and the child is born , i give the same pouder ( according to the child-bed womans strength , or the exigency of nature ) either every two , four , or six hours to overcome the after-pains ; which it certainly in a short time takes off . also if false conceptions remained in the womb after the birth , or ( through ignorance , or carelesness of the midwife ) any part of the after-burthen were left ; none of these did ever putrify ( but were naturally expelled ) where my medicines were used : for i certainly know , that all such relicts were safely expelled ( without putrefaction ) if my pouder , hysterick cordial , and hysterick drops were taken according to my order . yea , i have by long experience known , that where my pouder was continually used ( twice a day ) by women lying in , during the whole month , they always found greater strength and liveliness , than could be discerned in others , not taking the same medicine ; thô the green water continued longer in such , than in those , unto whom none of my pouder had been given . therefore ( to prove the certainty of these medicines ) i can most truly assert , that never any woman using them in the manner above prescribed , died in child-bed ( of the diseases of child-bearing ) from the beginning of my practice unto this very day under my hands . of floudings in general . floudings , so well known , and too often lamented , are frequently stopped , but never cured , by particular remedies : therefore , in such cases , i give my pouder once in two or four hours , and continue the use thereof , in the same method , till the floudings cease , which usually is in a day or two after the first administration of the medicine ; also all acrimonies ( occasioned by those floudings ) are taken off , and the cure happily effected by the use of that remedy only ; which performs not this by a forcible stopping or binding , ( as particular medicines usually do , ) but by inciting nature to free her self from that inordinancy ; which being done every natural evil , usually attending such floudings , is certainly removed : for nature , assisted thereby , permits not the bloud to corrupt in the womb ; through the acrimony of which foul vlcers are often formed , nay , sometimes sphacela's are induced , and other evils , to the ruin of the patient . but , because what is hitherto written , will unto most men seem only an historical relation of womb-diseases in general ; no particular cure being hereunto annexed ; i therefore now descend to a more plain demonstration , particularly proving , by several examples , the power and extraordinary service of my remedies , when used as is fit , in those sad and deplorable cases above mentioned . example . 1. of an imposthume in the womb of a woman with child . a woman , about seven months gon with child , was afflicted with great pain and torture in her womb ; which manifested the proper signs of a contra-natural cause existent , by issue of bloud ( not flouding-like , but by driblings ) at last of quitter . upon these apparent signs of a suppurated imposthume , i was sought for and hearing what had hap'ned , could not but give judgment of an imposthume present . yet , having read hipocrates ( of whose sincerity and deep skill , in curing diseases of his time , no prudent man , unto this day , doubts ) and finding him to proclaim imposthumes , and vlcers of the womb , not curable in women with child , i was very loath to be concern'd in this case : but , importunity and necessity overweighing , i adventur'd to apply my self to the cure. in order to which i first gave my pouder , once in 8 hours , and my arcanum veneris , at night going into bed. this method was continued every day , without other medicines ( except some small cordials for support ) unto the time of her delivery . during which space of time , after the taking these medicines , matter flowed each day more than other , for a great part of that time ; in which time her pains nevertheless vanished , and she grew more lively , than before ; but when the time of her delivery drew near , the matter , that came forth , was less and less each day . after delivery , i viewing the bag , in which the child had been contained , did plainly discern the compass of the imposthume , and some part of the matter unresolved , upon the out-side of the bag. but afterwards to this same woman , so well delivered of a sound and well proportioned child , i gave my medicines ( all the time of her lying in ) in the same method , as is above prescribed ; and she recovered strength , and after this had several other children , and is now alive , tho this hap'ned fourteen years since . example 2. of a dropsy in the womb of a woman with child . a woman with child , before quickning , being swelled ( to outward appearance ) like one ready to be delivered , sent for me : i seeing the woman , and hearing how it was with her , could not but be amazed , and doubt of the reality of her conception . nevertheless because . i well knew the certainty , and effecacious power of my medicines ( above specified ) in cases no less deplorable , i rejected all thoughts of particular remedies , and applyed my self to that general method i had formerly used . accordingly , i gave my pouder , night and morning , for three days ; yet no separation hap'ned during that time ; but the woman found her self somewhat more lively than before . the fourth day , i gave my arcanum metallorum , and the following morning my pouder : that day came forth a dribbling of water , and the next day more . this method i continued , and , in three days time after , more than too gallons of water , was voided , and the dropsy separated . then i ordered the pouder to be taken night and morning , until quickning ; and all the time after of her being with child , i prescribed to her the same pouder , to be taken a day or two at a time , whensoever any appearance of a return of the dropsy was ; and , by this means , she went out her full time , had a sound child , and several children after , and hath continued well and in health for about these seven years since . example 3. of an vlcer in the womb. in this sad case , the neck of the womb was tumified , uneven , hard in one place , tender in another , and raw in a third ; as was clearly testified by divers midwifes then present : the sanies , that flowed from thence , was red , yellow , and greenish white . in cure of this woman , i gave my pouder every day once , and at night my arcanum of metals , and ( perhaps ) the next night my arcanum veneris , changing them as i saw occasion ; but my pouder i always gave once a day . during this cure , many changes and accidents hap'ned , to which i applied particular remedies , too long to be here incerted . after some series of time , all these accidents vanished , and the suppurated matter by little and little abated , and at length perfect health followed . this woman after her recovery conceived , and hath had several children since , and is alive at this day . this cure was performed about seven years ago . example . 4. of a tumified womb. a young woman , labouring under a natural deficiency propagated to her , striving to extrude it self by hemeroids and piles , being also at the same time afflicted with a tumified womb , hard and sore , so that she could not possibly bear the congress of her husband ; and having long sustained this calamity , and finding the remedies of other physicians useless , applied her self to me . i streight , in order to her cure , gave her my pouder every morning , and my arcanum veneris , every night , appointing my scerbutick tincture to be taken in drink , by twenty drops at a time , as often as she drank . and this method was continued for full four months ; after which time she quickly conceived with child , and hath ever since remained well , though she were cured of this malady divers years ago . example . 5. of a mola . being called to a woman , labouring under great floudings , who conceited her self to be with child ; when i had observed the great quantity of bloud , that came from her , the midwife ( then present ) gave me an account of the closure of the womb ; and so , an impossibility of distinguishing the concern . i finding her case such , caused the pouder to be given twice in one hour ; in which time , the flux of bloud began to stop , and the womb to open a little , yet no more than sufficed to admit the midwifes finger to distinguish somewhat unusual . whereupon i desired her to give me some more plain testimony of what she felt ; and by her words i judged it to be no child . and as i judged , so it proved : for , when the midwife could somewhat better reach , what she had before touched , she brought forth a gleuy matter , white and clear : i , seeing this , ordered her to bring it away as fast as she could ; but , she ( having no more place open , than for one finger to enter ) brought it away by piece-meal , i giving some cordial for support to the afflicted woman , in the mean time . this matter i caused ( when as much was brought away , as possibly could be by the midwifes finger ) to be put into a bason of water , where it joyned all together , and seemed in quantity to be no less than a quart would contain . now because ( without force ) the womb could be no further opened , the remainder was left to the power of medicine . therefore i gave my pouder every hour for twenty four hours ; at the end of which , this sadly distressed woman began to be pretty sedate and quiet , and no bloud appeared : for i think she had before evacuated all , or the greatest part of all she had . then i gave my pouder twice or thrice a day , for several dayes after , and sometimes my arcanum veneris . during this cure the cleansings were not sanguineous , but aqueous , and continued for seventy two days . in all which time no bloud appeared , but a cleansing water , sometimes of one colour , sometimes of another , as is common to other women after this , she each day increased in strength , and at length became perfectly well , and hath since had several children . now , forasmuch , as i have ( in all the diseases above-named ) made frequent mention of my pouder , shewing the particular use thereof in those cases ; but have never yet published the general use of the same , though it seems to me to be of greater concern to the publick , than any other medicine before specify'd ; i am therefore willing here to subjoyn a succinct and plain description of the general use of this pouder , and also of my scorbutic tincture ( the first being more material , the latter more spiritual ) for the necessary help of particular persons or families , where physicians are not easily to be had : experimentally knowing the pouder to manifest its operation chiefly in the first digestion , and the effects thereof ; and the tincture to be singularly useful , for purification of the bloud , opening the obstruction of the nerves , spleen , liver , and gall , separating the superfluous moisture of the glandules , and acrimonious humors in the reins . of the vse of the pouder . in the beginning of every disease , known or unknown , where the stomach is concerned , there i give the pouder first ; which , thô it may not cure ( as in apoplexies ) yet it is more safe than any other commonly known remedy , either of the shops , or of any modern physicians of publick note at this day : because it is not only subservient to nature in preventing the formation of diseases ; but is also ( if timely taken ) sufficient to enervate , or nullifie their existence when formed . for in the primary assault of any disease ( that is , upon the first perceivance of illness ) being once or twice taken , it either wholly prevents the growth and increase of that disease , or renders it fit to be more easily cured with other medicines . in diseases arriv'd to some height , as of two or three dayes , or longer continuance , especially if undeterminate , this pouder sometimes solely and alone works ( being taken at first ●wice or thrice a day , and afterwards morning and evening ) unto perfect recovery ; but , in intermitting fea●ers i alwayes give it an hour before ●he fit. in every epidemic , putrid , or acute feaver , it answers the regular intention of nature ; because it sometimes vomiteth , purgeth , and provokes sweats ( without the help of cloathes more than usual ) and otherwhile stayeth vomiting and loosness arising from nature's errour , or debility of parts , or organs ; rectifying her errour , and strengthening the parts . also it stops those morbific sweats , that arise from languishment ; or alters such sweats , as are produced by forcible diaphoreticks , unseasonably used , contrary to the intent of nature . in vertigoes , and all dolours of the head ; stomach , back , or sides , it is a medicine of general use and service . in the iliac and cholic passions , in numnesses , and all pains in the muscles , that happen from the scurvey ; or in any other congealed distemper , or what may be comprehended under the name of congelation , this pouder proves it self a powerful remedy ; because , if taken in hot posset-drink , sweats usually follow the taking thereof . also , in every scorbutic distemper it is very available , and acts as variously as the scorbutic forme is various ; for in all fluctuations , or diseases of resolution , it is no less serviceable , than in congealed distempers ; because being a medicine truly natural , nature can use it either way , to her own benefit . in pleurisies , bruises , and all imposthumes inward or outward , it will compleatly answer the desire of a good physician : for it powerfully resists putrefaction ; and thô it cannot always prevent imposthumation , or hinder putrefaction when begun ; yet it ripens the matter begun to be putrified , and afterwards expels it when perfectly digested . in the bloudy-flux it is a certain and speedy cure , even to admiration ; also in the griping of the guts , attended with vehement vomitings , and a continued loosness , it effects so much , beyond the power of other medicines , as is scarcely credible ; yet the same pouder , in extream costiveness , accomplisheth the work , by loosening the belly . in the small-pox , taken in the beginning of the disease , it causeth vomiting , purging , or sweats , and then binds the body ( as is fit ) and brings out the small-pox ; fortifying the life as far as it is gifted for that work . in the jaundies , no medicine , that ever i used , exceeds this : for it extirpates that disease , root and branch . this pouder , frequently taken , prevents the formation of worms in the body ; where matter of worms is made , it expels that ; and if worms be really formed , enableth nature to cast them out alive or dead . in surfeits , contracted from excesses of meats , drinks , or over-great labour it is singularly useful ; because it either causeth vomitings , or stools , or provokes sweats powerfully , thereby to clear the first digestion , or resolve the congelation , caused by those excesses . in convulsions , it is highly serviceable , as ( in the chapter of convulsions i have largely shewed ; ) and if given to children newly born , and for some time used , it prevents such fits , by carrying off those crudities children bring with them into the world. in all highly malignant , and pestilential diseases , it proves it self a true succour to nature , if taken every four hours . for in such cases it acts vigorously towards expelling all venomes . in feminine diseases , all intemperancies , inordinancies , and distemperatures of the womb , 't is a certain and speedy remedy . if women with child take the pouder upon any sense of illness , or where a tendency to abortion is ; it prevents the danger thereof by strengthening the womb. in the birth it brings on pains , and hastens the labour with safety ; but if the natural time of delivery be not near , it restreins pains until that time comes . it stops floudings , facilitates the birth , and cleanseth as is fit , curing the after-pains ; and in women lying in , answereth the necessities of the patient , either in cleansing or strengthening . likewise , the monthly flux is by this remedy brought into due order ; if inordinate , it checks that inordinancy ; if too little or not at all , it brings down the same in due time and order ; being taken at certain times of the moon , with respect had to the age of women or young maids . therefore , in the latter ( with other small helps ) it sometimes cures the green-sickness , altering the inordinacy of the appetite , and brings them to a due state of health , and right colour of complexion . in the piles and hemorrhoids it is a medicine of singular use : for it opens the piles , or dissolves them ; it opens also the hemorrhoids , and cures them when open'd , preventing vlcers in the parts . also in the sore or ulcerated breasts of women , this pouder is of great service . it strengthens a weak stomach , enabling it to retain the food , and digest it ; especially if taken so soon as the parties have eaten . and in all weaknesses of old age , so far as the first digestion is concerned , it is of use . the dose to a man or woman , full grown , is ʒj . to a child newly-born , 7 or 10 gr . and so proportionably to all ages , between the birth and full growth . it is to be repeated once in 4 , 6 , 8 , or 12 hours , according to the manner of its operation , and the necessity of the sick. the vehicle may be either breast milk , beer , ale , wine , or mace-ale , as the patients best like , or the necessity of the disease shall require . note : in the use of this pouder , let the following general rule be alwayes observed . whether it worketh by vomiting , purging , sweating , or vrine , so long as any such operation lasteth , it ought to be continued ; so likewise , in restreining diseasy sweats , contra-natural vomiting , or purging , continue the use of the same , until it be clearly seen , that nature hath no further need thereof in that exigency . of the vse and dose of the tincture . in apoplexies , palsys , vertigoes , and epilepsies , rheumatisms , gouts , stone , stranguries ( too frequent issues of the scurvey ) and other distempers , that have their propagation from things congealing , or too much acrimonious , inferring pains or numnesses , &c. i have by experience found this tincture to be of general vse and service , if taken in the following order . considering most of the diseases above-named , are either hereditary , or of long continuance , or both , it is expedient in all the aforesaid cases , that this tincture be taken daily four times a day ( in beer , ale , or wine . ) twenty drops at a time , when the stomach is most empty ; but more especially ; let it be taken in the morning fasting , and at night going into bed , without mixing the same with any specific , or direct-working medicine : though ( it must be understood ) that this tincture must never be taken , but in some liquor , or other . in scorbutick affects , appearing in other forms than above described , use the tincture in the same manner , until the diseases be abated , never using any other medicine with it , except my pouder , or other medicines above specified in the chapter of the scurvy ; only the dose must sometimes be increased ; as it must also in all tendencies to stagnization , whereof chilness , and coldness are fore-runners . in all impurities of the bloud , of what kind soever , whether pox , surfets , scabs , tetters , scales , ring-worms , spots , freckles , morphews , sores in the mouth , or other parts , if constantly taken ( in manner aforesaid ) for a month together , viz. four times a day , or as often as the afflicted party drinks , and the external parts washed , with his ( or her ) vrine every morning and evening , it will prove it self a very effectual remedy . in the green-sickness , and feminine obstructions , this tincture is of singular use , if taken three , or four times a day in drink : for , it restores their lost complexion , and opens all obstructions of spleen and liver . also it cleanseth the spleen and reins , easeth the dolours of the same ; and is of admirable service , in hypochondriac melancholy . but in these distempers it must be taken in all drinks , or liquid meats the patients use , viz. 15 drops at a time , and constantly every day , until their afflictions are altered in the distempers of old , or declining age , as asthma's , coughs , &c. that arise from the debility of the transpirative faculties ; by reason of which , they labour under shortness of breath , and troublesom phlegm , it is beneficial . for , althô this tincture cannot wholly take off these distempers from aged persons , yet it doth much alleviate them ; provided it be frequently taken , and that in a large quantity , viz. 40 drops at night going into bed , and also every morning fasting . in suppression , difficulty , or sharpness of vrine , it is an effectual remedy , if 20 drops be taken morning and evening in mace-ale , or in a decoction of mallowes if they design ease ; or parsley-roots , if they intend expulsion . in convulsions , lethargies , great pains , weights , or numnesses of the head , it is profitable , if taken 4 times a day , 20 drops at a time . against pains in the stomach , and the weaknesses thereof , it is very efficacious , if 30 , or 40 drops be taken at a time , twice or four times a day in drink when the pains begin to invade , and the use thereof continued , till the dolour ceases . only in this case , let the parties grieved be sure to take care , never to eat or drink , until they are assured , that what they eat and drank before be well digested . in imbecillity of the generative faculty , or in weakness , coldness , and vnaptness to conceive , this tincture is very profitable , if twenty drops at a time be taken in sack , three times a day , viz. in the morning fasting , one hour before dinner , and at four a clock after noon ; and the fourth time at night going into bed , in mace-ale , especially if the pouder be us'd with it . this method must be continued for a month together . for recovery of strength in consumptions , where the lungs are not ulcerated , this medicine ought to be given , by 10 drops at a time , as often as the languishing party takes any thing liquid ( whether broth , milk , iellies , or emulsions of any kind ) as also in all his or her drink . the same tincture is no less effectual in the jaundies , if 30 , or 40 drops be taken at a time , in what drink the afflicted party best liketh , in the same manner as before ; and the use thereof continued , till the vrine be clear , as it was before the disease invaded . against after-pains in childbed , and to open obstructions , this medicine effectually yields relief ; if 10 drops be given to women in that condition , in their usual caudle , every time they drink it . a child of a year old may take 2 drops , in two spoonfuls of breast-milk , and so proportionably . note : in taking , or administring this tincture it is very convenient to be careful , not to suffer your selves , friends , or patients , to be over-perswaded , by any arguments whatsoever , to take purging or solutive medicines , althô your own , friends , or patients bodies seem to be somewhat costive : for so doing you will much retard the benefit , which would naturally accrew from this tincture , by its transpirative vertue . and let this also be a caution to all , in every kind of distemper , where this medicine is used , not to take or intermix any other things , ( except as is above in this treatise described ) with the same . now , because i very well know the generality of people to be so far from believing these contrary operations , that they will exclaim against them , as impossibilities in nature , i thought it requisite here to subjoyn ( as is well known to practitioners in chirurgy ) that the herb st. johns-wort , doth as certainly dissolve congealed bloud in bruises , as by congelation an incised wound , stab , or prick : which being actions so different , may somewhat plead for the verity of what i have written . but , if this single example be not sufficient , let any one make experiment of the power of the ash-tree , cut down ( when sol is in gemini , with the girdle of orion , and just ascending ) and divided into small flat sticks ; for any one of them applied to a cut , stab , or prick , and held there for some small time , quickly and evidently heal the wound without suppuration . also in bruises , thô large and great , if a broad piece of that wood be rubbed gently upon them , he shall find a sudden resolution , in the space of a quarter of an hour ( if this be done at first ) and no blackness appearing : and if it be apply'd speedily , in burns , and scalds , no blisters will arise : in stingings of wasps and bees , and pricks of thorns , this wood is a speedy remedy , if presently applied : in bleeding at the nostrils , thô very great and large , if a piece of the wood be held to the nostrils , and rubbed just above the gristle of the nose ; you shall quickly see the blood stopped . likewise , in bitings of dogs , thô their teeth have entred deep , if suddenly applied , all the anguish , and danger of those bitings are as suddenly removed . if a single plant can perform such various and contrary actions , what then shall minerals and metals effect , wherein all the seven great properties of nature are concentred . i could enlarge this section with many other signal examples and proofs , but i shall conclude all with this corollary : that , since nature is the true preserver and curer in all distempers ; and is more active and subtile for her own preservation and recovery , than any adventitious agent can be . that preparation must needs be fitter , and more useful ( in those her methods ) which attends and assisteth her inclinations and actions ; than that , which disturbs her intentions , and imposeth operations upon her , contrary to her own designs : to which errors and mistakes all particular medicines , and the applyers of them , are very obnoxious . wherefore , if i have had the blessing to find out medicaments ( universal as to parts and persons ) which will be perfectly complyant , and subservient to nature ●s tendencies , as my long and successful experience of them perswades me i have done ; and whereof others may be likewise convinced , if they will make studious tryal of my receipts ; i would not have any prejudicate person wonder at this my assertion , that one and the same individual medicine can congeal and resolve , open and shut , work upwards and downwards , or ( in a word ) produce quite contrary effects , thô some doctors have averred to my face , this thing to be impossible : for , if nature in contrary exigencies , cannot but act contrary ways to her own relief ; then consequently the physic that doth not forcibly drive nature out of her course , but officiously follow her in her own motions , must like an handmaid necessarily trace the footsteps of her mistress . and what man , that does but understand , or possess a nature , is ignorant , that the means and passages which she takes in difficulties for her succour and safety , are strangely different , contrary and mysterious ; and yet most ingenious to a miracle ? here are no angry flames , only some bright beams of plain truth flowing from nature's light . finis ▪ the table . a. ancestors in art , the infancy of the world , 53 ancient artists how they attained the perfection of their arts , 50 apelles and homer commended , 48 archimedes his unparallel'd inventions of mechanic works , ibid. arts appear more polite , where nature brings them forth , 47 author , why he at first followed chymistry , 2 his good success therein , 4 how non-plus'd in following the same , 5 his satisfaction afterwards , 7 his patients how they preserve themselves , 38 first authors of physic who instructed , 45 b. basilius a monk , a most knowing physician , 45 book-doctors reprehended , 39 , 40 , 52 , 53 , 72 the reason why they are ignorant , 53 buboes , why the author writes nothing of them , 80 c. cause of deficiency in us , 49 change direct a diminishing of the natural gift , 16 a child capable of solving most solvable questions in arithmetic , 48 child-bearing , 149 choler maketh not men angry , 33 no sense of it unless the spirit be defiled with a wrathful image , ibid. cold stagnizeth the blood , 37 the begetter of various diseases , ibid. convulsions , 107 the cure of those that happen before the small pox , 110 the cure of those that happen from maternal nourishment , 111 the cure of them in breeding teeth , 112 the cure of ideal convulsions , 113 compositions of the shops , and commonly known chymical remedies , rejected by the author , why , and how far he allows them , 71 corporeal evils , hereditary , take beginning from maternal nourishment , 59 chymists differ from galenists , 2 d. disease defined , 55 diseases simple , natural , preter-natural , and contra-natural ; how complicated , 66 hereditary , what , 56 ideal , must have material filths , 57 by occasional matter manifest themselves , 58 darken the spirits , 59 preternatural , what , and how caused , 60 contranatural , and autumnal how caused , 63 diseases of the womb , 145 chronical , their original , 26 how they take root in us , and are changed one into another , 28 of the first digestion changed into distempers of the second , or third , how , 27 degenerated , how made worse , 28 have no existance in the body , till the stomach submitteth to them , 30 hereditary , kept from increasing , ibid. disposition , seminal incorporeal , 29 distempers , accounted uncurable , how cured , 31 , 40 suddenly cured , why , 37 disturbance of the spirit the generator of defects in the body , 35 dropsy in the womb. 55 its cure , 56 e. education , its insufficiency , 43 , 44 emptiness , its effects , and the remedies thereof , 62 , 63 envy , and malice , their effects not much different , 33 , 34 experience commended , what takes being from it , is true , how , 44 f. fear , its effects , &c. 34. 65 , 66 feavers , putrid , malignant , epidemical , or accidental , 140 continual , intermitting , and simply intermitting , 142 ferments , diseasy , strange , how begotten , 26. 29 floudings in general , 151 fullness , defined , 61 g. galen's method , why neglected by the author , 1 , 2 gonorrhea's , hurt not in the lues , except means be wanting , 59 gout , true , its symptomes , 30 derivative , may lye concealed until 40 , or 50 years of age , 57 griping in the guts , how cured , 84 , 85 order of diet in that disease , 87 remarks upon the errours of physicians in cure of that disease , ib. h. helmont , commended by the author , found out certainty by stilness , 45 , 46 his theory how proved true to the author , 17 i. imbecility of the womb , 145 imposthumes , 120 in the head , cured , 135 in the head opened , cured , 137 in the liver , cured , 129 in the stomach , cured , 132 in the womb , cured , 153 , 154 indians , without books , by natural instinct find out the vertues of plants , 46 inquiry , how remedies came first to be known , 43 instinct , natural commended , 44 k. knowledge , of medicines , of how great concern , 38 real , taught from natural instinct , or acquired by observation , 43 general , and particular , its true patron , 44 of the virtues of roots , herbs , or plants , not advanced since the dayes of theophrastus , 51 l. languages , not absolutely necessary in the art of physic. 50 lethargies , coma's , and apoplexies , 113 their cure. 115 a particular example of an aged lady cured of the apoplexy . 116 lues , and scurvey , the two general evils , 66 lues , materially contracted swiftly infects , why , 58 m. magnetic attractives fruitless , when , 79 medicines , natural , work not by their own power , but by nature's dispose . 17 the means to obtain such , 40 particular , act rather against , than with nature in complicated diseases ; why , 27 general , how they act in the humane body ; their safety and properties , 12 , 13 , 14. 18 , 19 of paracelsus , and helmont , why of little service to us , 41 marcellus , his speech to the engineers of his camp , 49 man hath capacity of knowing things in their roots , 47 men , void of much discourse , &c. utter wonderful things , ibid. method of the ancients uncertain , 43 metals and minerals , their outward life poyson , 11. 16 their virtues more concentrate , than those of vegetables , 9 not specificate to person or disease , ibid. their gifts from god , the light or ray of them true medicine ; not changed in the body ; but bring less trouble , than a spoonful of wine ; their virtues condemned , why , 10 their air , and its properties , 11 their operation against acute diseases , 12 , 13 their middle life medicine , antidote against poyson , &c. 16 , 17 miscarriages , 147 mola , and its cure , 159 , 160 n. nature , guide of the vniverse , 51 physicianess , and curer of diseases , 2. 18. the only actor , and curer of her self , 38 to be observed by physicians , 40 naturally excites man to his cure , 46 brings forth both medicine and the physician , 51 how restored to her wonted actions , 37 her incapacity to strive , when , 64 negroes , in accounting excell , 48 o. occasions of errors committed in the medicinal faculty . 32 opinion , that physick is not fit for children , refuted . 60 p. palsies , fourfold , their cure by four examples . 102 , 103 , 104 patients afflicted with the plague , and remarks upon their carelessness , 81 in whom the tokens appeared , their state described , 64 paracelsus his endowments , 45 , 46 pestilence , how caused , 63 plague , the last described , different manner of assaults therein , and the author's method of cure thereof , 76 , 77 , &c. antipestilentials of ancient , and modern physicians ineffectual , 73 34 persons , sick , cured by their own natural impulse , 46 phlegmones , firey , in general , and their cure , 127 , 128 physicians , ought to be chary what they administer , 38 practice of physic various , 1 , 2 things necessary to that science , 50 practicioners , their grand mistake , proved by example , 32 , 33 q. quartanes , 144 rage , its effects , 65 remedies , general , how serviceable . their difficulty to be obtained , 14 , 15 their dark part , what ; their properties , essential to true healing , 18 , 19. 22 their general dispositions keep physicians from errour , 31 remedies , particular , when useful , 21. 31 s. scurveys , whence they arise , and their effects , 67 of them in general , 89 their cure by ensamples , 93 seeds , admit not of ought but ideas , 57 spirit of life , or archeus , the ruler , why 36 how primarily affected , ibid. erring , becomes the efficient cause of diseases , 37 specificks , not altogether useless , 22 how made more general , 23 sorrow , its effects , 35 stupor , its effects , 63 surfeits , their foundation and effects , 61 , 62 t. tinctures , open , their singular use , 73 transpiration insensible , how excited , and the benefit thereof , 20 the medium thereof unknown , 21 v. vegetables , not so serviceable , as minerals , why , 8 , 9 venomes , 68 vertues , of st. john's-wort , and the ash-tree , 176 of natural subjects , not conferred , but only discovered by art , 10 ulcer , in the womb , and its cure , 157 urine , vented through the fleshy parts about the kidneys , 20 use and dose of the author's pouder , 162. 169 use and dose of the author's scorbutic-tincture , 170 w. vvomb , tumifyed , and its cure , 158 world , waxeth old , 8 finis . paidōn nosēmata· = or childrens diseases both outward and inward. from the time of their birth to fourteen years of age. with their natures, causes, signs, presages and cures. in three books: 1. of external 2. universal 3. inward diseases. also, the resolutions of many profitable questions concerning children, and of nurses, and of nursing children. by j. s. physician. j. s. 1664 approx. 195 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 100 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-11 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a62269 wing s79 estc r219790 99831237 99831237 35700 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62269) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 35700) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 2040:32) paidōn nosēmata· = or childrens diseases both outward and inward. from the time of their birth to fourteen years of age. with their natures, causes, signs, presages and cures. in three books: 1. of external 2. universal 3. inward diseases. also, the resolutions of many profitable questions concerning children, and of nurses, and of nursing children. by j. s. physician. j. s. vaughan, william, fl. 1664, engraver. [14], 176 p., [1] leaf of plates printed by w.g. and are to be sold by j. playford and zach. watkins at their shop in the temple near the church, london : 1664. the first two words of title are in greek characters. the words "1. .. diseases." are connected by a complex system of brackets on title page. engraved frontispiece is signed: giu. vaughan fecit. with four preliminary contents leaves. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their 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children -diseases -england -early works to 1800. disease -causes and theories of causation -early works to 1800. 2004-06 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-06 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-07 rachel losh sampled and proofread 2004-07 rachel losh text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion παιδων νοσηατα or childrens diseases , both outward and inward . from the time of their birth to fourteen years of age. with their natures , causes , signs , presages and cures . in three books : 1. of external diseases .   2.   universal   3.   inward   a'lso , the resolutions of many profitable questions concerning children , and of nurses , and of nursing children . by j. s. physician . london , printed by w. g. and to be sold by j. playsord and zach. watkins at their shop in the temple near the church . 1664. to the illustrious person robert boyle esq brother to the most honourable the earl of corke . fame reports your generosity and humanity to equal your learning ; the latter is so great that it makes you a transcendent , especially in the mysterious secrets of nature and practical philosophy , and so , most fit for the protection of the meanest of this work , as you are by the former , most ready to pardon my unworthyness ; therefore i have put forth this manual under the patronage of your illustrious name , & hope for pardon , if not acceptance , because it is a part of practical philosophy ( medicine being only the application of the precepts of philosophy ) in which , as you are the greatest luminary , so the noblest encourager of others in it . if you vouchsafe this favour , i doubt not but it will be accepted of as well by the learned as the vulgar , it being an extract or issue not meanly descended , & habited in english by your devoted servant in all humility i. s. courteous reader , the true use of physick is as difficult , as the abuse is dangerous , for the goodness of remedies consists in the conveniency & and fitness of them ( good and convenient being the same ) to the patient , causes and circumstances of diseases , the mistake whereof by the vulgar , is often mortal , especially to children , who are very obnoxious to alteration by the tenderness and softness of their bodies : to prevent which , i present this manual to you , pointing and holding forth what ought to be done , and what not , for the procuring & preserving the health of children , in which are slipt in some few words , either not altogether fit for the matter , or the unlearned reader ( by my being under pressure of business when this work was in the presse ) where by pugil is to be understood , as much as the thumb and four fingers can take up ; by liniament , a medicine thinner then an oyntment ; and by boyling according to art , boyling from a pint and an half to a pint , and putting flowers and seeds in towards the end of the decoction ; the other obscurities will be no impediment to him , which makes me hope for acceptance from him , as i do from the learned by the quality of the matter , proved by most eminent authority in physick , as appears by a list of the authors hereunto annexed . oundle in northampton . june 9. 1662. vale. a catalogue of the authors used in this work. a. aetius , avicen , aristotle , averrhoes . c. cardanus , crato , celsus . d. dioscorides , dordonaeus . f. fallepus , fabritius de aquapendente , fabricius hildanus , fernelius , fonseca , fontanus , fucksius . g. galen . h. hartmanus , hippocrates , horstius , hurnius . l. amatus lusitanus , zacutus lusitanus . m. mercurialis , mesnes . p. paraeus , platerus , plato , prymrose . r. rhazes , rolfincius , riverius . s. sennertus , salaemander . t. theophrastus , trallianus . the contents of the chapters . the first book of external diseases . the preface . chapter 1. pag. 1. of the greatnesse , dropsy , and water of the head. chap. 2. p. 5. of the kings evil. chap. 3. p. 15. of pustules and little risings in the head . chap. 4. p. 23. of chapt lips in children . chap. 5. p. 26. of the inflamation of the navil . chap. 6. p. 29. of a rupture and broken belly . chap. 7. p. 30. of the falling of the fundament . chap. 8. p. 32. of the galling of children . chap. 9. p. 34. of chilblanes and kybes . chap. 10. p. 36. of the scab . chap. 11. p. 39. of the itch. chap. 12. p. 51. the second book of universal diseases . of feavers in children in general . chap. 1. p. 43. of a synoche feaver . chap. 2. p. 49. of the small pox and meazles . chap. 3. p. 52. of the consumption . chap. 4. p. 70. the third book of particular diseases of inward parts of the body . of the epilepsy or falling sicknesse . chap. 1. p. 86. of convulsion . chap. 2. p. 27. of the palsy . chap. 3. p. 101. of childrens dreaming and tronbled sleep . chap. 4. p. 104. of moderate watching of children . chap. 5. p. 108. of the inflamation of the head. chap. 6. p. 110. of the running at the nose , cough , and difficult breathing . chap. 7. p. 114. of the pain and humidity of the ears . chap. 8. p. 117. of the inflamation of the glandules called the almonds of the ears . chap. 9. p. 120. of the sorenesse of the mouth . chap. 10. p. 123. of the ranula of the tongue . chap. 11. p. 127. of dentition and breeding of teeth . chap. 12. p. 129. of the hiccough . chap. 13. p. 135. of vomiting , and a vain desire of vomiting chap. 14. p. 138. of the involuntary pissing of children . chap. 15. p. 140. of the strangury and suppression of urine . chap. 16. p. 143. of the stone in the bladder . chap. 17. p. 146. of costivenesse and being bound in the belly . chap. 18. p. 150. of the flux and loosnesse . chap. 19. p. 155. of tenesme . chap. 20. p. 161. of the pain in the guts . chap. 21. p. 163. of the worms . chap. 22. p. 167. contents of several questions . what is age , the definition and division of it ? page 2 , 3. why before 14. years of age ought one not to be esteemed a perfect man ? why before 7. years of age children have not the use of reason ? p. 87. when and how the lessening of blood is to be done in children ? p. 46 , 50 , 51 , 65 , 66. why children are disposed to many diseases ? p. 3 , 4. why they never sleep moderately ? p. 105. and why their want of sleep is very hurtful ? p. 108. why they hold not their water so well as men ? p. 140. why chilblanes and kybes happen chiefly to children , and to the hands and feet , and not to other parts ? p. 36 , 37. why a consumption is said a disease , and an effect of a disease , or a symptome ? p. 70 , 71. what is the subject of it , and in what order the parts consume ? pag. 71 , 72. why a feaver is called a childs disease p. 44. diseases in children why so called ? p. 5. why phrensy & madnesse are not reckoned amongst childrens diseases ? p. 87. nor the apoplexy , though it hath the same matter as the epilepsy hath ? p. 101 , 102. nor the moisture of the nose and ears , and yet the humidity of the ears is called a childs disease , p. 117 , 118. whether the inflamation of the almonds of the ears may be in infants ? p. 120 , 121. why diseases of the head are difficult to cure ? p. 8. as also of the fundament , p. 33. why a child is most apt to a synoche feaver , and whether he may have a quartan feaver , it being contrary to its nature ? p. 44. why feavers are not dangerous , and why sometimes they turn into hectick feavers ? p. 46. why the kings evil exactly cured , returns again ? p. 18 , 19. why waterish humors are more often collected in the head of children then other parts , and in the womb then out of it ? p. 7. what is the use of lips , and why are more often chopt in children then in others and most frequently from cold ? p. 27. how good milk from bad may be known ? p. 76. and how the bad milk of a nurse may be made good ? p. 78 , 79. how a good nurse may be known from a bad one ? p. 78. whither the small pox had a beginning or not , and where : and whither beasts have it or not , and how it differs from the measles which hath the same matter , cause and cure ? p. 53. why the cause is not the impurity of the mothers blood , as by most supposed p. 54 , 55. nor is the cause the fault of the air ? p. 56. why scarce any one but hath it , and that it is mortall to some and not to others , happening most to children ? p. 57. why some have more breakings out and marks then others and the face most troubled , and next to it the feet and hands ? p. 58. why the small pox troubles the eyes more then the measles ? p. 58. why the small pox is infectious and more easily to kindred then others ? p. 58 , 59. why some have twice , rarely thrice , almost all once ? p. 59. why scars and blemishes are left chiefly in the face , lips , and foreskin ? p. 59. why the stone of the bladder is seldome in female children , and not so often in men as children , yet the stone made in the reins , is oftner in men then children ? pag. 147. how teeth and bones differ , p. 130. the use of teeth p. 131. and the order and time of their growth . p. 132 , 133. worms , why very familiar to children and in what parts they are , made and found ? pag. 167. 168. the difference of worms . p. 168. imprimatur , octob. 28 1663. roger l'estrange . the first book of external diseases in children . chap. i. the preface . it will not be unprofitable to prepare a way for the ensuing discourse of childrens diseases , by premising these particulars . 1. what is age , and the definition of it ? 2. the division of age ? 3. the subject of the discourse ? 4. why children are apt to sickness ? 5. why childrens diseases are so call'd ? 6. the order and method of the discourse of childrens diseases . it is answered , 1. every age is obnoxious to all kinds of diseases , but one age is more disposed to some diseases , then another is ; for every age hath a peculiar temper , and so a similitude with some diseases , whereby it is more easily affected and changed by them then by other diseases ; nevertheless , age it self doth not produce diseases , but only disposes and makes one apt to receive certain sorts of diseases ; for age is a thing that is natural , and a determination of a time ; and it is defined by some to be a space and duration of life , in which the constitution of the body is manifestly changed , by the action of the natural heat upon the radical moisture . the life of man consists in heat and moisture , the heat consumes by degrees the moisture , whereby necessarily follows several changes of the temperament , which are called ages . 2. the division of age is various by the ancients ; some divide it into 7. parts , other into 6. or 5. parts : but the modern ( considering that in all things there is a beginning , increase , state , and declination ) have divided age into 4. parts ( alluding to the 4. elements , 4. humours of mans body , and 4. seasons of the year . ) 1. adolescency , or growing age , in which are contained infancy , childhood , and puberty , and it extends to 25. or 30. years . 2. youthfulness or flourishing age , extending to 36 , or 40. years . 3. consistent age , extending to 45. or 50. years . 4. old age , which contains decrepit age , and extends to the end of life . 3. the subject treated on will be the first age and adolescency , as it extends only to 14. years , for then and not before , ought a man to be said perfect , ( though some say at 7. years ) because as plants are said then to be perfect , when they first begin to bear fruit , so man ought to be called perfect in that time , when he begins to be prolifick and procreable . 4. children are disposed to very many diseases for divers reasons , because of the 1. impurity of the nourishment in the womb by an erroneous diet or sickness of the mother . 2. great labour and pains in the birth and getting out of the womb , being a narrow passage , whereby is weakness , and very often are bruises . 3. cutting of the navel string , that the infant may get forth , whereby pains and inflamations often follow . 4. diversity of nourishment , children in the womb are nourish'd with the purest blood of the mother , and they only perfect the third concoction , but after birth they use milk and other food , and need the help of the stomach and liver for the first and second concoction . 5. change of place , being not used to the air , for infants live in the womb in the greatest lukewarmness and tranquility , but as soon they feel the cold air outwardly and breath it in ; they are hurt , which appears by their crying . 6. the unsoftness and uneasiness of the things they lye upon , for infants lye very soft in the womb. 7. hot and moist temper , which is very obnoxious to corruption . 8. the fault and badness of the milk. 5. diseases of children are so called , not only such which trouble and affect only children , as diseases arising from breeding of teeth , but also such diseases , which most frequently happen to children , & are cur'd in a different manner in them then they are in other ages . 6. the order and method in the discourse of childrens diseases will be , 1. of external diseases , and such as belong to the outward parts of the body . 2. universal diseases , which affect all parts of the body . thirdly and lastly , particular and inward diseases of particular and inward parts of the body , proceeding from the diseases of the upper parts to the lower parts . chap. ii. of the greatnesse , dropsie , or water of the head. there is somtimes an immense largeness of the head , vitiating the natural actions of it ; yet the head is not to be called diseased , as if it needed the help of a physician , because it is natural and incurable , that is not here intended ; but that which is called the dropsie of the head , and though sometimes it is in a peculiar part of the head , yet for the most part it is in the whole capacity of the head , and it is more frequently in children and infants newly born , then others of elder years , in regard of the softness of their head and bones . it is defined to be a tumor of the head , contrary to nature , hapning for the most part to children ; or a tumor of the head , caused by the collection of waterish humours in some part of the members constituting the head . the immediate cause is either , 1. a wind , which is seldome , in regard of the rarity and purosity of the head ( which appears by the hairiness of it ) and the thumes and tenuity of the wind ( made of a very thin humour ( and so easily dissolved and dissipated . 2. thin and waterish humour , which is sometimes thick and coloured , by the mixture of the ichor of other humours with it . this humour is collected more often in the womb then out of it , and in the head then other parts ; because 1. of the great moisture of the brain . 2. the plenty of vapours which ascend to the head , and by its coldness turne into water . 3. it being the seat of waterish humors , for the head is placed over the belly , as the head of a still over the body of it . 4. the density of the skull which retains the vapours . the signes by which this disease is known , relate to the cause or place ; if wind be the cause , the head lightly struck will sound like a drum , and the tumor prest by a finger yeilds to it , and leaves a dent , which presently fills up again ; if an humour be the cause , and not within the skull , the tumor is soft , clear ; if prest , it slowly returns to its former fulnesse , the colour of the skin is unchang'd , and there is crying and want of sleep ; if the humour be within the skull , the infant hath an heaviness of the head , cryes and cannot sleep ; and in those of elder years , the eyes are prominent , and stand out , weeping , and can hardly be shut , and sometimes the fancy is hurt . the presage ; if the tumor is within the skull , some think it incureable , others think it cureable by cauteries , and by diaphoreticks . if it is on the outside of the skull , it is dangerous , because of the dignity of the head , and the tenderness of it in an infant ; for every disease of the head is dangerous , especially in an infant , whose tenderness cannot endure a disease or remedy , and if the humor should move inwardly , there is great danger of a lethargy or apoplexy . the cure is , by discussing and extenuating the wind , and evacuating the humour insensibly , or sensibly by purging or manual operation , for the doing whereof a convenient diet is necessary , which ought to be directed to the nurse if the child suck , otherwise to the child . wherefore let the air be hot and dry where the nurse and child is kept ; & if it be not so naturally , & by the season of the year , prepare it so by good fires and fumes of sweet and hot woods ; if the child suck , let the nurse watch much , and if it is wean'd , let it sleep lesse then if it was sound , because watching doth much dry the body , as sleep softens it ; moderate exercise and a soluble belly is very convenient , which if need , let it be help'd by a suppository made of hony ; the nurse and child both are to abstain from wine , and in the place of it a drink is to be made of water with coriander seed prepared , and anniseed ; let the meat be such as discusses and breaks wind , and dissipates humours ; wherefore let the bread have a little coriander seed in it , and the flesh be rather of wild fowl , and roasted rather then boyled ; a moderate use of spice is profitable ; and coriander canded with sugar . all herbs and waterish fruits are to be avoided . if the nurse be sound , avoid purging her , lest you hurt the milk ; if she be unsound , purge her as the quality and nature of the humour require . external remedies only belong to an infant ( for purges and other remedies are to be used to the nurse ) and very carefully , least they hurt , wherefore this fomentation will be convenient . take of pennyroyal , maryroom , savory , of each an handful ; cumminseed and aniseed of each an ounce , boyl them together in a pint and an half of water , to a pint , in which wet a spunge and apply it to the head , afterwards anoint the head with the oyl of cammomile salted ; if this prevails not , the oyl of anniseed may be added , and to the two oyles without the salt you may add a little of the powder of anniseed and fennel-seed . it will be convenient for the nurse to use the following electuary , which will make the milk discusse wind . take the conserve of bettony , and of rosemary of each an ounce , the powder of coriander and anniseed of each an ounce , mixe them , and take morning and evening half an ounce . in a child of some years , that can endure medicaments , purge the child first gently with two ounces of the hony of roses solutive , mixe it with a little broath . afterwards prepare the humour thus , take of mugwort , savory , staccados , celandine , of each half an handful , boyl them in a pint and half of water to a pint. take two or three ounces of the said decoction , of the simple hony of roses , of the syrrup of staccados , of each half an ounce , mingle them ; and give it the child 3. or 4. days together , then purge the humours so prepared . take of the pills called pillula aurea one dram and a half , of castor two grains , of the root of ireos finely powdred half a dram , mingle them with the hony of the syrrup of roses solutive , and make thereof for one doss ( or quantity to be taken at once ) five little pills . if the child refuse pills ; take an ounce of the root of ireos , of raisins of the sun half an ounce , the seeds of fennel and coriander , of each half a dram , boyl them according to art. take of the decoction an ounce and a half , of the trochische of agarick two drams , infuse them all night , then strain them strongly and add an ounce and an half of the hony of roses solutive . after sufficient purging , the use of the electuary directed before for the nurse , and the external remedies will be convenient , to which may be added this following lixivium . take of figtree-wood two pound , of salt or common water twenty pints , make of it a lye according to art , when it is strained add to it coriander-seeds , and anniseeds of each a pugill , of bran one pugill , the leaves of penny-royal , maryroom , and mugworth , one handful and an half , boyl them away to a fourth part , then strain and use them . in the same manner you may prepare a lye of brimstone beaten and applied to the head with a drye woollen cloth , it dries the head very much ; stronger driers are dangerous . there may be made plaisters of the aforesaid herbs , being boyled and bruised to the form of a plaister , and laid upon the head ; a plaister made of snails , bruised and applied to the head , untill they fall of themselves , is an approved of remedy . the following ointment doth very much discusse the water or wind in the head : take of the oyl of ireos and cammomile of each two ounces , of the powder of sulphur and ireos of each two ounces , of wax a little , and make an oyntment of them . remedies also are convenient which are put in at the nose or ears , as the oyl of cammomile with a little ireos or brimstone , or the oyle of the gumme called sagapenum with a little castor . some commend the brain of a wolf dried and sprinkled with musk , put into the nose . in the use of these remedies you are to take notice , that if the water moves from the internal to the external parts , it is incurable : likewise , if the water is plentiful which is collected out of the skull , the use of inward or outward remedies are in vain : because as strong internal remedies in this tender subject are not convenient , so moderate and weak remedies do not prevail ; the like is also in external medicaments , wherefore there is only hope in a sensible evacuation by chyrurgery and incision , which is to be used if the water be not discuss'd within three weeks ; by the preceeding means incision is dangerous , in regard of the tenderness of the age , and greatness of the distemper , and ought to be the last remedy , and not to be used upon children newly born , but in others of elder years . in the making incision , if the tumor hath a great point , the head of the point is to be opened , with two or three cuttings , and in the lowest part for the easier evacuating the humour , which evacuation ought not to be at once , but by degrees , lest the spirits are dissipated , and care is to be taken that the coldness of the air doth not hurt the brain . after incision is made , and the water evacuated by little and little , proper medicaments to wounds are to be used , as linnen wet in oyl or wine ; which medicaments are to be straightly bound if the child is very strong , but if very tender and weak , the place that is cut is to be only covered with some soft wool ( or the like ) dipt in medicaments proper for wounds . if after incision the flesh will not grow , by the fault of the bone , ( as if often happens ) scrape the bone gently that the fault may be removed , and the flesh grow . if the water is between the skin and the temp'ral muscles , or between the muscles and the skin it is mortal to make incision , but you must expect the setling of the water in the sides of the muscles not belonging to them . some there are that use caustick medicaments , and burn many ulcers in the childs head , and if it is not effectual , then they come to incision , but it is very dangerous ; for exulcerations in the childs head which is full of water , are never or hardly cureable . chap. iii. of the kings evill . the kings evill is a hard or schirrous tumour contrary to nature , growing for the most about the neck , and chiefly of children . the immediate cause is sometimes flesh , but very seldome : sometimes the glandules turn into this tumour , but most frequently phlegm , or melancholy hardned . some think the cause is an alamentary juyce hardned ; because they are not changed into a disgested matter , nor do putrefie , and continue a long time . the antecedent causes are youngness of age , cold and moist temper , softners of flesh and muscles , and shortness of the neck , thereby the humours fall easily from the head in the neck , and cleave tenaciously . the external causes are the coldness and moisture of the climate , idlenesse , drinking crude and thick waters , the use of cheese , fruits , and grosse food ; but chiefly voracity , and imoderate eating , wherefore children and infants are principally troubled with this disease . if the matter is not viscous and glutinous , although it condenses , yet it is not coated or contained in a membrane ; but if part of the matter is glutinous when it is congealed by the cold of the part or glandule , a skin is made round about , and consequently a bladder or membrane , in which afterwards the matter by degrees thickens , the thinner part being in time consumed . the difference of this disease , is taken from 1. magnitude , some being as great as a melon , others moderate , and little as a pea. 2. nature , some gentle without pain or inflamation , and with a moderate hardness . some moderate , between a schirrus and an aposteme , or malignant , with pain and inflamation , and very great hardnesse . 3. constitution , some being elevated , and move hither and thither ; others , as if they were impacted and unmoveable . 4. place , some are about the hinder part of the head , others about the auteriour part , some in the skin , others profound , and about the noble great vessells . 5. plenty , some are accumulated into an heap , others not . the signs are , tumour sometimes round , sometimes somewhat long , sometimes of the same colour with the skin , sometimes more red , hard , and without pain , and move not to and fro being handled . the kings evill is known from hardned glandules , because 1. the matter of glandules is more subtile and thin , then the matter of this disease , which is more thick , viscid , and contumacious ; hence it is , that as often as the thin and subtile matter is incraffated , the kings evill is made of the glandules . 2. hardned glandules are more separated from the next flesh , that it it is easie to discern them from the flesh , by feeling , the contrary is in the kings evil. 3. the kings evill hath for the most part a membrane or coat , the glandules not . some distinguish them thus ; take the leaves of ivy and citron , and bruise them together , lay them upon the tumour , and if in three dayes the tumour lye hid , it is a sign of the glandules ; but if they are exasperated by the medicament , then it is a sign that it is the kings evill . the presage is , this disease is troublesome and wearisome to the patient and physician ; for whatsoever way you deal with them , they are exasperated , and if they seem to be cur'd return again . it is very difficult to cure , but with lesse difficulty and danger in infants and children , then in youth , because they often degenerate into cancers and dangerous ulcers . the kings evill that is little , superficial and gentle , are not very dangerous , & are more easily cur'd : but such as are great , deep , and malignant , are pernicious , and for the most part incureable . the kings evill though it is most exactly cur'd , yet it returns again , which is not from the motion of the moon , as some have thought , because they have return'd after a month , a year , or two years : but the cause is , 1. the viscosity thickens , and contumaciousnesse of the matter , which is not perfectly eradicated and extirpated in the cure , but some part is left , which vitiates and corrupts the temper and nourishment of the part . 2. the coat or membrane which is tenaciously infix'd , that it can scarce be extirpated , and so is fill'd with new matter ; if it be extirpated , yet there remains some roots or ligaments , out of which the membrane or coat growes again , and so the tumor or kings evill remains . the cure is , taking away the antecedent cause , and correcting the debility of the parts , which make phlegme ; all which is done by , 1. a convenient diet , let the air be hot and dry , the sleep little , exercise moderate , avoid much rubing or kembing of the head , and bearing weight on the head ; avoid all perturbations of the mind ( except moderate anger ) and wine that is strong and thick ; if you use wine , do it moderately and mixe it with water . let your meat be attenuating and drying , as bread well bak'd , and with anniseeds or coriander-seeds . let your flesh be of wild-fowl , and rather roasted then boyled ; avoid spices , as filling the head with vapours , and all thick , grosse , viscid , and cold meats , as beef , cheese , milk , eggs fried or hard and the like . hence it is that the children of poor persons are more troubled with this disease then the children of rich men , because they eat grosse and ill diet , which makes and ●oments the humour . 2. purging , take of the leaves of senna half an ounce , of polypode two drams , ginger 15. grains , half an ounce of raisins stoned , sebestens pruins of each three in number , of the flowers of borrage , violets , red roses , and rosemary , of each half a dram , boil them in a pint of fountain water until half be consumed . take of the decoction two ounces , of the hony of roses two or three ounces . let the humours be prepaired thus ; take of the leaves of brownwort , plantain , dry bettony , and mint , of each half an handful , boyle it according to art ; of the syrrup of roses and oxymel of each half an ounce , mingle them . after the humours are prepared , purge thus ; take 30 or 40. grains of the pills of agarick , or infuse two drams of the trochische of agarick , in three ounces of the water of bettony all night , strain it , and add 2. or 3. ounces of the hony of roses solutive . observe , that most gentle remedies often used , is better then violent , and hath often cur'd . 3. by the restraining of the moving of the humour into the part , by rubbing cupping-glasses and blisters ; and there is no remedy so effectual and fit for derivation , diversion and evacuation of the humour ( and in all swellings and tumours in children about the neck ) as is the exulceration of the skin of the head , which is best done with mustard-seed , and a nettle , but with prudence and moderation ; but have a care you use not cautharides , which cause great pain and pissing of blood . 4. by discussing the humour in the part , if it be moderately thick , and viscid , which is done by inward medicaments , as by the use of the trochische of vipers ; and treacle , but principally by outward medicaments , first by softning it , and then by dissolving it . emollient or softning medicaments , are , the plaister of diachilon with the gums ; or this ointment : take four ounces of diachilon , one ounce of hyssop , four ounces of the root of ireos finely powdred ; mingle them , and with the oil of almon●s make an ointment , which use several days until the matter is softned , then use discutients , as drye figs , or a plaister made of hony , or the root of a wild cucumber bo , led in old oyl to the form of a plaister , is very effectual ; so is this following , which is stronger : take of stavesacre , nitre , of each two ounces , rocket four ounces , with as much turpentine as is convenient make a plaister . the ashes of colworts mixt with hony , is also very good . observe that strong discutients may not be used , lest feavers are caused , and the tender flesh of the child hurt . if the matter be very viscid and contumacious , it is not cur'd but by cutting or burning it , which is very dangerous , and turns them into cancers that are mortall , as is experienc'd in the using such remedies for the kings evill , in the neck , breasts , or grayn . chap. iv. of pustules and little risings in the head. pustules , or risings , or swellings for the most part they are in the head , but sometimes in the whole body . in the beginning they are small and little , afterwards they are sore , and make hard white scabs and crusts , by the driness of the humour ; in sucking children they are call'd crusta , in those of elder years they are called achores ; they are ulcerous tubercles , or ulcers with small risings , perforating the skin with small holes , through which passeth a sanious or filthy matter . the cause is , as some think , a nitrous and salt phlegme mixt with choler ; others a putrid , corrupted and ichorous blood : but i consent to them who think the humour is mix'd , partly thick and partly thin , waterish , salt , and nitrous , and according to the various mixture of the humours with the salt waterish humours , the various colours of the sores arise , being thereby , black , red , white , or yellow , and those humours are either generated in the womb of the mother , out of the menstruous blood ; or after the child is born , by the fault of milk or diet , nature purifying and purging her self , sends them forth into the outward parts of the body . the signs are manifest to sight , the child cries , cannot sleep , and are watchful ; the child itches , and after itching they are sore , a bloody humour passes forth , and oftentimes the child is lowsy . if they proceed from blood , there is a redness , pain , and more easie itch : but if from a more sharp humour , there is a great itch. the presage , pustules sometimes degenerate into great ulcers , and sometimes corrode the skull by the malignity and badness of the humour , that the membranes may be seen . they many times preserve children from great and many diseases , as feavers , falling-sicknesses , and others , by natures purging her self by the skin . they heal frequently of their own accord by time and age. the cure is in , 1. a convenient diet , by avoiding salt , sharp , hot and sweet things , fish and fruit . if the pustules are moist , a drye diet is convenient , as the eating of wild-fowl roasted , bread twice bak'd , &c. which ought to be us'd only by the nurse if the child suck . 2. evacuation of the humours by blood-letting , leeches , or cupping-glasses , and purging the nurse ; if the child suck not , prepare the humours with cichory , eudave , fumitory , and agrimony , of each an handful , boyle them in a pint and an half of water until half a pint be consumed ; take thereof three ounces , and add the syrrup called syrrup byzantius , and the syrrup of fumitory , of each half an ounce , or temper the humour that is faulty with the syrrups of borrage and fumitory . the humours being prepared , take of rhabarb one dram , infuse it all night in three ounces of endive-water , in the morning strain it well , and add an ounce and an half of the syrrup of roses solutive . the body being purged , the part excoriated is to be cur'd by outward remedies . a bath of common water in which the leaves of scabius , agrimony and plantane are boyled , is very good . the ointments of litheridge , cerusse , or diapompholiges cures it . chap. v. of chapt lips in children . the lips are made not only for beauty , but also for use , for the defence of the mouth and teeth , and also for speech and sucking , so that they being chopt , they cause pain , and hinder sucking . this disease is a certain division of the lips with pustules and breakings out , and sometimes without them . the immediate cause is a salt , sharp , and cholerick humour , or sharp , biting , and exulcerating vapours , proceeding chiefly from the whole body , as in feavers ; many times from the head , stomach , lungs , or other principal part of the body . these humours and vapours produce the cleavings and ulcers of the lips , chiefly in children , because of the frequent motions of the skin , which draws them to the mouth , and in regard of the tenderness of them , which makes them apt to receive . the external causes are , the use of hot things , hardness of dugs , kisses of many people , but chiefly an intemperate air in heat and cold , but most frequently the coldness and driness of the air ; for though lips may be so dried by the air , that they may exulcerate , yet not so frequent as from the coldness and driness of it , because heat cleaves and divides that which is moist , by consuming the moisture ; cold , by compressing and repelling , and it is easier to repell and press moisture out of a thing , then to consume it , especially in soft parts , to which humours continually flowe , as it is in the lips. the signs are manifest , as little ulcers and pains in the lips ; there is also pain , itching and crying of children . if a vapour is the cause , then the child hath an inflamation or a great feaver . if humours , then there is catarrhs and distillations , and the ulcers are moist , and an humour passeth out of them . the presage is , this disease is not mortall , unless malignant ulcers are made by unskilfulnesse . ulcers made in a feaver or afterwards , are a sign of health , for they shew the humours generating a feaver , are dissipated and dissolved . the cure is , if the choppings of the lips proceed from an internal cause , a gentle purge is convenient , and diet that corrects the humours . if from the sharpnesse of the milk , let the nurse use cooling diet , and things correcting the milk. if from the hardness of the nibble , soften it . medicaments for the childs lips , are oyl of roses with the white of an egge , oyl of eggs , oyl of wax , which is most excellent ; ointment of roses , of cerusse , camphorer , pomatum . take an equal quantity of turpentine , hony , and goose-grease , mix them , to which you may add half an ounce of cerusse , or litheridge , more or lesse , as you would have it drye . if there be extraordinary pain , you may mixe a grain or two of opium , with a little of the nurses milk . you need not fear here the use of opium because it is only used outwardly . chap. vi. of the inflamation of the navill . the inflamation of the navil is an hard and hot tumor with pain and pulsation . it is caused in children presently after the cutting of the navil-string , which paining the navil , the blood is drawn thither , and there heats , and so makes this inflamation . the signs are hardnesse , swelling , rednesse , heat , pulsation , and a feaver . the cure is , 1. let the nurse use a diet that is cold and moist . 2. then use such things as may asswage the pain , and repell the humours , as the oyl of roses , the white oyntment , or the oyntment of poppies , these are to be used untill the beginning of the inflamation is past ; then use the oyl of cammomile , and the oyl of roses , and the more distance there is from the beginning , the more use discutients , but have a care of strong discutients , as the oyl of anniseeds or cammomile , lumbricated . 3. suppuration and ripening it , which is to be avoided , if you can help it ; bread or mallowes boyled in milk ripen gently , such as ripen more vehemently are painful , and torment the child . chap. vii . of a rupture , and broken belly . a rupture is a falling down of the guts from their place . the cause is the breaking , or relaxing the inner rine of the belly that joyns to the caul , the latter cause is most frequent in children in regard of their moisture . the external causes are vehement motion , extraordinary crying , holding of the breath , abundance of wind , and a strong endevour of disburthening the belly . the signs of the causes are thus ; if the peritonation be broken , the tumor was caused and increased suddenly , and the gut descends to the bottome , but if it be relax'd , the tumor grew by degrees , neither doth the gut descend to the bottome . the cure is by , 1. putting the gut up into the belly ; if it hath wind in it , which is known by the noyse , and sending wind out of it , then use discutients , anoint it with the isle of cammomile or anniseeds ; if it hath its ordure hardned in it , soften it by poultesses , clysters , and bathings ; if it hath phlegme in it , evacuate it by degrees with clysters , and suppositories , and use things that are hot and dry , and attenuating . 2. the keeping it in its place after it is put into it , that it fall down no more , which is done by a trusse , and inward and outward medicaments . the internal are , the powder of mouse-eare used at meals taken in water , rupterwort taken from the new of the moon to the full , decoctions of great comfrey , st. johnswort , and saniclé . the internal medicaments profit little , but the external are more certain , and the only hope is in them . the seed of ameos , with the white of an egge is highly praised . the emplasters , called emplastrum ad herviam , and emplastrum caesaris , will serve in the place of all other medicaments . 3. in cutting it , if it be not cur'd by the medicaments above , which is easie and without danger . chap. viii . of the falling of the fundament . the falling of the fundament is a going forth of the right and streight gut ( called the pudding gut ) with the sphyncter muscle . the cause is , 1. a weakness of the muscle by coldness of the humours , or outwardly , as when children sit on stoves , or by a loosness of the belly . 2. a great endevour and striving in disburthening the belly . 3. a great irritation and frequent desire of emptying the belly , which comes from a dysentery or tenesme . the signs are manifest to sight . the presage , this disease is hard to cure , because all diseases of the fundament are very difficult to cure ; because , 1. the part is very sensible , and cannot endure sharp medicaments . 2. the passing of the filth , which if it be hard it exasperates the part . 3. medicaments are not easily applied to this part , nor are kept long enough , by the passing of the filth . 4. the place is hot and moist , which requires remedies that are cooling and drying , which irritate and exasperate , and therefore scarcely endur'd . that which is without an inflamation , not inveterate , but new , is more easily cur'd . the cure is , 1. by putting it into its place , which is done by a gentle hand ; if it be swell'd , bath it with a decoction of mallowes before you put it up , which will likewise cleanse the filth and slimy humour from it , which is requisite also to be done . 2. retaining it in its place , after it is put into it , which is done by astringent remedies , which ought not to be very strong ( because they exasperate , cause pain , and want of sleep ) to which use serves terra lemnia , sanguis draconis , frankinsence , and cerusse , which are to be sprinkled upon the part ; apply to the fundament a spunge , dipp'd in an astringent decoction of sanicle , herb-robert , acornes , or leaves of oake , or the greater comfrey . chap. ix . of the galling of children . the galling of children are certain ulcers in the skin , or excoriations which happen to children between the thighes ; sometimes they are in the feet , lips , and between the thighes in those of elder years . the cause is , 1. external , sharp urine ( especially in fat children ) sharp and cholerick filth of the belly , and foulness of cloaths , walking , rough cloathing , and violent motion drawing the sharp humours to the skin , or exasperating the humours in the skin . 2. internal and immediate , a sharp and corroding humour , which is either generated in the part exulcerated , or it flowes from the body into those parts . 3. antecedent , the fault of the milk , if the child suck . in elder ones , an ill diet , especially meats that are hot , sweet , salt , or corroding . the signs are obvious , because the part is red and pain'd , especially if it be touch'd and rubb'd . presage , if they are neglected they turn into ill ulcers , and are dangerous , otherwise they are easie to cure . the cure is , if the child suck , let the nurse use a good diet and abstain from motion , watching , anger , wine , and all meats that are sharp , salt , and corroding . if she be of an unhealthy blood , let her purge ; the child is also to be often wash'd and clens'd from his filth and excrements , and his cloathes are to be clean and not hard . if the child doth not suck , the like diet is to be used , as is advised for the nurse , and the same remedies for preparing and purging of the humours , and outwardly to be applied are convenient , which are advised in the fourth chapter ; to which i refer you . to them may be added dear-suet , or the suet of a goat . take a turnip , make a hole in it , then fill it with the oyl of roses , and roast it , of which make a liniament . chap. x. of chilblanes and kybes . chilblanes usually follow tumours and swellings , and the matter of it is dry , sharp and corroding , and makes an ulcer , which for the most part is dry , and no matter or humour issues of it . it happens to children chiefly because they lesse feel the cold , and defend themselves against it , and so are most frequently hurt with the cold . it happens to he hands and feet , and not other parts of the body ; because , 1. the hands and feet are farthest from the fountain of heat , the heart . 2. they are without flesh , and have no defence from outward injuries , and do abound with nerves and bones , whereby we have great pain , and are more cold in these parts then in other parts , insomuch that these parts many times corrupt and putrefie with cold ; by what is said . chilblanes may be defined a dry ulcer in the hands and feet , chiefly in infants . the cause is cold , or shoes that hurt being too straight , rough , or hard . the signs are , an inflamation more or lesse , sometimes pustules , afterwards exulcerations , a little pain , but the itching greater , a purulent ichor comes from it , that seems to be like ripened or thin matter . the presage , it is not dangerous if it be not neglected ; if it be , a mortification of the feet may happen , and so death . the cure is in , 1. preservation from it , wherefore avoid straight and hard shoes , defend your feet from the cold air , and rub your feet with salt and hony mingled , which is good in the begining when the swelling only appears , so is the washing your feet with salt water , or with a decoction of betes . and when there is only a swelling these are good , as turnips boyled and applied in the manner of a plaister , bran boyled in wine . take of the gumme ammoniacum one dram , of resin two drams , dissolve them over the fire , add thereto six drams of common oyl , of wax half a dram , let the wax be dissolved , then add flower of fengreek , frankinsence and mastick , of each two drams , mingle them . 2. in curing the ulcer , aloes alone , or mix'd with sweet wine , cures it being laid to it ; if the ulcer be sordid , clense it with the ointment called the ointment of the apostles ; when it is clensed that no filth is left , then skin it with the plaster called diapalma . chap. xi . of the scab . the scab is a swelling , with a distemper and exulceration of the skin . the cause is , a corrupted blood mixt with salt phlegme , and burnt choler , either generated in the womb of the mother by the menstruous blood , or after the child is born , by the corruption of milk , or fault of diet , by which the liver chiefly is intemperately hot , or the blood is corrupted by contagion , which being expell'd to the skin , there sticks , exulcerates it , and makes it sore . the signs are manifest , and are in the definition . the cure is in , 1. a convenient diet , the meat ought to be boyled not roasted , of an easie disgestion , not salt , hot , or having ill qualities ; unclenliness , and unseasonable exercise are to be avoided . 2. tempering and purging the humors as in the fourth chapter . 3. by provocation of sweat , with a decoction of scabius , harts-horn , fumitory , and cardus benedictus . 4. external remedies , which gently clense and drye ; quicksilver is much commended , but it is only convenient , if the scab be contumacious , and in the oldest children , unguentum enulatum is profitable , but be careful it be without mercury . take of the oyl of roses four ounces , live brimstone one ounce , the juice of limons two ounces , the resine of pine-tree one ounce , mixe them , and make an oyntment of them . take of turpentine four ounces , wash'd in-rose-water , the juice of four oranges , the yelks of four eggs , and an ounce of the oyl of roses , mingle them all , and make an ointment of them , which is excellently good if the scab be old and dry . elecampane powdered , and with hogs grease made into an oyntment , is highly praised ; so is brimstone finely powdered and annointed with milk. also garlick beaten very smal and mix'd with hogs grease is very good . chap. xii . of the itch. the itch is a pain exciting a desire of scratching , without the unevennesse or exulceration of the skin . the itch is sometimes in the whole body , but most frequently in the soles of the feet , by reason of the hardnesse and thicknesse of the skin , hindering the humours to evaporate . the cause is choller , or salt or thin phlegme , thereby insinuating it self into the smallest pars , but it is viscid and clammy , that it may adhere and cleave tenaciously to the parts . it is caused in the womb of the mother by the menstruous blood , or by the corruption or fault of the milk , or by meats and drinks that are hot , salt , or other things that heat the liver . the signs are manifest . the cures are , 1. by attemperating the humours with the whey of the milk of goats , and the syrrup of fumitory . 2. in evacuating the humors , take a dram of rhabarb , infuse it all night in a little water , strain it , and add three ounces of whey , and two ounces of the syrrup of roses solutive . 3. mitigation of the pain , and discussing of it by baths of water in which are mallowes , cammomile , or pellitory . so much of external diseases . the second book of universal diseases in children . chap. i. of feavers in children in generall . hitherto have been considered external diseases , internal are either universal which affect the whole body , or perticular , which affect some parts . a feaver is an universal disease , so is the small pox , and a consumption , which three diseases will be considered in this book . although feavers and their causes are common to all ages , yet in regard infancy is most obnoxious to them , and hath peculiar considerations in the cure of them ; limiting the strength , quality and quantity of the remedy , it will not be altogether improper to call feavers childrens feavers ; children are subject to diseases that are accidental , and symptomatical , proceeding from other diseases , as in breeding of the teeth , inflamation of the gums , & c. and also to feavers essentiall , and of their own accord , and to all sorts of them ; but especially a synoche feaver , in regard their bodies are hot and moist , their temperament sanguine , and their bodies dense , by which , transpiration of the heat is hindered , which increases and produces a feaver . children may have a quartan feaver though their natural temper be contrary to it ; because , 1. humours partake aswell of the matter as of the agent and temperament of the body , wherefore as humours and excrements of the body do not shew the temperament ( for old men are cold and dry of temper , yet they abound with phlegme ( so do they not only depend on it , but on diet likewise , which in children is very often grosse and unorderly eaten , and so crudities and very thick humours are made . 2. if the mother was elderly and of a melancholy temper , the menstruous blood , with which the child was nourish'd , may much alter the temper of the child . 3. a quartan feaver is not always made from melancholy , but may be made from any humour that is thick . the internal causes are the humours of the body . the external causes are chiefly , 1. the air , if the winter be cold and dry , and the spring hot and moist , bodies cannot be cooled in the summer , but burn and cause feavers ; besides , in the summer , childrens bodies are more thin and spare . 2. unseasonable and immoderate exercise , being full or empty . 3. immoderate and ill diet , whence are crudities , obstructions , and putrefying , and so feavers . presage , all feavers in children for the most part are not dangerous , because the natural faculty is strong and active in them , and can resist powerfully the causes of feavers . children sometimes by feavers have an hectick feaver , not by the difficulty of the curing it , or the greatnesse of the feaver , but by the morosity of the child that will not be govern'd . the cure is , if the child suck , the nurse is to be cur'd , with such things that alter and purge , as the kind of feaver seems to require . it is much doubted how blood is to be lessened in children that have feavers . some think that after the fifth month , cupping-glasses may be applied , and blood drawn out by them . others think not before a year , which opinion is most safe , because this age is wont greatly to be overcome by pain and trouble , and cupping glasses are painful , but after a year cupping glasses may be applied , but only to sanguine and strong children . and then not to the part above , but on the thighs , because the spirits and strength are not so wasted from those parts , as from above . and only to the taking away an ounce of blood and no more . besides these remedies , others may be added . inwardly may be taken the juice of granates ( which is highly praised ) with oxymel and citron . it may be made thus , take of the juice of granates one ounce , of simple oxymell half an ounce , you may give the child a dram at a time unto half an ounce , but it is better to mixe the lesse quantity of oxymel , because the childs nerves are very infirm , and oxymel and all sower things hurt the nerves , wherefore the syrrup of maidenhair , syrrup of red poppies are good . if the child is bound in his belly , you may not use purging medicaments because the childs body is hot naturally , and is more heated by the feaver , so it is dangerous to add the heat of a purging medicament , wherefore it is better to use a more gentle clyster or suppository . take of whey half a pint , of hony half an ounce , of salt half a dram , mingle them ; make a suppository of flesh and hogs grease , or the common suppository , for strong suppositories are dangerous . outward remedies may be used , 1. things very gentle may be applied to the head or feet to provoke sweat , as the root of a reed ; if the childs body which is dense be opened by sweat , the heat and putrid vapours will go forth . 2. cloths dipped in cichory , endive , plantane , or rosewater applied to the breast , side , or back for cooling . the liver and stomach ought to be helped in concoction in all feavers , much more here , which is done by cooling and binding remedies applied to them . take of the oil of mastick half an ounce , powder of red corall , sanders , and red roses , of each two scruples , of wax a little , make an oyntment of it , but if the child be between seven and fourteen years , he must be handled in another manner , which shall be set forth in the following chapter . chap. ii. of a synoche feaver . every synoche putrid feaver in children is from obstruction made by gross humours in hot , moist , and sanguine bodies , and the putrid matter is in all or the greater veins . the cure of it in a child between 7. and 14. years , will be in removing the obstructions , and tempering the febrish heat , which will be done by , 1. a convenient diet , let the air be cold , motions of the body and mind avoided ; if the belly move not , use a clyster or suppository ; let the drink be water , or barly water ; the diet sparing , only barly broth , or broth of meat : but because this will be accounted too strict and hard , to indulge , you may add to the broth bread , and sometimes the yelk of an egge , but be careful you do not nourish too much , because the strength and the disease are nourish'd together . the time of eating , let it be as it was when the child was well . 2. blood-letting ; some think that blood-letting ought not to be before the child is 14. years old , because that which the opening of a vein ought to do , nature doth it of its own accord , which consumes daily much of the childs substance by insensible transpiration , therefore it needs not evacuation , lest the strength be dejected . others are for blood-letting , because if a child can endure a disease from fulnesse , why not the remedy ? which is , blood-letting ; otherwise as often as a disease begins with the imbecility of strength , especially which happens out of a natural dissipation and resolution , so often will that disease be certain , and necessarily mortal : besides , they which are against blood-letting allow purges , which are contrary to nature , and is worse then blood-letting : moreover , they bring notable examples for it , as avenzoar's letting of his son blood at three months old . in this feaver , because evacuating blood is an excellent remedy , you may in the place of blood-letting use leeches which with ease open a vein , and do not wast the spirits , they will be most safely safe applied to the thighs , and also to the arms : or you may use cupping-glasses , which are not to be used in the upper parts , because they draw humours from the whole body to the heart , wherefore it is safer to apply them to the loyns or hips , and then they must be oblonge and a narrow mouth , because to draw from profound parts ; if you apply them to the thighes , they are to have a broad mouth , which draws from the parts which are next and remote according to latitude . if the belly be not loose use a clyster or suppository , before you use cupping-glasses or leeches , afterwards endevour to remove obstructions by internal and external remedies , that attenuate and deterge without any notable heat . take barly half a pugil , the leaves of hyssop half an handful , boyl it according to art ; take of that decoction two ounces and an half , of simple oxymel five drams , mingle it , and drink it ; when you have thus prepared the humours ; purge gently , take of sebestens , two drams of raisins , the leaves of hyssop , the flowers of borrage of each one pugill , make a decoction according to art , take thereof three ounces ; of the hony of roses solutive , and of manna , of each an ounce and a half , mingle them ; the purgative medicaments may be lessened or increased as the body requires . outwardly things that open obstructions are convenient ; such as are gentle , as meal of barly rubb'd upon the skin , barly-water , and a little oyl of almonds , cool and moisten the breast , and prevent the increase of the heat of the breast . a bath of fresh water is very convenient . this way may be observed also in a tertian or quartan feaver , respect being had to the humour that is faulty . chap. iii. of the small pox and meazles . the small pox is a disease formerly unknown to the ancients , having neither writ any book of it , nor described it ; and it is not improbable it had a beginning in our northern countries , as it had in the west-indies ; in which parts ( it is said by historians ) that in that time in which we were infected by them with the french pox they took from us the small pox and meazles . it is a disease belonging only to mankind and not to beasts , not is the murrain or leprosie in hogs the same disease with it , as is supposed by some . the small pox and meazles have the same matter , cause , and cure , but the meazles are made of the thinner matter , and they differ from the small pox , in that , 1. the meazles have little swellings , or that the rising of them can hardly be seen . 2. the matter of them is more dry and subtile . 3. they trouble and affect the eyes lesse then the pox. 4. the small pox for the most part terminates into an abscessus and collection of ripened matter , which lasts many days and blemishes the body , but the meazles scarce passeth the seventh day , either then they vanish or are almost wasted , and leave no deformity . the cause as i conceive is not the impurity of the maternal blood , as by most is supposed , because , 1. the small pox proceeds for the most part from the fault of the air and stars . 2. the fault of the menstruous blood was ever since the sin of eve , and therefore this disease should have been always , but before the time of the arabick physicians , no author was found that writ of the generation of this disease , or clearly explain it , which if they had done , they would not have concealed it from us ( it being a great and dangerous disease ) in regard they communicated in their books small diseases . 3. there is scarce any man but some time or other hath a greivous disease which makes an ebullition or boyling of blood , and putrefaction , until the body is clensed and purified divers ways , and so the fault from the menstruous blood would be expelled : but it is otherwise , for it follows immediately other diseases , and the sanguine man who is most healthy is most troubled . it is granted that the seed of a disease may lye in part of the body for many years , but the whole blood infected cannot stay long , and resist so many injuries , and if as some think the menstruous blood infected should ferment and turn into other ill diseases , as pestilential feavers , then the rest of the time they would be free from this evill . 4. sanguineous beasts that have menstruous purgation , would have this disease , as bitches , asses , and mares , having the matter of the disease ( as menstruous purgation ) and the agent , ( heat . ) 5. natures care and wisdome for preservation , in seperating the excrements from nourishment in the womb , the excrements are past into the tunicles in which the child is wrapt , and immediately after it is born , it purges by stool plentifully , and more then is fit for its bigness , which is sometimes bloody , black and white , and afterwards it hath sores in the head , which purgeth the ill humours contracted in the womb ; and though natures care may fail in some , it cannot fail in all . nor is the cause of this disease the fault of the air , as some conceive it to be , because 1. this disease arises from the pravity of matter . 2. the quallity of the air that produces the great effects that follow the small pox , would be very strong and powerful , and so young men would not be free from it . the true cause is a paternal propriety in the blood and ichors of it , boyling by heat , which ichors may be excited in the body divers ways . that the ichors is the matter , is seen by the 1. breaking of it out into the skin . 2. all synoche feavers arise out of the boyling of the ichors of blood , which feaver is always in the small pox. 3. they are the ichors ( or thin and serosous part of the blood ) because they are not sharp , if they were , there would be a concussion of the body and shaking when they are expelled . that the disease is made by the ichors or thin and serosous and waterish humidity , is manifest , because the humor that goes forth is not a pus and thick matter ; but an ichor & thin waterish humour , and that it is by ebullition , appears in the heat , colour , and accidents that happen . by this we may resolve our selves , 1. that in our dayes scarce any man but hath this disease , because it is hereditary , which came first by the fault of the stars , which affected all , or almost all , and now is propagated . as indians now generate children with long heads , which in former ages they endevoured to make by art , and now is become a natural disposition . 2. this disease is mortal to some and not to others , by the abundance and badness of humours , and ill constitution of body , that the blood and ichors boyling , causes an unquenchable fire and remedilesse putrefaction ; besides the badnesse of the air , and errors in the ordering of the person . 3. they happen most to children , because they are full of blood and thin waterish humidity , and abound with heat , being nearest to the principle of generation , besides they are given much motion . 4. they that have most thin and waterish humours , have most breakin gs out , and the thicker and more tenacious the humours are , the worse the marks and deformities are . 5. the face is most troubled , because of the ebullition of the blood , the vapours ascend to the head , and so impetuously , that neither the spirits of the head or face , or the air to which the face is exposed , can resist ; besides , the face is moist and rare , and apt thereby to receive them . 6. the feet and hands next to the face are chiefly troubled , notwithstanding the skin is hard , because of the sympathy between these parts and the liver , which is seen in a hot liver by the burning of the hands and feet . 7. the small pox troubles the eyes more then the meazles , because the matter is thicker , and can be lesse resisted and repelled . 8. the small pox is contagious and infectious by the boyling of the blood , which sends vapours at a great distance , which enter into other persons and infect them , as it is in those that have sore eyes , and by the hereditary propriety , so that consanguineous persons are more easily affected in regard of the similitude of their temper , and for that reason whole families in a plague are destroy'd . 8. some have this disease twice , very rarely thrice , almost all once , because this hereditary disposition only disposes , and continues as long as the seminary parts in which it is implanted doth remain , which most commonly is consum'd the first time the blood is inflam'd , and set on fire , especially the second time when the blood ferments . 9. scars and blemishes are left chiefly in the face , lips , and foreskin , because the skin of them is without flesh , or hath but very little , and therefore difficult to heal . the mediate causes of the small pox are , 1. internall , hot and moist temper , soft and fat habit of body , and tendernesse of age. boys are more dispos'd to it then girles , by the disparity of heat in them , boys being hotter . 2. external , hot and moist air , southern constitution , spring time and an hot and moist region , or contagion , or other things that move , or corrupt the thin and waterish part of the blood. by what hath been said , the small pox may be defin'd to be a disease having pustules in an outward part of the skin , with a continual feaver , by the peculiar effervessency and ebullition of the ichorous blood excited by the expulsive faculty . the signes that this disease is imminent and coming , which either immediately accompany the disease , or proceed it , are pain in the neck and breast , with a heavinesse of the eyes , itching of the nose , shortnesse of breath , suddain trembling and starting , often sneesing , urine sometimes muddy , sometimes sound weepings of the eyes and tears falling of their own accord from them , a continuall feaver . the signes of the disease present are manifest , being little swellings and spots ; in the meazles they are red and not high ; in the small pox , they first appear as the head of an needle or pin , immediately after they are greater , and red , and daily increase untill they are ripen'd , grow white , are made an ulcers and soars , and are dryed up . presage , if the small pox and meazles are white and a few , appear without any other accident ; or if many appear and the feaver is diminish'd and other accidents , and the breathing easie , there is no danger . if the small pox are black or green , or if few or many appear , and the other accidents are worse , and exasperated and the breathing difficult , then it is pernitious and mortall . they who dye of the small pox , dye either with a sounding , an inflamation ( with which they are strangled ) or a looseness of the belly , which destroys the strength of the child . the cure is in , 1. preserving the inward and outward parts , the outward are call'd so because they are seen , and they are the eyes , ears , nose , and mouth . the internall are liver , lungs , and chiefly the guts ; the eyes are frequently troubled with heat , and a tenacious ichor that exulcerates them , whereby the children cannot sleep , which is helpt by cooling and moderately binding medicaments , as the water of roses or plantain mix'd with sumach : take of the water of roses and plantain of each five ounces , sumach half an ounce , infuse them all night , and with a little white of an egge mix them , wet a little cotten in it , and wet the eye often with it ; if there be pain and itching , take the water of roses and milk , and add a little myrrh to them ; the scratching of the eyes are to be avoided : if the ears be pain'd , itch , and run , let them be kept open , if the pain be great , dip a spunge in hot water with the oyle of roses , and lay it to the ear , the scratching whereof is very hurtfull . the nose is defended from ulcers if roses or plantain be boil'd in water , and the steam taken in at the nosthrills . the mouth is helpt by this gargarisme ; take of the water of barly one pint and an half , the leaves of plantain and flowers of roses , of each one dram , to which you may adde the juice of barbaries or orange , and wash the mouth with it . 2. in helping of nature , in expelling the humour , which is perform'd by , 1. dyet that is convenient . the air is to be temperate , or rather somewhat hot , that the pores may be opened , and the coming forth of the small pox promoted , therefore let the child be kept in a close room , that the cold air by no means may come in ( by the opposition of the air , many children have dyed with a benigne and gentle small pox , the matter of the disease being repercuss'd to the interior parts ; let a red cloth be laid next the skin , which is conceiv'd by divers to be helpfull by a similitude it hath with the boyling blood. be carefull your cloathing be not too much , lest the child be smothered and swound ; and so provide that the outward parts are rather hot then cold , but that neither the heat of the air , or weight of cloathing , encrease the feaverish heat of the child ; and if the tongue waxes black with heat , the breathing is short , and swounding is fear'd , let some cold water be near the childs mouth , that he may suck the cold air in , sleep is helpfull , but the troubles of the mind ( especially fear ) is to be avoided , only a little anger may be admitted , which help the expelling the humour . if the belly be bound , a very easie clyster or suppository may be used , which doth not hinder the motion of nature , because they only work in the guts , and the motion of nature is to the skin and in the veins : besides clysters do not deject us that they may be fear'd , contrary to what some think . avoid fulnesse and emptinesse , let the body be kept in quiet and rubb'd a little , for it expells the humour : let the drink be barly water , with the juice of limmons or barberies , or a decoction of the roots of sorrell , or a decoction of ivory or hartshorn , especially in the beginning , and whilest the feaver is vehement . if the feaver is not very vehement , a decoction of barly and figs will be most convenient , and commonly with successe hath been used by most eminent physicians , for that effectually expells the humours to the skin . if wine be permitted it must be but a little , and in it steep lettice , endive , or sorrell . avoid gross meats , spice , salt , and sweet meats , for sweet things destroy , and so doth bitter things , being dry , and contrary to the childs nature , which is moist , wherefore the meat must be easie to concoct , cooling , as barly broth , or broth in which cooling hearbs are boyled ; and when the danger is over , you may feed them with broth and yelks of egs put into it , with some juice of limon or vineger . a dried fig is good meat , for it expells the humour to the skin . 2. emptying of the blood before the eruption and breaking forth of the small pox or meazles : if the feaver is great , and there be a fulnesse of blood , then it may be admitted , unlesse the age is very tender , or something else hinders it . it may not be used upon children , that are weake , and forbeare the emptying of blood in children before they are 10. months old , though the arabians appoint at five months . the lessenning of blood ought to be upon the first visit of the physician , because of the beginning of the ebullition of the blood , which is commonly then , the fervour whereof ought to be abated , and nature eased ; so that one ought not to stay until the fourth day , but it may be done when one will , before that time and not after . the lessening of blood is done several ways , as by letting blood ( which ought to be very seldome ) cupping-glasses or leeches , the latter is most easie , and one or two may suffice in the place of cupping-glasses , or opening a vein . 3. medicaments , all physicians agree vehement remedies are not to be used , but some think gentle means may be used in the beginning of this disease ; but i conceive that medicaments may not be used in the beginning , because the operation of it will trouble nature in her work , which is critical ( the physician being called when the blood is boyling ) and it is a rule , there is nothing to be done unlesse nature act imperfectly , which cannot be known in the beginning , but a clyster may be then and at any time used , for that works only on the guts , as is said a little before . take a pint of barly-water , 4 ounces of the syrrup of violets , three ounces of butter , and an ounce of red and course sugar , mingle them for a clyster , the quantity is to be altered , as the capacity of the child is . a dried fig is a convenient suppository , and one made of hony . where the humour moves forth , and the whole matter comes forth , there no evacuation must be used , for there the child and all things are quiet : but if the child is troubled , the trouble may be taken away with a lenitive . take of tamarinds half an ounce , sebestens 15. of barly two drams ; of the flowers of borrage , violets , and roses , of each a dram , boyl them in a pint of water to half a pint . take 4. ounces of this decoction , and an ounce of manna or more , as the child is . some think a gentle purge before the eruption , breaking out , and appearance of the pox and meazles , if the child abound with ill humours , and the feaver rage , may be used , for it lessens the ill humours , that thereby nature doth expel more cheerfully ; but if the small pox begins to break forth , then a purge is pernicious and mortall . the rest of the cure is in helping nature in expulsion ; wherefore if nature doth not expell readily , and strongly , but slowly , use such a remedy as cools , binds , and opens . take of lents one ounce , of figs 10. maidenhair two drams , smalledge roots half an ounce , sorrell half a handful , boil them in a pint and an half of water to a pint , use it morning and evening , from four ounces to six , as the child is ; if nature expels strongly , omit the opening things , in regard of the feaver which is great , and the openings are not then to be used ; but when nature expels slowly , which is known by the fewnesse and slownesse of their coming forth , this expels . take of lents two drams , of figs fifteen , of barly one dram , of lettice and sorrell of each an handful , boyl them in a pint and an half of water to a pint , use 6 , 7 , or 8. ounces of it morning and evening , as the child is : note , that lents boyled alone loosens the belly , from whence are mortal fluxes , nor it is not to be used alone for a remedy , because of its thickness and binding qualities . take of french barly one pugil , slic'd liquorish half a dram , red cicers one dram , of the greater cold seeds of each half a dram , cordial flowers of each one pugill , three figs , boyl them well in water to 6 ounces , after it is strained dissolve in it half an ounce of the syrrup of granat which is to be taken at twice , it is very good ; it mitigates and tempers the feaver . these that follow are also good to expell , as confection of hyacynth , alkermes , contraherva , harts-horn , or scabius boyled ; so is antimonium diaphoreticum , bezar-stone , and the bezardical minerall ; some use to bath with luke-warm water to promote expulsion by relaxing the skin . observe that medicaments that are cordials and expelling , are to be used from the appearing and first coming forth of the small pox , to the eleventh day , which some call the increase and state of eruption of the ebullition . if the scabs dry not of themselves , and have matter in them , and are ripe , they are not to be opened , unlesse they be malignant , for if they be ripe and white , their heat and fervour , and eating of the flesh is gone , and they will dry and fall of themselves , and so there is no danger of its putrefying and leaving holes and marks . if the scabs drye not of themselves fast enough , use aloes , litharidge , cerusse , and sanders , and wash them in salt water , in which plantain , roses , or some other drying thing is , that may take away the acrimony of the salt. if they do not ripen fast enough , boil figs and mallowes together , and dip a cloth in it , and touch them often with it being warm , it mitigates pain and ripens them . in the end of the disease the scabs sometimes turn into ulcers , which are cur'd with the ointment of litharidge and cerusse , and an ill colour is left , which is taken away thus . take of lupine barly and beans of each two drams , bruise them and boil them in a convenient quantity of water until it is thick , and with it wash morning and evening the childs hands and face , until the scales fall off . the scars and holes left by the pox is hardly cureable , the fat of a man , and the oil of egs is very much commended . chap. iv. of the consumption . a consumption is called leanness , gracility , and tenuity . if it be considered as an habit and a certain durable and permanent state of the body , and as hurting the actions of the body , it is a disease ; if as it depends on a vitiated nutrition , and as a simple disposition , then it is rather to be called a symptome and an effect of a disease . a consumption is an extabescency and exiccation of the whole body , arising from a want of nourishing of the body . the subject is the whole body , the harder part whereof may be dried and diminish'd , the veins and nerves may be so extenuated , that they may seem to be much lesse , that a great vein may seem to be a little vein , &c. but these parts cannot be so lessened as that the whole body should decrease , wherefore the whole body is said to be extenuated in respect of the more soft parts , as the fat and flesh ; the fat is first consumed because it is caused by cold , and whatsoever is concreted by cold ( unlesse it be vehement ) is easily dissolved by heat . moreover , fat hath scarce any other use but to preserve the natural heat . after the fat , the flesh is consumed , which is as a bond of the constitution of mans body , but not necessary to life ; but the seminary parts , as veins , nerves , arteries , &c. are the foundation of life , and cannot be consumed with the preservation of life as the flesh can be which is not necessary for life ; and it is of three sorts 1. musculous , which consists of veins , membranes , and arteries ; 2. glandulous , as that of the breast anp testicles . 3. pure flesh , as that which is between the teeth , and in the top of the yard . these three sorts of flesh consume in this order . first the the musculous flesh. secondly , the glandulous , and last of all the pure flesh . the immediate cause of this disease , is the frustration of nourishing , either by the fault , 1. of the aliment , being deficient and too little or vitious , that it is not assimilated , or attracted by the parts of the body ; 2. or fault of the nutritive faculty , when the naturall heat and radicall moisture is defective . the nourishment and food is too little , when the appetite in the stomach and other parts is wanting ( as in an universal weaknesse , or ) when it is not distributed , the meseraick veins by their drynesse are often so shut and close , that the chile cannot passe from the stomach into the rest of the body , and so the parts are extenuated . so likewise as often as the meat is prepar'd and sent another way , there is leannesse as in vomiting and fluxes , so it is by worms consuming the nourishment that ought to be turned into flesh . the blood is faulty & cause of leanness when it is too melancholical , for where the spleen flourishes the rest of the body growes lean , and where the rest of the body consumes , the spleen growes : so likewise when the blood is too cholerick , for then it is offensive to nature , for no blood can be turn'd into the substance of the body that hath choler mixt with it , or if it be waterish , whereby bodies also consume , as in dropsies ; so likewise if the blood be salt , leannesse is caused , for salt things are earthy , dry and contrary to nourishment , and dry the body and is not assimilated , and therefore consume and extenuate directly and naturally ; by accident salt may conduce to nourishment by exciting an appetite , and distributing the food , but naturally it is contrary to nourishment , insomuch that some have writ that fishes are not nourish'd with water or juyces that are salt , but with sweet things , or other things that are found in the sea. nourishment is also hindered by the fault or distemper of the part that should assimilate the nourishment , when it is too dry ; so it happens to old walls to which lime cannot be agglutinated by reason of the great drynesse of it : moreover , leanness is also made by causes that dissolve the fat and flesh , as great feavers do ; but in children it is caused for the most part by the defect of nourishment , being either too little or vitious and unusefull , proceeding from the fault of the milk ; ( wherefore it is , that children by one nurse fattens , and consume by another ) or worms destroying their nourishment ; and sometimes by a distemper of some principall part , as the stomach , liver , or heart , and it is observ'd that an old and contumations and native consumption , cannot be , without the liver be affected and the temperament dry , but that which is new may be from any one of the causes aforesaid . the external causes of a consumption are a hot or dry air , hence it is that most aethiopians are lean and most men consume in summer , watching and care consumes a body and as it were eats it ; meditation , grief , study , immoderate venery , natural bathes that drye , scarcity of food and feeding once a day consume men and children , of which quality are sharp things . it is also conceived that children by reason of the softnesse and tendernesse of their body grow lean and consume by fascination , proceeding from their touching unhealthy bodies , or the unwholsome vapours out of the eyes or mouthes of women not well ; which truely is not fascination , for witchcraft is rather the work of the devil , then by any proper power of the sages . the signs of a consumption are manifest , for the flesh and fat are visibly consum'd , the face like one that is dead , and the figure of the whole hody deprav'd . if it is from a cause that melts and dissolves the fat and flesh , there was or is a violent feaver . if from want of food , it is known in elder children by their not taking what is necessary ; in sucking children , by the flagginess and emptiness of the nurses breast , the ill dyet of nurses , the child pisses little and doth not wet his cloaths , cryes and sucks eagerly . if the want of food is the cause , because nourishment goes into other parts , it is known by the loosness of the belly , plenty of urine and worms . if the defect is , because the meat is not exactly prepar'd in the stomach , there is belching of wind , vomiting , and want of appetite , or some hot distemper . if from the fault of food , if in infants , the nurses milk is not good ( for milk is made of food ) by the colour and ill constitution of the nurse it is easily known , if the milk is bad , it will not be very white , have an ill taste , not sweet , of an ill smell , and more thick and fluid then it ought to be . the thickness and thinnesse of the milk is known , if some milk is milk'd upon the nail of the thombe , and if it presently runs off , it is too thin , if it stayes and moves not off , it is too thick ; or if you curdle it , the whey and curds ought to be equall , else it is to thin or to thick , besides if the milk be thin andsharp , the child is troubled with pain , loosenesse , and very ill breakings out . if the milk is thick , the child is costive and there are little inflamations , swellings and vomitings , they pisse little , move and breath with difficulty , and are full of phlegm . in those that are elder , the badnesse of food is known by the colour of the skin and out-side of the body , wherefore if the countenance be ill colour'd , scabby or pimpell'd ; or if any other part is weak , as the head stomach or liver ; or if their be any infirmities , distempers or passions of mind , it is certain the leanness is from the fault of the food . also it happens by the weaknesse from some disease . if these things had not been , the child would have had a florid and fresh colour , good appetite , and would eat and not complain . if leannesse be from fascination , no art or natural means is effectual , and there is no internal or external cause of leannesse in regard of the nurse or child . presage , 1. all suddain leannesse proceeding from a feaver is mortal , because of the vehemency of the cause , weakness of the strength , tenuity of the humour , and laxity of the whole body . 2. consumptions that are seldome and not from feavers , especially those that are great and ill , are sometimes cureable . 3. lean bodies that are moist and have a moist skin may be made fat , because all soft bodies are apt and fit to be extended into any dimension . 4. bodies that are dry and have their skin hard and rough , can scarce be fatned . 5. bodies that have the skin dry and cleaving to the bones , that neither by the hand nor art can be stretch'd out , there is no hope of fatning them ; but if the skin be wrinkled and rugged so that it may be drawn forth , and as it were seperated from the bones , there is some hope of making them fat . the cure is , 1. in children that suck , if the milk be too little or bad , change the nurse and choose one who hath good milk , the notes whereof you have before , let her be of a good constitution , of a white and red colour , of a good converversation and behaviour , not under 20. nor above 40. years old , having had children twice , and being not above 2 or 3 moneths from her last delivery , broad chested , having breasts neither big nor small , but moderate . if the nurse may not be chang'd , let her be in a temperate air , let her sleep well , it augments milk , let her avoid passions , especially anger , grief , and love , ( for they corrupt the milk ) and congresse with a man spoils the milk , or provokes the menstruous flux that the milk is lessened . a nurse that lives with her husband is allowed coition and congresse with him , lest she be disturbed by desire of it , and by experience we see that mothers that live with their husbands , and use congresse , nurse the child without any hurt . the nurse ought to use moderate exercive , rubbing of her bosome and breasts before she eats is convenient , let her not drink , or very little , and that which is sweet which lest offends the head , lest by increasing milk the child hath the falling sicknesse ; the meat ought to be of a good and plentifull nourishment , avoiding sharp , salt and bitter things , the best bread , the flesh of birds , veal , mutton , and the like , fish is to be avoided , broath especially , with the milk of almonds increase milk. if the milk be faulty by the coldnesse , moisture and thinnesse of it , the dyet must be hot for the correcting of it . if the nurses body abound with cold and moist humours , prepare and purge them , but with gentle purgatives , as the syrrup of roses or rhabarbe , whose weak vertues are extinguish'd before they are communicated to the blood ; if you purge strongly , let not the child suck the nurse two or three days after . if the milk is too thick the diet is to be attenuating , vinegar , raddishes and the like are good , a gentle vomit is more convenient then a purge . if the milk be sharp and hot , the nurse is to be kept in a cold air , rest , baths of fresh water are convenient , wine is hurtful ; let the meat be barly broth , with cooling herbs , especially lettice , which cools and thickens the blood , and increases milk , avoiding salt , and things acrimonious , and spices . if the fault be not in the milk , but in some part of the infant , the nurse is to be dieted and purged , and the infant is to take no inward medicament , but external , because these ages bears not vehement medicaments , wherefore external remedies are only to be used ; and therefore if the childs stomach be cold and moist , hot or dry plaisters , bathings , and oyntments are to be used , for the correcting of them . take the leaves of marjoram , mint , of each one handful , the aromatick reed , and the flowers of red roses , of each half a handful , the water of calamint one pint , of sweet wine two ounces , boyle them well , and with a cloth dipp'd in it , bath the stomach if it be cold ; afterwards annoint it with this : take the oyl of mastick half an ounce , the powder of cinamon and cloves of each half a dram , mixe a little wax with them , and make an oyntment . if the stomach be dry , bath it with milk , and annoint it with this . take fresh butter , the fat of an hen , of each half an ounce , saffron four grains , the oyl of wormwood three ounces , mingle them and make a liniament . if the leannesse is from heat , take cichory , endive , water-lilly , and wormwood waters , of each four ounces , vinegar two ounces , make a fomentation for the liver , afterwards annoint the side with this : take of the oyntment of sanders , ●i●hory , and liverwort waters of each two ounces , of the vinegar of roses , one ounce , make a liniament . if leanness is from loosness , the nurse is to use binding meats , as quinces , services , rice , medlers , or broth of an old hen , and calves feet , corral or jaspers stone hung about the childs neck is convenient . so is this , take of mirrh and quince of each half an ounce , powder of red coral two ounces , of oakwater two ounces , the powder of mastick and tormentill , of each half a dram , mingle them , and make a liniament , the senting of the clothes with fumes of things that are binding , are also convenient . if leannesse arise from the drynesse of the whole body , use bathing with fresh water , in which are boyled mallowes , lettice , water-lillies , or endive ; and a liniament may he made of the oyl of roses , violets , butter without salt , and hogs grease ; clysters are also good in these cases made of milk , or bread boyled in broth , or made of eggs , because they may nourish children , being they are next to generation , that is , the state which they had in the womb , in which they were nourish'd by the navil , without the concoction and preparation of the stomach . observe , that plaisters to draw nourishments to the parts , are not convenient for children , because their bodies are as wax , and that sort of remedy by the heat of it , doth enervate and wast the flesh of infants . if the child is bewitcht , a saphir or carbuncle hung about the childs neck is conceived good ; so is hartsthorn hung in the house , and many more which i omit as superstitious or false . if the child doth not suck , but is nourish'd with solid meats , then the cure is by removing , 1. the external cause , or the internal disease ( if it be the cause of it ) caused by proper remedies to it . afterwards , by procuring a good nourishment distributed and assimulated , which is done by a convenient diet. let the air be temperate and moist , heat hurts , and be careful the child is not clothed too hot ; let the sleep be long , the mind quiet , the exercise moderate , and that which is slow , fatness and swift exercise consumes , the belly moderately loose , baths used seasonably , wine that is thin ( thick wine obstructs , and is not vehicle for the meat ) odoriferous , somewhat sweet , not sharp , but very moderately used . the meat nourishing somewhat fatty , juicy , neither salt nor acide ( unless it be to provoke a stomach ) as the flesh of fowl , veal , &c. eggs , the brains of a calf , or hog-bread boyled in broth , rice boyled in milk. parsnip steep'd in milk , raisins , and almonds . besides these , there are meats that fatten either by a quality , 1. manifest , by helping concoction , as spices , by being gratefu to the stomach , and increasing the native heat of it , as cinamon , cloves , and nutmegs . take the pulpe of a boyled capon and patridge , of each half an ounce , of the pine kernell , pistack nut steep'd in mallagoe wine half an ounce , of sweet almonds an ounce , cinamon , clove , and nutmegs , of each an ounce , and an half ; fine sugar , as much as suffices ; make lozenges , they are pleasant and fatten much , or by apposing and fastning the meat , as all diureticks and diaphereticks do which opens the wayes and carries the nourishment to the parts : so doth drinking likewise between meals , or by apposing and fastning the meat to the parts by their tenacious and viscid humidity , which humidity in hot and drye bodies is to be cold , and in cold bodies , hot : 2. by a propriety and an occult quality , as sarcocolla ; now the indian nut is in great use , the marrow whereof being finely bruised , an ounce , or two , or half an ounce , is mix'd with broth . take of sweet wafers and sarcocolla of each one pound , make a past with butter , and drye them ; then powder it , and use five ounces in cold water . observe cold water is praised by many , and cold meats , but this is by a manifest quality , and good where leanesse is by the great heat of the liver . the third book of inward diseases of several parts . chap. i. of the epilepsy or falling-sicknesse . in the two precedent books , you have the external and universal diseases , in this book you have inward diseases , belonging to particular parts of the body , but in regard children especially before 7. years of age have not the use of reason , reason being as it were drowned and drunk with moisture and humours , which made one say , the souls of children differ nothing from the souls of beasts , for whilst we are infants we all live the lives of beast , using only the faculties of the vegetative and animal souls , therefore the faults of the actions of the rational faculty ( as phrenzy and madness ) are not considered by physicians amongst childrens diseases , which likewise i omit in this book . the epilepsy hath several names , i shall only mention three of them here . it is called , 1. a childs disease , because children are most frequently troubled with it , by the cold distemper and large moisture of the brain . 2. an holy and divine disease , so divers of the ancients testifie in their writings . 3. lunatick ( 26. matth. the lunatick there was the same with this ) because as one excellently says , they who are conceived in the change of the moon , when the moon is in conjunction with the sun , without light , they have the falling sicknesse . the falling sicknesse is a preternatural involuntary and intermitting contraction and retraction of all the muscles and nerves . the mediate cause of an epilepsy by consent , is a vapour raised from the lower parts , to the head ( which some think is but seldome ) whether it be from fear , corrupted milk in the stomach , worms , breeding of teeth , the small pox , meazles , or feavers . the immediate cause of the falling sickness , when the brain is primarily affected , is a thin humour or vapour , because it is made and gone quickly , therefore the matter of it must be such as may go away and return quickly , which cannot be in a thick humour , which must be dissolved by concoction , which is done in time and not suddenly ; which vapour or thin humour , by a peculiar vertue , doth prick the membrane of the brain , and part where the nerves begins , causing a constriction of the passages , and exciting the sensible parts to an expulsion of what is hurtful , thence is the shutting out and retraction of the sensique spirits , and by a defect of them , follows a diminution , or cessation , or abolition of the actions of the mind , and thereby all the parts of the body have a convulsive motion . a cold and moist temper of the body , hereditary disposition , and the nativity being in the eclipse of the moon , are dispositions to this disease . the external causes are , 1. things which administer matter , as grosse and vaporous meat , as old pigeons , sparrows , eales , &c. 2. things that excite it , as moon-shine , the smell of stinking things , also great fear , and tickling . signs of the coming of it in children are because the child is born of parents that have the falling sicknesse ; in those that are elder , pains of neck , back , heart , fears , and inordinate motions in the sleep , often spitting . signs of the paroxysme , and when it is upon the child , are as 17. matth. a noise crying out , falls in the fire , foames out of his mouth , and is without sense , so was the child cur'd by christ in the chapter aforesaid , but that child was epileptick and possest with a devil , as one learnedly sayes , or as another sayes , the child was epileptick , but the disease made in him by the evil of the divel . the froth in the mouth , is made , because the spirits , and fume which come from the lungs is mixt with the spittle and phlegme that comes from the head , which moved and exagitated to and fro turns into froth , as the sea-water agitated and broken with many winds . the noise is a kind of voice made from the motive faculty , hurt and depraved . prog. this disease in children is the most acute disease , and therefore mortal , because of the straightnesse and narrownesse of the veins , that cannot receive the grosse phlegme , and so it remains in the brain , or because of the moistnesse of the brain , and the weaknesse of the motive faculty , the humor cannot be dissolved or driven forth far enough out of the ventricles of the brain . 2. those that are once cur'd , are never again epileptick , because the expulsive faculty continually expells , gathering of humours the same way it did when the disease was removed , whereby it cannot be gathered into the ventricles to offend . 3. the epilepsy which is by error of diet , is incurable of it self without help . 4. the falling sicknesse which is from the birth of the child and his parents , is cur'd of its own accord without any rethe great humidity which is the cause of this disease is lessened by age , and the faculties are stronger . if it happen after the change of age , that is after 25. years , it is most difficult and impossible to cure , because then the faculties are strong , and congenited moisture lessned , & cannot overcome the cause of the disease , which is very powerful and as it produceth it can preserve the disease ; and because the humours which makes the episepsy , are melancholy and dry , and so difficult of themselves to be taken away , and daily increase by age. the cure is , 1. a convenient diet , which belongs to the nurse , for a sucking child , and the same is to be used by a child that doth not suck ; you are to choose and prepare the air to be hot and dry , they that live in cold countries , their children are often epileptick , use moderate sleep , for this disease is as it were asleep ; avoid unseasonable exercises , fears , and frighting ( which hath often brought the disease ) bathes , and fulnesse are hurtful , so is much fasting , it fills the head . so wine hurts the nerves , and is to be avoided , the drink is to be such that heats , but not hurting the head , the meat hot and attenuating , which hath cur'd many : but that which breeds gross humours , is windy , and with a certain propriety offends the head , is to be avoided . 2. if the child suck , and the disease be by consent from the stomach ( which is most frequent ) being oppress'd with too much milk , let the child suck seldome ; or from the ill quality and sharpnesse of the milk , correct the milk and apply this plaister to the stomach , take of the powder of aloes and myrrhe , of each half a scruple , the powder of mastick one scruple , and mingle them with a little wax and rosine , and apply it to the mouth of the childs stomach . if it be by the fault onely in the head , which is most frequently , the use of hony is profitable . take of paeony half a scruple , of the leaves of stocados and betony half a pugill , cyperus one scruple , powder them finely , put of this powder in a little spoon , and put it into the childs mouth and presently give him the breast , that he may swallow the powder . a seton in the neck is very profitable , so is the following powder sprinkled upon the head : take maidenhair , cypresse , iridis of each two drams , cloves one scruple , powder them finely and mix them . the whole body may be anointed with camomile and the oyle of iridis : take the leaves of coltsfoot one handfull , of oak , misseltoe , half an ounce , boyle it according to art , and dip a cloth in it , and wrap the child in the cloth , it is much commended , paeony and smaradge is much commended to be hung about the childs neck that it may reach to the stomach . if the child be somewhat great , and the epilepsy be by consent , and from other parts sending a thin humour or vapour to the brain , purge him as he is able to suffer and alter the distemper of the part . if it be outwardly in the arm , thigh , hip , or other part , rubbing is good and a discutient plaister applyed to the part , then if it will not do , blister the part . if the disease be by the fault only of the head , use first this clyster , take of the lesser centaury half an handfull , of mallowes one handfull , of bran tyed in a cloth half a pugill , boyle them according to art , take of that decoction 8 ounces , of hony an ounce and half , of chamomile 2 ounces and an half , of salt , half a dram ; mingle them and make a clyster , then prepare the humours , take of the leaves of stocados , betony , of each half a handfull , the seed of paeony one dram , boyle them according to art , take of that decoction 3 ounces more or lesse , as the childs age will bear , of the syrrup of stocados and oxymel , simple , of each half an ounce , mingle . when the humors are prepared , then purge ; but although this disease require vehement remedies , yet they are not to be used , by reason of the age. two scruples of pillulae aureae are sufficient ; or take of the trochische of agarick two drams , infuse it all night in two ounces of betony-water , strain it hard , then add two ounces of the hony of roses solutive , the electuary di psillie one dram , mingle and make a potion : this disease many times appears not in two or three moneths and is very stubborn , therefore for the perfect curing it , take of guyacum two ounces , of the water of betony two pints , infuse it 24. hours , and boyle them to the consumption of a third part , and in the end add two drams of the seed of paeony finely powdered , of oak misselto one dram and half , of coriander-seed one dram , afterwards strain it and make a syrrup of it , then take the same guiacum and put four pints of common water to it , and boyle the fourth part away , and in the end add two ounces of anniseed , and use it as ordinary drink , and give of the syrrup three or four ounces every morning , continuing so 40. 50. or more days ; blistering is good , so are fontanells and issues . there is no disease that hath more remedies commended by authors then this hath , i shall content my self with the following remedies , take of the seed of paeony and take misseltoe of each two drams , cardamums one dram , cantharades prepared two scruples , powder them and make an electuary of them , of which half a dram may be taken three hours before meat : take coriander prepar'd , mustard-seed , nutmeg of each half a dram , the seed of paeony 7 drams , dictamnes 2 drams , make a powder of them , and give the child of it in the morning at your pleasure , in wine that is hot . a long use of mithridate , with a decoction of paeony cures any epilepsy as some think , so doth a little fine mosche given twice or thrice a day : take of the oyle of amber , the spirit of vitriol of each two or three graynes , with the water of betony , and it presently frees the child from the fit. chap. ii. of convulsion . children often fall into a convulsion by the weakness of the nerves , plentiful use of thick milk , crudities , and by breeding of teeth . the matter of it is the same as is in the falling sicknesse , and it is very like to it , so that an eminent physician said a convulsion was an epilepsie of a part , and an epilepsy a convulsion of the whole body , both being a contraction of the muscles : but they differ one from another , because in an epilepsy the internal and external senses are hurt ; but in a convulsion the brain is not so affected , and the sense is not lost : in the epilepsy the matter in the muscles is quickly discuss'd , in the convulsion not , which is only also a contraction of the part , but the epilepsy is a convulsion of the whole body . a convulsion is a preternatural contraction of one or many parts of the body : if it be a contraction of the anteriour parts of the neck towards , it is called emprostonos , or a contraction of the parts before us ; if the hinder parts opistotonos ; if both the hinder and anterior parts are contracted , it is called tetanos . the cause of a convulsion , by consent , is when the knawing or pricking of the mouth , or stomach , or any other part , hurts the beginning of the nerves . the cause of an essential convulsion is either repletion or exiccation , for as strings fil'd with too much humour , or are too much dryed , they are contracted and break , so it is with the nerves , if they imbibe too much humor , they grow broader and shorter , and so contract ; and if to drye they shrink up . repletion is from a phlegmatick humour ; the exiccation and dryness , is from a great peculiar feaver , which doth not universally dry the whole body , but wast the nerves more then the flesh , and that violently ; so that though a hectick feaver doth very much drye the body , yet it produces no convulsion , in regard the dryness is made leisurely and easily in all parts , so that the nerves are not dryed with any great vehemence . some saye that this dryness proceeds from any immoderate evacuation , or things that vehemently heat and dry . the external causes are a moist air , wherefore children have the convulsion most often in the full of the moon , the air being the most moist , hurting the nerves of the child , watching , fear , which making the spirits retire , the nerves are contracted ; bathes , costiveness , and binding of the belly , drinking of strong wine , milk plentifully taken , or thick , crying , the ill diet of the nurse , and from other parts . signs are manifest , if it be made by consent , it is in a moment ; if by essence , it is always ; if from repletion , it is made suddenly , and in a small time ; if by dryness and inanition , it is caused by degrees , and in a longer time . prog. the convulsion that begins from the back is mortal . 2. children ●hat have the convulsion perish for the most part before the seventh day from their nativity . 3. convulsions in children are more easily cur'd then in men , because their humidity is airy , and is easily overcome . 4. convulsions from a perfect and consummated drynesse is incureable , but that which is not from a perfect dryness is cureable , which as the dryness is more or lesse , is easier , or with more difficulty . the cure of a convulsion from repletion and moisture , is the same as in an epilepsy . the members and parts contracted are to be restored gently by hands to its straightnesse , then annoint and rub the part with a convenient oyl , as of lillies or cammomile ; the syrrup of betony and staecados , with the spirit of black cherries , may be used ; carduus water is very good . if the convulsion is from drynesse , the cure is by moistning of the body by diet , and medicaments , a bath that is hot and moist is convenient ; and annointing the part with the oyle of sweet almonds , sweet butter , and such things that soften and moisten . chap. iii. of a palsy . in the two preceeding chapters were considered the depravation of motion ; in this place the abolition and diminution of motion will be discoursed of ; not abolition of the whole body , for children are never troubled with a universal palsy and privation of sense and motion in the whole body , which is called an appoplexy , appears by experience and observation ; and apoplexies are made for the most part from 40. years to 60. although children have often the falling sicknesse , which hath the same matter and part affected , as the apoplexy , and differs from an apoplexy , because it is a privation of motion , and an epilepsy the depravation : nevertheless a child is not troubled with the apoplexy , not because it proceeds from a melancholy humour , as some think , which a child hath not , which is untrue ; for a child may have a quartan ague , which is caused by melancholy , as you may see in the chapter of feavers ; but because the matter in the epilepsy is not so thick , as that which makes the apoplexy , being only phlegme , besides the phlegme of children is airy and flatulent ; moreover the expulsive faculty of the brain is strong in children , so that it more effectually expells the humour , that it stop not the ventricles of the brain , which happens not in those ages in which the humour is thick and lesse flatulent , and the expulsive faculty more weak . a numness and palsy , is a distemper of the same kind , and differ only in degree , for a numness is but as it were an imperfect palsy , and a palsy is as it were a certain great numness . the cause is a pituitous humour which by coldness & moistness thickens & obstructs the nerves , that they cannot receive the animal spirits , or influence of thea nimal faculty ; & as this obstruction and condensation of the nerves and ways of the faculties is more or lesse , so it makes numnesse or weak motion or want of motion . in a palsy there is no motion because the wayes of the faculties are totally stopt , in a numnesse they are not stopt completely , therefore the faculty operates , and there is a weak motion . the external causes are compressions by falls , blowes , binding tumours or other causes which can compresse and condensate the nerves that a free ingresse of the faculty is hindered . signs , if a part is affected with the palsy it cannot move , and is called the dead palsy ; if with numnesse , the party can move but weakly and with difficulty . if the disease be in the spinalis medulla the arms and all the inferiour parts are hurt ; if the right part of it is affected , all the parts on the right side , if the left , the left parts . if in the osse sacro the parts above it are well and the parts inferiour to it are hurt . prog. every palsy especially that which is inveterate is difficult to cure in children but numnesse is more easie to cure . if a feaver or trembling comes upon a palsy or numnesse it is very helpfull , for the feaver dissolves the matter of the disease and the trembling drives the same matter from the nerves . the cure is the same as in the epilepsy and convulsion , and greater remedies are to be used to the palsy then numnesse : take of earth , worms a large quantity , burn them in a clean pot , afterwards let them be powdered , take of that powder half a pound , of ginger and and galangle of each half an ounce , make a liniament of them with clarified hony with which annoynt the child three nights , binding his arm upon his belly and covering well the child , and beware that the child is not expos'd to the cold unto the third day ; & so in three days the child will be cured either of the palsy or convulsion as divers affirm . chap. iv. of childrens dreaming and troubled sleep . the consideration of the chief diseases belonging to motion , being past , it follows in the next place to consider the distempers of the common sense , which in children are dreams and immoderate watching . children never sleep moderately , for they are opprest with sleep in the womb and after they are born they sleep for the most part , because the infant is mindfull of the perpetual sleep he had in the womb and because his body is very moist , not only by the abounding with humours , but by the sollid parts being moist and soft , the want whereof in old men and their having sollid and dry parts of their heads ( though they abound with humours ) makes them most watchfull . 2. but this sleep is natural , but when sleep which should be for the restoring of the spirits and natural heat consumed by watching , is unquiet , troubled and terrifying , this is a distemper hapenning to children here intended . disturb'd sleep is an effect in the kind of depraved actions of the common sense . this distemper in an infant is like to the incubus or night-mare in these that are elder , and as that foreruns an apoplexy , so terrifying dreams are signes of an epilepsy and other ill diseases . the internal cause is a corrupted meat in the stomach , they are made in children by the debility of the stomach , ( from which arises sad phantasies , for as men are sad and troubled as often as the stomach is grieved ) and the notable sense of the mouth of it ; the manner of it is this , melancholly arises out of the corrupted meat of the stomach whose phantasmes are carryed to the imagination which they necessarily deterre and consequently make terrifying dreams , which are the operations of the imaginations about phantasmes offered from the senses . the externall cause is milk or meat corrupted , and by its acrimony knawing the mouth of the stomach . signs are the groaning of children , shaking , crying out of children in their sleep , an unnaturall colour and heat and a stinking breath , by which many are deceived and think they have the worms . the cure is , if the milk be bad from the constitution of the nurse change her , if from dyet , correct it , if it be good , it is vitiated and corrupted in the stomach by the plenty of it , therefore let the child suck lesse . if the child suck not , let him not eat too much nor bad meat , and remove what is corrupted in the stomach , to this end the giving of hony to children is commended because it clenses the stomach and guts . a suppository is convenient , so is a clyster ; take of whey six or eight ounces , of hony an ounce and half , salt a scruple ; mingle them and make a clister . if the child be somewhat big hiera pietra may be used which wonderfully clears the stomach , which being done , the stomach is to be comforted with half a scruple of the powder called diamosce , or as much of london treacle , may be used by the child ; or take of the species of diamoschi one scruple , of diacalamint one scruple and half , sugar and rose-water as much as suffices to make them into small lozenges , one whereof powdered may be given every morning in milk and suck presently after it . if the child is wean'd , give it powdered in broth or milk. outwardly ointments comforts the stomach , annoint it with the oyle of wormwood , mint , nutmegs , or mastick , and bathings made of wormwood , roses , and wine and plaisters also comfort it . it is convenient to hang red corall about the childs neck which comforts the stomach by a secret quality if it touch it outwardly . chap. v. of immoderate watching of children . the want of sleep in children is very hurtful , being contrary to their nature , who by the greatest and most large sleep , are not made sick ; and being used to sleep much , it causes sharp humours , alters the temper of the brain it makes feavers and crudities , and weakens children . the cause is not drynesse , as in men but the corruption of the milk and meat in the stomach , from which sharp vapours ascend to the brain and offending the membrane hinder sleep . if the vapours are thick and ascend not to the brain , then only sad phantasme which onely moves the imagination and causes troubled dreams are made , but not watchings . the signs are manifest , they continually cry , mourn , and sleep not . prog. the want of sleep is an evill and hurtfull , and in children , because it is contrary to their nature . the cure is in taking care the milk and meat be good in quantity & quality , as in the preceeding chapter , let the nurse use meats that are very good and apt to cause sleep , as lettice , sweet almonds and the like , avoiding strong wine ; let the child be kept clean and wash'd , and change the childs linnen , which often causes sleep and whilest he cryes appease him by motion , singing , or giving the child suck , foment and annoint the stomach with the oyles in the preceeding chapter let the feet be washed with a decoction of mallowes , annoint the feet with the marrow of the bones of a hart , annoint the temples with the oyle of violets , or juice of poppies . some use the confection of requies nichelai , and sirrup of poppies , when there is great necessity , but they are not to be used often , for they stupifie and dull the brain of the child . chap. vi. of the inflammation of the head. in regard the diseases of the sight and hearing in children have nothing peculiar to them from the same diseases in men , they are here omitted , and the diseases belonging to the natural faculty of the head considered . this disease is called by a word derived from another greek word , which the latins interpret a hole , because the head is perceived as it were excavated and made hollow , in the former part of the head ; it is called by some the heat and burning of the head . it is an inflamation of the parts about the brain and the membranes . the cause is a humour , whilest it putrifies , it doth resemble the nature of choler , not that it is true pure choler , because it cannot be imagin'd how heat , before the disease or in it , can make the most hot humour ( as choler is ) in the head that is moist and almost water nor pure phlegme , because it is cold and moist , and the humidities of children are hot , therefore old men waxe gray , because they abound with phlegme ; children not , because they abound not with phlegme that is cold and moist . the external causes are a very hot air , blows , falls , milk that is very hot , by the nursés using hot drinks ; milk hath the power of making one drunk , and one observes well , tender kids of goats are made mad with milk , and there is no doubt but the tender brain of children are much offended by the milk of nurses . the signs are , the hole and cavity of the anterior part of the head , because the heat of the inflammation dries the brain , which being drye , the skull is deprest , and sunk with its own weight and makes a hollownesse of the eyes ; by the same cause is a heat of the whole body and dryness , continual feaver , palenesse of countenance , weaknesse , losse of appetite , want of sleep , and a loosness of the belly . prog. this disease is very dangerous in children , because they are more easily extenuated by their heat , it is wont to kill in three days , afterwards there is hopes , the disease declines , and the strength increases . the cure is in 1. dyet , let the nurse drink only water , and use such meats which greatly cool , as ptisan , and barly broth , with the emulsions of the seeds of poppy-broths , with lettice and endive ; the nurse and child are to be kept in a cold air , in great quiet of mind and body . purges are unprofitable or hurtful , but if the child be costive , his belly may be loosned with a common suppository , or this clyster : take of barly water three ounces , of whey five ounces , red sugar half an ounce , mingle them . outwardly use two ounces of the oyl of roses , with the yelk of an egge , it mitigates pain , concocts and dissolves the humour ; the juice of lettice , pomkins , and melons , the flesh whereof may be pounded , and the juyce prest out , and the leaves of lettice steep'd in it , and laid upon the head , or a cloth dipp'd in the juice . these medicaments are often to be changed , lest by staying too long on the head , they heat , and dry , and hurt as much as help ; and in the winter they are to be laid on lukewarm ; in the summer cold : nor is it safe to exceed these cold remedies , and use the coldest , lest the temper of the brain is destroyed . when the inflamation is appeased , then leave the use of the cooling remedies , and use discussive ones ; and first such as are gentle , the yelk of an egge , of oyl of cammomile two ounces , mingle them ; afterwards a stronger discutient , take the flowers of cammomile , the leaves of penny-royal and dill , bran tyed in a cloth half a pugill , boyl them according to art , then take half a pint of the said decoction , the oyl of cammomile and anniseed , of each an ounce , shake them well together , and apply them warm to the head. chap. vii . of the running at the nose , cough , and difficult breathing . the running at the nose , cough , and difficult breathing in children , are the effects and issue of a distillation , which as some observe , is the mother of all evill , and is a desluxion of a petuitous humour , into the parts subjected ; if the matter flowes to the nose , it is called the pose and running at the nose ; if it descends to the breast , and is expelled by the spirit that goes out , it 's called a cough , but if the same matter falls upon the lungs , and stops the ways of the spirit , and oppresses the body of the lungs , it produces a difficulty in breathing ; this matter seldome makes hoarsness in children , because sucking children by their daily use of milk , cleanses the phlegme that it doth not stick about the jawes ; in those that are elder , hoarsnesse is seldome , because they are hot about the jawes ; which dryes up the phlegme . these distempers are symptomes and effects of a very moist brain , sometimes cold , because infants draw air more cold then they were used to , which cools the brain ; and it is sometimes hot by its natural temper , which is very hot , by air that is hot , fire , smoake , too hot cloathing of the head , and the gluttony and intemperance of the nurse . the signs are manifest of the cough , poze , and difficulty of breathing ; if they come from a hot cause , the child sneezes often , the colour of the countenance of the child is florid and red , the jawes are red , and whilest the child sucks , the breasts are heated , that the nurse perceives the heat . if from a cold cause , there is seldome sneezing , no change of the colour of the countenance , no heat perceived in the mouth . prog. these distempers are not dangerous if they be not neglected , otherwise they produce broken bellies , and other diseases , and often death . the cure is 1. in diet , let the air be temperate without excesse , avoid wine , and meats that are windy and grosse , and such as flye to the head , as spice , and meats prepared with them ; if the matter is cold , a little spice and hot meats may be allowed , but sparingly , for all which fly to the head are apt to attenuate and loosen both the cold and hot matter , which causes these distempers and many others . 2. evacuating and diverting the humour , by loosning the belly of the child by a clyster or suppository , or by a vomit , which is very good to evacuate the phlegme ; which you may do by dipping your finger in hony , and pressing down the tongue of the child ; also to evacuate the matter , take of the hony of violets one ounce , of the powder of ocymi one dram , mingle it , and put it in the mouth of the infant , and then give him the breast ; in a cold cause mirrh and hony are commended . in a hot cause , take one dram of the seed of white poppy , of tragacanthy half a dram , of the seed of a goard three drams , bruise them all , and with a decoction of sobestens , make a liquor ; or you may powder them , and take half a scruple , & mingle them with a little hony of violets and give it the infant to lick . if the breath be difficult with the cough , use the syrrup of hyssop , in the place of the hony of violets . it is also convenient to keep the breast of the child easie , and not straight , that it may dilate , wherefore annoint the breast and back with the oyl of sweet almonds , which is also good if it be swallowed , and taken inwardly . chap. viii . of the pain and humidity of the ears . the pain of the ears , is reckoned by all physicians amongst the diseases of children . it is a grievous sense which vehemently affects the parts about the passage of hearing , which is very sharp , in regard the inward parts of the ear are very nerveous . note , the outward part of the ear is fleshy and cartilaginous . the humidities of the ears are reckoned amongst childrens diseases by some , but not the humidities of the nose or palate , because the expurgation by the nose and palate is natural to men and children , but the expurgation by the ears is not natural . the cause of it is the great humidity of the brain , which cannot be all evacuated by the mouth and palate , so that excrementitious humours which abound are evacuated by all passages ; wherefore many will not drye up this humidity , unlesse it ulcerate , or threaten obstruction , or deafnesse . the cause of the pain in the ear , are the humours , especially choller , ichorous matter , wind , or worms . prog. the pain of the ear is very dangerous . the cure is , 1. the mitigation of the pain , with luke warm milk , or water , and the oyl of roses mix'd , and a cloth dipp'd in it , and laid upon the ear , a decoction of the heads of poppy , and as the causes of the pain are , so ought remedies to be for the taking them away ; if the pain is from hot humours , the part is red and hot , and cur'd by cold things ; if from cold , by luke-warm things ; if from wind , the diet ought to be such as discusses wind , for which purpose coriander is good for the nurse to use , and that the child sleep upon the ear which pains him , thereby natural heat is augmented , and dissipates the wind , the oyl of cammomile or anniseeds poured into the childs ear is very good ; if the pain be from an ichorous matter , wipe and clense continually the ear with hony , or hony and water ; if from worms , put into the ear bitter things that kill the worms , as the oyl of bitter almonds . see the chapter of worms . if there be humidity of the ears , and the child old enough to be purged , let him take three dayes this drink , take of the leaves of mirtles , bettony , staecados , violets , of each half a handful , let a decoction be made according unto art , then take thereof two ounces and an half , of the syrrup of wormwood and staecados , of each two drams , mingle them ; afterwards purge the head thus , take of the pills of agarick half a dram , of castor one grain , two cloves , mingle them , and with the hony of roses solutive , make five little pills . the head being purged for the drying up of the humidity , if it be cold , infuse into the ears the oyle of irnie or rue . if hot , the oyl of roses with the oyl of cammomile . observe in the use of remedies , that they be always lukewarm when you use them , neither hot nor cold ; not in a great quantity , but by drops , and that the child lye on the ear that pains ; and observe the moisture flowing out of the ears is not to be stopp'd . chap. ix . of the inflamation of the glandules in the mouth , call'd the almonds of the ears . the inflamation of these glandules is reckoned by some amongst childrens diseases , but onely in children after breeding of teeth . others say this disease may be in infants , but in them it would then be very mortall by the plentifull flowing of humours , which often strangles . if the gums , are inflamed in infants , and the glandules ulcerated before breeding of teeth , why may they not be inflamed , what should hinder that an infant may not have this disease sometime , and not be choak'd ? as i conceive ; the inflamation of these glandules , is an intumescency of them made by a flux of humours . the internal cause are all the humours especially phlegm . the external causes are a hot or extreme cold air , violent exercises hanging down the head vociferations , strong drink and meat that heat the blood . the signes are , if the mouth be opened , heat , pain , rednesse , and swelling near the root of the tongue , difficulty in breathing and swallowing . prog. this disease usually causes the quinzey and inflamation of the lungs , and divers other dangerous diseases . 2. if a loosenesse of the belly happen upon this disease , the flux cures it . the cure is 1. in a good dyet , avoiding any excesse of the air , smoak , the sun , all exercises of the body , vehement motions of the mind , especially anger , bathing ; if the belly be bound , move it with a gentle clyster or suppository , not by a remedy at the mouth , for it is dangerous ; abstain from wine and use barly water with the juyce of granates and mulberries and quinces , let the meat be such as may be supt , as barly broth , bread boyled in broth with the juice of the seeds of limmon , the yelks of eggs in broth , with the juice of granates . 2. in revulsion of the humour , by daily rubbing ligatures , especially cupping-glasses applyed to the loins and lower parts , not the upper parts , lest it draw the humor to the part affected . 3. repelling the humour by cooling and astringing remedies , as the sirrup of mulberry , granate , mirtle , with barly water , rose water , plantain or oak-bud water , and wash the mouth with it , to which purpose may be red roses powdered finely and other astringent powders . 3. dissipating & evacuating the humour with remedies that by a moderate heat attenuate and turns the matter into a wind , take the leaves of dill , flowers of camomile , of each half a handfull , of bran half a pugill , the leaves of marjarome , six drams of common water a pint and an half , boil it according to art , strain it and add three ounces of clarified hony , gargarize with it being lukewarm . if the matter cannot be discust but it begins to ripen help it with annointing the neck with the oyle of almonds , or by applying a plaister of diachilon : the ripening of it is helpt inwardly by the roots of mallowes or figs boyled , and gargarizing and washing the mouth with it . chap. x. of the sorenesse of the mouth . the ulcers of the mouth in children are ulcers of the superficies of the mouth , ( that is the whole internal part of the mouth ) with a fiery heat . they are easily caused in infants , by reason of the tendernesse and softnesse of the palat of children , they being unaccustomed to meat being newly born , and by their greedinesse and sucking more then they can digest , wherefore it is a great fault in nurses , that whensoever the child cryes to quiet them with giving the breast , for it is a rule amongst physicians , that milk should not be given not above three or four times in a day . the cause is whatsoever is corroding or accrimonious or sharp , whether the humours of the body , meat or medicaments . in children they are chiefly caused by the sharpnesse and corruption of the milk , whereby ill vapours are sent from the stomach into the mouth . the external causes are whatsoever may heat the head of the child , as the air being hot , the use of hot meats , immoderate exercises , and drinking of strong wine . the signes are swallowing with pain and difficulty , if they are malignant they for the most part follow ill and pestilentiall feavers , besides they are fetid , black or livid , causing pain , and are profound . if benigne and not malignant , they are without a swelling or profoundity . if from blood , they are hot and red . if from phlegm , they are lesse hot , lesse painfull , and are white . if they are made by melancholy , they are blackish and dark coloured . prog. all ulcers of the mouth are hard to cure , because the medicament cannot conveniently adhere , but those that are black , stinking profound & very painfull are very dangerous and is a most miserable & horrid death , of them which dye and are consumed by this disease . the cure , if the ulcers are benigne they are cured by altering the temper and cicatrizing with cooling and astringing remedies : if the milk be bad change the nurse or correct the milk by dyet and purging the nurseas hath bin shewn ; the ulcers are healed with hony of mulberries , or sirrup of pomegranates , mirtles or red roses dryed , with which the nurse dipping her finger is to touch the ulcers , and if they be contumacious , mingle a little powdered alum , with the sirrup of mulberries , for the powder of alum hinders the spreading of the ulcer , and without any notable pain . if the child is somewhat great , the dyet ought to be cooling , and meats that may be suck'd , is to be used , as broths and eggs with broth or verjyce . if the ulcers are great commonly causing inflamations and drawing of the humours , cupping-glasses applyed to the loins are convenient , and to evacuate by them what the age and constitution of the body will permit then purge gently ; the medicaments to be applyed to the ulcers are the same as in infants , or make a decoction of millefoyle , or plantain , with red roses , sanders , and take of it four ounces and mix with it an ounce of the sirrup of mulberries , wash the mouth with it . in malignant ulcers in infants , take of the scordiuum finely powdered one dram , of the rinde and pill of pomegranes , finely powdered two scruples , burnt alum one scruple , hony as much as will suffice . if the child is somewhat great , the use of the juyce of granates ( especially sowre ) is good . if this is not effectuall , use aqua magistralis aluminis unguentum egyptiacum , or the flower of bra●s corrected with a little sirrup of mulberries these are not to be used but in great necessity , because the palate hath two broad ways one to the lunges and another to the stomach , and therefore it is dangerous any venemous medicine should come thither , wherefore it is better to use remedies in such a form as cannot go further then the palat ; as when the ulcers of the mouth are touch'd with the oyle of sulphur or sublimate water , which is an excellent remedy against all inveterate ulcers : take of sublimated mercury twelve grains , the water of roses and plantain of each eight ounces , boyle them to the consumption of a half part ; the use of it is that the ulcer of the mouth be touched with one drop , which if it cause a considerable pain then mitigate the pain with milk that hath steel quench'd in it . chap. xi . of the ranula of the tongue . this disease is an inflamatory humour of the parts under the tongue and especially of the veins in children , for the veins under the tongue being with a petuitous blood , sometimes melancholy , which is sweat out , or goes out of the mouth of the veins , into the passages of the flesh , and there being collected , the humour is elevated into a tumour or swelling , which is called ranula . it sometimes resembles a soft aedema , which being opened , a white matter , like to the white of an egg , flowes from it . the cause is a petuitous blood , or as some say , a petuitous humidity . the signs are manifest to sight , there appears a tumour , with great pain and heat , and a hinderance of speech , the colour of the humour is as it were mixt , of the colour of the tongue and veins . prog. this tumour if it be neglected is dangerous , it sometimes makes a feaver , and suffocates children . the cure is by a cooling and astringing diet , in using vinegar , verjuice , limons , and the like with meat . clysters are convenient ; purges by the mouth are hurtful . if the child is somewhat large , cupping-glasses applyed to the thighes are convenient , so are friction and ligatures ; after , astringents are good ; salt of armoniacum rubbed upon the part is commended by all , maryroom rubb'd upon the part , stronger then it , are flower of brasse , allume burnt , spunge and tragacanthum burnt . if these cure it not , the tumour must be cut off at the roots , for sometimes the humour is in a coat , which if it be not taken away , the humour returns ; after the cutting of the humour , stay the blood with salt , powder of mirtles , totmentil , or bistorte , then cure it with myrrh , and drying things that cures wounds . chap. xii . of dentition and breeding of teeth . the generation and perfection of teeth , is the work and intent of nature , but in regard the matter out of which they are made , suffers not that this work can be done without trouble and pain ; it causes that a disease followes the generating of teeth , which disease is not intended by nature . dentition is an eruption or breaking forth of teeth , first conceived in their proper holes . it is said by some , to be a violent work of nature , and the gums are as it were prick'd with needles whereby great pain is caused , and a supernatural heat in those parts is excited , which drawes the humours thither which are made putrid , salt and sharp in those parts , and being precipitated to the stomach and guts strongly excites the expulsive faculty , and consequently causes loosnesse , and sometimes dysenteries . bones and teeth are the same according to kind and matter , but differ in species and name . the difference of bones and teeth in their nature and particular beings , appears , 1. teeth are made after the birth of a child , all other bones before grow to a certain time and have no sense , and never are renewed , but teeth grow during the whole life , have an acute sense and grow again . it 's observed , that amongst the bones the teeth only cannot be consumed by fire : neverthelesse they are corrupted , and consumed by a putrid phlegme ; besides teeth have no marrow and fat as other bones have , and therefore they are the most hard body : they are corrupted with hot things , as by washing them with warm water , but preserved by moderate cold , as by washing them with cold water , nor are they hurt by an actual extraordinary cold ( for in frost they are not troubled ) but by a cold that is potential , because teeth have but a little heat , and cannot resist a great cold . teeth were made for the breaking of hard meat , for speaking , and distinguishing of tasts , and therefore they have soft nerves in them ; and although histories relate several have been born with teeth , yet for the most part they break forth in children about the 7th . month , sometimes sooner , as in them which use more hot milk . they are very slow in some , sometimes to the third or fourth year , either by weakness or the fault of the matter of the teeth , ( being not sufficiently glutinous and earthy ) or by a privation of matter by worms , or a loosnesse , in the seventh year teeth fall out , and others grow in their places , growing of teeth continues until fourteen years , & afterwards very few grow , unlesse they be those called posteriores gemini , which sometimes grow at 80 years . the sooner teeth come forth , the less pain ; but they are the weaker ; teeth come forth in the spring and summer more easily , but with worse symptomes and effects , in the winter with more difficulty , but with lesse danger , for they are lesse troubled with a feaver loosness , or vomit , because their inward heat is more strong . but a modern author says , that in every time of the year , some are more troubled , some lesse , according to the natural constitution of children , which the times of the year cannot hinder . the teeth are of an equal number in men and women , being 32. the cutting teeth which are four above and below , grow first , which are made of a thin matter , and as they are made first so weaker , and are broke , fall out sooner then the rest ; the next are the teeth called dogs teeth , whose use is to break the meat , as to cut is before breaking , so the teeth that cut are first , afterwards the teeth that break the meat , afterwards the great and grinding teeth grow , whose matter is more hard and earthy , and therefore they break out the more slowly , and last of all the gemini , which never are renewed and grow again . hence it appears why the breeding of teeth causes so many evils , if they should grow in the womb they would not be troublesome , but growing after the birth of the child , and in that time when the gums are most soft , which being bruised and crushed by a hard body as the bone is , causes great pain . the signs are the childs crying , loosnesse , pinching the paps whilest they suck , the inflammation , and heat of their mouths , and when their gums are rubbed , they are eased . prog. the breeding of teeth is alwayes dangerous by reason of the great and grievous symptomes and effects it produces , as convulsions , feavers , and other evils . if the child is loose he is lesse troubled with convulsions , and fat children more than lean ; yet there may be convulsions by the sharpnesse of pain . if the child hath an acute feaver there is seldome convulsions by fulnesse , it being remedied by the feaver . teeth come forth more slowly most commonly , with a little cough , because there is a defluxion in the mouth , which argues the weaknesse of the brain . the cure is , in a cold dyet of the nurse , and the pap kept cool , which much refreshes the child ; the child is not to eat any hard meat , and the gums are to be cooled and relax'd ; the juice of mallowes and lettice cools . take the juice of mallowes , half an ounce , of butter , washt in mallow-water half one ounce , half the yelke of an egge , mingle and anoint the gums with it ; this that followes is stronger . take of the juice of night-shade half an ounce , of the oyle of roses , six drams , of butter washt in lettice-water three drams , mingle them and anoint the gums with it , it being cold , rubbing the gums with your finger , for it often mitigates pain . the gums are relax'd by things that are fat , as all fat of a hen , & c. oyl of almonds , and the brains of a hare boyled , in the place whereof may be the brains of a hen ; hony boyled is much commended . it is conceived by some that the breeding of teeth is the more easie by hanging about the neck , corral , a jaspis-stone , or the root of wilde colothwiths , which others think superstitious . chap. xiii . of the hiccough . children are more chiefly affected with diseases in the lower venter , in three parts , the stomach , bladder , and guts , which follow in their order . the hiccough is a motion like to a convulsion , in which the stomach endevour to expell what is hurtful infixt in the mouth of it . the cause is in children the plenty or quality of the milk or nourishment being too cold , sharp , or corroding vehemently irritating the expulsive faculty sometimes but rarely it comes from emptiness . the external causes are a cold air , hot and sharp meats as pepper . the signes are manifest , for as the proverb is love and the hiccough cannot be hid ; if it is from fullnesse the child is greedy and vomits , if from cold , it is known by rhe nurses using cold meats and externall injuries that preceeded it , if the childs stomach is fomented with hot cloathes it ceases presently , if from evacuation , fasting , flux or vomit preceeded it , if from acrimony the meats are corrupted or the milk is sharp and biting , and the child often mourns and grieves , and there are pains of the belly , besides the ordure shewes it . prog. the hiccough in children for the most part is safe , if it be made from emptiness it is mortal for children which are naturally full and very moist , if they are vehemently dryed by a great cause they are hardly restored . if a hiccough be with the falling-sicknesse , or another kind of convulsion it is mortall . the cure is , if the hiccough be from 1 cold , use hot things inwardly and and outwardly , take the syrrup of mint or betony outwardly , the oyl of anniseed , chamomile , and wormwood , besides plaisters and ointments that are hot , and set forth in several chapters . 2. plenty or quality of milk , correct it as is shewed in several chapters ; and if it be from the acrimony of the milk , let the child use a little quantity of this , take of saccharum rosatum half an ounce , of bole armenick half a scruple , mingle them . if from evacuation the same remedies are good , as are for leannesse from evacuation , see the chapter of leannesse ; bathing with sweet water , and broth is good in elder children , the yelks of eggs , and all meats that easily nourish . it is related by some , that the herb called alyssus , held in the hand , look'd upon , or smell'd to , cures the hiccough by propriety of substance . others say , that sneezing , and holding the breath , cures all hiccoughs : but these helps are too difficult for children and infants , sneezing and vomiting because they evacuate the matter , is commended . chap. xiv . of vomiting , and a vain desire of vomiting . besides the hiccough , the vain desire of vomiting , and vomiting happens to children , for the matter that troubles the stomach , is either infixed deeply in the mouth of the stomach , and so makes a hiccough , or infixed , but not profoundly , and either in the mouth or tunicles of the stomach , whence it is a vain desire of vomiting , or else the matter is contained in the space of the stomach , and so makes a vomiting . the causes of vomiting , or a vain desire of vomiting in children , are , the humidity and laxity of the stomach , the plenty of cold humours falling from the head , the plenty of milk or meat , the acrimony and coldnesse of the same milk. the external causes are , a bad air , stinck , or an ill tast , the use of oyly and fat things . the signs of vomiting are manifest ; it is known , if it be from 1. coldness , by the cold diet of the nurse preceding it , and the help from hot things : besides the milk is kept some time ; if the stomach be cold , it presently rejects the milk. 2. acrimony , then children languish , and are afflicted before and after vomiting . 3. plenty , then vomiting eases , evacuating the cause of laxity . prog. vomiting , which is from taking more then the stomach is able to bear , and vomiting only that which offended , and retaining and correcting the rest , the child is not sick , but more cheerful , the stomach being strong , and the fault only in the quantity of the milk. 2. vomiting immediately only what is taken , if it continue , causes a consumption and death . the cure is , the milk is to be corrected by lessening the quantity of it in suckling the child , and altering by purging and correcting the temper of the nurse , as is directed in several chapters . if the fault be in the childs stomach , by the weaknesse of it , cloves or coriander chewed by the nurse , and instill it into the mouth of the child , sometimes alone , sometimes with the syrrup of mirtles , quince or granates is commended . outwardly apply the plaister called emplastrum de crusta panis ; or take the oyl of mirtles two drams of the juice of unripe grapes , or one dram and an half , red wine one dram , boyl them to the consumption of the wine , then add mastick , mirrh , acaciae and frankinsense of each half a dram , wax and refine as much as will susfice to a soft plaister , let the child wear this constantly above the stomach . chap. xv. of the unvoluntary pissing of children . involuntary pissing , or not holding of the water , in children is more familiar to them then those that are elder , because children are rather governed by their appetite then will , and cannot hold their water longer , but this incontinency of urine is not here intended , it being not a disease ; but the involuntary pissing here meant , is an affection preternatural , by which children are forced and involuntarily make water at all times . the cause is in children , an imbecillity , and cold , and moist temper of the muscle of the bladder called sphincter , proceeding from pituitous and thick humours ; sometimes the resolution of the sphincter , the motive faculty being not sent to it , by reason of the obstruction of the nerves , especially about the spinal marrow from the like humour . the external causes are the coldness of air , and meat , drinking of cold water , blowes about the back , and falls . the signs are , elder childrens wetting of their clothes , their inward garments being always wet with pisse ; but in children newly born , it is hard to know whither in an often sucking , an often pissing is involuntary , and that age gives no testimony of voluntary pissing . prog. involuntary pissing is more hard to cure if it come from an obstruction , then cold and moisture . if it comes from an external cause it is mortal , especially from a fall or luxation . the cure is in , 1. by a diet which is hot and dry , as you have in several chapters ; you are to abstain from meats that move urine . 2. the belly loosned by a clyster or suppository ; use this syrrup , take of the leaves of calamint , plantane , and mint , of each half a handful , the seeds of rue , two drams , boyl them according to art. take of the syrrup of purslane , red roses , and wormwood , of each half a dram , mingle them together . after the humours are prepared , purge with two scruples of pill hiera cum agarico : or , take of mirabuline , chebuline one dram , of the seed of rue half a dram , of the flowers of violets and roses of each half a pugil , boyl them according to art. take thereof three ounces , trochische of agarick two scruples and an half , infuse it all night , then presse it , and add the syrrup of roses solutive , two ounces ; the body being purged , outward remedies are to be used , as baths which heat , drye , and are binding ; it is good to annoint the loyns and parts nearest to the bladder with the oyl of wormwood , or the oyl of worms ; foment those parts with this , take of calamint , mint , rue , marjerome , red roses , of each an handful ; galengal , and cyprus , of each two drams , boyl them in red wine according to art. if these will not prevail , then blisters will be useful . divers remedies are propounded by authors , that are supposed by a propriety to cure this distemper , as the brain and testicles of a hare burnt and given to drink in white-wine , the bladder of a sheep or sow used in the like manner ; and divers others . chap. xvi . of the strangury and suppression of urine . the difficulty of urine is either when that no urine is made , which is called ischury , or when the urine is made by drops , which is called a strangury , both which distempers differ only in degree . the causes are a coldnesse , sometimes alone , sometimes with moisture , weakning the expulsive faculty , that it cannot expell the urine , or if it doth , not in such a manner as it ought , so that the expulsive faculty is essentially hurt , or the cause is either from a stone , or the humours viscid and thick . the external causes are , an air that is cold , grosse , thick and cold meats and drinks , especially the milk of the nurse , for as the manner of diet is , such is the milk ; as the milk is , such are the children that suck it . the signs are manifest , for the child makes no water , or by drops , and with groaning . if it be from a cold distemper , then if the parts be rubb'd , heated or compress'd , the urine comes forth ; if from obstruction , if you compresse them , no urine is made , it is known also by the course of life preceeding to it , and by the childs being said before to have urine that was thick and muddy . prog. the strangury and ischury in children are difficult distempers , for all distempers in children of the natural faculties are dangerous . the cure is , 1. in a good diet , avoiding fulness , grosse and thick meats and drinks . 2. expelling the excrements in the stomach and first passages , by loosning the belly with two or three ounces of the hony of roses ; then prepare the humours thus , take of the simple hony of roses , simple oxymel , of the syrrup of bettony , of each three drams ; mingle them and give it alone , or else with broth ; afterwards purge , take of cassia five d●ams , of species hiera , one dram and an half , mingle them : or take the hony of roses solutive two ounces , of electuary lenitive three drams , two ounces and an half of a cordial decoction of violet roses , mingle them and make a drink . 3. provoking of urine , the decoction of grownsell , saxifrage , centmade , or red cicers , is much commended ; or , take the roots of asparagus half an ounce , the leaves of saxifrage , and maidenhaire , of each one handful , red cicers one pugil , make a decoction according unto art , give three ounces of it with a little sugar , the stomach being empty . outwardly are useful the rubbing and compressing the hands , being annointed with the oyl of scorpions . if it help not , boyle the pellitory of the wall in the oyl of rue , and make a plaister and lay it to the parts about the neck of the bladder ; or , take a cruce glass in which oyl hath been kept a long time , put it in hot water , then put the yard of the child into the mouth of the cruce glass , and it is very effectual . chap. xvii . of the stone of the bladder . children are very obnoxious to the stone of the bladder , and are often troubled with it by their much eating , causing much crude humours , which stay not in the reyns , but is expelled into the bladder . female children are seldome troubled with it , because they have the channel of the bladder broad straight , not contorted and crooked . the stone of the bladder , which is immediately made in the bladder , is more often made in children then in old men , because children are great eaters , & thereby abound with much crude humours , which is the matter of the stone , and falls into the bladder ; besides , childrens native heat is strong , which easily hardens the matter into a stone ; old men although they abound with crude and earthy humours , because their heat is weak in the bladder , the stone is not made , to which may be added the strength of the expulsive faculty , the narrowness of the passage , and the tenuity of the humour in children . the stone which is first made in the reins , is in old men more often then in children , as is proved by experience , because old mens expulsive faculty is infirm , and the ureters wide , so that the thickest and grosse matter , is detained in the reins , and consequently turn then into a stone . the material causes are humours thick petuitous , and tenacious ; the efficient cause is the greatnesse of the heat . the immediate internal causes are chiefly the narrownesse and straightnesse of the passage or channel , then the hereditary disposition and propriety from parts , and the milk of the nurse being bad , either from diet or temper ; for when the child doth suck impure milk , if the child hath large veins , from the stomach to the bladder , the impure matter is carried to the bladder , where it settles with the urine as muddy water shak'd together in some vessell , and then resting makes a sediment in the middle , which sediment of the urine afterwards is conglobated and made round , by phlegme , like a little hill , and is hardned as iron in a furnace . the external causes are the same as in the strangury . the signes are , 1. groaning , and pain in making water . 2. the making water by drops . 3. the blood is often mix'd with the urine . 4. the water is somewhat white , crude , sometimes with a slimy , sometimes with a sandy sediment . 5. inflamation of the bladder . 6. itching of the preputium and foreskin , and frequently scratching of the privities . prog. the stone of the bladder is very dangerous , and difficult , by reason of the pain , and in curing suppression of the urine , which often happens . the stone if it cannot be cur'd by cutting it is mortal for the most part , because the stone growes in children so great , that as the years increase , nature cannot sustain it . the cure is , if the stone be small , and newly begun , by such things that break and diminish the stone by a quality that is either , 1. manifest , as by goats blood , restharrow , ceterach , saxifrage , the root of parsley , and fennell , lapis spongia , lapis judaicus , the stone that is found in the call of an oxe powdered and drank in white wine , or a decoction of restharrow ; take 2. or 3. drams of turpentine , wash'd and melted , and mingle it with two ounces of the water of restharrow , it is much commended . 2. or an occult quality and propriety , as the throat of a hen burnt and powdered , and given in wine . so eryngoes boyled , breaks the stone by propriety . before the use of these remedies the child is to be put into a bath water for some dayes , in which mallows are boyled , that the matter may be somewhat softned , and more easily and safe done in children in men. chap. xviii . of costivenesse and being bound in the belly . costivenesse is a preternatural disposition in children , by which they discharge not the filfth and ordure of the body , either in a due hour and time , or in a due measure ; the filth ought every day to be expelled , and if much be eaten , or that is not nourishing , the greater the quality of the excrements ought to be expelled . the causes are , the offending the guts either not by sending the expulsive faculty to them , by a resolution of some nerve or muscle , by a distemper or obstruction , or because choller is not sent to the guts , by which the guts are stimulated and excited to an expulsion . or the expulsive faculty of the guts is hurt by some tumor or skin , or some distemper . the guts are offended also by some errors within , by viscid and thick humors wrapp'd and mix'd with the filth , and so gather the filth together , that they fasten them to the guts , that they cannot go forth , or with great difficulty , or externally by the coldness of the air , for it is certain that costivenesse is more in the winter than summer ; much sleep , idleness , great meditations , ( they drye the belly ) drink that is thick and binding , and sparingly used ; the same errors also in meats , as also preposterous eating , taking first astringent things , afterwards liquid , and they that are accustomed to dine , and omit it , are bound in their bellies . the signs are the child 's not discharging his belly every day , and complaining and if the child is somewhat great , it is troubled in the head , and when the child empties it self it is with pain & groaning . if it proceed from a cold distemper , the body consumes , is pale , windy and belching ; if from gross and viscid humours , they will appear in the filth ; if from the want of choller sent to the guts ; the colour of the body will be muddy , and the filth of the guts white or somewhat ash-coloured . prog. the astriction of the belly in most are dangerous , especially in children which great eaters , for which diseases are generated in them in time , and in the time of breeding of teeth , cause inflamation , feavers , and convulsions , the body being full . the cure is , 1. in moving the belly in sucking children , that the nurse use meat that loosen the belly , as mallows , dry figs , raisins , and the broth of coleworts , and all such meats which can loosen the belly ; for as the milk is made out of blood , and it out of meat , so it is not to be doubted that the milk is affected with such meats as the nurse eats : the remedies that are to be used to the sucking child , ought raiher to be external then internal ; the external are suppositories made out of hard hony or the roots of mallowes ; garlick roasted in ashes , and put into the fundament of the child provokes stool ; so doth coriander candied with sugar , put into the fundament , for it tickles the expulsive faculty and causes no pain . besides these remedies to make the body soluble , there are others to be applied to the navil ; as half the white of an egg boyled hard , and fill'd with butter , and a little coloquintida , or two grains of scammony , the gall of beef laid to the navil doth the same ; so doth the juice of cyclaminis with an equal portion of the oyle of sweet almonds , and hens grease . if the child is somewhat great , the use of turpentine is much commended , it clenses the liver and spleen ; likewise bread that hath some bran in it , and raisins continually used . the broth of coleworts and mallowes may be likewise used or the suppositories directed above . 2. in removing not only astriction , but also the causes of it , therefore if it be in an infant , that the nurse uses convenient diet , and such as doth not bind , avoiding idlenesse , the use of wine that is sharp and binding , meats that are grosse and binding , as barberies , medlers , cervices , and the like , and whatsoever is binding . if the astriction of the belly be in a child that is somewhat great , he is to use meats that loosen the belly , and to abstain from those that are binding , his sleep , watching and exercises are to be moderate , and to avoid north winds . if astriction be from a cold distemper of the guts , if in infants , the milk ought to be corrected with meats that heat , or the nurse changed , and remedies applied to the stomach or navil of the child . take half a pint of the best wine , of the leaves of calamint , abrotanum , mint , marjerome , of each half a handful , boyl them , and with a sponge foment the whole belly : or use this oyntment , take the oyle of spikenard , or mint , of each three drams ; the powder of cloves half a scruple , a little wax , mingle them & make an ointment . if astriction is from cold and viscid humours , use such things that are attenuating , as oxymel , and the syrrup of harehound , these are very useful if the child lick them , or the nurse take them . if from the want of the coming of choller to the guts , then obstructions are to be removed , in a child that is somewhat great , a decoction of rubra tinctorum , red cicers , the roots of fennell , or asparagus , and the use of maidenhaire is convenient ; stronger remedies in children are not to be used . chap. xix . of the flux and loosnesse of the belly . the flux , is too great a laxity of the belly , by which children do expel more filth , & more often then ought to be by reason of the meat and drink . the cause is a cold distemper of the guts , by which the concoction is vitiared , and so the corrupted meats cause the flux , and also a moist distemper , whereby the retentive faculty , which consists in dryness , is weakned , and being not able to retain the filth , causes that the expulsive faculty excited by them , expells more and more often then it ought ; to which may be added the humidity that comes from the head to the stomach , and from thence to the guts ; also corrupt meats , which when they have acrimony , and are past to the guts , irritate their expulsive faculty ; likewise sharp and biting thin humours , do the same ; such as are in the breeding of teeth . the external causes are the south wind , immoderate exercises of body , the use of liquid meats , and such as are apt to loosen the belly . the signs are manifest , children very often evacuate the filth of their belly , and it is more fluid and liquid then it ought ; if it be caused by the corruption of meats , the ordure and filth stink , and appear unconcocted , and the child breaks wind often ; if from breeding of teeth , the signs you have in the chapter of breeding of teeth ; if from bilious and ichorous humours , the filth and dung is bilious , and yellow , and if they have hurt the guts , the dung will be bloody , and covered with a bloody slime ; if from a distemper , there will be the signs of a moist or cold distemper , and no signs of any other causes ; if from a distillation , the child will have a catarrhe , not falling to the lungs , and the filth will be frothy ; it it be from external causes , it is known by a careful and diligent observation of the manners and life of children . prog. a dysentory in children is very dangerous . the loosness of the belly one or more dayes is healthful , if there be no feaver , and if it is stopt within 7 dayes . an unseasonable stopping of the flux in children is mortal . if the flux continues and perseveres , and is very long , it causes a consumption and death . the cure is , 1. in an infant , if the milk be bad , by changing the nurse , in long fluxes nothing hath been found better , if it cannot be corrected ; if the cause is hot , the nurse is to use a cooling diet , abstaining from wine , and using water in which steel hath been quench'd , or wine somewhat binding , but a very little of it ; also meats somewhat astringing and cooling , as barly broth , with the juice of quinces , rice , and the like ; annoint the childs navil and stomach with this , take the oyl of mirtles , quinces , of each three drams ; the powder of mastick , red corall , and acaciae , of each half a scruple , a little wax , make a liniament . if the cause be cold , the nurse is to use a diet that is hot , as wine somewhat binding , spice , the best flesh , mint , marjerome , boyled in broths . take the oyle of wormwood , and mastick , of each three drams ; the powder of sothernwood , comfrey , and bole armonick , of each half a scruple , a little wax , mingle them , and make a liniament ; the bag of a hare is very good , but the child is not to suck when it is used ; but let the child take pannado , with the milk of almonds , for as the bag thickens milk outwardly , so if it should be used unseasonably it would be dangerous if it should do the same , and not above half a scruple at a time is to be used . the cure of a child somewhat great , is ; if the flux comes from , 1. corrupted meat , stop them not nor retain them , but only comfort and strengthen the stomach ; take of the oyls of spicknard , and mastick , of each five drams ; of the powder of red corral one dram and an half ; of wax a little , mingle them . 2. if from petuitous humours falling from the head , provoke urine with a decoction of the common seeds of the roots of parsley , fennel , asparagus , birtcher broom , for they divert the phlegme from the guts . 3. if from bilious humours , temper them , and take care they do not exulcerate the guts , wherefore let the child abstain from wine , meats that are hot , salt , acrimonious , and sweet , and use barly btoth with the syrrup of barberies , quinces , or granate . take of the decoction of all the myrabulous six ounces , the juice of millet strained four ounces , mingle them , and make a clyster , which is very good ; so is this , take of mullen , the greater comfrey , of each half a handful , boyl them according to art ; take thereof two ounces and an half , of the syrrup deribes one ounce , mingle them ; whey in which steel is quench'd is good , and may be given to six or eight ounces at once ; if the guts are sore , this confection is very useful , take of the conserve of barberies one ounce ; of thus one dram ; of mastick half a dram ; of the powder of the great comfrey two scruples , mingle them ; the quantity to be used is two or three drams every morning . the broth of an old hen in which mullen is boyled , is good for all old and petuitous fluxes ; so is the heart of a beef burnt and powdered , taken in milk , in which steel is quench'd , or in the decoction of mullen , half a scruple of it , or a scruple is to be used at once . clysters are good , take the water of barly in which steel is quench'd eight ounces , red sugar one ounce , make a clyster , this is good in the beginning , because it moderately dries , absterges , and mundifies the ulcers ; afterwards the ulcers are to be dryed and healed , to which purpose use this , take of whey in which steel is quench'd , nine ounces , of thus , bole-armonick , and of comfrey the great , of each three drams , sanguis draconis five drams , mingle them and make a clyster . chap. xx. of the tenesme . after a loosness , and in the loosness , and from them , a distemper usually arises , called a tenesme , which is a certain vain desire of evacuating the filth of the belly with pain and trouble . the cause is , a hot or cold distemper of the spyncter of the great gut , most commonly from a humour thick , viscid and sharp , adhereing to it , where it stimulates the expulsive faculty , which endevouring to expel the viscous and sharp matter , but cannot in regard of the tenacity of the humour ; the tunicle of the gut is as it were strain'd into pieces , and in the same divulsion the appetite and pain is made . the antecedent causes most frequently , are preceeding fluxes , for the humors continually touching the great gut , distempers it ; if the humours are hot , the distemper is hot ; if cold , the distemper is cold ; whereby sometimes there is not only made a distemper but an inflamation . the signs are manifest , because the child desires and endevours often to expell the filth of the belly , and with such endevours , that sometimes the fundament falls and comes down ; the filth that is evacuated is very little , slimy , and bloody ; if it be from a hot cause , a heat is perceived by the children in the fundament , there is a rednesse ; and cold remedies help ; if from cold , there is a lesser pain , a little or no heat , no rednesse , and hot things help . prog. this disease if it be diligently handled in the beginning , ends well ; but it sometimes happens by continual pains , watchings , and crying of children , that it brings them into mortal feavers and consumptions . the cure is of sucking children by ordering the nurse ; if a child somewhat great by abstaining from meats that are acid , sharp , salt , and sweet , and to use such as provoke urine . if the cause be hot , to asswage the pain , then lessen the desire of going to stool . make a decoction of mullein , or dyptams , and sit in it . take mirabulous chebules , and the leaves of mullein , and boyle them in red wine , and dip a sponge in it , and apply it to the fundament . turpentine put upon the coales , that it fume and smoke the fundament , is very good ; if these will not help , take of opium four grains , of saffron one scruple , of thus one scruple , and make a suppository of it , with the white of an egg roasted , put it into the fundament , it takes away pain , dryes up the humours , that causes the distemper , especially the hot humors . chap. xxi . of the pain of the guts . the guts being very full of turnings and windings , and rowlings , and very long , retain the humors a great time in them , which makes the internal tunicles of the guts bare and naked from the slime ( which covers the guts , and makes their sense dull , for their receiving of hard and sharp excrements ) and corrodes the substance of them , and distends them , whereby there is a vehement torment and pain . the cause is either wind that cools the guts , and oistends the tunicles of them , or humors that are cold or hot , which distemper them , or causes a solution of continuity , & somtimes worms is the cause . the external causes are the coldnesse of air , feet , and meat , also sweet meats , and summer fruits . if it be from wind , the pain is sometimes vehement , sometimes gentle , goes and comes , breaks forth upwards and downwards ; if from humors , the pain is more durable and constant ; if from phlegme , that filth that is evacuated is but little and slimy ; if from choller , the excrements of the belly are yellow ; if from the corruption or sharpnesse of milk , there are notes of the badnesse of the milk , and the filth and excrements evacuated resemble corrupted milk. prog. pains that are persevering are dangerous , especially the vehement pains in the guts of children , proceeding from worms , which many times kills them . the cure is , if the pain is from corrupted milk , change the nurse , if the be so vehement that it will not allow time to correct the milk ; if from wind , the nurse is to abstain from all windy meats , and use coriander and fennelseed ; so ought , the child that is elder to use auodynes , such things which heat in the first degree and evacuate the matter of pain , and attenuate and dissipate it , annointing the childs belly with the oyle of anniseed . if it is not effectual , put a clyster-pipe in the fundament , so the wind is drawn forth sometimes ; if not , make three ounces of the oyle of anniseed lumbricated , is sufficient for a clyster ; if the child be great , use cummin or anniseed in sweet oyle , and the oyle afterwards being strained , take of it 6. or 8. ounces for one clyster . observe the wind ought to be expelled out of the guts , by gentle remedies , if more hot are used the pains usually are increas'd , if the cause of the wind be in the guts ; if the cause is a petuitous humour in a child that is somewhat great , the gentle remedies above mittigate pain ; afterwards take the leaves of dill , marjerome , cumminseed , of each half a handful , boyle them according to art. take take of the decoction three ounces , of oxymel simple , and of the syrrup of byzantine of each three drams , the humors being prepared , purge with one dram of hiera in wine , if the child will take it , and there being no feaver ; otherwise , take of electuary lenitive 5 drams , of hiera picra one dram , mingle them and make a bolus . if the pain is from hot and sharp humors , use outwardly the means as is said before ; take of barly water six ounces , oyle of anniseed two ounces , the yolk of an egge , and make a clyster . afterwards , to evacuate the humors , take of the decoctions of tamarinds two ounces and an half , of rhubarb two drams , of spike 10 grains , infuse them all night , then strain them well , and add half an ounce of electuary lenititve , and make a drink ; if all these remedies are ineffectual , use half a scruple of laudani opiati , in one of the clysters , as is above directed . chap. xxii . of worms . vvorms are very familiar to children , by reason of crudity and corrupt phlegme , from their eating of fruits and milk after other meats , for it is observed that sucking children which eat flesh are most troubled with worms because their tender stomach cannot concoct solid meat , and therefore it corrupts and breeds worms , besides milk is presently concocted and passes into the guts , if flesh unconcocted be mingled with milk , and passes with it into the guts , it putrifies there . worms are annimals generated in the body , variously hurting the operations of the body . worms are found almost in all parts of the body , as appears by the diffection of bodies , and the excretion of worms , but it is doubted , whether the worms were bred in those parts , or crept there , especially worms found in the stomach . some think worms may be bred in the stomach , because the matter of worms is no lesse communicated from food or defluxion , or otherwise from other parts , and that the efficient cause being also not wanting in the stomach , but more frequent they breed in the guts . the cause is , a petuitous crude and viscous humour , which ariseth from immoderate eating , meat easily putrefying and causing a thick juice , as cheese , milk , summer fruits , things that are sweet , sugared , honied , and the like , having something that hath an analogy to seed , instructed with a formative virtue , which disposes the matter to receive this form of a worm , and not another , and informs the matter so disposed ; as we see peculiar worms to proceed out of wormwood , the salt of the sea , milk , hony , and other things . the difference of worms according to their figure is threefold , some are round and long , others broad and long , and some small , compared with the other two sorts . worms differ in their colours , being white , red , livid , ash-colour , or yellow , the variety of which colours proceeds either from the crudity or coction of the matter , out of which they are made , or from the variety of the nourishment or diversity of corrupted matter , out of which they are generated . the signs of the three sorts of worms in common are many , a stinking breath , unquiet sleep , with starting , trembling , grating of the teeth , itching , and often rubbing of the nose , paleness of the face , red by intervals , the eyes hollow and darkish , the white whereof being turned pale or yellow , spitting much phlegme , the swelling of the belly , with murmuring and noise in it , the griping of the belly which is worse , when one is fasting , sometimes looses , vomiting and epilepsy . the signs of the particular worms ; if they be long , then the biting of the belly is more vehement , a little drye cough , hiccough , a vain desire of vomiting , abominating meat , sounding , troublesome dreams , with trembling , rising up , and crying out . if the worms are broad , they are known by excrements , not unlike the seeds of goardes , an unsatiable desire of eating , sudden dejection of things newly taken , leanness and consuming , a great pain sometimes in the right side sometimes in the left . if short worms , the pain is continual , a most troublesome itch about the fundament , with a continual desire of evacuating . prog. broad worms are the worst , because for the most part they continue longest . the short worms are the least hurtful because they are little , and thin , and are bred in the thick guts , most remote from the noblest parts , and easie to be expelled with the excrements , and for medicaments to be applied to them . 4. worms that are great , fat , thick , and fill'd with blood , are worse then thin , short , and extenuated , because these showe the scarcity of matter , those the abundance of matter . 5. white worms are scarce dangerous , but worms that are yellow , livid , or red , are much worse . 6. worms that are expelled dead , where there is no feaver , or a feaver that is benigne , dye by the scarcity of the matter , but in malignaut feavers they dye , rather by the venome , and so worse then living worms . the cure is , 1. in a convenient diet , the air is to be temperate and inclining to drynesse , sleep , and watching moderate , avoiding sleep immediately after meat , immoderate exercise , avoiding idleness , and rest , the belly soluble , if it be bound loosen it with a clyster or suppository ; the drink , if there be no feaver , ought to be wine and water somewhat binding , bitter or sharp , not sweet ; vinegar and water is good , so is sharp wine : but if there be a feaver , in the place of wine let there be a decoction of pruines that are sharp or facid , cherries or granates , the meat ought to be easie to digest , attenuating , and penetrating , wherefore convenient meats , are such as are sharp , acid , & bitter , & oyly , and sweet things , viscid , thick , and fat things , are hurtful ; the flesh of birds is much commended ; beef and veale are greatly discommended , with what is not convenient , mix'd vinegar , verjuice , the juice of granates , or some other sharp juice ; avoid all fish and things made of milk , only such fruits are to be used which are acid , as granates , oranges , limons , services , medlars , sharp pruines , avoiding all crudities and indigestable meats , either from the quality or quantity of them . 2. in the use of sena , tamarinds , or mirabulous ; but above all , aloes , for the consuming of the matter of worms which is in the stomach or guts . take of aloes succotrinae two drams , mirrhae , scordum , white dictamus of each a scruple , with the syrrup of wormwood , make pills , the quantity at once is half a dram or forty grains . 3. in the killing or dulling of them , that they cannot resist the remedies , which is done by things that are bitter , sharp , salt , acid , oyly ; in the use of which observe , 1. that bitter or salt things , or such as kill worms are to be mixed with sweet things which delight them , and drawes them to that which kills them , otherwise they avoid it . 2. remedies used by the fundament ought either to be sweet things alone , or else to prevail in sweetnesse above other things which are mix'd with them , for the worms drawn by sweetnesse , move the lower parts of the guts ; but remedies taken in at the mouth , ought to be more sharp , and bitter , then sweet , otherwise the worms would move into che stomach , and cannot be conveniently kill'd . 3. the remedies ought not to be vehement , because they would offend the stomach , and the worms agitated by them would be more grievous , and offensive . 4. the stomach ought to be empty when the remedies are used , else they would be obtruded and extinguished , in regard they are weak . 5. there is no remedy which commonly kills all worms , and there is no remedy so present as coralline and sea mosse . 6. if the child hath a feaver , then remedies which are cold ought to be used , if not , then hot remedies may be used . every kind of worm hath its proper remedies , and the long worm being in the next place to the stomach , requires not such strong remedies as the oother worms do ; wherefore wormwood , southernwood , coriander seed , or the decoction of calament are sufficient , which may be used in powder , or a de●oction . the syrrup of mint , wormwood , or purslane , is very good , so is a decoction of sebesten . outwardly apply above the navil ( for long worms are in the first guts , a little above the navil ) this oyntment , take the juice of wormwood and southernwood of each one dram and an half , the powder of scordum , aloes , of each two scruples , of common oyle one ounce , of wax a little , make an ointment ; or , take of mirrh and aloes , of each a dram , powder of scordum , and the seeds of wormwood and citron , of each half a scruple , with wax and rosine , as much as is sufficient , make a plaister ; treacle dissolved , with the juice of limon or vinegar , is good , applied above the navil , or taken inwardly , so are the seeds of nettles , fennel , cummin , and mint ; and in regard that worms that are killed are not expelled , therefore use such remedies as kill and expel them , as rhabarb , hiera , aloes , agarick ; take 2 drams , or half an ounce of the syrrup of sychory , with rhubarb , with an ounce of the water of grasse which given every day is much commended ; if there happen a loosness that is not moderate , and dejects the strength , restrain it gently with plantane or purslane boyled in broth . the broad worms are cured like the long worms , but require stronger remedies , because this worm is greater , ferne , cardamon , costos , and treacle are commended . the ascarides or little worm require stronger remedies then the long and broad worms do , because they are most remote from the mouth and stomach , wrapt in viscid humours , and are made of viscid and thick humours ; these worms have also peculiar remedies . take the leaves of wormwood one handiul , lupines one pugil and an half , boyle them , then take of that decoction 12. ounces , hony of roses 3 ounces , of salt one dram and an half , mingle and make a clyster . take of nitre , of salis gemma of each one scruple ; of the gall of a bull one dram , of hony as much as suffices , make a suppository , or foment below the navil , or about the fundament with the decoction for the clyster ; also is good , flesh salted and the fat cut from it , and made in the form of a suppository , and put into the fundament ; so is old cheese . many things are propounded by authors to be taken in at the mouth , as scammony and co'oquintida , which are too strong for children ; the juice of ireos will be better and convenient , for it moves the belly , and consequently expells the worms , and by a peculiar faculty kills them , pillula ruffi , hiera cum agarico , are also good . finis a collection of chronical diseases viz. the colick, the bilious colick, hysterick diseases, the gout, and the bloody urine from the stone in the kidnies / by j. pechey ... pechey, john, 1655-1716. 1692 approx. 255 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 82 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2007-01 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a53910 wing p1018 estc r13463 12254923 ocm 12254923 57356 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is 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(eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a53910) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 57356) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 157:5) a collection of chronical diseases viz. the colick, the bilious colick, hysterick diseases, the gout, and the bloody urine from the stone in the kidnies / by j. pechey ... pechey, john, 1655-1716. rivière, lazare, 1589-1655. sydenham, thomas, 1624-1689. [8], 152 p. printed by j.r., and are to be sold by henry bonwicke ..., london : 1692. 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and xml conversion a collection of chronical diseases , viz. the colick : the bilious colick : hysterick diseases : the gout : and the bloody urine from the stone in the kidnies . by j. pechey , m. a. of the college of physicians in london . london : printed by j. r. and are to be sold by henry bonwicke , at the red lion in st. paul's church yard , 1692. advertisement . my collections of acute diseases , being well approved of , i was encouraged to publish these of chronical diseases ; the first chapter is taken from riverius , the other from the worthy dr. sydenham's works ; and 't is probable i may go through the whole history of chronical diseases , if god grant life and opportunity . the table . chap. i. of the colick . the colick takes its name from the part affected , viz. the colon , pag. 1. the causes of it , p. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4. external causes of it , p. 5. the signs of the causes , p. 6 , 7 , 8. the difference betwixt nephritick pains , and the colick , p. 8 , 9. an obstinate colick from acrid matter often degenerates into other diseases , p. 10. the cure , ibid. the cure of the colick when it degenerates into a palsie , p. 15. chap. ii. of the bilious colick of the years 1670 , 71 , 72. a description of the disease , p. 17 , 18. the cure , p. 19. the pain is apt to return , p. 23. riding good in this disease , p. 24. a thin diet must be observ'd , p. 25. the hysterick colick , p. 26. the cure of it , p. 28. the cure of the jaundice , coming upon this disease , p. 30 , 31. chap. iii. of hysterick diseases . this disease is the most frequent of all chronical diseases . p. 32. the great variety of this disease , p. 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39. the procatartick , or external causes of this disease , p. 40. the origine and antecedent cause of the ataxy , p. 41. mother fits , p. 43. clavus histericus , p. 44. hypochondriack colick , p. 45. spitting common in hysterical women , p. 46. of the cold in hysterical diseases , ibid ▪ fits of weeping , p. 47. the disturbance and varying intemperies of the body and mind , is occasion'd by the inordination of the spirits , p. 48. this disease is not occasioned by seed and menstruous blood , p. 49. the chief indications in this disease , p. 51. bleeding in the arm is order'd , p. 52. chalybeat remedies are order'd , ibid. steel is best given in substance , p. 53. purging is not to be us'd in a chalybeat course , p. 54. a prescription for swelling of the belly , p. 56. the rickets , p. 56. filings of steel , p. 57. hysterick medicines are to be us'd in a steel course , ibid. medicines to answer all the indications , p. 58 , 59 , 60. chalybeats sometimes cause great disorders in women , p. 60. what is to be done when the disease is but small , ibid. some women abhor hysterical medicines , by a certain ideosyncracy , ibid. of drinking tunbridge-waters in this case , p. 61. what is to be observ'd in drinking them , p. 62. of hot sulphureous waters to be us'd in this case , p. 63. venice treacle is a great remedy in this disease , ibid. spanish wine medicated with gentian is good , p. 63 , 64. a milk diet is to be us'd , p. 65. riding on horse-back best , p. 66. riding on horse-back not proper for delicate women , p. 67. riding is good for people in consumptions , p. 68. in the fits we must use hysterical medicines , p. 69. laudanum must not be us'd to quiet the pains occasion'd by vomiting , 'till evacuations have been us'd , p. 70. the likeness betwixt this disease and nephritick pains , p. 73. the errors which hurt child-bed women , p. 76. medicines to cause the locha to flow , p. 78. the immoderate flux of the courses , p. 81 , 82 , 83. a cooling and thickening diet must be order'd , p. 83. falling of the womb , p. 84. chap. iv. of the gout . the gout chiefly seizes old men , and people of a gross habit of body , p. 86. sometimes it seizes thin people , and those that are in the flower of their age , p. 87. the regular gout , p. 88. rich men and wise men are more troubled with the gout than poor men and fools , p. 97. women are seldom troubled with the gout , ibid. boys and youth have not the genuine gout , ibid ▪ the disease rises from the weaken'd concoctions , p. 98. of the cure , p. 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111. digestive remedies must be us'd constantly , p. 117. a mediocrity is to be observ'd in meat and drink , p. 119. a milk diet , p. 120. liquors , p. 122. dietetick drink , p. 125. those that have been us'd to wine must not leave it off suddenly , p. 126. the sick must go to bed early , p. 127. tranquillity of mind must by all means be obtain'd , p. 128. exercise of the body most profitable , p. 129. riding on horse-back is the best exercise , p. 131. exercise must be us'd in a good air , p. 132. venery , ibid. of keeping in bed the first days , p. 137. we must apply our selves to those symptoms whereby the life of the patient is indanger'd , p. 138. the translation of the morbisick matter upon the lungs , p. 140. the stone in the kidnies , ibid. external remedies for the gout , p. 141. the pultis for the gout , p. 142. the moxa , ibid. chap. v. of the bloody vrine from the stone in the kidnies . manna good in this case , p. 146. a paregorick was given every night at bed-time after purging , p. 147. the regimen and manner of diet , p. 148. if the stone is large , manna must not be taken in purging mineral waters , p. 150. chalybeat waters must not be us'd when the stone is too large to pass through the vreters , p. 152. a treatise of chronical diseases . chap. i. of the colick . the colick takes its name from the part affected , which is the colon , a long and winding gut , appointed to receive the excrements of almost the whole body ; and if those excrements are retained too long , they are wont to occasion pains of this kind , the excrementitious matter occasioning a dissolution of the continuity either by distending , or pricking , or corroding ; and this matter is either wind or humour . wind proceeding from crudities , or from a cold intemperies of the stomach or guts , if it be stop'd by reason the excrements are grown hard , or because something else obstructs the intestines ( a great quantity of it remaining in the great guts , especially in the colon ) occasions violent pain . gross cold and phlegmatick humours driven into the tunicles of the intestines , may occasion such pain , either by gnawing , if they are acrimonious or briney , or by chilling the part which is consequently bound up thereby , and much disordered , ( as galen says , when he was grievously afflicted with the colick , he evacuated a glassy sort of phlegm actually cold , ) or by emitting wind , which is easily elevated by a small heat from the gross viscid and clammy humour . lastly , cholerick and acrid humours , and also melancholy and acid by pricking and twiching the intestines , cause such pains . but it may be ask'd how it comes to pass , that in the action of these causes , the colick should have its exacerbations and remissions , the same matter remaining in the intestines , which as 't is present , should continually gnaw and distend . to which i answer , that sometimes that matter remains quiet , and so at that time occasions little or no pain ; but that at other times 't is moved and excited by various fermentations , which happen in the humours , as is usual in an epilepsie , hysterick fits , and the accession of fevers . but we must take notice that the wind or humours don't only reside in the cavity of the intestines , for then they would be easily excluded , by evacuating deterging and carminative medicines ; but for the most part insinuate themselves into the coats of the intestines , and for that reason they are difficultly removed ; and so the disease lasts longer , and can't be easily eradicated by the foresaid remedies . the gross and phlegmatick and melancholy humours flow by little and little through the veins of the intestines , into their substance , and so don 't presently cause pain , 'till there is a quantity sufficient to irritate nature for their expulsion ; and then being mov'd and exagitated , cause pain . or wind , occasion'd by them , and included in the coats of the intestines , distends and twitches them , and not easily getting out , occasions a lasting pain . also choler after the same manner pour'd through the veins of the intestines upon their coats , and imbib'd by them , causes violent pains , which are wont to be long and obstinate , because 't is difficultly removed from their substance . there is another species of a bilious colick which degenerates into a palsie , scarce known to the ancients , which proceeds from a bilious humour , not pour'd as the former upon the colon , but of a sudden upon the membranes of the abdomen , which is transferr'd thither , either from the gaul-bladder , or from the mesentery in the crisis of long fevers , or by reason of violent anger , or some other external cause , when because of obstructions , it can't 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 colick , which yields neither to clysters nor to any other remedy , but continues for many months , by which the body wasts , and the sick is vex'd with a sort of intermittent fever , and often with a slow continual fever ; 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 ; the choler by reason of its levity moving chiefly upwards ; and sometimes it breaks in upon the brain , and causes epileptick fits , from whence death generally follows . there are other causes of the colick , 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 inflamation , and other tumours of the guts , or a twisting of them , occasion'd by wind , which is next to an iliac passion ; and sometimes the matter which causes a colick is venomous and malignant , and so 't is a pestilential colick . as paulus aegineta relates , that a pestilential colick arising in italy , was very troublesom to many of the roman provinces . lastly , all hard bodies by obstructing the guts , or distending them , may occasion a colick , 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 troubl'd with the colick and convulsions , who after the use of clysters , evacuated a great quantity of hard cheese by stool , which had remain'd a long time in his guts ; for before he was sick , he eat of it immoderately . the external causes , are a cold constitution of the air pressing and hardening the belly , or a hot constitution which does likewise harden the excrements , for all their moisture is dry'd up by heat : the use of meat and drink unfit for the mans constitution , of crude and harsh fruits , 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 in this disease are plain , for first the pain is violent ; for if it be small , it ought not to be called the colick ; and then the pain is wandering , sometimes it grievously afficts this part , sometimes that , so that sometimes it possesseth the region of the spleen , sometimes of the stomach or liver , or of the reins , sometimes 't is above , sometimes below the navel , and oftentimes 't is most violent in the left side , because in that part there is a narrowness first observ'd by bauhinus . for when the excrements in the upper and capacious part of the colon being hardened into great clods , agreeable to the capacity of it , are violently driven by the wind towards that narrow part , they can't pass through without great pain ; by reason of which symptom the colick is often taken for splenetick or nephritick pains ; neither are they easily distinguish'd when the signs of each are compared one with another . but sometimes the pain is more fixed and setled in one place , and like the boring of an auger . the patient often vomits , the stomach being affected by consent of parts , and phlegm is sometimes cast up , and sometimes choler , green as a leek , and like verdegrease : the pain is increas'd after eating , because the stomach being full , presses the guts . the belly is most commonly so bound , that the sick can evacuate nothing that way , not so much as wind ; but if any thing be evacuated naturally or by art , 't is chiefly windy , and like cow-dung , and swims upon the water , being for the most part phlegmatick ; for phlegm voided by stool , is wont to swim upon water and serous excrements : but sometimes the belly is so much bound when the pain is violent , that strong purging medicines will not work at all . the signs of the causes are distinguish'd after this manner . if the pain proceed from phlegm , 't is not so violent , unless it be accompained with wind , which can't break out of the places 't is contain'd in , for then the pain is violent , and sometimes remains in one part , and seems to bore as with an auger , and sometimes 't is in many parts , when the wind wanders about . the sick is eased by hot things , but is injur'd by cold things . a course of diet went before , apt to increase phlegm . the urine is crude and sometimes whitish , but not always which is wont to impose upon young and unskilful physicians , for sometimes in a phlegmatic and windy colick , the urine is yellow and red dish , by reason of the pain which inslames the humours contain'd in the veins and arteries . which avicen has wisely observ'd , he says , no one should deceive himself , by judging the disease is hot , from drouth , inflamation , and redness of the water , for ' that 's common to all . if the colick is occasion'd by wind , there is a stretching pain , and certain inflation of the belly : the sick perceive a great deal of wind , and a rumbling of the belly , they are much eased by breaking wind. a course of diet fit to breed wind went before , as unseasonable drinking of cold water , the frequent use of pulse , turneps , chesnuts , herbs and fruits , and the like . and if the wind be contain'd in the cavity of the intestines , the pain is wandering , and not fix'd to one place , and is renew'd by intervals ; but if it be kept in within the coats of the guts , the pain is fix'd , because the wind can't change its place , and is continual and obstinate , because it can't find vent . if the colick proceeds from an acrid and cholerick humour , 't is most sharp ; there 's a twiching and pricking heat , drouth , and for the most part a fever , and the urine is very cholerick , and the disease is increas'd by hot medicines and diet , and is mitigated by cold , and likewise by the excretion of cholerick matter , and a course of diet fit to breed choler went before . the pains of the other parts contain'd in the lower belly , are easily distinguish'd from the colick by their proper signs , except the nephritick pain , whose signs are so like those of the colick , that oftentimes the most skilful physician can't distinguish them , as galen confesses of himself , being afflicted with the colick pain , he thought 't was nephritick , by reason of a stone driven into one of the ureters , 'till the humour being evacuated by stool , and so the pain ceasing , he found 't was the colick . but by the following signs , these two diseases may be plainly distinguish'd , if they are accurately examin'd . first , the nephritick pain is fix'd in the kidny , and stretches it self from that to the testis , according to the length of the ureter ; but the colick is wandering , and painfuly girds the lower belly . secondly , the colick increases after eating , by reason of the pressure upon the gut by a full stomach ; but the nephritick pain is not at all increas'd after eating , but rather lessen'd , because some of the nutricious juice is carried to the reins , which somewhat asswages the pain . thirdly , in the colick , 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 provok'd , contract themselves , that they may expel the enemy ; but either of the symptoms is common to either of the diseases : so that the intension 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 colick . fourthly , in the colick , the patient is more eas'd by vomiting and going to stool , than in nephritick 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 : but in the colick the urine is thicker , from the beginning . as to the prognosticks , the colick most commonly , if it be gentle and remiss , and not very lasting , and not fix'd in one part , and intermits , and does not wholly stop the belly , is curable and without danger . but if the pain be violent and fix'd to one part , and does not intermit , and if nothing be evacuated by stool , and if the patient can't sleep ; and lastly , if vomiting , hickocks , delirium , coldness of the extream parts , and cold sweats follow , the disease is deadly . an obstinate colick from acrid matter , especially occasion'd by choleric matter , often degenerates into other most dreadful diseases , as to the gout or epilepsie , but oftner to the palsie . a contagious pestilential and epidemick colick is most commonly deadly . 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 phlegmatick colick : you must begin with an emollient clyster , and afterwards you must give a carminative and discutient clyster , 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 clysters , the sick does not go to stool , as sometimes it happens , the belly must be irritated by a sharp suppository ; but 't is convenient to add to one of the clysters ℥ iiij of the aq. benedicta , or ʒij , or ʒiij of coloquintida may be boil'd in an emollient and carminative clyster . if clysters don't give ease , you must not obstinately persist in the use of them ; but 't is better to use some gentle medicine . it has been observ'd , that when a sick person has taken without any success thirty clysters , another physician having given only ℥ iss of manna , with ℥ ij of oyl of almonds in fat hen broth , has cur'd the patient : but in that pain which proceeds from thick flegm , stronger medicines must be given . afterwards fomentations , ointments , baths , plasters , and other remedies , are useful ; to which must be added some specificks very proper in this disease . wash the guts of a wolf in white-wine , and afterwards dry them in a furnace , in an earthen vessel , till they may be powder'd , let the sick take ʒi of this powder in white-wine , it presently eases pain . boil simple water , and when 't 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 't were in a moment . take of the best aloes ʒi , of laudanum opiatum , gr . iv , of diagridium , gr . vi , mingle them , make six pills , guild 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 ℥ ss of diaph●enicon , and ℈ ij of philonium romanum , in the water or decoction of chamomil . hypocrates proposes a purge made of wild purslain and meconium . six ℥ of fresh oyl of sweet or bitter almonds taken , asswage the pain , and carry the marter sticking to the guts downwards , and mixt with the following things , it does a great deal of good . take of the oyl of almonds , or of some other oyl for poor people ℥ iiij , of generous wine ℥ i , of syrup of poppies ℥ i , mingle them , make a potion . oyl of sweet almonds also taken with manna in fat broth , asswages the pain , and evacuates the peccant matter . the seed of ammi powder'd , and ʒi of it given in wine , soon takes off the pain , and being given a second time , it most commonly cures the disease ; a cataplasm of ℥ iij of turpentine being apply'd with stupes at the same time , to which must be added of the sinapisatum piperis , and of dragons blood , each ʒi . paracelsus's galbanetum is proper to discuss the humour , if the whole belly be anointed with it : this description of it is propos'd by crato . take of gum eleme , of ivy , of galbanum , of oyl of lawrel , each equal parts , distil them in a retort in sand ; keep what comes over apart , first the water , then the clear oyl , afterwards the thick oyl like hony , which must be used first . take of calamus aromaticus ℥ i , of galangal ʒiij , of the yellow of the outward peel of oranges ℥ iiij , of choice cinamon , of anise and fennel seeds each ʒiij , of cummin seed ʒvi , of fresh juniper berries ℥ ss , of lawrel berries ʒiij , let them be finely powder'd and infus'd in vi th of malago sack , let them stand in a warm place for vi days , afterwards distill them in b. m. the dose is ℥ i evacuations going before . gum caragna and tacamahaca may be conveniently apply'd to the belly , and before they are put on , a cupping-glass may be apply'd t●●he navel . and tho the foresaid plaisters are not apply'd , yet the cupping-glass ought to be apply'd to the navel , which galen says , does like a charm , remove the pain occasion'd by wind. if the disease is lasting , it may be successfully treated with the decoction of guaiacum continued for many days , purging now and then , and injecting clysters frequently ; but if the colick proceed from glassy phlegm , boil the guaiacum with wine , as amatus lucitanus us'd it with good success . the pain being quieted , an apozem evacuating phlegm is to be prescrib'd , by which the reliques of the disease may be carried off , or instead of that , a decoction of an old cock , compounded of such things as purge and attenuate . a bilious colick is cur'd by emollient clysters , and with such things as attemperate the acrimony of the humours . let the belly be fomented with an emollient and anodyne decoction , or which is better , let a semicupium be prepar'd of the same decoction . a cataplasm will also be convenient , prepar'd with barly-meal , and flax-seed boil'd in oyl of camomel , and apply'd to the bottom of the belly . also a cooling epithem compounded after this manner , to be apply'd to the region of the liver , will be proper : take of the juice of endive , of cichory , each thss . of the juice of lettice and rose-vinegar each ℥ ij , mingle them , make an epithem . give juleps of the water of erratic poppy , of lettice and sorrel , with the syrups of violets , of apples , and of lemons . if the pain is very violent we must use narcoticks . the pain being somewhat mitigated , an infusion of rubarb in cichory-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 't will be convenient to use tunbridge , or such like water . when the pain is violent , we must fly to baths and laudanum , with which catharticks may be sometimes given , but in a large dose , because the quality is much blunted by laudanun . paracelsus's galbanetum , tho 't is hot , is proper to discuss the humour , if the whole belly is anointed with it ; the description of it is above . bleeding is sometimes proper in this sort of colick , when there is danger , lest the violence of the heat should occasion a fever ; but if there be a fever already , 't is presently to be us'd . when there 's a great drouth , cold water must be given , according to galen's instruction ; and amalus lusitanus says , he wonderfully cur'd of a sudden , such a pain by the use of it ; and septalius declares in two observations , that he us'd it inwardly and outwardly with great success . for the cure of a colick that degenerates into a palsie , put the patient into a warm bath , made of a decoction of emollient things , the belly being loosen'd with various clysters , and the first passages open'd by catharticks . the patient must be bath'd twice , 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 open'd . the next day let the humour be purg'd 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 purg'd off , and the pain quieted , he is recover'd . in the mean while , you must continue the use of clysters ; but those made of milk are best to asswage the pain ; to which you may add cassia , oyl of violets , and oyl of lillies . let the belly be frequently anointed with oyl of chamomel , of dill , sweet almonds , lillies , and with butter . lastly , use whey and tunbridge-waters , or the like : and if the disease continue a long while , those things may be used which are proper to cure hypocondrical melancholy . and bleeding is to be us'd at the beginning of the disease , and before purging , and to be often repeated , if the bloud seem to be bad , or if something of a rheumatism seem to be join'd with it . lastly , all those remedies which are propos'd for the cure of the bilious colick , may be used in this case ; and if these things do no good , some physicians prescribe the following potion , which though it be loathsom , and won't go down with the delicate , yet they say it presently mitigates the pain . take of horse-dung ℥ i , crumble it into small pieces , and infuse it in lb i of erratic poppy water , to which add viij or x drops of spirit of wine ; stram it gently , and divide it into three doses , to be taken at the times in which the pain is most violent . but if the disease degenerate into a palsie , you must use to the spine of the back , and the paralitick parts , some resolvent balsom , and such a one as strengthens the nerves if there be a fever . but if there be no fever , you may apply wool 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 fix'd upon the part , and the perspiration of it will be hinder'd . paracelsus's galbanetum is very useful in this case , if it be apply'd to the foresaid parts , and also to the navel . chap. ii. of the bilious colick of the years 1670 , 71 , 72. in all these years the blood was much inclin'd to put off upon the bowels hot and cholerick humours , upon which account this colick was more frequent than is usual : the same febrile symptoms preceeded this disease as us'd to go before the dysentery that reign'd in those times ; and sometimes this disease follow'd 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 fever , which after some hours was wont to end in this disease . it chiefly siez'd 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 't were actually upon him . at the beginning of this disease , the pain is not so certainly determin'd to one point , as in the progress of it ; neither is the vomiting so frequent , neither does the belly so obstinately resist catharticks ; but the more the pain is increas'd , the more pertinaciously is it fix'd 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 inversion of the peristaltick motion of the guts , ( if the patient be not soon relieved , ) and by consequence an iliac passion is procur'd ; in which disease all purging medicines become presently emetick , and clysters 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 . now seeing every phaenômenon of this disease shews plainly that it proceeds from some acrid humour , or vapour put off by the blood upon the intestines ; this in my opinion is the chief curative indication , namely , that the said humour should be evacuated , as well that which is antecedently in the veins , as that which is contain'd in the guts ; and the next to this is , that the force of the humours tending thither ▪ should be restrained by the use of anodines ▪ and that the violent pain should be mitigated by them . therefore i order that blood should be freely taken from the arm , if no blood has been taken away before ; and after two or three hours , i give an anodine . the next day i prescribe some gentle purge , and to 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 proceed 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 wash'd with large draughts of posset-drink , which must be vomited up again ; which being done , an anodine is to be given , and the next day a vein must be open'd ; and as to other things , you must proceed according to the directions above-mention'd . 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 , they must be made stronger ; for 't is in vain to give a gentle cathartick , unless the patient is easily purg'd , which must be carefully enquir'd into ; for such a medicine being not strong enough to make its way through the intestines , the patient is more injur'd thereby ; for by its ineffectual agitation , the vomiting and the pain is increased . a lenitive cathartick 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 preferr'd before other catharticks , for it least exagitates and moves the humours . but if the sick can't retain a liquid medicine , by reason of an aversion , or because of the vomiting , you must necessarily use pills , among which the pill cochia 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 can't be retain'd , then i first order an anodine , and a few hours after a purge ; but there must be so much space betwixt them , that the cathartick be not quell'd by the narcotick , and so render'd 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 virtue of the narcotick is spent ; though the purge if it could be conveniently done , is best given a long while after the anodine ; for twelve hours after taking it , the patient is difficultly purg'd . but because in this as well as in most other diseases , in which narcoticks are indicated , a purge always increases the pain ( at least when it has done working , for while 't is in operation , the patient is not so ill , ) therefore i usually give an anodine as soon as the purge has done working , which i order to be taken morning and evening daily , viz. in the middle spaces betwixt the purges , that i may the more certainly appease the pain till the patient has been sufficiently purg'd . 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 anodine constantly morning and evening , which must be sometimes repeated oftner ; nor cou'd 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 't is indeed safe to repeat narcoticks , while such a pain as this continues violent , but not when 't is gone off . wherefore i repeat the anodine according to the degree of the pain , till it ceases , or till it be very much lessen'd ; yet there must be such a space of time between them , that i may find what may be hop'd for from the former dose , before i give another : but for the most part , unless the pain be very violent , a paregorick given morning and evening may be sufficient . liquid laudanum is the anodine i chiefly use , of which i give sixteen drops in some cordial water , or the dose may be increas'd according to the violence of the pain . this plain method by which first the peccant matter is evacuated by bleeding and purging , and then ease procur'd by the help of narcoticks , succeeded better in my practice , than any other i ever knew ; whereas carminative clysters , injected in order to exterminate the acrid humours , do only stir the coals , and render the disease more lasting , by the tumult they raise in the humours . 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 anodines . for instance , when by reason of some preceding sickness , large evacuations have been us'd not long before the coming of the colick , ( for many times they who have recover'd of another disease , have fell suddenly into this , by reason of a weakness of the bowels , especially if there be a great degree of heat , occasion'd by drinking of wine , or some other spirituous liquor immoderately , ) i say in this case , 't is not only unnecessary , but i think 't is injurious to give catharticks again , for by them new tumults will be rais'd . moreover the guts are most commonly sufficiently cleans'd by clysters , frequently us'd before the physician is advis'd 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 . in august , 1671 , the noble baron annesly being afflicted with the bilious colick , with intolerable pain , and frequent vomiting for some days , sent for me to the castle of belvoir ; he had try'd all sorts of clysters and other remedies , by the prescription of learn'd and experienc'd physicians living thereabout . i advis'd without any more adoe , the repeated use of narcoticks , according to the method just deliver'd , by which he recover'd in a few days , and came to town well with me . but because this pain of its own nature is wont to return more than any other , all occasions of its relapse must be prevented , by giving an anodine 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 don't know any thing that will so certainly perfect the cure , as riding on horse-back , or in a coach , with which the patient must take long journies ▪ and in the mean while an anodine must be given constantly morning and evening ; for by this kind of exercises , the matter causing the disease , is remov'd to the habit of the body , and the blood being broke into small parts by perpetual agitation , is as it were depurated again , and at length the intestines are much strengthen'd and refresh'd by this way of stirring up the natural heat . nor am i asham'd to confess , that by the help of this exercise , i have more than once perfectly cur'd this disease , when i was not able to cure it any other way ; but this must not be us'd before the patient has been well purg'd , and then he must continue the use of it for many days . one of my poor neighbours who is now living , was afflicted in these years with a most violent bilious colick , who a long time endeavour'd , but in vain , to conquer the disease by catharticks , clysters , and leaden bullets swallow'd down ; i order'd him to use narcoticks frequently , which he did with good success , for as often as he us'd them , he found himself very easie ; but seeing the disease was only palliated with these things and not extirpated ( for it return'd assoon as the vertue of the narcotick was spent , ) i took pity upon the man , being grievously afflicted with this disease , and also with poverty , and lent him one of my horses , that he might go a journy as above directed , and having travelled a few days , the bowels grew so strong , as to be able to shake off the relicks of the disease , and so he perfectly recover'd , without the help of anodines . and to speak the truth , i have known this kind of exercise has been always us'd with admirable success in most other chronical diseases , if the patient continued it resolutely . for if we consider with our selves , that the lower belly in which are plac'd the organs of secretion , are much shaken by this exercise , perhaps some thousands of times in a day , we shall easily believe that they are able by the help of the foresaid exercise , to shake off any excrementitious juice that is impacted there ; and ( which is of greater moment yet , ) that they are so corroborated by that powerful excitation of the native heat , that they may duly perform that office of purifying the blood which nature has appointed them . if the patient be young , and of a hot constitution , i order a cooling and thickening diet , suppose pulp of barly , panada , and the like , and every third day if the stomach is craving , a chick , or a whiting boyl'd . 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 , by which the spirits exhausted by exercise may be repair'd . 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 aq. mirabilis , or of any other the patient likes best , relieves him at this time beyond expectation ; for by this means the small relicks of the native heat and the spirits will be excited , and the preternatural ferment sticking to the bowels , and now and then occasioning new fits , will be extinguish'd by spirituous liquors . moreover as in the cure of the disease , so when 't is over , the thin diet we have mention'd must be observ'd for some time ; for this disease being more apt to return than any other , and seating it self upon the principle parts for concoction ( i mean the bowels already weaken'd by it ) the least error of 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 . a certain kind of hysterical disease afflicts some women , very like the bilious colick , 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 : i will treat of it by the by , lest any one should take it for the bilious colick just now mention'd . those women that are of a laxe and crude habit of body , are chiefly afflicted with this disease , and they that have lately labour'd 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 nature and strength has been almost spent . a pain as violent almost as that of the colick or iliack passion , seizes 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 observ'd , ) there 's a greater dejection of spirit and desperation than in any other disease whatever . after a day or two the pain goes off , and returns again a few weeks after as violent as 't was before . sometimes 't 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 the mind , whether it be occasion'd 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 us'd too soon ; for by these means vapours are elevated in a laxe and weak habit of body . when according to the vulgar opinion , i say , vapours , whether they be so or no , or whether 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 expos'd to , which is manifest from this symptom , which when it seizes upon the parts near the colon , imitates exactly the bilious colick , which is also as apparent in many other parts of the body afflicted with this disease . for instance , sometimes it seizes one of the kidneys with a violent pain , from whence arises violent vomiting , and being oftentimes convey'd by the passage of the ureter , it resembles the stone ; and being exasperated by clysters and other lithontriptick medicines design'd to force away the stone , it afflicts the patient in the same manner a long while , and sometimes ( contrary to its nature , for left to it self , 't is no way dangerous ) kills the patient . i have seen moreover symptoms occasion'd by it , exactly resembling the stone in the bladder . not long agoe i was call'd up in the night to visit a countess , my neighbour , seiz'd suddenly with a violent pain in the region of the bladder , and with a suppression of urine ; and having known that she was subject to various hysterick indispositions , i suppos'd the disease was not that they imagin'd , and therefore i would not suffer a clyster that her maid had prepared to be injected , lest the disease should be increas'd thereby ; and instead of this and emollients , namely syrup of marsh mallows and the like , which the apothecary had brought , i order'd a narcotick , which soon took off that symptom . and indeed there is not one part of the body wholly secur'd from the assaults of this disease , whether they are internal or external , as the jaws , hips and legs ; in all which it excites violent pain , and when it goes off , leaves a tenderness behind , which will not bear touching , just as if the flesh was bruis'd with violent strokes . but now seeing i have deliver'd some things by the by , appertaining to the history of the hysterick colick , lest it should be mistaken for the bilious colick , i will transiently ▪ touch upon some things relating to the cure of the symptom of pain which accompanies it . for the perfect cure which takes off the disease , by removing the cause , comes under another speculation , and belongs to another place . bleeding and purging repeated , which are plainly indicated at the beginning of a bilious colick , are not to be used here , unless in the case to be mention'd by and by ; for experience teaches , that the pain is exasperated , and that all the symptoms increase by reason of the tumult which those things occasion ; and i have more than once observ'd , that the repetition of the gentlest clysters have brought on a long series of symptoms . and reason as well as experience dictates , that this disease is rather produced by an inordinate motion of the spirits , than by vicious humours , if we consider what things most commonly occasion it ; and they are such as these , large and unnecessary profusions of blood , violent motions of the mind and body , and such like : all which forbid those remedies by which a greater disturbance of the spirits may be occasion'd ; and instead of them anodines are to be us'd , though the green and ill colour of the matter vomited up may seem to indicate the contrary ; for the speculation of colours is too nice to authorize those evacuations , which we find ipso facto injurious . and i don 't at all doubt that this disease ( which though it occasion violent pain , is no way mortal , ) has prov'd deadly by reason of errors committed upon the belief of such speculations . moreover if any one should give the strongest vomit to day , to eject that which he supposes to be the occasion of the disease , yet the next day the patient would vomit up matter quite as green or of some other ill colour , as was the former . but we must take notice , that there is sometimes so great a quantity of blood and humours which so resists the operation of the narcotick , that though it be often repeated , it can't quell the tumult , till the patient is blooded and purg'd , which i have observ'd 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 anodine ; for either of these being us'd , a moderate dose of the narcotick will perform the business , which otherwise would signifie nothing , though the largest dose was given : but this seldom happens , and then these remedies must not be repeated ; and when they are us'd when there is need of them , you must proceed in giving anodines in that method which i have propos'd in the bilious colick , and they must be taken often or seldom , according to the degrees of pain . which method indeed respects only the symptom of violent pain ; for i don 't now undertake to treat of that method which takes off the cause . but for as much as this disease in hypocondriacal as well as hysterical people , ( for the reason is the same in both , as is said in another place , ) often ends in the jaundice , and as this comes on , so that goes off ; we must take notice , that in curing this kind of jaundice , all catharticks are either wholly to be omitted , or if they are given , you must use only ▪ rubarb or some other gentle purge ▪ for there 's danger lest 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 difficulty , remedies must be taken for it : i use the following . take of the roots of madder , of curcuma , each ℥ i , of all the greater celandine , and of the tops of the lesser centauris , each m i ; boil them in equal parts of rhenish wine , and of fountain water , to lb ij , in the straining dissolve ℥ ij of the syrup de quinq . radicibus , mingle them , make an apozem ; let the patient take lb ss morning and evening , till he 's well . but if the jaundice comes of it self , the colick not going before , 't is necessary besides the alteratives just mentioned , to give cholagoges , that is , such things as purge choler by stool , namely once or twice before the patient enters upon the apozem prescrib'd , and afterwards once a week as long as he takes it . as take of the electuary of the juice of roses ʒij , of rubarb finely powder'd ʒss , of cream of tartar ℈ i , make a bolus with a sufficient quantity of syrup of rubarb , with cichory ; give it early in the morning , and 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 water or such like , from the fountain every morning 'till he recovers . chap. iii. of the hysterick disease . this disease if i calculate right , is the most frequent of all chronical diseases , and as fevers with those diseases that appertain to them , if they are compar'd with chronical taken all together 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 the 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 reckon'd to proceed from a vitious womb , yet if we compare hypocondriacal symptoms which we are supposed to proceed from obstructions of the spleen or bowels , or from some other i know not what obstructions , with womens hysterick symptoms , an egg is scarce more like an egg , than these symptoms are one another in all respects . but it must be confess'd that women , are much more subject to this kind of disease than men , not for that the womb is more faulty than any other region of the body , but for causes to be shewn by and by . nor is this disease 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 appertain to it ; and unless the physician is very sagacious and very skilful , he will be mistaken , and suppose that those symptoms proceed from some essential disease of this or that part , and not from an hysterical distemper . sometimes for instance , it possesses the head , and occasions an apoplexy , which also ends in an hemiplegy , and is exactly like that apoplexy by which corpulent and antient people are destroy'd , and which happens by reason the passages of the animal spirits are stopt , the cortex of the brain being stuffed by a great deal of phlegm , from which cause the apoplexy that happens to hysterical women , does no way seem to arise , for it seizes such very often presently after delivery , a great quantity of blood being at the same time evacuated , or it 's occasion'd by hard labour , or some violent commotion of the mind . sometimes it produces violent convulsions , very like an epilepsie , the belly and bowels swelling towards 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 inarticulate sounds , and striking her breast . women who are accustom'd to this disease , commonly call'd mother fits , are generally extraordinary sanguine , and have an 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 fix'd in one part , which may be cover'd with the top of your thumb ; and violent vomiting accompanies this pain . i call this species , clavus hystericus , chiefly afflicting those that have a chlorosis . 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 it seizes the lungs , and the patient coughs almost without intermission , but expectorates nothing ; and though this sort of cough don't shake the breast so violently as that which is convulsive , yet the explosions are much more frequent : but this kind of hysterick cough is very rare , and chiefly invades women that abound with phlegm . sometimes rushing violently upon the colon , and the region under the scrobiculum cordis , it occasions violent pain , much like the iliac passion , and the woman vomits exceedingly , ejecting a certain green matter , somewhat like that they call porraceous bile , and sometimes of an unusual colour . and often after the sick has been almost destroy'd by the said pain , ( which would tire a stoical apathy , ) and reachings to vomit for many days , at length the fit 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 desparation which as certainly accompanies ( as i have observ'd ) this kind of hysterick diseases , as the pain and vomiting above mention'd . this kind chiefly invades those that are of a laxe and crude habit of body , and those that have suffer'd much in bringing forth great children . when this disease falls upon one of the kidneys , it plainly represents by the pain it causes there , a nephritick paroxism , and not only by that sort of pain , and by the place it rages in , but also by violent vomitings , which accompany it , and also for that sometimes the pain extends it self through the passage of the ureter ; so that 't is very difficult to know whether these symptoms proceed from the stone , or from some hysterick disease , unless perchance some unlucky accident disturbing the womans mind a little before she was taken ill , or the vomiting of green matter , shews that the symptoms rather proceed from an hysterick disease , than from the stone . neither 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 ; but that which resembles the stone in the kidnies is not so rare : both us'd to invade those women who are much weaken'd by hysterick fits coming frequently ▪ and whose health of body is much impair'd . sometimes falling upon the stomach , it causes continual vomiting , and sometimes a diarrhaea , when 't is setled upon the guts ; but no pain accompanies either of those symptoms , tho oftentimes in both , that green humour appears : both these kinds are familiar with those that are much weaken'd by hysterick fits coming frequently . and as this disease afflicts almost all the inwards parts , so sometimes it also seizes the outward parts , and the musculous flesh , occasioning pain , and sometimes a tumour in the jaws , shoulders , hands , thighs and legs , in which kind that tumour which swells the legs is more conspicuous than the rest ; but whereas in hydropical tumours these two things may be always taken notice of , namely , that the swelling is most in the evening , and that the finger press'd upon it , leaves a pit. in this tumour the swelling is most in the morning , neither 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 , 't is so very like hydropical swellings , that the patient can scarce be brought to believe 't is any other disease . neither can the teeth free themselves from the assaults of this disease , though they are not hollow , and though there 's no apparent defluxion that may occasion the pain , yet is it no whit gentler , nor shorter , nor easier cured . but those pains and tumours which afflict the outward parts , chiefly seize those women that are in a manner quite destroy'd by a long series of hysterick paroxisms , and by the force of them . but among all the torments of this disease , there 's 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 't 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 observ'd is almost like that by which a carkas grows stiff , yet the pulse are good . and moreover , almost all hysterick women which i have hitherto taken care of , complain of a dejection and sinking of the spirits ; and when they wou'd shew the place where this contraction or 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 , namely a urine as clear as rock water ; and this hysterick women evacuate plentifully , which i find by diligent inquiry , is in almost all the pathognomonic sign of this disease which we call hysterick in women , and hypocondriack in men ; and i have sometimes observ'd 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 presently make water as clear as crystal , 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 hypocondriacal people , that sometimes they belch up ill fumes as often as they eat , though they eat only moderately , and according as they have an appetite ; and sometimes the wind that comes from the stomach is sour , just like vinegar when it comes into the mouth , the concoction being much impair'd , and the juices quite differing from their natural state . neither are they unhappy upon this account only , viz. that their bodies are so ill affected , and as it were tottering like ruinated houses just about to fall ; for their minds are more diseased than their bodies , for an incurable desparation is mix'd with the very nature of the disease ; they are in a great rage when any one speaks never so little of the hopes he has conceived of their recovery , easily believing that they suffer all the miseries that can befal a man , foreboding the most dreadful things to themselves , entertaining in their restless and anxious breasts upon a slight occasion , or perhaps for none at all , fear , anger , jealousie , suspicions , and worse passions of the mind if any can be worse , abhoring all joy , hope and mirth , and if any one of these do chance to occur , 't is rara avis , and soon flies away , and does no less exagitate the mind , than the sorrowful passions ; so that they never observe a mean , constant only to inconstancy : sometimes they love beyond measure , and presently hate the same without any cause ; sometimes they design to do this or that , then presently alter their intentions , and begin the quite contrary , and yet they don't perform that neither ; so wavering are they , that their minds can't be at all at rest ; and that which the roman orator said of the superstitious , exactly agrees with these melancholy ▪ people ▪ sleep ( says he ) seems to be a refuge for the laborious and careful , but from thence cares and fears arise . whilst only funerals and apparitions of their deceas'd friends are represented in dreams , and they are so tormented in body and mind , that one would think their lives were a purgatory , in which 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 these impetuosities of mind , are very prudent and judicious ▪ and who much excel for deep thought and wisdom in speech , others whose minds were never excited by these provokements to thinking , so that aristotle was much in the right , when he said melancholy people are most ingenious . but this dreadful condition of the mind which we have above describ'd , seizes on those only that have much and a long while conflicted with this disease , and have been at length wholly vanquish'd by it , especially if adversity , care or trouble of mind , or hard study or the like , joyn'd with an ill habit of body , have added oyl to the flame . a day would scarce be sufficient to reckon up all the symptoms belonging to hysterick diseases , so various are they , and so contrary one to the other , that proteus had not more shapes , nor the chamelion greater variety of colours : and i think democritus reckon'd 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 . nor are they only very various , but also so irregular , that they can't be contain'd under any uniform type , which is usual in other diseases , for they are as it were a disorderly heap of phaenomena , so that 't is very difficult to write the history of this disease . the procatartick or external causes of this disease , are either violent motions of the body , or which is much oftner , vehement commotions of the mind from some sudden assault , either of anger or grief or the like passions ; therefore as often as women advise with me about this or that disorder of body , the reason of which can't be deduc'd from the common axioms , for finding out diseases , i always diligently inquire of them whether they are not chiefly afflicted with that indisposition which they complain of when they have been disturb'd in their minds and afflicted with grief , which if they confess , i am sufficiently satisfied that the disease must come under this tribe we are now speaking of , especially if urine as clear as chrystal evacuated copiously at some certain times , makes the diagnostick more manifest . 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 a purge that work'd too much . now having drawn the picture of this disease according to its most vulgar phaenomena , in the next place its internal efficient causes are to be consider'd , as well as we can gather them from all the circumstances join'd together , which we have describ'd : and in my opinion those diseases which we call hysterical in women , and hypochondriacal in men ▪ proceed from a confusion of the spirits , upon which account , too many of them in a croud contrary to proportion , are hurry'd violently upon this or that part , occasioning convulsions and pain , when they rush upon parts endued with exquisite sense , perverting the functions of the organs , both of that , into which they thrust themselves , and also of that from whence they departed ; both being much injur'd by this unequal distribution , which is quite contrary to the oeconomy of nature . the origine and antecedent cause of this ataxy , is a weak constitution of the said spirits , whether it 's natural or adventitious ; for which reason , they are easily dissipated upon any occasion , and their system soon broke . for as the outward man is fram'd with parts obvious to sense , so without doubt the inward man consists of a due series , and as it were a fabric of the spirits , to be view'd only by the eye of reason ; and as this is nearly join'd , and as it were , united with the constitution of the body , so much the more easily or more difficultly is its frame disordered , by how much the constitutive principles that are allotted us by nature , are more or less firm : wherefore this disease seizes many more women than men , because kind nature has given them a more delicate and fine habit of body ▪ having design'd them only for an easie life , and to perform the tender offices of love : but she gave men robust bodies that they might be able to delve and manure the earth , to kill wild beasts for food , and the like . but that the said confusion of the spirits is the cause of this disease , the phaenomena now describ'd , will sufficiently prove ; the chief of which i will only mention . and i begin with mother-fits , here the spirits are crouded in the lower belly , and rushing together violently towards the jaws , occasion convulsions in every region through which they pass , blowing up the belly like a great ball ; which yet is nothing but the rowling together , or conglobation of the parts seiz'd with the convulsion , which can't be suppress'd without great violence . the external parts in the mean while , and the flesh being in a manner destitute of spirits , by reason they are carried another way , are often so very cold , not only in this kind , but in all other kinds of hysteric diseases ( as was noted above ) that dead bodies are not colder . but the pulse are as good as those of people that are well ; nor is the womans life in danger by this cold , unless 't is occasion'd by some very large evacuation going before . the same may be said of that violent hysteric disease , which to outward appearance is like the bilious colick or the iliack passion , in which the woman is seized with a violent pain in the region , about the scrobiculum cordis , together with violent vomiting , by which a matter is cast up , in colour like herbs , which symptom i suppose , proceeds only from a vehement impulse of the spirits crouded together in the said parts , which occasions the convulsion and pain , and the total subversion of all the faculties . nor is it to be presently concluded that this disease resides in the humours , because those things that are evacuated upward or downward , are sometimes of a green colour , or that the violent pain is occasion'd by the acrimony of some humour tearing the part it adheres to , which for that cause , we account the occasion of the disease , and therefore suppose it ought to be eradicated by vomits and purges ; for 't is manifest that the sickness which seizes people that go to sea , ( arising from the agitation of the animal spirits in the boisterous sea ) occasions the vomiting up of matter as green as an herb , from the stomacks of those that are in perfect health ▪ when they first go to sea , and are a good way from land ; in whom , half an hour before , there was none of that choler which is call'd porraceous . and don't infants in convulsive fits in which the animal spirits are chiefly concern'd , evacuate upward or downward , matter of the same colour , to which must be added that which almost daily experience teaches , viz. that tho' such women and children shou'd be quite exhausted by repeated purges , yet the said colour wou'd still appear in that which they evacuate by vomit or stool ; yea , the green matter increases by the frequent use of cathartick and emetick medicines , because by both , the confusion of the spirits is heightned , which i know not how either destroys or perverts the ferment of those parts , or throws into the stomach or guts , by the force of the convulsions , some juice of a strange nature , which is dispos'd to give the humours such a tincture . and tho' chymists are not so happy as to prepare better medicines in their fruitful glass , than are made in a mortar or a pipkin , yet they know how to please the vain humour of the curious , by shewing two liquors equally limpid and clear , which being mixt together , presently change into some deep colour , as if there was conjuring in the case . and truly the speculation of colours is so uncertain and vain , that we can learn nothing certainly from them , concerning the nature of the bodies they appear in ; nor does it more necessarily follow , that those things which are of a green colour shou'd be acrid , than that all acrid things shou'd be green . the thing therefore being throughly consider'd , it will plainly appear , that the violent pain which almost destroys those that are afflicted with the hysterick colick , and the evacuation of green matter , are wholly occasion'd by the spirits rushing impetuously upon the parts about the scrobiculum cordis , and contracting the same by convulsions . that symptom which i term'd above clavus hystericus , is to be attributed to this enormity of the spirits , in which the spirits in all the compass of the body , are as it were concentrated in a cercain point of the pericranium , occasioning a pain , boring as it were through ; just as if a nail was driven in to the head , together with violent vomiting and casting up of green matter , which contraction indeed , of all the spirits of the body as i were to a point , is somewhat like that collection of the raies of the sun , which is made by a burning glass : and as the force of these united , burns , so they for the same reason occasion pain , by tearing the membranes with their forces joind . and then from that inordinate agitation of the spirits disturbing the blood , arises that symptom , which as we have mention'd above , is frequent in hysterical and hypochondriacal people , viz. clear , limpid and copious urine : for when the oeconomy of the blood is interrupted , the sick can't long enough contain the serum that is imported , but lets it go before it 's impregnated with saline particles , by which the citron colour is to be imparted to it ; whereof we have a daily experiment in those that drink much , especially of thin and attenuating liquors , for then their urine is very clear , in which case the blood being overpower'd by that quantity of serum , and being wholly unable to retain it , puts it off quite clear , not yet dy'd by the juices of the body , by reason of its too short stay . three years ago a nobleman sent for me , he seem'd to labour under an hypochondriack colick , that was almost come to an iliack passion , with pain and violent vomiting , with which he was much and a long while afflicted and almost worn out : i observ'd through the whole course of the disease , that when he was worst his urine was always clear , but when he was a little better it was somewhat of a citron colour . visiting him one day , i view'd his urine made at three times , kept apart in three chamber-pots , of a citron colour ; he was then merry and chearful , and thinking of eating some meat of easie digestion , and he said he had a craving appetite ; but one coming in at that very moment , who vext him so much , that suddenly growing ill , he call'd for a chamber-pot , which he almost fill'd with urine as clear as chrystal . and perhaps that spitting which is common in hysterical women , proceeds from the spirits so disturbing the blood ; they spit thin for many weeks , just as if they were salivated by unction ; for during this disturb'd condition of the blood , in which 't is unable to perform evacuations according to natures method , the serum by chance taking this contrary course , is not evacuated according to the rules of nature by the reins , but is put off by the extremities of the arteries upon the glands , and so comes forth by the salivary passages in the form of spittle . the same may be said of those violent nocturnal sweats which afflict hysterical women , which proceed from no other cause than the ill disposition of the serum of the blood , by which 't is inclin'd to be put off upon the habit of the body . as to the cold by which the external parts are so often chill'd in hysterical diseases , 't is very manifest that that happens because the spirits forsaking their stations , too officiously intrude themselves into this or that part ; nor is it to be doubted that weeping and laughing fits , which often seize hysterical women withou any occasion , are procured by the animal spirits forcing themselves violently upon the organs , that perform these animal functions . and by the by , men are also subject ( tho' rarely ) to fits of weeping . i was sent for sometime ago to an ingenious gentleman , who but a few days before , recover'd of a fever ; he made use of another physician , who blooded him and purg'd him thrice , and forbid him to eat flesh : when i came and saw him with his cloaths on , and heard him discourse judiciously , i ask'd to what purpose i was sent for ? one of his friends answer'd , if i wou'd have a little patience i should see ; sitting down therefore , and discoursing with him , i presently observ'd that his lower lip was thrust out , and mov'd frequently ( as froward children us'd to do to prepare for crying ) and then wept so violently , that i scarce ever saw the like ; with such deep sighs as were almost convulsive : which suddain torrent in a little time quite asswag'd . i supposed that this disorder proceeded from a confusion of the spirits , which was occasion'd partly by the long continuance of the disease , and partly by evacuations which the method of cure necessarily requir'd ; and partly also from emptiness and abstinence from flesh ; which the physician order'd for some days after he was well , to secure him from a relaps . but i affirm'd he was clear from all danger of a fever , and that the foresaid symptom was wholly occasion'd by emptiness , and therefore i advis'd , that a roasted chick shou'd be provided for his dinner , and that he shou'd drink wine moderately ▪ which being done , and he returning again to the eating of flesh moderately , was never afterwards troubl'd with this convulsive weeping . and now at length to come to a conclusion , ( for i omit other phaenomena which belong to this disease ) that disturbance and varying intemperies both of body and mind , which prevails over hysterical and hypochondriacal people , is occasion'd by this inordination of the spirits ; for in both , that firmness of spirits being wanting , which is always found in the robust , and in those who are continually invigorated by the assistance of brisk spirits , they can't bear the impressions of cross accidents , but are soon mov'd by anger or pain , and are as apt to be angry , as those to whom either nature has given a soft and weak government of mind , or when it has been render'd so by a long series or continuance of diseases . for the strength and constancy of mind as long as 't is confin'd in the body , much depends on the firmness of the spirits that are subservient to it ; which indeed , are made of the finest matter , and are plac'd in the confines of immaterial entities ; and as the frame of the mind , if it 's lawful to call it so , is much more curious and delicate , than the structure of the body , for it consists in the harmony of the most excellent and almost divine faculties ; so if its constitution is any way spoil'd , by so much the greater is the ruin , by how much 't was more excellent and more exquisitely compos'd when 't was whole . and this indeed is the condition of these miserable and dejected people we have describ'd , for which disease , some obstinate decree of the most insolent stoick wou'd give no greater ease , than he that wou'd prevent the tooth-ach , by firmly resolving that he wou'd not by any means suffer his teeth to ake . and now i suppose that 't is manifest that this whole disease is occasion'd by the animal spirits being not rightly dispos'd , and not by seed and menstruous blood corrupted , ( as some authors assert ) and sending up malignant vapours to the parts affected ; nor from i know not what depravation of the juices or congestion of acrid humours as others think , but from those causes we have assign'd . for that the fomes of the disease don't lurk in matter , will plainly appear by this one instance , viz. a woman that us'd to enjoy perfect health being delicate , and of a thin habit of body , if she chance to be weaken'd and exhausted by some error , or by a strong vomit or purge , will certainly be afflicted with some one of those symptoms that accompany this disease ; which wou'd rather be remov'd than occasion'd by such vomiting or purging , if the fomes of the diseases was contain'd in a humour . the same may be said of a great loss of blood , whether it 's taken away by opening a vein , or flows immoderately in labour , or of emptiness , or too long abstinence from flesh ; all which would rather prevent hysteric diseases than occasion them , if the fomes of them was involv'd in some matter : whereas on the contrary , nothing does so constantly occasion this disease as these evacuations . but tho' 't is apparent enough that the original fomes of this disease , is not lodg'd in the humours , yet it must be confess'd that the confusion of the spirits produces putrid humours in the body , by reason the function as well of these parts which are distended by the violent impulse of the spirits , as of those which are depriv'd of them , are wholly perverted . and most of these being as it were separatory organs designed for the reception of the impurities of the blood , if their functions are any way hurt , it can't be but a great many feculencies will be heap'd up , which had been eliminated , and so the mass of blood purified , if the organs had perform'd their office ; which they had certainly done , if a due oeconomy of the spirits had invigorated them all . to this cause i attribute great cachexies , loss of appetite , a clorosis , and the white fever in young women , ( which i don 't at all doubt , is a species of hysteric diseases ) and the source of all the miseries that overwhelm poor women , that have languish'd a long while under this disease ; all which proceed from putrifying juices heapt up in the blood , and flowing from thence upon the various organs . of this kind is a dropsie of the womb in women , which have been long afflicted with this disease , occasion'd by deprav'd juices cast from the blood upon the organs , by which , their faculties being perverted , they first become barren , the oeconomy of the parts being wholly destroy'd , and then serum and sanies are generated , which don 't only stuff the eggs of the testes , but also insinuating themselves into the interstices of the coats , cause them to grow very big , which is perceiv'd by the dissection of those that dye of this disease : and the hysterical disposition , is the prime cause of these and other humours , though they are not of the same kind with it . as in a quartan ague , with which any one that 's perfectly well may be seized , if he continues two or three days in moorish and fenny places ; first some spirituous venom of the disease being imprinted upon the blood , which continuing a long while , and at length the oeconomy of nature being hurt , it infects all the juices of the body , and quite changes their dispositions ; so that the sick ( especially if he begins to grow old , ) is render'd obnoxious to cachexies and other distempers which come upon long agues ; yet these agues are not to be cured by those remedies that are proper to purge off such humours , but by such things as cure agues by a specifick quality . from all that has been treated of , it 's very manifest to me , that that 's the chief indication in this disease , which directs the corroboration of the blood that is the fountain and origine of the spirits ; which being done , the invigorated spirits can preserve that tenor that 's agreeable to the oeconomy of the whole body , and the particular parts . and therefore when the ataxy of the spirits ( which we have allow'd above may be ) has vitiated the humours by long continuance , 't will be proper first to lessen those humours so corrupted , by bleeding and purging , if the patient has sufficient strength , before we endeavour to corroborate the blood , and which indeed we can scarce do , whilst a feculent heap of humours lies in the way . but forasmuch as pains , vomiting and looseness are sometimes so very severe that they will not bear a truce so long until we have satisfied the first intention of fortifying the blood , therefore sometimes we must begin the cure , by quieting the effects , ( the cause being let alone a little while , ) with some anodine medicine , and then we must endeavour to rectifie the spirits , whose infirm constitution is the cause of this disease , by which we may again endeavour to cure such kind of symptoms ; and because experience teaches , that there are many stinking things that will repel the inordination of the spirits , and contain them in their places , ( which are therefore call'd hystericks , ) we must make use of them when we would answer such intentions . according to what has been said , i order the patient to be blooded in the arm , and that after she be purg'd three or four mornings following , the patient thinks her self worse of those days she is blooded and purg'd , for these evacuations promote the ataxy , which i take care to forewarn her of , that she may not despond , the disease of it self being apt to incline her to do so ; but however those vicious humours we suppose are heap'd up by the long continuance of the disease , are in some sort to be evacuated before we can conveniently answer the prime intention . after these evacuations , i prescribe some chalybeat remedy to be taken thirty days to comfort the blood , and so by consequence the spirits that proceed from it ; and nothing will more certainly answer your intention in this case , for it raises a volatile ferment in the vapid and languid blood , by which the weak spirits are rous'd that before were press'd down by their own weight : and this is very manifest , for as often as steel is given in a chlorosis , the pulse are presently greater and quicker , and the outward parts grow warm , and the pale and dead countenance is chang'd , and becomes fresh and lively . but here we must take notice , that bleeding and purging must not always be us'd before chalybeats ; for when the patient is weak , and almost worn out by the long continuance of the disease , they may and ought to be omitted ; and you must begin with steel , which must be well minded . but in my opinion 't is most conveniently given in substance , and as i have never observ'd nor heard , that so taken , it ever injur'd any body , so i have been fully satisfied by frequent experience , that the bare substance performs the cure sooner and better than any of the common preparations of it , for busie chymists make this as well as other excellent medicines , worse rather than better by their perverse and over officious diligence . i have also heard , ( and if it be true , it much strengthens our assertion , ) that the crude mine as 't is digged out of the earth , is more effectual in curing diseases , than iron that has pass'd the fire , and been purified by fusion , so the author affirms , but i have not yet try'd whether it is so or not . this i certainly known , that no excellent and powerful remedy has been any where made , which has not received its chief virtues from nature ; upon which account grateful antiquity call'd excellent medicines , god's handicraft , not mans. and that some excellent thing does produce wonderful effects by its native goodness and efficacy , may be prov'd by opium , or the peruvian bark . nor is a physicians skill so much perceiv'd by preparing medicines , as by choosing such as are fit , which nature has prepar'd with her own fire , and freely bestow'd upon us ; so that all that we have to do , is to reduce medicines into that form , whereby either their substance , or their vertue and efficacy may be better imparted to our bodies , for the performance whereof we are sufficiently instructed . next to the substance of the steel , i choose the syrup of it , prepar'd with the filings of steel or iron infus'd in the cold , in rhenish wine , 'till the wine is sufficiently impregnated , and afterwards strain'd , and boyl'd up to the consistence of a syrup , with a sufficient quantity of sugar . nor do i use any cathartick medicine at set times during the whole chalybeat course ; for i am of the opinion , that the vertue of steel is destroy'd by a purge , both in hysterical and hypocondriacal diseases ; and when my chief dedesign is to reduce the spirits to order , and to renew and confirm their system , if i should use the gentlest purge but once , i should undo all that i had done in a week before , and by pulling down what i have built , and by building what i have pull'd down , i should trifle with my self and patient too ; and i believe mineral waters which participate of an iron mine , are render'd less effectual by this means ; though i know that some have been cur'd when purges have not been given only now and then ; but daily with the steel ; which does not so much prove to me the prudence of the physician , as the extraordinary virtue of the steel ; for if they had been omitted , the cure would have been performed in a less time . nor indeed do i see what advantage , or rather not what disadvantage purges often repeated may produce in many other diseases besides that just mention'd ▪ for though it can't be denied that they clear the intestines of impurities , and likewise that they somewhat discharge ill humours that are lodg'd in the mass of blood , yet on the contrary , 't is no less certain , that when they are frequently repeated in weak bodies , especially in the tender age , they do much hurt , because upon this account a great many humours are drawn to the intestines , and being put off upon these parts , occasion praeternatural ferments , whereby tumours arise in the belly , increasing daily so much the more , by how much the oftener the sick is purg'd ; and at length it happens that those parts by reason of weakness ( being as it were overwhelm'd with a burden of humours , ) and by a defect of natural heat soon become tabid and putrifie . and sometimes also the oeconomy of the bowels being quite destroy'd by reason of the causes mentioned , preternatural kernels , a-kin to the kings-evil , and the like , grow to the mesentery , and make way for death . for these reasons i judge 't is safest in children after general evacuations , and those but very few , to direct the curative indication , so as to comfort the blood and bowels , which may be done with spanish wine alone , or with corroborating herbs in it , if morning and evening some spoonfuls of it , ( according to the age of the sick ) be given long enough . and because things outwardly apply'd can easily penetrate the tender bodies of infants , and so can throughly affect the blood with their virtue whatever it is , 't will be convenient in swellings of their bellies , whether occasion'd by the king's-evil , or by the true rickets , to use liniments that are proper to corroborate the blood and bowels , and likewise to cure any morbifick indisposition of them . take of the leaves of common-wormwood , of the lesser centaury , of white whorehound , of germander , of ground-pine , of meadow saxifrage st. john's-wort , golden rod , wild thime , mint , sage , rue , carduus benedict . penny-royal , sothernwood , chamomel , tansie , lilly of the vallies , ( of all fresh gather'd and cut ) each mi , of lard lb iiij , of sheep-suet , and claret-wine , each lb ij ; let them be steep'd in an earthen pot upon hot embers twelve hours , and then let them boil till all the moisture is consumed ; afterwards strain them , and so make an ointment , with which let the belly be anointed morning and evening for thirty or forty days following , and also both the arm-pits . but as to the rickets , this must be noted , that in those tumours that afflicted the bellies of infants heretofore after long agues , not much unlike the true rickets , purges repeated seem'd to be indicated ; for before the use of the peruvian bark , agues continued a long while , and put off a sediment , which was the cause of tumours of this kind , which could be carried off only by purges repeated . but in the true rickets , catharticks are not to be us'd above once or twice at the most , before the patient enters upon the use of alteratives ; and all the time the parts are anointed , let him take inwardly of the wine above mention'd ; or if it may be , let him use for his ordinary drink beer , with the foresaid herbs , or at least many of them put up with it in the vessel . lastly , this i have hinted ought to be carefully minded , for i am fully satisfied , that many infants and children have been destroy'd by purges often repeated , which perhaps were given to asswage the belly : but this by the by . if any one object that the filings of steel may hurt those that take them by sticking in their bowels , unless they are purg'd now and then , i answer first , that i never found any such thing in any one , and then 't is much more probable that being involv'd in the slime , and with the excrementitious humours of the parts , they should all at length pass away with them , than when they are exagitated by purging medicines , which occasion unusual compressions , twisting and contraction of the guts , whereby the particles of steel thrust upon the coats of the bowels may penetrate deeper into them . when the patient is in a steel course , remedies commonly call'd hystericks are to be us'd as 't were by the by , ( to comfort the blood and animal spirits , ) in that manner and form which is most agreeable to the patient ; but if she can take them in a solid form , they will more powerfully retain the spirits in their office and place , than things that are liquid , that is , either decoctions or infusions , for the very substance affects the stomach longer with its savour , and works more forceably upon the body . upon the whole , being about to answer all the indications which i have touch'd upon above , i us'd to prescribe these few and common things , which though they are not at all pompous , yet they most commonly do what i desire . let. ℥ viij of blood be taken from the right arm. take of galbanum dissolv'd in tincture of castor , and strain'd ʒiij , tacamahac ʒ ij , make an emplaister to be apply'd to the navel . the next morning let her enter upon the use of the following pills . take of pill cocb . maj. ℈ ij , of castor powder'd , gr . ij , of peruvian balsam gutt . iv , 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 black-cherry-water , of rue water , and compound briony water , each ℥ iij , of castor tied up in a rag , and hang'd in the glass ʒss , of fine sugar , a sufficient quantity , make a julap , of which let her take four or five spoonfuls when she is faint , dropping into the first dose if the fit is violent gutt . xx of spirit of harts-horn . after the purging pills just describ'd are taken , let her use the following . take of the filings of steel , gr . viij , 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 for daily use , take of the filings of steel , and of extract of wormwood , each ℥ iiij , mingle them , and keep them for use , let her take gr . xv , or ℈ i , made into three pills . or if she likes a bolus better , take of conserve of roman wormwood , and of the conserve of the yellow rind of oranges each ℥ i , of candied angelica , and nutmegs candied , and venice treacle , each ℥ ss , of candied ginger ʒij , make an electuary with a sufficient quantity of syrup of oranges . take of this electuary ʒiss , of the filings of steel well rubb'd , gr . viij , 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 draught of wormwood wine . take of choice mirrh , and galbanum each ʒiss , of castor , gr ▪ xv , with a sufficient quantity of balsam of peru ; make twelve pills of every dram , 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 prescrib'd move the belly , which sometimes happens in bodies that are very easily purg'd , by reason of the gum that 's in them , the following are to be substituted . ta kt of castor ʒi , of volatile salt of amber ʒss with a sufficient quantity of extract of rue , make xxiv small pills , let her take three every night . but here we must take notice , that chaly beats 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 not 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 , ( namely when the disease is small , ) i think it sufficient to bleed , and to purge three or four times , and then to give the altering hysterick pills above mention'd morning and evening for ten days , which method seldom 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 do 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 injured thereby ; therefore they must not be given to such , for hipocrates says , 't is in vain to do any thing contrary to natures inclination . which ideosyncrasy indeed is so great and so frequent , that if we have not regard to it , the lives of the sick may be hazarded , and not only by hysterical medicines , but by many other , whereof i will at present mention but one thing , viz. that some women that have the small-pox can't bear the use of diacodium , for thereby giddiness , vomiting , and such symptoms belonging to hysterical diseases are occasioned , and yet liquid laudanum agrees with them very well . which i observ'd whilst i was writing this , in a young woman a person of quality , to whom i had given the said syrup on the sixth and seventh night ; the symptoms above mention'd invaded both nights ; nor did the inflamation of the pustules duly proceed , but when afterwards she us'd laudanum , she was quite freed from the said symptoms ▪ the swelling of the face and pustules daily increasing , the anxiety and restlessness of body and mind ( which us'd to be as it were a fit of the small-pox , ) was wholly removed as often as this paregorick was given , the patient being strengthen'd and reviv'd by it : but this by the by . and so hysterical diseases are most commonly cur'd , and most obstructions of women , but especially a clorosis , or virgins pale colour , and also all suppressions of the courses . but if the blood is so very feeble , and the confusion of the spirits so great , that steel 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 the iron mine , such as are tunbridge , and some others lately found out , for the chalybeat virtue of these is better mingled with the blood , by reason of the great quantity that 's 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 , as imprudent chymists talk . 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 . for though these waters are less apt to stir the humours , and so to cause a confusion of the spirits , than the gentlest catharticks of the shops , yet they do somewhat exagitate them as they are diuretick , though they often also purge by stool too . but if the waters themselves hinder their own passage by disturbing the humours and spirits , let those consider how impertinently they act , who order purging medicines to be given once or twice a week , whilst the patient is drinking these waters ; or which is yet more foolish , to be mix'd with the waters , by which means these and other mineral waters pass more difficulty . and here i must acquaint you , that though some think the iron is in these waters in principiis solutis , ( which is plainly the same as if we should suppose liquid iron , ) yet i don 't at all doubt but that they are simple waters , impregnated with the mine through which they pass , which will be manifest to any one , if he pour some gallons of water upon a sufficient quantity of rusty nails , for then he will perceive that this water , when the powder of gauls , or the leaves of tea , or the like are put into it , will plainly appear of the same colour with the waters of a mineral fountain , when such things are put into them . nor truly have these artificial or inartificial waters ( which you please to call them , ) when they are taken , different effects , if they are us'd in summer-time , and in a good air. but however it is , if the disease by reason of its obstinacy does not yield to steel waters , the patient must go to some hot sulphureous waters , such as is our bath , and when he has us'd them inwardly three mornings following , the next day let him go into the bath , and the day following let him drink them again , and so let him do by turns for two whole 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 he receives some benefit , but till he is quite well , that the symptoms may not return again in a short time . venice treacle alone , if it is used 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 and concoction or digestion ; 't is perhaps the most powerful that has been hitherto known , how contemptible soever it may seem to most people , because 't is common , and has been known a long while . spanish wine medicated with gentian , angelica , wormwood , centaury , the yellow rind of oranges , 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 hysterical 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 , whereof a scruple taken morning and evening for some weeks , has as i have observ'd restored ( both to hypocondriacal men , and hysterical women that have been very sick a long while , and when the oeconomy of their bodies has been much weaken'd , ) a firm and healthy constitution . but it succeeds best in that kind of hysterick diseases , in which women are affected with convulsions , wherein they struggle violently and beyond the strength of women , and at the same time beat their breasts . yet it must be confess'd that this medicine does not so certainly , and so often cure this disease as agues . but though ( to mention this by the by , ) the peruvian bark does wonders in the cure of agues , and though we use it freely our selves , and give it to our wives and children , as often as there 's occasion , yet there are some now as much displeas'd with it , because it cures so certainly and suddenly as they were heretofore , because it was but lately known among us ; to which fate the best men , and most excellent remedies have been almost always expos'd . but by this we may try as by a touch-stone our dispositions , and from thence judge whether we are good or ill men , namely , according to the degree of our joy or grief , as often as the welfare of mankind is promoted by some common benefit , or the blessing of god. but if any of the remedies above mention'd don 't well agree , which often happens in cholerick and thin constitutions , then a milk diet may be us'd ; for some women ( which one would wonder at at first ) that have 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 colick , which can't be appeas'd by any thing but narcoticks , to which repeated by intervals , these women are much accustom'd , the pain returning as soon as the vertue of the anodine fades ; but this is chiefly to be admir'd in this method of cure , that milk which yields only a cold and crude nourishment , should notwithstanding by use strengthen and invigorate the spirits ; and yet this will not seem disagreeable to reason , if you consider that milk affording only a simple nourishment , does not busie nature much in concocting it , otherwise than meats and liquors more compounded use to do , and that an equal temper of the blood and spirits necessarily follows that perfect concoction . for this must be also consider'd , that a bare debility of the spirits consider'd by it self , is not the cause of those confusions they are under , but the weakness of them compair'd with the state of the blood. for it may be an infant has spirits strong and firm enough with respect to it's blood , but yet not proportionable to the blood of a grown person . now when by the continual use of a milk diet , ( tho' 't is crude and weak ) the blood is render'd more soft and tender , if the spirits that are made by it , are only equal to it , all 's well . yet all can't undergo those inconveniencies which most commonly accompany it the first days , namely , because it curdles in the stomach , and is insufficient to maintain the usual strength of the body ; but if they cou'd , they might receive benefit by it . but nothing of all i have hitherto known , does so much comfort and strengthen the blood and spirits , as riding much a horse back every day for a long while ; for seeing by this kind of exercise the lower belly is most forceably mov'd , in which the vessels for excretion ( as many as are appointed by nature to drain the impurities of the blood ) are plac'd : what disorder of the functions or other natural impotence of the organs , can be imagin'd so great as not to be helpt by the frequent jolting of the horse , and that too in the open air ? whose innate heat is so extinguish'd that it can't be stir'd up by this motion and ferment afresh ? or what preter-natural substance or deprav'd juice can there be in any creek of these parts , which can't by this exercise of the body , be either reduced to such a condition as is agreeable to nature , or scatter'd every way and ejected ? moreover , the blood being perpetually exagitated by this motion , and throughly mix'd , is as it were renew'd , and grows vigorous again . and indeed , this method , tho 't is inconvenient for women that are accustom'd to a slothful and delicate way of living , for they may be injured by motion , especially at the beginning ; yet is it very proper for men , and soonest recovers their health . one of our reverend bishops , famous for prudence and learning , having studyed too hard a long while , fell at length into an hypochondriacal disease , which afflicting him a long time , vitiated all the ferments of the body , and wholly subverted the concoctions . he had pass'd through long courses of steel more than once , and had try'd almost all mineral waters , with purging often repeated , and antiscorbuticks of all kinds , and very many testaceous powders , which are reckon'd proper to sweeten the blood : and so being in a manner worn out , partly by the disease , and partly by physick us'd continually for so many years , he was at length seiz'd with a colliquative loosness , which is wont to be the forerunner of death , in consumptions and other cronical diseases ▪ when the digestions are wholly destroy'd . at length he consulted me . i presently consider'd that there was no more room for medicine , he having taken so many already , without any relief ; for which reason i perswaded him to ride a horse-back , and that first he shou'd take such a small journy as was agreeable to his weak condition : had he not been a very judicious man , and one that weighed things well , he wou'd not have been perswaded so much as to try such a kind of exercise . i intreated him to persist in it daily , till in his own opinion he was well , going daily further and further , till at length he went so many miles , as prudent and moderate travellers , that go a large journy upon business , use to do , without any regard to meat or drink , or the weather ; but that he shou'd take every thing like a traveller as it happens . 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 a few days , being incourag'd by 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 gain'd a strong and brisk habit of body . nor is this kind of exercise more beneficial to hypochondriacal people , than 't is to those that are in a consumption ; whereof some of my relations have been cur'd by riding long journies by my advice ; for i knew i cou'd not cure them better by medicines of what value soever , or by any other method . nor is this remedy proper only in small indispositions , accompanied with a frequent cough and leanness , but in consumptions that are almost deplorable ; when the diarrhaea above mention'd , accompanies the night sweats , which is wont to be the forerunner of death , in those that dye of a consumption . in a word , how deadly soever a consumption is , and is said to be , two thirds dying of it , which are spoil'd by chronical diseases : yet i sincerely affirm , that mercury in the french pox , and the peruvian bark in agues , are not more effectual than the exercise above mention'd , in curing a consumption , if the sick takes care that his sheets are well air'd , and that his journies are long enough . but this must be noted , that those that have pass'd the flower of their age , must use this exercise much longer than those that have not yet arriv'd to it . and this i have learn'd by much experience , which scarce ever fails me . and tho' riding on horse-back is chiefly beneficial to consumptive people , yet riding journies in a coach , does sometimes a great deal of good . but to return to the business in hand , this is the general way of cure in this disease , which is apply'd to the original cause , viz. the weak crasis of the blood , and so is to be us'd only when the fit is off ; therefore as often as the fit invades , join'd with any one of the foresaid symptoms , if the disease be such , or so great a one , that 't 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 , recall the exorbitant and deserting spirits to their proper stations , whether they are taken inwardly , or smelt to , or outwardly apply'd ; such are assafaetida , galbanum , castor , spirit of sal armonicack : and lastly , whatever has a very ungrateful and offensive smell . and in truth , whatever stinks is proper for this intention , whether 't is naturally ill sented , or made so by art ; and unless i am deceiv'd , spirits of harts-horn ▪ of human blood , of urine , and of bones , and the like ; take their chief vertues from the force of the fire , in their preparation contracting an ill sented empyreuma , which is intimately join'd with their essence , which is likewise in the fumes arising from feathers , and such kind of parts of animals , when they are burnt . for this is common to the substances of all animals , viz. to emit a stinking fume while they are burning ; and if 't is forc'd by fire , and receiv'd in glasses , when 't is condens'd , it becomes those liquors call'd volatile spirits , which assume faculties that were not primitively in their subjects ; and are indeed , only creatures of fire , and their vertues are really all the same , from whatsoever substance ( so it is animal ) they are extracted . in the next place we must take notice , that if some intolerable pain accompanies the paroxysm , in whatever part it is , or violent vomiting , or a diarrhaea ; then besides the hystericks above mention'd , laudanum must be us'd , which only is able to restrain these symptoms . but in quieting these 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 heapt up , ( especially in sanguine women and men of a proper habit ) that 't is able to withstand the operation of the most effectual narcotic , tho' 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 perform'd , that which before given in a large dose wou'd do no good , will now perform the business in a moderate dose . and then because i have found by frequent experience , that when the sick has been accustom'd by little and little to laudanum , and has not been duly evacuated before , she was forc'd by reason of the return of the pain , presently after the vertue of the medicine vanish'd , to take a paregorick again ; and so daily for some years , the dose being sometimes by degrees increas'd , so that at last they can by no means abstain from laudanum , tho' thereby all the digestions are vitiated , and the natural functions weakned . tho' i don't think that the use of laudanum does immediately hurt the brain or nerves , or the animal faculties . therefore i judge , and i 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 open'd , and the body purg'd ; especially if they have been lately seized with the fit. but if the 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 , 't 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 , or of the orvietan electuary , 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 call'd , and there is danger , lest by a further provocation by emeticks , the spirits shou'd be put in a rage , and the sick too much weaken'd ; in this case you must give laudanum without delay , and such a dose as is not only equal to the violence and duration of the symptom , but such a 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 conquer'd ; 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 glyster of milk and sugar , is sufficient to spoyl whatever has been repair'd by the paregoric , and to occasion the return of the vomiting and pain . but tho' the pains above mention'd , 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 shou'd be very often repeated ; for by the inverted peristaltick motion of the stomach , ( by which that which is contain'd 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 may but just wet the stomach , so that by reason of the small quantity of the matter , it can't be cast up ; for instance , some drops in one spoonful of strong cinamon water , or the like ; and the sick must be admonish'd to keep her self quiet , presently after taking the laudanum ; and that she keep her head as much as is possible immoveable , for the smallest motion of the head , provokes vomiting more than any thing else , and then the medicine just taken , is ejected . yet when the vomiting ceases , and is as 't were tam'd , 't is expedient to give an anodyne morning and evening for a few days , to prevent a relaps ; which also ought to be observ'd after a diarrhaea , 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 impos'd upon , than by any other symptoms whatever , that require their help ; concerning which , i will add a few things , for instance : in that kind of hysterick disease now describ'd , which resembles a nephritick pain , is not the great parity and similitude of both diseases , apparent to any one , both because the pain in both is in the same part , and also for that the woman vomits in both diseases ? and yet they proceed from causes differing from one another ; and the methods for the cure of them so unlike , that that which does good in this , is injurious in the other , and so on the contrary . for whether a stone or gravel , fretting upon the substance of the reins , occasions pain , and by consent of parts , vomiting , nothing is so beneficial , as very large and frequent revulsion of the antecedent cause by phlebotomy , and dilatation and laxation of the passages , by which the stone is to be excluded , by emollient clysters very often repeated , and inward remedies of the same kind , to which are to be added linthontriptick and diuretic medicines . now if the said symptoms do no way arise from the stone , but from the animal spirits rushing impetuously in a great quantity upon the reins , ( in which case , paregoricks are only indicated ; nor is the gentlest clyster injected after the first evacuations , without danger ) in what great danger the unhappy woman is put into , whose life is so triffl'd with , i need not say . the same may be affirm'd of that hysteric disease , which resembles the bilious colick , or the iliack passion , when 't is taken for granted , that that disease , ( tho' of a quite different , yea contrary nature ) is the bilious colick , and proceeds from a sharp humour cast upon the bowels , through the mouths of the mesenterick arteries ; ( into which error the intollerable pain and the green colour of the matter expell'd by vomit and stool , easily seduces the unwary and unthinking physician ) what method is so proper , as that whereby we endeavour to attemperate the acrimony of the humours , by the help of cooling and incrassating medicines ? and what is fitter than catharticks frequently given , besides clysters daily injected to exterminate the humous from the guts , especially mercurius dulcis mixt with diagrydiate medicines , to eradicate perfectly the morbific matter ? but 't is plain to every one , how ill the patient wou'd be treated , and in what great danger he wou'd be , whilst we shou'd insist upon this method , if the disease which is supps'd to be a bilious colick , shou'd really prove an hysterick or hypocondriacal symptom , when experience openly proclaims , that after the first general evacuations ( which are appointed to remove the rubbish of the putrifying humours , which the ataxy has occasion'd , whereby the vertue of the anodyne may be obstructed ) nothing remains to be done , besides the quieting the tumultuous spirits , till the symptom goes off , and afterwards 't will be seasonable to give chalybeats , or any other remedy , if there be any that by kindling and invigorating the blood , may eradicate the disease . 't is not my business to reckon up those great calamities which i have known befal women , when this hysterick colick has been suppos'd to proceed from choler , notwithstanding i affirm , that evacuations often repeated , which are indeed indicated in the bilious colick , have been so far from lessening the pain and vomiting , that they have irritated them more , by promoting the disturbance of the spirits , which is the true cause of these symptoms . and at length the disease being prolong'd for some months , ends in convulsions , there being a suddain translation to the brain , whereby the sick is soon destroy'd ; and especially when after other evacuations repeated a long time , by reason of the green colour of those things that are vomited up , a vomit is given . in a word , if i have learnt any thing by observation , i judge we must chiefly take care , that those symptoms familiar to hysterick women , be not suppos'd by a mistake in the diagnostick , to proceed from other diseases , which they often resemble . and here i must acquaint you , that besides the errors before mention'd , whereby women obnoxious to hysterick diseases , are put in danger of their lives ; very many moreover , suffer by these diseases , by an error no less fatal , at a time wherein , tho' this disease is not of its own nature deadly , yet by reason of the disasters that come upon it ▪ and follow'd it , 't is destructive to many : for instance , a woman of a tender and infirm habit of body , brings forth a child , and all succeeds well , and according to nature . the midwife , whether rude and unskilful , or vain-glorious , to shew how well she has perform'd her business , advises that her woman shou'd rise a few days after she has been brought to bed , and that she shou'd keep up a while ; the woman does so , and is presently seiz'd upon the first motion of her body , with an hysterick indisposition , and according as the disease increases , the lochia are first lessen'd , then they quite stop , whose suppression , a long series of untimely symptoms follow ; which soon destroys the sick , unless great diligence and skilfulness interceed . and sometimes they are seiz'd with a phrensie on this account , which growing daily worse and worse , occasions convulsions first , and then death . but if they escape death , they are maddish , and sometimes continue so as long as they live . sometimes after the suppression of the lochia , they fall into a fever , which either turns to that which is then epidemical , or depends only on that beginning . moreover , the same hysterick symptoms which were first occasion'd by the suppression of the lochia , rage more now , as if afterwards they proceeded from it . i thought long ago , that of those women that dye in child-bed , scarce one in ten , to speak within bounds , dies , because she has not strength necessary for delivery , or from the pains that accompany difficult labour , but chiefly by reason they rise too soon , hysterical fits being occasioned by that motion , whereby when the lochia are stopt , a numerous train of dreadful symptoms follows ▪ wherefore they that are advised by me , keep in bed at least till the tenth day , if they are of a ▪ weakly constitution , especially if they have been long since troubled with vapours . for besides that , the rest which they have in bed , frees them from those dangers we have so often mentioned ; the warmth of the bed not interrupted , likewise refreshes the spirits weakned and exhausted by the pains in labour , and by the evacuations usual in this case , and recruits nature , and digests and removes all those crudities which are heapt up during the time of child-bearing . but if by reason of this error committed , any one of the said symptoms supervenes , the curative indications are to be directed so , that the spirits disquieted by this motion should be appeas'd , and that the lochia should flow again , for as much as the suppression of them is the next and immediate cause of these symptoms . but we must not obstinately insist upon this method , but having given a while those remedies that are wont to be used with success in this case , if they don't answer according to our desires , we must leave them off ; for as strong things must not be us'd , so neither ought we to persevere in the use of gentler , by reason women in child-bed so affected , are much weaken'd , and their strength almost worn out . for instance , when it first appears that the lochia are stopt , 't is convenient to put the woman presently to bed , and then to apply an hysterick plaister to the navel , and to order this electuary following to be taken forthwith . take of the conserve of roman wormwood , and of rue each ℥ i , of the trochisc . of mirrh ʒij , of castor , english saffron , of volatile salt of sal armoniac , and of assa faetida , each ʒss , make an electuary with a sufficient quantity of the syrup of the five opening roots ; let her take the quantity of a large nutmeg every third hour , drinking upon it four or five spoonfuls of the following julap . take of rue water , compound briony water , each ℥ iij , of sugar candy , s . q. mingle them , make a julap . and if these things are given as soon as the suppression begins , the disease is most commonly conquer'd , but if having continued the use of the said remedies , till the whole quantity is taken , in this case we must try laudanum once . here laudanum though of its own nature 't is astringent , yet by quieting the disturbance of the spirits whereby the usual evacuation of the lochia is interrupted , does sometimes much good , and when emmenagogs do no good , it may recall the flux of the lochia ; but narcoticks are most conveniently given with hystericks and emmenagogs . for instance , fourteen drops of liquid laudanum in compound briony water , or one grain and a half of solid laudanum made into two pills , with half ae scruple of assa faetida ▪ but we must be sure to take notice , that if we don't hit the mark at once , if the lochia don't follow , we must by no means repeat the opium , as is usual in other cases , and ought to be : for if here the paregorick is repeated , 't will so powerfully stop the lochia , that afterwards they can by no means be provok'd ; for truly if this dont succeed ( some time being pass'd that we may know what it has perform'd , ) we must return to the use of emmenagogs , mixt with hystericks , and then inject a clyster of milk and sugar ; and what was said above of opium ▪ holds good likewise here of clysters , for unless the first injected bring the lochia , nothing is to be expected from more , one being sufficient , by turning the humour gently , to cause the lochia to flow , but more may divert them another way . these things being perform'd ( which are to be touch'd upon lightly , ) 't is most safe and the duty of a prudent physician , to wait and see what time will do , for every day the business of the cure is more and more removed from danger , and if the sick live beyond the twentieth day , she 's in a manner out of danger . for when the woman has been recruited a little , and gain'd some strength , in a long disease whatever 't is , she will be able to bear that remedy which is fittest for the cure of that disease , which was occasion'd by a suppression of the lochia ; whereas medicines cram'd in obstinately , the first doing no good , may increase the disease , and also the disturbance of the spirits from whence the disease arises , which must be carefully noted . lately a vertuous matron of good parentage sent for me , she upon the foremention'd occasion , presently after she was brought to bed , was seiz'd with hysterick fits , and the lochia stop'd . i endeavour'd by the medicines aforesaid to provoke them , but in vain , the violence of the hysterick disease being too powerful for the medicines ; and at length when i perceiv'd she would be well if i did nothing , i committed all to time , by much the best and most successful physician ; and according to my opinion things went well with her to the fourteenth day : visiting her daily , i found she was no day worse than she was the day before . after this the women that had attended upon her , whom i had hitherto kept from doing mischief by their over-officiousness , enforc'd the husband to have a vein opened instantly in his wives foot , which being done , the hysterick fits so far prevailed , that within a few hours she was seiz'd with convulsions , and soon after by death , that ends all our miseries . and if it be lawful to speak what i think , i have been a long time of the opinion , that i have well perform'd the duty of an honest man and good physician , ( not only in the said diseases of women in child-bed , but also in all other acute diseases , when i can't certainly promise that a cure will follow this or that method i please to use ) , as often as i do nothing , when visiting the patient , i find he is not worse this day , than he was the day before , and when i can conjecture he will not be worse to morrow than he is to day ; whereas if i proceed in curing the sick with a method , the efficacy whereof i don 't yet know , he will be in danger both upon the account of the experiment i am about to make upon him , and also by the disease , nor will he as easily evade two dangers as one . for though at present there is no manifest sign of his beginning to be well , yet 't is most certain that according to the nature of acute diseases , no one can always labour with them . and besides every day will more and more secure the patient , or yield an occasion to the physician , whereby he may more opportunely and certainly vanquish the disease , than he could before . which as it may be truly affirm'd of most disease , so especially of the diseases of child-bed women , wherein the least error may prove fatal , and in which we are so little able to govern that natural evacuation , the suppression whereof occasions the diseases we have been treating of . but forasmuch as hysterical diseases dont always owe their original to the prime cause , namely the native debility of the spirits , but sometimes to an adventitious weakness ; therefore i design before i make an end , to discourse of this sort of cause , which most commonly is the occasion of vapours as they are call'd ; and 't is an immoderate flux of the courses either in child-bed , or at other times as to the first kind , that comes and is very troublesom the first days after hard labour , accompanied with a numerous train of hysterical symptoms ; and as it only comes , and is troublesom on these first days , so it soon goes away , for a diet that is somewhat thickening , easily drives it away , for which also the following drink may be used . take of plantain water and red wine , each thi , boil them together , till a third part is consumed ; then sweeten it with a s . q. of white sugar , whereof when 't is cold , give half a pint twice or thrice a day ; in the mean while some very gentle hysterick julap may be taken now and then , and the following nodulus may be held to the nose . take of galbanum , and assa faetida , each ʒij , castor ʒiss , of volatile salt of amber ʒss , mingle them and make a nodulus . or , take ʒij of spirit of sal armoniac , to which let her smell often . but as to the flux , when women are not in child-bed , though that is wont to happen at any time , yet most commonly it comes a little before the time the courses are about to leave them , namely about the age of forty five if they flow early , but about fifty , if they come somewhat later ; from these as is said a little before they quite go away , ( like a candle burnt to the socket , which gives the greatest light just as 't is about to go out , ) they flow impetuously , and cast the poor women into almost continual hysterick fits , by reason of the great quantity of blood which is continually evacuated . now though in this case , hystericks both inward and outward must be us'd by the by ( avoiding those that are strong , lest they should promote the flux ) yet the chief intention must be to stop the courses , which may be soon done after this manner . let ℥ viij of blood be drawn from the arm , the next morning give the common purgative potion , which must be repeated every third day for twice , and every night at bed time through the whole course , let her take a paregorick made with one ounce of diacodium . take of conserve of dry'd roses ℥ ij , of trochisc , of terra lemnia ʒiss , of pomegranate peel , and red coral , each ℈ ij , of lapis haematitis and dragons blood , and bole armenic , each ℈ i , make an electuary with a sufficient quantity of simple syrup of coral , 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 julap . take of the water of oak buds and plantain , each ℥ iij , of cinamon water hor deated , and of syrup of dry'd roses , each ℥ i , of spirit of vitriol a sufficient quantity to make a pleasant acid . take of the leaves of plantain , and nettles , each a sufficient quantity , beat them together in a marble mortar , and press out the juice ; then clarifie it ; let her take six spoonfuls cold three or four times a day . after the first purge , apply the following plaister to the region of the loins . take of diapalma , and of the plaister ad herniam , each equal parts , mingle them , and spread upon leather . a cooling and thickening diet must be order'd , only 't will be proper to indulge the sick a small draught of claret wine , once or twice a day , whch though 't is somewhat inconvenient , because its apt to raise the ebullition , yet it may be allow'd to repair the strength . and as indeed this method is very beneficial to women thus affected , so is it also as useful for those that are in danger of abortion , only the purges and juices must be omitted . there is another cause , though 't is not so frequent of hysterical diseases , viz. a falling of the womb by reason of a hard labour , it s accompanied with a large train of this kind of diseases , yet is it soon and easily cur'd this way . take of oak bark ℥ ii , boyl it in lb iiij of fountain water to lb ij , add at latter end ℥ i of pomegranate peel bruis'd , red roses , granate flowers , each mij ; and then add lb ss of red wine , strain it , bath the parts affected with flannel cloaths dipt in it , in the morning two hours before the woman rises ▪ and at night when she 's in bed ; continue the use of it till the symptom is quite gone . but enough of these things . and now worthy sir , i have mention'd the chief of what has been hitherto observ'd in the history and cure of this disease , and have nothing else to do but to beg your pardon , if i have err'd in describing these things not so accurately as i ought to have done , and also to desire you to accept favourably of this small treatise , which was designedly written to return you thanks for your approbation of my other works : and indeed i have so seldom receiv'd any thing of this nature , that either ▪ i have deserv'd no such thing , or else those candid and ingenious men which nature has fram'd with such excellency of mind , as to know how to be grateful , are very few , scarce so many as the gates of thebes , or entries of wealthy nile . yet notwithstanding i endeavour all i can , and will do so , to learn and promote the method of curing diseases , and to instruct those that are less conversant in practice than my self , let other people have what opinion of me they please . for having nicely weigh'd whether 't is better to be beneficial to men , or to be praised by them , i find the first preponderates , and much conduces to the tranquillity of mind . but as for fame and popular applause , they are lighter than a feather or a bubble , and more vain than the shadow of a dream . but if any one thinks that riches got by such a reputation have something more of weight in them , let them injoy what they have scrap'd together with all my heart , but let them remember that some mechanicks of the most fordid trades , get and leave more to their children , yet do they not exceed the beasts in this , who take as much care as they can of themselves and theirs ▪ and if we except things honest , proceeding from the judgment of the mind and vertue ( whereof the nature of beasts is not capable , ) the ▪ beasts are plainly as good as these and all others who don 't endeavour to do all the good they can in their generation . chap. iv. of the gout . without doubt men will think , that either the nature of the disease we now treat of is almost incomprehensible , or that i who have been vex'd with it thirty four years , am a very dull fellow , seeing my observations about the disease , and the cure of it ▪ do little answer their expectation . but however it be , i will faithfully deliver those things i have hitherto learnt , the difficulties and intricacy , respecting either the account of the disease , or the method of cure , leaving them to be clear'd and made plain by time the guide of truth . 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 spirituous liquors ; and at length having by reason of the sloath that always accompanies old age , wholly omitted those exercises of body which young men are accustom'd to . moreover they who are obnoxious to this disease , have large skulls , and are most commonly of a gross habit of body , moist and laxe , 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 also 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 . when it first seizes any one when he is very old , it never afterwards has such exact periods , nor rages so violently , as when it falls upon a younger man , both because he dies most commonly before the disease accompanied with its natural symptoms can come to its heighth , and also because the native heat and vigour of the body being lessen'd , it can't be so constantly and violently shot off upon the joints . but if it seizes any one earlier , though it does not yet fix upon one part , nor handle him so roughly , but comes with uncertain periods upon occasion given , paining him lightly for a few days , coming and going without any method , yet by degrees it formally besieges the man , and proceeds regularly , both as to the time 't will come at , and as to the continuance of the fit , and moreover assaults him more violently than at first . i will first discourse of this disease as it proceeds regularly , and afterwards of its anomalous and uncertain phaenomena , when being put out of its course , either by a praeposterous use of ▪ improper medicines , or by the weakness of the subject , it can't attain to its proper and genuine symptoms . therefore when the gout is regular , it seizes the patient most commonly after this manner , about the latter end of january , or 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 some weeks before ; moreover the body is oppress'd and puff'd up with wind , which daily increases till the fit thunders upon him ; but a few days before it comes , the thighs are benumm'd , and there is as it were a discent of wind through the flesh of 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 about 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 ancle ; this pain is like that of dislocated bones , with the sense as it were of water almost cold , pour'd upon the membranes of the parts affected , presently shivering or shaking follow , with a feverish disposition ; the pain is first gentle , but increases by degrees , ( and in like manner the shivering and shaking go off , ) and that hourly till towards night it comes to its heighth , accomodating it self neatly according to the variety of the bones of the tarsus and metatarsus , whose ligaments it seizes , sometimes resembling a violent stretching or tearing of those ligaments , sometimes the gnawing of a dog , and sometimes a pressure ; moreover the part affected has such a quick and exquisite pain , that 't is not able to bear the weight of cloaths upon it , nor hard walking in the chamber ; and the night is not pass'd over in pain upon this account only , but also by reason of the restless turning of the part hither and thither ▪ and the continual change of its place . nor is the tossing of the whole body , which always accompanies the fit , but especially at its coming , less than the continual agitation and pain of the tormented member . there are a thousand fruitless endeavours us'd to ease the pain by a continual change of the place whereon the body and the affected members lye , yet there is no ease to be had , '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 , by reason there 's a little digestion of the peccant matter , and some discussion of it , though he undeservedly attributes it to that position of the affected part he us'd last . 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 afresh ; for before there was only ( which is usual in the fits of those that have the gout , ) visible , a swelling of the veins intermix'd with the affected member . the next day , and perhaps two or three days after , if the matter apt to genetrate , the gout is copious , the part affected will be in pain , which will be violent too towards evening , but 't will be eased about the time of 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 , strength and perfect health being so presently restor'd , as if it had never been out of order , if the pain is violent in the foot lately seiz'd . and yet it acts the same tragedy in the other foot as it did in the former , both as to the violence of the pain , and the duration of it ▪ and sometimes on the first days of the disease , when the peccant matter is so exuberant , that one foot is unable to contain it , it afflicts both at the same time with the like violence ; but most commonly it seizes them successively as we said : after it has vex'd 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 , longer or shorter , according to the age of the sick ; for 't is not to be supposed , that when any one is afflicted with this disease two or three months , that that 's one fit , but rather a series and chain of small fits , whereof every latter is gentler and shorter than the former , till at length the peccant matter being wholly consum'd , the patient recovers his former health , which in those that are brisk , and in others whom the gout has rarely visited , comes to pass often in fourteen days , and in those it has often afflicted in two months ; but in those who are more debilitated , either by the long continuance of the disease , or by age ; it does not go off till summer coming pretty well on , drives it away . the first fourteen days the urine is high colour'd , which after separatión puts off a red sediment , and as it were full of small sand ; nor does the patient render by urine more than the third part of what he drinks , and the belly is most commonly bound the said first days , want of appetite , shaking of the whole body about evening , heaviness and a troublesom uneasiness of the parts that are not affected , accompanies the whole fit , a violent itching of the foot affected , follows the departing fit , especially betwixt the toes , and the feet scale as if the sick had been poison'd . the disease being discuss'd , a good habit of body and appetite return , according to the degree of pain with which the fit last past rag'd ; and so proportionably the following fit will be hasten'd or deferr'd , for if the last fit was very severe , the following fit will not come , till the same time of the year return again . and in this manner , the regular gout shews it self with its genuine and proper phaenomena , but when 't is disturb'd by improper methods of cure , 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 phaenomena are much different from those describ'd . for whereas the pain was hitherto only troublesome 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 vigor 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 parsnips , taking away the motion by degrees , and at length it generates stony concretions about the ligaments of the joints , which destroying the cuticle , and the very skin of the joints , renders visible , naked stones , like chalk or crabs eyes ▪ which may be pick'd out with a needle . 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 with redness , 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 , so hindering all motions , that 't is as 't were , nail'd to the bed : so that it can't move a hairs-bredth from the place wherein it is . and when by reason of the restlessness of the body , or to ease nature , the patient must be mov'd by the help of others , there 's need of great care , lest by chance , the least contrariety of motion ▪ shou'd occasion pain , which for this reason only , is tollerable , viz. because it presently vanishes : and indeed , this carrying of the body , that must be perform'd so carefully and tenderly , is not a small part of the troubles , wherewith the gout is burden'd ; for the pain is not violent through all the fit , if the part affected , be kept quiet . 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 summer months : and what is moreover to be observ'd , as the great and general fit is longer than heretofore it was , so those particular fits , whereof the general is compounded , rage longer ; for whereas before those particular fits did not torment the patient above a day or two , now wherever it fixes , especially if it possesses the feet or knees , it does not cease , till the tenth or fourteenth day , moreover the first or second day after its coming , the patient feels some sickness , besides the pain , together with a total prostration of the appetite . lastly , before the disease was grown to such a heigth , the sick did not only enjoy longer intervals of the fits , but also during that intermission , he was well in his limbs , and in the other parts of body , all the natural faculties performing their offices duly ; but now his limbs are contracted and cumbred , so that tho' he can stand , and perhaps go a little , yet he creeps along so very lamely and troublesomely , that when he walks , he seems to stand still ; and if he endeavours to walk beyond his strength , that he may the better recover his feet , the more he confirms them by walking , and renders them less apt to receive the pain , so much the more the fomes of the disease not perfectly dissipated by all this interval , hovers more dangerously about the bowels , when it can't be so freely discharg'd upon the feet , which at this time of the disease , are scarce ever free from pain , but are always uneasie more or less . the sick is also afflicted with many other symptoms , as with a pain of the haemorrhoidal veins , with unsavoury belchings , resembling the taste of the meat last eat , putrifying in the stomach , when something of hard digestion is eaten , or only so much as is requisite for people in health , the appetite languishes , and also the whole body , by reason of a penury of spirits . lastly ▪ he lives only to be wretched and miserable , and not at all to taste of the happiness of life . the urine that us'd to be formerly high colour'd , especially in the fits , and render'd in a small quantity , now is like that , both for colour and quantity which is evacuated in a diabetes : the back and other parts , itch troublesomely about bed-time . and this incovenience also happens in this disease , when 't is confirm'd , viz. that upon yawning , especially in the morning , the ligaments of the bones of the metatarsus , are violently pull'd , and seem to be hardly press'd with a strong hand ; 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 ; so that he wakes crying out : the tendons of the muscles that sustain the legs , are sometimes taken with such a sharp and violent convulsion , that the pain which it occasions , if it should last but a little while , would overcome all humane patience . after many and dreadful torments , and long execution , the following fits as to pain are more gentle , as a pledge of the discharge which approaching death is about to give , ( nature being partly oppress'd by the burden of the peccant matter , and partly by old age , is no more able to expel it constantly and forceably to the extremities of the body , ) but instead of the accustom'd pain , a certain sickness with a pain of the belly , spontaneous weariness , and sometime a propension to a diarrhaea supervene . these symptoms ease the pain of the limbs when they are violent , and likewise vanish when the pain is in the joints ; and sometimes the pain ▪ and sometimes the sickness afflicting alternatively , prolong the fits much . for 't is to be noted , that when any one has had the gout many years , the pain is by degrees lessen'd every fit ▪ and at length he dies more of the sickness than the pain : for the pain which is in these fits ▪ though 't is longer , yet is it not the tenth of that which he us'd to suffer when his strength was more intire . but this severity of the disease is compensated most commonly by the longer space betwixt the fits , and by the good health he in the mean while enjoys . for in this disease , pain is nature's most bitter medicine ; and the more violent it is , the sooner will the fit pass over , and the longer will be the intermission and more perfect , and so on the contrary . nor does the pain , the lameness , and the obstructed motion of the affected parts , the sickness and other symptoms describ'd , compleat the tragedy of this disease : for it breeds the stone of the kidnies in very many , either because the sick lies long upon his back , or because the organs of secretion have ceas'd to perform their due functions , or for that the stone is made of a part of the same kind of matter , but which is the cause i shall not determine ; whatever is the origine of this disease , the sick has sometimes many sad contemplations , to know whether the stone or the gout is most severe ; and sometimes the stone hindering the passage of the water into the bladder through the urinary passages kills him , not waiting any longer upon the slow gouty execution . nor is it enough that the sick is tormented in such a miserable manner , as that he can't help himself , but wants the help of others , but this is also added to the heap of his sorrows ▪ viz. that during the fit , his mind is as it were affected with the contagion , and so far suffers with the body , that 't is difficult to say which of them is most afflicted , for every fit may as properly be call'd a fit of anger , as of the gout , for the mind and reason are so extreamly enervated by the infirm body , that they are disorder'd by the least motion of the affections , so that he 's as troublesom to others , as to himself : moreover he is as obnoxious to the rest of the passions , viz. to fear , care , and others of the same kind , by which he 's also vex'd , till the disease going off , the mind also has recover'd its former tranquillity . at length the sick ( that i may dispatch the catastrophe of this dreadful disease , ) his bowels being so hurt by hatching and embracing the peccant matter , that the organs of secretion can no longer perform their office , upon which account the blood stuff'd with faeculencies stagnates , and the peccant matter is not as heretofore cast upon the extream parts of the body ; at length i say the thrice miserable wretch is so happy as to dye . but ( which may be a comfort to me and others that are afflicted with this disease , though we are but moderately furnish'd with mony and the graces of the mind , ) so liv'd and so died great kings and potentates , generals of armies , and admirals of fleets , philosophers , and many such as these . in a word , this disease of the joints ( which can scarce be said of any other , ) kills more rich than poor , more wise men than fools , nature shewing as it were with the finger how just the parent and disposer of all things is , and how little he sides with parties ; for those that want something , are wont to be abundantly replenish'd with an other kind of good , and he allayes profuse munificence , by mixing an equal share of miseries with it ; so that 't is every where inviolably decreed , that no man shall be perfectly happy , or compleatly miserable , but that all shall partake of both lots , which mixture of good and ill , so proper to our frailty and mortality , is perhaps very fit for us . women are very seldom troubl'd with the gout , and if they are , not till they are old or of a masculine habit of body : thin women who in their youth or middle age are troubled with symptoms resembling the gout , receive them from hysterical diseases , or a rheumatism which they were afflicted with heretofore , the fomes whereof was not well carried off . nor have i hitherto observ'd that boys or youths are vext with the true and genuine gout , yet some that i have known , have perceived some small touches of it , before they have arriv'd to that age , viz. when their fathers had this disease when they begat them . and here ends the history of the disease . having very much contemplated the various phaenomena of this disease , i suppose it arises from the concoction weaken'd , both in the parts , and in all the juices of the body ; for in those who are subject to this disease , they being either worn out by age , or having by intemperance hastened old age , the animal spirits are decay'd throughout the whole body , being consum'd by the immoderate exercise of the brisk functions in the heat of youth , for instance , by too early , or too much use of venery , by mad and extravagant labours , whereby they unweariedly serve their pleasures ; to which is to be added a sudden intermission or cessation from the exercises of the body , to which they have been heretofore accustomed , either by reason of years or laziness , ( by the use whereof the blood was wont to be render'd more vigorous , and the tone of the parts more firm , ) upon which account the body becomes now wither'd , and the concoctions are no more rightly perform'd ; but on the contrary the dross of the juices of the body which were discharg'd before by the help of such exercises , are from henceforth laid up in the vessels , as a stock for the disease . and sometimes hard study or meditation concerning some serious and lasting matter , has increas'd the disease , whereby the fine and volatile spirits are too much diverted from their business of concoction , which they ought to perform . moreover they that are subject to this disease , are not only most commonly greedy of meats in general , but chiefly of those that are hardest to digest , whereof when they eat as much as they were wont to do when they exercised themselves , they are unable to digest them . nor does the said voracity or full feeding , so frequently ( though it does often ) occasion the gout , as the immoderate and mad drinking of wine , whereby the ferments appointed for various concoctions are wholly destroy'd , and the concoctions themselves , and the natural spirits are vanquish'd and dispers'd by the great quantity of adventitious vapours . but when at one and the same time , the vigour of the spirits that are the instruments of concoction are lessen'd , and moreover a great haep of humours oppresses the blood , 't is impossible that all the concoctions should be duly perform'd , when all the viscera are so overwhelm'd , upon which account the spirits long ago weaken'd , are now suffocated . for if this were occasion'd only by a weakness of the spirits , women and children , and those which long sickness has wasted , would likewise be invaded by it ; whereas for the most part it seizes the strongest , and those that have the most robust principles of nature : yet it does not seize them , 'till humours are heapt up , by reason of the defect and declination of the natural spirits , by which join'd together the vitiated concoctions are perverted . moreover as every one of the causes we have mention'd , promote indigestion , so most of them occasion a looseness of the habit and muscules of the body , by which means a passage is open'd for the receiving crude and indigested humours , as often as they are protruded to the outward parts , and when lying long in the blood , they increase in bulk and contract an ill disposition , and at length acquire a putrifying heat , and can no longer be govern'd by nature , they break forth into a species , and fall upon the joints , and by heat and sharpness occasion most exquisite pains in the ligaments and membranes covering the bones , which being either weaken'd and loosen'd by age , or by luxury , or intemperance , make room for them , when they make an attempt ; but this falling of the humours that generate the gout , which constitutes the fit , happens sooner or later , as occasion is offer'd for putting these humours into motion . as to the cure , ( i will first mention those things that are to be omitted , ) though if we respect the humours and the indigestion whereby they are occasion'd , it may seem at first , that the curative indications are chiefly to be directed for the evacution of the humours already made , and for corroborating the concoctions ; so that the heaping up of other humours may be prevented ▪ forasmuch as these are the more general indications , whereby we should do the business in most other humoral diseases ; but in the gout there 's a kind of prerogative in nature , for exterminating the peccant matter after its own way , by putting it off upon the joints , and by discussing it by insensible transpiration . about three ways are propos'd , whereby we may eject the containing cause of the gout , viz ▪ bleeding , purging and sweating , and yet neither of these methods will ever perform the business . first , though bleeding may seem both to evacuate those humours that are just ready for a descent , and also those that have already besieged the joints , yet it plainly opposes that indication , which the antecedent cause , that is , indigestion , arising from a depravation and defect of the spirits , ( which bleeding lessens and oppresses more ) requires , and therefore bleeding is not to be us'd , either to prevent the fit which is fear'd , or to mitigate that which is now present , namely , in ▪ those that are old ; for though that blood that is drawn out , is most commonly like that of pleuriticks , and of those that have a rheumatism , yet bleeding does as much hurt to the sick in this disease , as it does good in the two just mention'd ▪ for if blood is extracted in the intermission , though a good while after the fit , there 's danger lest by the agitation of the blood and humours , a new fit should be occasion'd more lasting than the former , and accompanied with more violent symptoms , the strength and vigour of the blood being blunted thereby , by the help of which the nourishment of the disease should have been diligently and constantly expell'd . and this inconvenience happens as often as bleeding is us'd at the beginning of the fit , and if it be us'd presently after the fit , there 's great danger , lest nature , the blood having not yet recover'd its former strength , weaken'd by the disease , should be so much dejected by this unseasonably us'd , that a dropsie should be occasion'd thereby . but if the sick is yet young , and has been over-heated by hard drinking , blood may be drawn at the beginning of the fit ; but if in the following fits it is continually us'd , the gout is soon confirm'd even in youth , and will more propagate its tyranny in a few years , than otherwise in a great many . and then as to purging , whether upward or downward , this must be noted , that whereas by the inviolable law of nature annex'd to the very essence of this disease , the fomes of it ought to be expell'd always to the joints ; emetick or cathartick remedies will do nothing else , but recal into the blood the peccant matter , which was put off by nature upon the extremities of the body ; upon which account that which ought to be cast upon the joints , rushes perhaps upon some of the viscera , and so the patient's life is in danger , when before 't was not in danger at all . which is often observ'd to be fatal to those who have been accustom'd to purging medicines , that they might prevent the gout , ( or which is worse , ) to lessen the fit : for when nature is put by her usual method , whereby as being best and more secure , she drives the morbifick matter upon the joints , the humours are turn'd inward upon the intestines , and instead of pain in the joints , where there is none at all , or certainly but very little , the poor wretches are almost destroy'd by stomach sickness , gripes and faintings , with a great troop of irregular symptoms . therefore i am fully perswaded , having learnt by continual and repeated experience , that all purging whether by gentle or strong medicines , such as are usually design'd to purge the joints , do much hurt , whether it 's us'd in the fit to lessen the peccant matter , or at the end to dissipate the relicks of the disease , or in a perfect intermission or good health , to hinder the approaching fit. for i have found at my own peril , as well as of others , that catharticks administred at any of these times , have been so far from doing good , that they have hasten'd the mischief they should have prevented . first therefore purging when the fit rages , disturbing nature when she is busied in separating the morbifick matter , and in putting it off upon the joints , sometimes occasions a great confusion of the spirits , so that the fit is not only increas'd thereby , but the patient's life also is not a little hazarded ; and then catharticks us'd at the end of the fit , instead of removing the relicks of the disease , bring on another fit afresh , as bad as the former , and thus the sick being vainly deceiv'd , contrives misery for himself , which he had not felt , if the humours had not been inrag'd again : which inconvenience i have found often , having preposterously crav'd for medical help , to expel as i thought the relicks of the disease . lastly , as to purging to be repeated at certain intervals , and in perfect health , to prevent the fit , though which must be confess'd , there is not so much danger of a new fit , as in the case just mention'd , when the patient was not wholly freed , yet at this time it produces a fit ; and if by chance the patient is not presently seiz'd , yet it does not at all free him from the disease , though he take this or that purge constantly at due distances , for i have known some obnoxious to this disease , who have not purg'd only at spring and autumn , but also monthly and weekly , that they might recover their health , and yet none of these have escaped the gout , for most commonly it handl'd them more cruelly afterwards , and with worse symptoms than if they had taken no physick at all . for though the said purging might take away some part of the containing cause , yet no way conducing to the corroboration of concoction ( so far from that is it , that it debilitates the same , and wounds nature afresh , ) it opposes only one cause , and so is wholly unable to cure the disease . but this must be noted moreover , that from the same defect of the spirits , whereby the concoctions are vitiated , in those who are wont to have the gout , the frame of the same animal spirits is render'd less firm and vigorous , so that 't is presently disturb'd by any cause , whereby the mind or body is somewhat violently mov'd , and so very fleeting and shatter'd is it , as it happens to those that are subject to hysterick and hypochondriacal diseases . from which inclination of the spirits to be disturb'd , it comes to pass that the gout most commonly follows the least evacuation . the tone of the body being dissolv'd , which the firmness of the spirits whilst they continue vigorous , keeps compact and brisk , the peccant matter moves without resistance ; and by this injury to the body a fit is presently occasion'd . but how pernicious soever this method is , yet some empericks are much esteem'd for it , by cunningly concealing the purging medicine they use ; for it must be observ'd , that during the purging , the patient has little or no pain at all ; and if purging could be continu'd many days , and no new fit supervene , the sick would presently recover of that he has now upon him ; but truly he will be dreadfully punish'd afterwards by the confusion into which the said agitation of the humours has precipitated nature . lastly , the evacuation of the peccant matter by sweat , though it does less hurt than the foresaid evacuations , yet it plainly appears to be injurious , for though it don't draw back the fomes of the disease into the bowels , but on the contrary , drives it to the habit of the body ; yet for these reasons it does hurt . first indeed because when the fit is off , it forces the humours as yet crude and not prepar'd for separation , upon the limbs , by which means it brings the fit before its time , and contrary to nature's consent ; and then because the forcing of sweat in the fit , does cast the morbifick matter too violently upon the affected member , and occasions at the same time an intollerable pain ; and if the quantity of the peccant matter is greater than can be contained in the affected part , it forces it presently upon other members , and upon which account there is a great ebullition and fury of the blood and other humours ; and if the body abounds very much with serous matter , fit to generate the gout , there 's danger lest an apoplexy should be occasion'd . wherefore in this disease as well as in all other , wherein sweat is provok'd by art , to cast forth the morbifick matter , and does not come naturally , 't is very dangerous to force them out too violently , and beyond that degree of concoction whereunto the humours to be evacuated have come of their own accord . and that excellent aphorism of hippocrates , that things concocted , not crude , are to be medicated , is of as much use in provoking sweat , as in purging the belly , which is very apparent in that sweat that uses to come at the latter end of agues , which if it is moderate and agreeable to the concocted quantity of febrile matter of the preceding fit , much relieves the sick ; but if it 's forc'd beyond nature's bounds , by keeping the sick continually a-bed , a continual fever is occasion'd , and instead of extinguishing the former fire , a new one is kindled . in like manner in the gout , that gentle breathing sweat which most commonly comes in the morning of its own accord after each of the small fits , whereof as i have said the great fit consists , mitigates both the pain and restlessness , wherewith the sick has conflicted all the night . but on the contrary , when at any time this gentle breathing sweat that naturally soon goes off , is provoked longer and more violently than the proportion of peccant matter requires , the disease is encreas'd thereby . therefore in this disease and in all other i have ever seen , except the plague only , 't is not so much the physicians , as nature's business to force sweat , because we can't know by any means what part of matter is already prepar'd for such a separation , and by consequence what measures we are to take in provoking it . now seeing it plainly appears from what has been said , that 't is not only in vain to endeavour the cure of the gout by evacuating medicines , but that they are also injurious to gouty people , it remains , that we inquire to what other end the curative indications are to be directed . i indeed having accurately weigh'd , and diligently examin'd the foresaid phaenomena , gather from thence that we must have respect to two causes chiefly in the cure of this disease ; the first is the antecedent cause , or the indigestion of the humours arising from a defect of heat and natural spirits ; the other is the containing cause , or the heat and boiling of the humours , when they are putrified and grown sharp by remaining too long in the body , which their delay is occasion'd by the indigestion above mention'd : these causes are so absolutely contrary one to the other , that those remedies that do good for this , are injurious for the other ; upon which account this disease is so very difficultly cur'd . for when we endeavour to remove indigestion by hot medicines , there 's danger lest on the other hand we increase the heat of the humours ; and when on the contrary we would mitigate the hot and acrid humours , either by cooling remedies or diet , we occasion indigestion , the natural heat being weaken'd . but here by the containing cause , i don't only mean that which actually besieging the joints , forms the fit , but that moreover which lurking in the blood , is yet unfit for separation ; for all the morbifick matter is very seldom so clearly ejected , how long and severe soever the fit has been , as that there are no relicks of it in the body , after the paroxism is gone off , and therefore regard must be had to this cause , as well when the fit is off , as when it rages . but forasmuch as the ejection of the containing matter is wholly nature's business , it must be done by her method alone , for nothing can be in the mean time attempted to asswage the hot and acrid humours , without injury to the digestions , only the sick must forbear hot medicines and diet whereby the humours are inflam'd ; so that certainly the greatest and chiefest intention of curing , consists in helping concoction , by removing indigestions , of which i will now treat , yet so as that in the series of my discourse , i may touch upon those remedies occasionally , which conduce to the asswaging of the heat , and sharpness of the humours . therefore whatever helps nature in duly performing her offices , either by strengthening the stomach , that it may concoct the nourishment well , or the blood , that it may duly assimilate the chyle brought into it , or by strengthening the solid parts that they may the better convert the juices design'd for their nourishment and increase , into their proper substance . lastly , whatever preserves the organs of excretion , and the emunctories of the body , in that state whereby the faeculencies of each part may in due time and order be carried off , these and all things of this kind conduce to the fulfilling this intention , and are properly call'd digestives , whether they are medicines , or a rule for diet or exercise , or any other of those things which are call'd the six non-naturals . these kind of medicines in general , are those which moderately heat , and are either bitter , or gently bite the tongue , for they are very agreeble to the stomach , they purifie the blood , and comfort the other parts . for instance , they are such as these roots of angelica , elecampane , the leaves of wormwood , the lesser centaury , germander , groundpine , &c. also those that are vulgarly call'd anti-scorbuticks may be added , as the roots of horse-radish , the leaves of garden scurvy-grass , water-cresses , and the like . but yet these acrid and pungent herbs , how pleasing soever they are to the stomach , and how much soever they help concoction , are to be us'd more sparingly than others that corroborate the stomach by their gentle heat and bitterness , and render the mass of blood more brisk and lively , for they stir up the fomes of the disease that has been long form'd , and increase the heat . some species of them neatly mix'd , are better in my opinion to concoct the humours , than any one simple of their tribe . for though when we have need of the specifick vertue of any medicine , that rule holds good , the simpler 't is , the better 't is ; but when we design to cure the sick by satisfying this or that indication , every ingredient contributes somewhat for the cure of the disease ; and in this case the greater the number of simples is , the more powerfully does the medicine work ; therefore various forms of medicines tending to this end , may be neatly fram'd of the foresaid , and of the rest of the materia medica of this sort . i prefer an electuary before the rest made like venice-treacle , as the most excellent , for that a mutual fermentation of the simples , increases the vertue of them all , as if it produc'd some third thing , which in the things so join'd , has greater vertue than any one of them in the same quantity . but i willingly leave the choice of such ingredients , and the forms wherein they are to be given , to the prudent physician ; for i never thought it my business to write receipts as they call them , but rather to note the indications , according to which the methods of cure are to be directed ; and this being not well minded , is the cause why empericks boast that they are the chief of the medical art . but for the benefit of beginners , i will set down the remedy i am wont to use , which is compounded after this manner . take of the roots of angelica , of the sweet smelling flag , of masterwort , elecampane , of the leaves of common wormwood , of the lesser centaury , of white whore-hound , of germander , of ground-pine , of scordium , of common calaminth , of feverfew , of field saxifrage , st. john's-wort , golden-rod , thime , mint , sage , rue , carduus b. penny-royal , sothernwood , of the flower of chamomel , tansie , lilly of the vallies , english saffron , of the seeds of treacle mustard , garden scurvy-grass , carraway , juniper-berries , each a sufficient quantity ; let the herbs and flowers and roots be gather'd when they have most vertue in them ; let them be dry'd , and kept in paper bags till they may be finely powder'd ; to six ounces of each well mixt , add a sufficient quantity of purified hony and canary wine , to make an electuary ; take ʒij morning and evening . or for want of this , use the following . take of the conserve of garden scurvy-grass ℥ iss , of roman wormwood , and of the yellow rind of oranges , each ℥ i , of candied angelica , of nutmegs candied , each ℥ ss , of venice treacle , ʒiij , of compound powder of wake robin ʒij , make an electuary , with a sufficient quantity of syrup of oranges ; let him take ʒij twice a day , drinking upon it five or six spoonfuls of the following water . take of the roots of horse-radish slic'd ℥ iij , of garden scurvy-grass , m. xij , of water cresses and brook-lime , of sage and mint , each m. iiij , the peel of six oranges , two nutmegs bruis'd , of brunswick mum lb xij , 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 to corroborate the concoctions ; but because it contains a great many species that heat too much , and besides , a great deal of opium , the electuary above-mention'd may be more commodiously prepar'd of the chief heating vegetables ; but we must take care to choose such simples as are pleasant to the taste , for the sick must take it a long while , viz. almost as long as he lives , and therefore 't is very requisite that they should be palatable ; 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 . and truly as in this disease we now treat of , so in most other chronical diseases , these and such like remedies that strengthen the blood , and render it brisk ( if their heat don't consist of vinous spirits , for reasons to be shewn hereafter , ) do most good , forasmuch as every disease of this kind , if i conjecture right , ought to be referr'd to one and the same cause , viz. the indigestion of the humours . but it can no way be made more apparent and better prov'd , than by setting in view the difference that is betwixt acute and chronical diseases ; wherefore i hope the reader will not take it amiss , if i do a little digress from the business in hand . as therefore those for the most part are accounted acute diseases , which either soon kill , or are brought to concoction , so those are chronical diseases which either are not concocted at all , or require a long time for their concoction ; and indeed the very nature of the thing , as well as the words by which 't is express'd , plainly signifie as much ; but the cause of this difference which is perceiv'd betwixt these two kinds of diseases , is more obscure , and not easily to be clear'd . i suppose 't will be worth our labour , to spend a little time in the search after it , for the clear and distinct knowledge of these things , contributes much towards the finding out true and agreeable indications for the cure of these diseases . whether the innermost bowels of the earth , if it 's proper to say so , undergo various changes , upon which account the air is infected by vapours exhaling from thence , which seems very probable to me , or whether the whole atmosphaere is infected by an alteration occasion'd by a certain conjunction of heavenly bodies : 't is most certain , that for this space of time , the air is stuff'd with particles which are injurious to the oeconomy of the human body ; and that at another time 't is impregnated with such particles , as are enemies to the bodies of some species of beasts . when at these times we breath into the naked blood , the noxious venom that 's an enemy to nature , and fall into those epidemical diseases which that is apt to produce , nature produces a fever , its usual engine to free the blood from any disagreeable matter that lodges within ; and such diseases are commonly reckon'd epidemical , and are therefore acute and short , because they have so quick and violent a motion . but besides these diseases occasion'd by an external cause , there are others as acute , proceeding from this or that peculiar inflammation of the blood , which don't depend on any general cause from the air , but on a particular irregularity or intemperies of particular bodies , which kind of fevers i call intercurrent and sporadick , which happen almost in all years . but chronical diseases have quite another genius , for though an unhealthy air of this or that kind may conduce much to the generating these diseases , yet they don 't so immediately take their rise from the air , but most commonly to the indigestion of the humours , the common parent of them all . for when any one has the principles of his nature weaken'd and worn out , either by old age , or by great and continual errors in the six non-naturals , especially in meat and drink ; or if the secretory organs have been so debilitated , that they are wholly unable to purifie the blood , and to carry off its superfluities : in these cases a greater stock of humours being heap'd up than a man's strength is able to digest , the said humours by long continuance undergo various fermentations and putrefactions , and at length break out in specie , and occasion various kinds of diseases , according to the variety of depravation ; and as these deprav'd juices have a various disposition , so they variously fall upon this or that part which is fittest to receive them , and at length by degrees they shew their long train of symptoms , which are wont to arise partly from the nature of such juices , and partly from the confusion brought upon those parts , which two join'd together , constitute the irregularity of nature , which is mark'd with the name of some disease . now 't will plainly appear , that such an impotency of nature for the concocting the humours , is the chief cause of chronical diseases , if we consider that old men whose concoctions are weaken'd , and the spirits the instruments of them wasted by the repeated functions of a long life , are more subject to these diseases than younger people , whose flame of life being more kindled , scatters those feculencies heap'd up , and whose secretory organs are constantly assisted by the natural heat , that they may not be deficient in purifying the mass of blood , unless they are oppressed , and as it were suffocated by too great a quantity of humours . moreover that such an indigestion of the humours , is the cause of most chronical diseases , is manifest from hence , viz. because winter is much more apt to breed such diseases than summer ; though some of them don't actually break out till the latter end of winter , yet the stock of humours on which they depend , increasing all the winter , is inlarg'd by that cold and raw season , weakening nature , so that she is not so able to preserve the oeconomy of the body . upon which account it happens , that they who are very well in summer , seldom escape those diseases in winter whereunto they are most inclin'd . for instance , the gout or asthma , and a cough , and the like . and from hence we may learn the reason why travelling into more southerly regions does so effectually vanquish those diseases , the cure whereof is vainly attempted in colder climates . the truth of what i have said already concerning the general cause of chronical diseases , will moreover manifest it self by that great and incredible relief which those that are afflicted with most chronical diseases , especially with a phthisis , receive by riding on horse-back , which kind of exercise invigorates and strengthens all the digestions , the natural heat being reviv'd by the continual shaking of the body , and the organs destin'd for secretion , assisted in duly performing their office of purifying the blood , so that a renovation of the ruin'd digestions must necessarily follow , and by consequence , the best constitution of body . wherefore 't is manifest enough by the reasons already alledg'd , that not only in the gout , but also in other chronical diseases , where no manifest symptom contraindicates ; such kind of hot herbs are sometimes very beneficial , for they procure the heat of summer , in the middle of winter ; tho' if we accustom our selves to the use of them in summer-time , they will the better prevent those diseases , which the contrary season is wont to occasion : and truly if they are deferr'd till winter approaches , at which time a great deal of matter is heapt up , 't is to be fear'd , we may fly too late to this refuge . but tho' ( as i have discours'd largely above ) the gout by a peculiar disposition , is made worse by catharticks ; yet in most other chronical diseases , bleeding repeated as often as there is occasion , and purging is to be order'd , before these digestive and corroborating medicines are to be us'd ; but when the patient has once enter'd upon the use of these , he must persevere , without purging betwixt whiles ; for this must be constantly maintain'd , that as often as the cure of any disease is assay'd by corroborating remedies , all evacuations are wholly injurious . lastly , i don't affirm that these digestive medicines now mention'd , are better than all others ; but this i say , that he that can find out the best remedy to answer this intention , will do much more in curing chronical diseases , than he wou'd imagine he was able to do . but this must be first taken notice of , and chiefly observ'd above all the things i am about to mention concerning the cure of the gout , namely , that all digestive remedies whatsoever , whether courses of physick , or diet , or exercise , are not to be taken up by the by , but must be us'd constantly and daily with the greatest diligence ; for whereas in this disease , as also in most other chronical diseases , the cause of it has pass'd into an habit , and is become as it were a new nature : no man in his right senses , can think that some small and short alteration , superinduc'd upon the blood and humours , by any sort of remedy or diet , can perfect the cure ; for the whole habit of the body must be chang'd , and the whole man must be as it were new fram'd ; for 't is not so here , as in some accute disease , where he that even now was strong , and perfectly well , is suddenly seiz'd with a fever , and precipitated from the best state of health , into the most dangerous disease . no , the case of the gout is quite different , where he that for many years together , by immoderately indulging himself in surfeiting and drunkenness , and neglecting his wonted exercises , is worn out by sloth and negligence , or by hard study , or continual and intense thinking , or by some other errors of life ; as if he had designedly perverted the various ferments of the body , and oppress'd the animal spirits , ( which are the chief instruments of digestion ) by which means the preternatural humours that were heapt up , break out at length , when they are arriv'd to the highest degree , and confound all , the flesh being soften'd , and the joynts weaken'd , so that they readily receive the humours falling upon them . and so at length another nature is as it were , superinduc'd by degrees , the pristine and natural oeconomy of the body being wholly subverted , and destroy'd : and those fits about which unwary and unthinking men are so busied , are indeed nothing else but the series and order of symptoms , depending on that method which nature is wont to use in driving out the matter that occasions the disease ; wherefore he labours in vain , that endeavours to drive away this disease , by this or that medicine or regimen now and then us'd . for this habit being chiefly founded , and consisting both in the weakness of all the digestions , and in the want of the natural strength of the particular parts , we must provide against both these ills , and the strength of concoction , as well as the soundness of the parts , must be reduc ▪ d and restor'd by degrees to the former state and accustom'd oeconomy of the body , tho' to do this fully and perfectly , may not seem possible , not only because any habit is difficultly chang'd into the quite contrary , but also because old age which most commonly accompanies this disease ▪ violently opposes ; yet the cure is to be endeavour'd as much as the strength and years will permit : and the nearer or farther from this mark the patient is , he will more or less avoid the tyranny of the gout . and 't is moreover to be noted , that digestive remedies , either medicinal or dietetic , are chiefly to be us'd in the intervals of the fits , and as long as may be before the next fit ; for by reason of old age , much time is requir'd , and a constant use of remedies , before the corroboration of all the concoctions and the restauration of the enfeebl'd ferments of the body , and such a soundness as is requisite for the blood and viscera can be obtain'd . but tho these remedies and other things of the same kind , may do good , yet this intention of corroborating , can't be answer'd by these things alone , but respect must be also had to those things which don 't properly belong to physick . and he will be most certainly deceiv'd that thinks he can perform the cure of this , or some other chronical disease , by medicines alone . first therefore , a mediocrity is to be observ'd in meat and drink , so that neither more nourishment be taken in , than the stomach can concoct , lest the disease shou'd be heigthen'd by it ; nor on the contrary must the parts , by too much abstinence , be defrauded of that proportion , whereby their strength and vigor ought to be sustain'd , for by so doing , they will be more weaken'd , for either is alike injurious , as i have often found in my self and others ▪ : moreover , as to the quality of the meat , tho' things of easie digestion consider'd by themselves , are to be prefer'd before things of hard digestion ; yet regard must be had to the patients palate : for we must take notice , that that which the stomach earnestly craves for , tho' of difficult digestion , is sooner conquer'd by nature , than that which is accounted to be of easier digestion , if it be offensive to the stomach ; but those things that are reckon'd 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 beside flesh , let him eat at pleasure , if they are not sharp , nor salted , nor spic'd ; which tho' they don't hurt concoction , yet are they injurious , for that they exagitate the fomes of the disease . as to the times of eating , a dinner is only necessary ; for the bed being most proper to digest the humours , that time ought not to be wasted about concocting the meat ; therefore they that are subject to the gout , shou'd not eat suppers , yet they may allow themselves a large draught of small beer , for such are also most commonly inclinable to breed the stone in the kidnies , the concretion whereof , is much hinder'd by such a kind of liquor , drank at this time ▪ the reins being cool'd and cleans'd thereby . the drinking of milk , or a milk diet , either crude or boyl'd , without any thing else , except perhaps a piece of bread with it once a day , has been much us'd these twenty 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'd to common diet , tho' of easie digestion , the gout return'd more violently than before , and held them longer ; for the principles of nature being weaken'd by this method , the sick was render'd less capable to repell the disease , upon which account 't was more dangerous and lasted 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 resolv'd so ever 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 forc'd to leave it off , by reason he was suddenly bound in body , and the temper of his body alter'd , and because his stomach at length nauseated milk , tho' the inclination of his mind still continued . but some hypochondriacal people of a gross habit of body , or who otherwise have accustom'd themselves much and a long while to spirituous liquor , can by no means bear a milk diet. moreover , that very short and fading benefit that they receive by this diet , to whom milk is agreeable , proceeds hence , viz. not only for that this diet is most simple , ( for i don't doubt but that barly-broath , if the stomach will bear it , may do as well ) but also because it renders the blood more mild and sweet by quelling the acrid particles in it ; and moreover , which i suppose is most considerable , milk being a sort of aliment very unfit for grown people , suppresses that turgescency of the humours , which occasions the gout ; and for that reason those few with whom a milk diet agrees , are so long free from the gout as they feed upon it , and no longer ; for by being wholly contrary to the original cause of the gout , viz. the weakness of the ferments and concoctions , 't is much more injurious than beneficial . and because this has not been sufficiently regarded , some unwary people have fell into great and fatal errors ; for by endeavouring to oppose the containing cause , viz. the heat and sharpness of the humours , they have destroy'd the concoctions and all the natural functions . 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 , with or without hops ; for extreames on either hand are hurtful . first as to wine , tho' the proverb says , drink wine and have the gout , and drink no wine and have the gout : yet 't is without controvesie , and confirm'd by various experiments of gouty people , that wine de facto is injurious . for tho' it may be suppos'd to do good by helping the concoctions , the disorders whereof , i have long accounted the antecedent cause of the gout ; yet with respect to the containing cause , it mst be reckon'd wholly injurious , for that it fires and exagitates the humours , the fomes of the disease , already prepar'd to give battel : yet i don't grant that wine us'd for ordinary drink , does promote concoction , but rather spoyls it , unless in those that have been accustom'd to wine a long while ; for tho' as it passes by it imparts some heat , yet it certainly injures the ferments of the body , and destroys the natural spirits ; and for this reason i suppose , great drinkers dye of the gout , dropsie , palsie and other cold diseases . moreover , a continual and immoderate swilling of wine , renders the body soft like womens bodies , whereas temperate liquors strengthen and confirm the tone of all the parts ; for which reason , they that have always us'd small liquors , seldom know what the gout means . 't is moreover to be noted , that those men are most inclinable to this disease , who tho' their natural concoction is lessen'd , are nourish'd more than enough by reason of a certain luxury of the blood , and they grow bulky by some indigested matter , instead of good substance and well compacted . and drinking of wine does more increase this luxury of the blood ; and moreover , heaps up a new stock of matter , and actually occasions the disease , by firing as it were the fomes of it , which has been laid up a long while . and besides , the blood of gouty people , being very like that which is taken from those that have a pleurisie , or some other inflamatory disease ; 't would be a mad thing to inrage it more with spirituous liquors . nor on the contrary , are liquors too much cooling to be us'd ; for these by quite spoyling the concoctions , and by extinguishing the natural heat , occasion the greater mischief ; not pain as wine does , but death it self : as experience teaches in those who freely indulging themselves in drinking wine , till they are old , and betaking themselves suddenly to drink water or small liquors , have soon destroy'd themselves . therefore those that are subject to the gout , must take care that they use those liquors , that can neither cause drunkenness when they are taken in a large quantity , nor yet injure the stomach by chilling it ; of this kind as i said , is our small-beer , and a proper liquor may be made in other countries , by mixing a little water with a great deal of wine . i count water by it self , crude and injurious , and i have found it so to my hurt . but water may be safely drunk by young people , wherewith at this day , the greatest part of mankind quenches thirst , being more happy with their poverty , than we with plenty and luxury . to confirm which , i produce that great train of diseases , whereby our bodies on this accout are tortur'd , viz. the gout , stone , apoplexy , palsie and the like ; and that violence upon the mind , whereby 't is driven contrary to its native rectitude , while the adventitious spirits of such liquors , complicated with the animal spirits , serving for the forming thoughts , disturb the mind , by volatilising it too much , suggesting vain and frivolous fancies , instead of things that are solid and of some moment ; and so makes us jesters and merry fellows , instead of wise men , between which , the difference is almost the same , as betwixt a substance and a shadow : but enough of this . but now , tho' it may be sufficient for him that has the gout but a little , and at some times only , to use small-beer and diluted wine , the degree of his disease not requiring a more sever 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 , tho' small and mild ; for all these contain a pungent spirit , and some degree of sharpness , and what is worse , as they have a ferment in them , ( even as yeast put into liquors , imparts a fermentative vertue to the whole mass ) so they incline the humours to a perpetual fermentation . therefore a dietetick drink must be prescrib'd of the ingredients commonly known and appointed for this use , for ordinary drink , if it be not too strong , for if so , the humours will be almost as much inrag'd as by wine : and on the contrary , it must not be so small , as to injure the natural functions , by over-cooling them . this sort of drink if it be made of such ingredients as are least displeasing to the sick , tho' the constant taking them , may cause some loathing for a week or too , will afterwards be as pleasing and as acceptable , as any other liquors to which he has been most accustom'd . and by this kind of liquor , the appetite will be increas'd , and become more natural than it us'd to be with fermented liquors . and moreover , there will be this advantage , that he that uses this dietetick liquor for his ordinary drink , may the freer indulge himself in other diet , than when he drank beer or wine , for the errors in diet ( all which 't is almost impossible for a man to avoid ) will by this means , be somewhat corrected and amended . but which is the chiefest of all , the sick may prevent the stone by this means , which is usually the constant companion of the gout ; for all sharp and attenuating liquors , occasion a fit of the stone , as well as generate it . the following liquor being of a pleasant taste and colour , pleases me best . take of sarsaparilla ℥ vi , of sassaphras , china , and the shavings of harts-horn , each ℥ ij , of liquorish ℥ i ; boyl them in two gallons of fountain water for half an hour , afterwards let them stand cover'd upon hot ashes 12 hours , afterterwards boyl it to the consumption of a third part ; as soon as 't is taken from the fire , infuse half an ounce of anniseeds , after 2 hours strain it , and let it stand till it 's clear ; keep the clear liquor in glass bottles well stopt 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 ; the heat of this will somewhat allay the waterishness of the dietetick drink , affording a due degree of heat to the blood and bowels , without that agitation which us'd to be occasion'd by the heat of fermented liquors . if any one shou'd object that that life is scarce vital , wherein a total abstinence from wine and other fermented liquors is observ'd : i answer , it must be consider'd whether it be not much more miserable and less tolerable , to be rack'd and dreadfully tortur'd by the gout , grown strong by continuance , ( for when the disease is gentle , this is not requisite ) than to be confin'd to this liquor ; the use of which being continued , he may indulge himself in almost all sorts of food : not to repeat now that this drink ( as all other things ) grows pleasant by custom . certainly he that has felt this disease , if he be a man , will not long dispute which is best . yet notwithstanding , if the sick by reason of a long and too great use of intoxicating liquors , or by reason of old age or weakness , can't concoct his meat without wine or some other fermented liquor , he can't leave it off suddenly without great danger , the doing whereof has been fatal to many . therefore in my opinion , he shou'd not use the dietetick apozem above describ'd ; but if he be resolv'd to use it , let him be accustom'd to it leisurely , ( drinking a draught of wine at meals for some time ) more like a remedy than a diet , till the decoction becomes more familiar : but spanish wine is to be preferr'd in this case before french or rhe●●sh wine , the two last being apt to inrage the humours , and to increase the fomes of the disease , tho' they are very grateful to the stomach . moreover , they are almost as crude , and scarce more concocted than our syder , and besides they are not so cordial and hot , as the case requires . and so much may suffice for the meat and drink of gouty people . there 's another thing which tho' it may seem small , yet is it of great moment , as well for digesting the fomes of the disease , when the fit is violent , as for hindering the generation of the matter , when the fit is off ; namely , that the sick , especially in winter , go to bed early ; for besides , bleeding and purging , nothing does so much destroy the strength of nature , as watching a nights , which every sickly person can affirm by experience , if he considers how much brisker and more chearful he rises ▪ when he goes to bed early , and how languid and faint he is when has sat up late ; and tho' it may seem as well , if he lyes a bed so many hours , whether he goes to bed sooner or later : for instance , whether he goes to bed at nine , and rises at five , or goes to bed at eleven , and rises at seven ; yet 't is not so , and i suppose chiefly for this reason , viz. in the day-time the spirits are dissipated , either by the exercise of the body or mind , which in people that are sickly , are so infirm and weak , that they have need of rest earlier in the evening ; for the approach of night occasioning as it were , a kind of relaxation of the economy of the body , which was kept up in the day-time , by the influence of the sun ; 't is necessary that the heat of the bed shou'd supply the want of the sun , especially in winter . but in the morning , the spirits being refresh'd and invigorated by the rest of the foregoing night , and the warmth of the bed , ( besides , for that the supervening day adds firmness and strength to the tone of the body ) rising early at this time , tho' an hour or two is taken from the morning sleep , nature is not so much injur'd as by evening watchings protracted an hour or two . wherefore i wou'd perswade those that are subject to the gout , to go to bed early ; especially in the winter , and to rise early , tho' sleep somewhat shorter , may intice them to lye longer ; for sleeping in a morning , prevents so much sleep the next night , and so at length , a force being brought upon nature , and its wise institutions despis'd , night is turn'd into day , and day into night . moreover , tranquility of mind , must by all means be obtain'd ; for all perturbations , when they break the bounds , mightly dissolve the frame of the spirits , that are the instruments of digestions ; and so by consequence , much promote the gout . therefore the sick shou'd prudently consider his own mortal condition , and not foolishly imagine that he is freed from those troubles , that necessarily follow it ; for whether he suffers this affliction of mind , either by his own fault , or fault of others , he can never prescribe laws to the world , who has not been always obedient to any one , how potent and wise soever he has been ; nor does ever all things fall out so exactly , according to any ones mind , as he fondly imagines , but suddenly as he is busied in mind about the ordering of things , he becomes the specimen of humane frailty , having unreasonably depriv'd himself of the enjoyment , of the fading fruits of life . the same inconvenience , follows too great an application of mind to study and serious things ▪ for melancholy always accompanying this disease more than any other , those that are subject to it , are wont to tire and overwhelm the animal spirits , by thinking much and long , without the artificial help of books ; and they do so mightly overthink , that the oeconomy of the body , can't any longer preserve it self whole : for which reason in my opinion , this disease seizes ( except my self if you please ) very few fools . but the exercise of the body is more profitable , than all other things that are us'd to hinder the indigestion of the humours , ( which i reckon the chief cause of the gout ) and to corroborate the blood , and to restore strength to the parts : but it must be noted , which i have mention'd above , that as in this disease , more than in any other chronical disease , the habit of the whole body ought to be chang'd , ; the exercise of the body , unless 't is daily , will do no good ; for this kind of exercise intermitted by turns , as it does scarce conduce any thing ▪ to the change of the habit of the body grown languid and esseminate , by sloth and indulgence , so perhaps it may prove injurious , by occasioning the fit when the patient has disus'd it a long while . but this exercise ought not to be violent , but such as is agreeable to old men , which are most usually the subjects of the gout . for too violent a motion of the body does too much dissipate the spirits , and by consequence hurts the concotions , whereas constant and moderate exercise strengthens them . though this may seem hard to a man , who besides old age and sloth , and the unfitness of the body for motion , which is as it were natural in this disease , is moreover punish'd with pain ; and yet if this be omitted , nothing which has been already found out will do any good . and as the intervals of the fits without constant exercise of the body can't be long , so such a one will be more prone to breed the stone , which is more dangerous and more tormenting than the gout . moreover ( which is of great moment ) the stony matter is much increas'd by long rest in the joints of the body , especially of the fingers , so that at length they are wholly deprived of all motion . for how confidently soever some people affirm , that the matter ▪ of these stones is nothing else but the tartar of the blood put off upon the joints , yet 't will easily appear to any one that does a little weigh the thing more seriously , that when a great deal of unconcocted matter causing the gout , flows upon some of the joints , and renders the neighbouring parts tumid a long while , at last it happens that partly by reason the assimulative vertue of these is choak'd , and partly by reason of a suffocating obstruction which this dull humour breeds in them , the said matter is generated , which is turn'd into this kind of substance by the heat and pain of the joints , and is daily increas'd , changing the flesh and skin into its own nature , which now lies naked , and may be pick'd out with a needle , and is like chalk , or crabs eyes , or some such thing . but now this ill may be prevented by daily exercise , by which the humours causing the gout , which are apt to seize on one part , are duly scatter'd through the whole body . so that it come to pass as i have observ'd in my self , that long and daily exercise does not only hinder the generation of this stony matter , but also dissolves the stones when they are hard and old , if they have not prevail'd so far , as to change the outward skin into their own substance . as to the kind of exercise , riding on horseback , when old age or the stone does not hinder , is much to be preferr'd before the rest : and truly i have many times thought with my self ▪ that if any one knew a medicine which he cou'd also conceal , as effectual in this and most other chronical diseases , as constant and daily riding on horse-back , he might easily get a vast estate . if this can't be us'd , riding in a coach does almost as well ; and on this account at least 't 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 can't the other . but 't is to be observ'd , that 't is best to use exercise in a good air , viz. in the country , and not in a city , where the air is fill'd with vapours exhaling from the shops of various artificers , and thicken'd by the closeness of the buildings , as 't is here in london , which is generally suppos'd to be the most spacious city in the whole world. but how great the difference is betwixt exercising in the country , and exercise in town , any one that has the gout will soon find . as to venery , he that is old and gouty ( being now destitute of a stock of spirits , whereby the concoctions ought to be promoted , and by consequence his joints and the neighbouring parts to them are but too much weaken'd and loosen'd without this adventitious destruction , ) is equally as improvident in my opinion , if he indulge himself in these allurements , as he that having undertaken a long journey , should consume all his provisions before he sets out ; for besides the mischief he brings upon himself by not restraining the impotent desires of feeble age , he deprives himself of the great priviledge of injoying that jubile which is reserv'd as the great and special favour of nature for old men only , whereby in the last scene of their lives , they are at length emancipated from the impetuosities of lust , which like a ravenous beast worried them all the time of their youth night and day : for the full satisfaction of these appetites , can no way compensate for that long train of miseries that either accompany or follow it . and so much for the regimen . but though rules of this kind respecting diet and the other regimen , if they are carefully observ'd by those that are subject to the gout , may preserve them from violent fits of it , and may restore that strength to the blood and solid parts ▪ whereby they may be freed from the many miseries , on which account this disease exceeds humane patience , and at length becomes mortal ; yet after some intervals , especially at the latter end of winter , they will be sometimes seiz'd with the gout ▪ for though in the summer-time , when the tone and vigour of the blood is excited and preserv'd in its state by the heat of the sun , and there is likewise a due elimination of the humours through the pores , 't is reasonable to suppose , that the concoctions should proceed much better than in the winter ; yet when winter approaches , the strength of the blood being lessen'd , and the perspiration through the pores hinder'd , there must needs be a great heap of indigested matter , which by its long continuance causes a fit , as soon as occasion is offer'd , either by the humours put into motion by the patients so near approach to the sun , or by drinking of wine , or by violent exercise , or any other evident cause . 't is manifest from what has been said , that he that endeavours to cure this disease , ought to make it his business to change the habit of his whole body , and to restore its old constitution , as much as age and other circumstances will permit , which must be endeavour'd in the spaces betwixt the fits ; not when the fits are on , for when the fomes is not only generated , but now is cast upon the joint , 't is too late to strive to change it , or to cast it out any other way , for 't is to be ejected by no other method than nature shews , wherein alone we must acquiesce ; which is observ'd in the fits of agues , and for which-reason we do nothing till the heat is over : nor is he more absurd , that is anxiously busied about taking off the heat , drouth and restlefness , and other symptoms of these fevers , than he that thinks he has cur'd the gout , when he has only labour'd to restrain the symptoms ; for by this means he has only made the cure of it more difficult ; for the more he eases the pain , the more he obstructs the concoction of the humours , and the more he takes off the lameness , the more he hinders the expulsion of the morbifick matter . moreover the more the fury and the sharpness of the fit is suppress'd , 't will not only last longer , but the space betwixt the fits will also be shorter , and less free from every degree of the symptoms which accompany this disease ; which no one will deny that has well consider'd what i have treated of above concerning the history of this disease . but now though no great matter must be attempted during the fit , only the removing those symptoms , which a false method of cure sometimes occasions , yet seeing all allow that this disease proceeds from an abundance and an exuberancy of humours , it may perhaps be convenient for the patient to abstain from flesh for some days when he 's first seiz'd , and instead of it , to use simple barly broth , or some such kind of food , which sort of thin diet conduces much towards the lessening the morbifick matter , and will give nature an opportunity to digest it sooner . but forasmuch as there 's a vast difference betwixt the body of one person and another , some not bearing abstinence from flesh , but by reason of it are seiz'd with a confusion of the animal spirits , with fainting , and other symptoms which are wont to befal women that are subject to hysterical fits , these people are injur'd if they forbear flesh any longer than their stomachs loath it , which seldom lasts beyond the first or second day of the particular fits , all which join'd together as i mention'd above , make a whole fit ; but whether any one eat flesh sooner or later , great care must be taken , that they eat no more during the fit than is necessary to sustain nature . nor is less care to be taken about the quality of the diet ; for as in the intervals of the fits , so more especially when the fit is present , the sick ought to take the greatest care , that he don't at all err in the quality or quantity of his meat or drink . and moreover , more than ordinary care must be taken in observing every other regimen , as well as this in the intervals ; and though the pain as well as the unfitness for motion , may seem to contraindicate exercise which i have commended above all others things , yet this labour must be undertaken . for though at the beginning of the fit it may seem impossible that the sick should bear to be carried into a coach , and to be sure he 's much less able to bear the motion of it , and yet if he try it , he will soon perceive that he 's less pain'd by such a motion , than when he keeps at home in his chair . and moreover he has this advantage , if he ride some hours in his coach , in the morning , and after dinner , that whereas when he sat at home all day , he lay awak'd the greatest part of the night , now he can sleep away the pain a great part of the night ; for very moderate exercise does so weary a gouty man , that he falls asleep : and besides the same exercise does somewhat prevent the stone , which an easie life most commonly occasions . but what is most considerable , the total impotence of the limbs for motion , is help'd by constant exercise , which happens to many after the first or second fit , the tendons of the hams and heels being contracted ; for when by reason of the tormenting pain they have allow'd themselves to lye still a long time ( being unwilling to extend their legs when the pain has seiz'd their knees , ) at length they are depriv'd of the motion of their legs and feet all the rest of their lives , as well when the fits are off , as when they are on , for they are not freed from them . furthermore in old men , whose concoctions are much vitiated , and who by reason the disease has afflicted them many years , have as it were the very substance of their bodies turn'd to the gout , 't is not to be hop'd that the disease without exercise , can ever be brought to digestion ; for when the disease is too strong for nature , they often dye by fainting and sickness , which the abundance of the furniture for the disease that can't be concocted produces , and they are destroy'd by this matter , that can't be concocted as by poyson . but notwithstanding what has been said of the utility of exercise in the fits of the gout , yet if the sick by reason of the violence of the fit , is as it were overwhelm'd 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 confin'd to his chamber , 't 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 morbifick 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 broth , small beer , and the like . but we must take notice that if the gout is inveterate , and inclines the sick to fainting , gripes , a looseness , and such kind of symptoms , he will scarce avoid being destroy'd by one of the fits , if he don't use exercise in a free and open air : for a great many gouty people have perish'd by these symptoms , to whom they have been obnoxious by being confin'd to their chambers , and especially to their beds ; whereas had they bore the fategue of riding in a coach the greatest part of the day , they had not died so soon . for though he that is troubled with pain only in one of his limbs , may confine himself to his chamber , yet another that instead of violent pain is afflicted ▪ with sickness , and the other foresaid symptoms , should he do the same , wou'd endanger his life ; and indeed 't is well for the sick when the pain is so violent , that he can't bear motion , for then there 's no great need of it , the very pain which is the bitterest remedy in nature , securing his life . but as to the symptoms of the gout , we must apply our selves to those whereby the life of the patient is indanger'd ; the debility and faintness of the stomach , with gripes of the belly as from wine , is the most frequent of these which befalls those who either have been subject to the gout many years , or those who though they have not been long afflicted with it , have notwithstanding invited this mischief too early , by suddenly changing spirituous liquors for those that are thin and much cooling , or by applying repelling plasters , and other cooling medicines to the parts affected , to asswage the pain ; upon which account the material cause of the disease which ought to have been put off upon the joints , is cast upon the bowels . i have tried many things for the fits of the last years to lessen this symptom ; but nothing did so much good as a small draught of canary wine taken now and then , when the sickness and faintness afflicts the sick : nor is red french wine , nor venice treacle , nor any other cordial thing which i have yet known , so effectual . but we must imagine that neither this wine , nor any other cordial if exercise be not us'd , can wholly preserve the patient . but if any great symptom scarce bearing a truce comes suddenly by reason of the 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 , namely , give twenty drops of liquid laudanum , mix'd 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 diarrhaea , because 't is not yet cast upon the limbs , if it be not the crisis of a particular fit , and if notwithstanding laudanum above commended , and exercise of all sorts , ( for this must be first used for the cure of the diarrhaea , ) the looseness continues , accompanied with sickness and gripes , there 's only one remedy that i know of , viz. to provoke sweat , by a method and medicines design'd 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 looseness , and forces the fomes of the disease upon the limbs . i cur'd my self by this method some years ago , after i had imprudently cast my self into this disease by drinking water for my ordinary drink , when i had us'd cardiack and astringent medicines of various sorts in vain . there is another symptom not so frequent , though i have seen it divers times , viz. a translation of the ●eccant 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 , the limbs in the mean while being wholly or almost freed from the pain and swelling , by reason of the translation of the morbifick matter upon another region ; 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 , viz. by bleeding repeated , and cooling and thickening remedies and diet ; for the blood drawn in this symptom especially , is exactly like the blood of pleuriticks . moreover the sick must be purged betwixt the bleedings , whereby the filth that 's fallen upon the lungs may be carried off . but sweating how powerful soever 't is in forcing the fomes of the disease upon the limbs , does hurt in this case , by hardening the matter that 's thrust upon the lungs ; upon which account small abscesses are generated , and at length the sick certainly dies . moreover 't is to be noted , that almost all gouty people , when they have conflicted a long while with this disease , are subject to the stone of the kidnies ; and that they are wont to be troubled with nephretick pains , either in the state , but most commonly at the declination of a general fit , which don 't only torture him much , but also weakens him much , whereas he was but too much weaken'd and worn out before . in this case , setting aside all other medicines , let him presently take a gallon of posset-drink , wherein ℥ ij of the roots of marsh mallows has been boyl'd , and let the following clyster be injected . take of the roots of marsh-mallows , and lillies , each ℥ i , of the leaves of mallows , pellitory of the wall , bears breach , and of the flowers of chamomel , each m i , of flax and fennugreek seeds , each ℥ ss , boil them in a s. q. of water to lb iss , dissolve in the straining of brown sugar and syrup of marsh-mallows , each ℥ ij , mingle them , and make a clyster . as soon as he has render'd all the posset-drink by vomiting , and has rejected the clyster , let him take a large dose of liquid laudanum , viz. to xxv drops , or xv grains of mathew's pill . if any one inquires for external remedies to ease the pain of the gout , i have hitherto known none , ( though i have tried many in my self and others , ) excepting things meerly cooling and repelling , the use whereof i have shew'd above is dangerous . and i considently affirm , that the greatest part of those who have perished in the gout , have not so properly been kill'd by the disease , as by an improper use of medicines . but if any one will try the vertue of external remedies , which are certainly accounted anodines , don't let him impose upon himself , by applying them at the declination of a particular fit , at which time the pain is about to cease of it self ; but rather let him use them at the beginning of a fit , and then he will soon perceive how fruitless they are , and how vain his hopes . for indeed these epithems may do hurt sometimes , but they can never do any good . for which reason i have us'd no external remedies many years . the pultis made with white bread and saffron boil'd in milk , adding oyl of roses in small quantity , did heretofore do me more good than other things , and yet this signified nothing at the beginning of the fit. therefore if the pain be very violent , 't will be better for the sick to keep himself a bed , 'till the pain is a little abated , than to use external anodines . but 't will not be amiss to take a little laudanum in the evening , if the pain is intollerable , otherwise 't will be better to omit it . but seeing i am now speaking of external remedies , i must say something of the indian moss , call'd moxa , greatly esteem'd of late for the cure of the gout , if it be burnt a little upon the part affected . though this kind of remedy is said to be receiv'd from the oriental indians , being wholly unknown by the europeans ▪ yet 't will appear to be known among us many ages , to him that shall consult the writings of hippocrates , published above two thousand years ago . he says in his excellent treatise of diseases , that if the pain continues obstiuate in any one part , and can't be expell'd by medicines , in what ever part it is , you must burn it with crude flax. and afterwards speaking of the gout , he says , the same things are good , which are proper in the diseases of the joints ; and indeed this disease is long and grievous , but not deadly . but if the pain remains in the fingers , burn the veins in the fingers , above the joints , with crude flax. now i suppose no one will think that there 's any specifick difference betwixt the flame rais'd by flax , or by this indian moss , no more than he can suppose that a fire kindled with pieces of oak , can do any thing more than the wood of the ash-tree . this burning of the part affected may be useful for mitigating the pain , the most spirituous part of the morbifick matter cast off upon the joints , being drawn out by it ; but the benefit obtain'd by this means , forasmuch as it does not any way cure indigestion , the antecedent cause of the gout must needs be very short and fading , and to be used only when the gout is beginning . for when the gout , as it sometimes happens , is turn'd inward , either by its long continuance , or by an unseasonable and undue use of medicines , and so afflicts the patient rather with sickness , gripes , and a great many other symptoms of this kind than with pain , i suppose no one will think that fire is to be used . chap. v. of the bloody urine from the stone in the kidnies . though it may seem imprudent to publish an observation , whereof i have had only experience in my self , yet i suppose no unprejudic'd person will be angry with me , who have been so much and so long troubled with a bloody urine , occasion'd by the stone in the kidnies , for commiserating those that are afflicted with the same disease , and for discovering those remedies that have eas'd me ; though they are vulgar perhaps , and lightly accounted of . in the year 1660 , the gout seiz'd me more violently , and continued longer than ever ; and when on this account i lay'd continually for two months in the summer-time , either in or upon a soft bed ; towards the latter end of the fit i began to feel a dull and heavy pain , especially in my left kidney , and sometimes , though rarely , in my right . and when i recover'd from the gout , yet notwithstanding the pain of the kidnies remain'd , which made me fear the stone , though the pain was not at all acute , but tollerable enough ; for i had not yet had a nephretick fit , which is accompanied with violent pain , stretching it self through the passage of the ureters , and with violent vomiting . but though these signs of the stone in the kidnies did not appear , yet i had good reason to believe , that i had a large stone in the pelvis of the kidnies , which because 't was too large to pass into the passage of the ureters , did not occasion the foresaid symptoms . and many years after i found i was not mistaken ; for when in the winter , 1676 , presently after the breaking of a violent frost , i had walk'd much and a long time , i immediately render'd urine mix'd with blood , and so i did as often as i walk'd much , or rode in a coach in pav'd streets , though the horses went gently ; but this did not happen to me , how far so ever i travell'd in the great roads that are not pav'd the urine that i voided then , though it look'd terrible as i render'd it , almost like pure blood , yet soon after 't was limpid and like it self at the top , the blood clodding by it self at the bottom . for the cure of this disease , i bled largely in the arm , and after general purges , i us'd cooling and incrassating medicines of various kinds , and a diet agreeable to these things , and carefully avoided acid and acrid and attenuating liquors . but these and many other things which it would be tedious to mention , doing no good , and fearing to provoke the stone forward , which i suspected was too big to be expell'd by chalybeat waters , at length i left off all hopes of doing any good by them , and chiefly because i had observ'd , that some old men of my acquaintance had hasten'd their end , while they were attempting in vain to cure this disease by such remedies . wherefore i resolv'd to try no more , only by avoiding as much as i cou'd the motion of the body , to prevent this disease . but at length considering how wonderfully some praise the lithontriptick vertue of the seed of the ash-tree , i imagin'd that if the seed of it had so much vertue , 't was very probable that the manna of the ash , shou'd have more ; that as the excellent botanist mr. ray , and many other writers say , not being airy hony or coelestial dew , but rather a liquor sweating out of the leaves , the trunk and branches of ash-trees in calabria ; the truth whereof , was confirm'd to mr. ray , ( when he travel'd italy , ) by a learned physician , who oft-ten gather'd manna from the branches and leaves , when they were exactly cover'd with linen cloaths ▪ see ray's catalogue of english plants . therefore being about to make the experiment , i drank ℥ ijss of manna dissolv'd in lb ij of whey , swallowing now and then a little of the juice of lemons , while i was purging , to quicken this cathartick , which us'd to work slowly , and to render it more pleasing to the stomach . it can scarce be said how much ease i receiv'd about the region of the reins , by the use of this remedy ; for tho' before they did not alwas ake , yet they were affected with a heavy and troublesome pain . and because it succeeded so well with me , i took the same cathartick on 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 till the last spring , at the approach whereof , having been miserably afflicted with the gout all the foregoing winter , and by reason of my unfitness for motion , having liv'd without exercise more than i us'd to do , the bloody urine return'd again ; and now i doubted whether i shou'd betake my self again to purging , because of late years , the whole substance of my body being as it were , turn'd into the fomes of the gout , the gentlest purge did most certainly occasion a fit of the gout ; at length i consider'd , that if i gave a paregorick every night after purging , to quiet the tumult the purge had rais'd , i might safely resume my old method of taking manna once a week . therefore in the morning i took ℥ ijss of manna in lb ij of whey , and in the evening xvi of liquid laudanum in small-beer , repeating the manna and laudanum in the said manner , twice a week for three weeks ; afterwards i us'd the manna only once a week , the filth of the humours being so copiously discharg'd by the cathartick , that the gout was not greatly to be fear'd , and my reason telling me , that if the manna was endow'd with any faculty that is dissolving , or any other way lithontriptic , to be sure the vertue and efficacy of the remedy i trusted in , wou'd be somewhat lessen'd by such an astringent medicine as laudanum is ; and therefore i thought it better to omit the hypnotic , seeing i purg'd only once a week . i continued this method some months , always purging of the same day of the week ; nor wou'd i break this custom , upon any account whatever . tho' the pain of the back remitted after the first dose of this remedy as formerly , yet soon after purging repeated , made the gout appear , threatning war sometimes in the limbs , and sometimes in the bowels ; but laudanum strongly repress'd these motions of the disease : and this method succeeding well hitherto , i thought i ought to continue it , both to prevent the return of the bloody urine , and to lessen somewhat the matter that generates the stone , which answer'd according to my desire , this hemorrhage wholly vanishing from the time i first publish'd this treatise , and therefore i quite left off the manna . therefore as to purging , ( if there is a bloody urine , and if manna be only us'd according to the method above deliver'd ) i must retract my opinion which i publish'd concerning the gout , viz. that 't is no way fit that people subject to the gout , shou'd be purg'd either at the beginning , or at the declination , or in the intervals of the fit. for then it did not come into my mind , that the fit occasion'd by the purge , cou'd be restrain'd , by giving an hypnotic at night . yet with respect only to the gout , all evacuations do much hurt , and therefore are not to be admitted , unless the foresaid symptom requires the use of them . i will add these things concerning the regimen and manner of diet , which seems to me , proper for those that are troubl'd with either of these diseases ; for i wou'd by no means pass by any thing that may be of use to those that are afflicted with the same diseases i am . in the morning when i rise , i drink a dish or two of tea , and then ride in my coach till noon ; when i return home , i moderately refresh my self with any sort of meat of easie digestion that i like ; ( for moderation is necessary above all things ) presently after dinner every day , i drink somewhat more than a quarter of a pint of canary wine , to promote the concoction of the meat in my stomach , and to drive the gout from my bowels : when i have dined , i betake my self to my coach again , and when i have leisure , i ride into the country two or three miles for good air. a draught of small-beer , is to me instead of a supper , and i take another draught when i am in bed and about to compose my self to sleep , that by this julap i may cool and dilute the hot and acrid juices lodg'd in the kidnies , whereof the stone is generated . and i prefer at this time , and at dinner-time , small-beer that has hops in it , before that which has none . for tho' that which is not hopt , is smoother and softer , and so fitter to carry off the stone from the kidnies , yet that which is hopt , by reason of the stiptic quality which the hops impart to it , is not so apt to generate sandy and stony matter , as that which is not hopt ; the substance whereof , is more viscous and slimy . i take care to go to bed early , especially in winter , than which nothing is better to render the concoctions perfect , and likewise to preserve that form and order which of right , belongs to nature . whereas on the contrary , night-works lessen all the concoctions of old men that labour with any chronical disease , and dangerously wound their vital principle . and to prevent a bloody urine by reason of the stone , i take great care that as often as i am to ride a long way upon the stones , ( for if i travel never so far in a coach in the common roads , i receive no damage ) to drink a large draught of small-beer before i go into the coach , and also before my return , if i have been abroad a pretty while , whereby i secure my self very well from the bloody urine . but as to the gout , i will add this one thing , of late years by reason of some errors about the six non-naturals , the gouty matter sometimes strikes in , the signs whereof are violent sickness with vomiting , and some pain of the belly , the limbs in the mean while are suddenly free from pain , and more fit for motion than is usual . in this case i drink a gallon of posset-drink , or small beer , and as soon as 't is all rejected by vomiting , i drink a small draught of canary wine , with eighteen drops of liquid laudanum in it to compose me to rest ; and by this means i have divers times rescued my self from imminent death . though perhaps it may seem ridiculous , ( especially for one who 's being well or dead , is scarce of any consequence , ) to make such frequent mention of one's self , yet these things are said , to the intent others may be benefited thereby , whose lives or health are of greater value or moment . lastly , 't is to be noted into what great danger some that are afflicted with the gout and stone cast themselves , by taking unadvisedly manna dissolv'd in purging mineral waters ; for though when 't is taken this way , it works quicker , and is not so nauseous , yet these little conveniencies can't equal an injury occasion'd by the waters on another account . for if the stone in the kidnies is so large , that it can't pass through the passage of the ureters into the bladder , these waters most commonly occasion a fit , which indures to the great hazard of the patient's life , till the stone returns into the pelvis . nor can the sick safely venture upon chalybeat waters , unless he can can certainly know first that the stone is not so large , but that it may either find or make a way through the ureters , which so far as i understand , can be known only certainly this way ; viz. if before he has been seiz'd with a nephritick fit , ( with violent pain in either of the reins , stretching it self through the passages of the ureters with violent vomiting , ) he has found that there is not so properly a large stone in the pelvis , as a heap of small stones , whereof one will now and then fall into the ureter , and so cause a fit , which does not go off 'till the stone is thrust down into the bladder . when the case is so , there 's no more effectual remedy , either to prevent the increase of small stones , or to drive them from the reins , than the drinking freely of chalybeat waters a long while every summer . but because it often happens , that one is seiz'd with a nephritick fit , when these mineral waters are not to be got , or when the season of the year is not favourable for drinking of them . in this case you must proceed in that short method for the stone in the kidnies , mention'd at the latter end of the foregoing chapter . but if the sick is of a sanguine constitution , and not antient , ℥ x of blood must be first taken from the arm of the same side with the affected kidney . but old men worn out by some chronical disease , and old women subject to vapours , ( especially if at the beginning they void a black and sandy urine , ) must not bleed ; but as to other things , they must proceed wholly according to the method now deliver'd . but to return to the stone when 't is large , the business in hand , if the nephritick person was never seiz'd with a fit of the stone , that being too large to fall out of the pelvis , iron waters can't be us'd for reasons above-mention'd , without present danger . nor does the use of mineral waters prove better in gouty people , if they are old , as they are most commonly , and of a weak and phlegmatick habit of body , for in these the strengh of nature is so much lessen'd , that 't is greatly to be fear'd that such a quantity of water may wholly overwhelm it . but whether this is the cause of the injury that falls upon men of such a habit of body or constitution or not , i am sure many whose bodies have been much broken by this disease , have been kill'd by these waters . finis . publish'd by the same author , and sold by henry bonwicke at the red lion in st. paul's church-yard , collections of acute diseases , in five parts : 1. of the small pox and measles . 2. of the plague and pestilential fevers . 3. of continual fevers . 4. of agues , a pleurify , peripneumonia , quinsey , and the cholera morbus . 5. and last , of the bloody-flux , miscarriage , of acute diseases of women with child , a rheumatism , bleeding at nose , apoplexy , lethargy , and of several other diseases . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a53910-e3190 the cure. the hysterick colick . ortho-methodoz itro-chymikē: or the direct method of curing chymically wherein is conteined [sic] the original matter, and principal agent of all natural bodies. also the efficient and material cause of diseases in general. their therapeutick way and means. i. diætetical, by rectifying eating, drinking, &c. ii. pharmaceutick. 1. by encreasing and supporting the vital spirits. 2. by pacifying and indulging them. 3. by defacing or blotting out the idea of diseases by proper specificks. lastly, by removing the extimulating or occasional cause of maladies. to which is added, the art of midwifery chymically asserted. the character of an ortho-cymist, and pseudochymist. a description of the sanative virtues of our stomach-essence. also, giawo-mempsiz: or a just complaint of the method of the galenists. by george thomson, m.d. thomson, george, 17th cent. 1675 approx. 278 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 108 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-08 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a62438 wing t1029 estc r222195 99833411 99833411 37887 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a62438) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 37887) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 2199:04) ortho-methodoz itro-chymikē: or the direct method of curing chymically wherein is conteined [sic] the original matter, and principal agent of all natural bodies. also the efficient and material cause of diseases in general. their therapeutick way and means. i. diætetical, by rectifying eating, drinking, &c. ii. pharmaceutick. 1. by encreasing and supporting the vital spirits. 2. by pacifying and indulging them. 3. by defacing or blotting out the idea of diseases by proper specificks. lastly, by removing the extimulating or occasional cause of maladies. to which is added, the art of midwifery chymically asserted. the character of an ortho-cymist, and pseudochymist. a description of the sanative virtues of our stomach-essence. also, giawo-mempsiz: or a just complaint of the method of the galenists. by george thomson, m.d. thomson, george, 17th cent. [14], 220 [i.e.200] p. printed for b. billingsley at the printing-press in cornhill, & s. crouch at the upper end of popes-head-alley, london : 1675. with errata at foo of a8v. p. 200 misnumbered p. 220. copy tightly bound. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic 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understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng diseases -causes and theories of causation -early works to 1800. medicine -early works to 1800. 2004-02 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-05 rachel losh sampled and proofread 2004-05 rachel losh text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion ορθο-μιθοδοσ ιατ●-χεμικη or the direct method of curing chymically . wherein is conteined the original matter , and principal agent of all natural bodies . also the efficient and material cause of diseases in general . their therapeutick way and means . i. diaetetical , by rectifying eating , drinking , &c. ii. pharmaceutick . 1. by encreasing and supporting the vital spirits . ● . by pacifying and indulging them . 3. by defacing or blotting out the idea of diseases by proper specificks . lastly , by removing the extimulating or occasional cause of maladies . to which is added , the art of midwifery chymically asserted . the character of an ortho-chymist , and psevdo chymist . a description of the sanative virtues of our stomach-essence . also , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : or a just complaint of the method of the galenists . by george thomson , m. d. plurimi morbi cedunt per simplicia : ●st ubi morbus in gradum surrexit altiora exiguntur remedia . v. helm . london , printed for b. billingsley at the printing-press in cornhill , & s. crouch at the upper end of popes-head-alley . 1675. the epistle dedicatory to the most illustrious prince rupert , dvke of cumberland , earl of holderness , knight of the most noble order of the garter , and one of his maiestie 's most honourable privy councel , &c. may it please your highness , it was once my happyness in the late wars to be under the martial conduct of your renowned brother , prince mavrice , beloved by all loyal generous spirits for his valour and prudence . now i bless the heavens that promise me the benevolent aspect of your candid mercurial genius upon these chymical labours , which i humbly present to the view of your piercing eye , most able to make an in pection into the verity of things arising from pyrotechnie and manufacture . my thoughts did heretofore seem to be settled never to dedicate , for the future , a writing of mine to any whomsoever : yea , i had continued in that mind , to expose truth abroad solitary to shift for it self ( conceiving it best able to maintain her own propriety ) but that hearing it frequently discoursed in most company i met with ; how ardently your highness was devoted to serve the nation for publick good : what a philomathes and philalethes , sincere lover and defender you were of essential truths and ingenious arts in general , especially mechanical pyrotechnical operations , an assertor of experimental optical and sensible effects , fruits and products of things , and that for this reason you had an extraordinary kindness for our most excellent philosopher van helmont , your country-man ; i fortwith , affected with these rare endowments , altered my former intentions , resolving now to make my address to such a mecaenas ( for the discussion of these our chymical problemes by fact ) whose head is known to be endowed with subtil inventions , indefatigable inquiry after rarities and arcana's , whose heart is full of integrity , heroick designs , magnanimity , and hands most active in contriving exquisite works , and daedalean mechanicks . wherefore , truly noble sir , be pleased to accept of this oblation , which hath its chief original from pyrotechnie ; and according as you find it bear the test entertain or reject it . the sum of this physical tract is a practical discovery of the notable errours of the galenists , avouching that their principles in physiologie are false ; that they are ignorant of the quiddity , essence , or the true radical essential cause of all diseases : that they are grosly to seek in the direct method or shortest way of curing them : that the indications or measures they take from heat and cold , applicating upon that ground ( according to the rule of contraries ) their indicata or remedies are both fraudulent , and pestilent to mortals . that their unacquaintance with the synth●sis or constitution of the vital spirit , the cause of its rage and perturbation from somthing very offensive to it ( wherepon the image of a disease is delineated ) is the reason why they thus neglect to support nature as they ought , to allay its tempests , to deface morbisick idea's by specificks . lastly , being altogether occupied about the cutting off the accidents qualities , epigenomena , symptoms and products of evils , by bleeding and purging , they are insufficient to cure directly , immediately and radically any great malignant feaver , pleurisie , &c. the boon i beg of your highness is , not to suffer the truth to be abused through the collusions , sophistical evasions , equivocations , supplantations , scurrilous language and affronts of our antagonists : but that there may be a plain judicious determination of these controversies according to the clear evidence of fact , and the reality of experiments : for which the genuine professors of this philosophical chymical art will be bound to celebrate your praises to all posterity . your highness faithful servant , george thomson . the epistle to the reader . dear countrey-man , if thou beest a hearty lover of truth , and a solid genuine english-man , no phantastical affecter of the levity of this age , enter upon the reading of this treatise without prejudice or partiality : having perused it , give the world freely thy iudgment concerning it . object what thou canst ( like a candid philalethes , no caviller , or wrangler ) but still let thy most rectified reason , and firm experience be as inseparable as hippocrates his twins , always giving place to the latter . if thou censure me harshly , not giving me leave to clear my self by the assured evidence of action , i shall absolutely deny thee to be one , called a virtuosi pretend it never so much ) or a friend to the lord bacon . here is no hot , fruitless disputation about things indifferent in religion . no subtil pleading by covin , or collusion , as often happens in the law. nothing historical , or traditional to be subscribed to for antiquity , or authority sake . here is no deceitful conclusions , or captious argumentations fitting for the schools : nor acribology an exact discussion of matters , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little serviceable or vseful in the general , becoming some virtuosi at this day . no logomachie , an idle velitation , or contention about words , the exercise of pedanticks : but in this enchiridium is cortained that which will teach you directly to enjoy health of body , and , consequently , more integrity and clarity of mind : for , animi actiones spirituum synthesin , eupathiam vel dyspathiam eutoniam vel atoniam sequuntur . by this means you will learn to be cautious , how you impair nature , either for the present , or future , by the false method of bleeding , caco-stomachick purging , &c. if you be capable to receive this doctrine , not onely your self , but your posterity will fare the better . by virtue of this goddess sanity , thou mayst atchieve noble exploits , either keeping off , or bearing more couragiously all the adverse strokes of fortune ; enjoying hereby a far more happy life in the lowest condition , than they in the most prosperous state , tormented with the stone , gout , &c. in this paper i counsel thee to keep up thy spirits ( the principal efficient cause of health and sickness ) by multiplying them with what is most nigh their texture , by pacifying their rage and fury with pleasing objects , indulging their frowardness , gratifying their ardent appetite , illuminating their obscurity . next , i put thee upon the search of proper specificks , having a dowry bestowed upon them able to fully , marr , or quite expunge the idea , or image of a disease . lastly , i give directions how to banish , exterminate , exclude through the proper door with euphorie , and benefit succeeding that irritating , aculeating , peccant matter , which causes those manifold tumults and disorders in the archeus of the microcosin . all which is to be performed without wronging the ferments , or altering the instruments of any shop of digestion , especially the first . in avouching these substantial verities , thou mayst , perhaps conceive , i have too severely reprehended the galenists , to the eclipsing the illustrious fame of such learned clerks , whom both great and small in all ages have admired . to which i reply , i am fully satisfied within my own breast , that i have in no wise wronged them ( although they have me often-times ) in laying to their charge what they are not guilty of , being ready upon all fair opportunities , to demonstrate what i have here declared . besides , so weighty and precious is the praedicate , or subject we handle , that it would be an offence more hainous in me above others , indangering my immortal part , if conscious what slaughter of mankind is daily made by their pseudo-method of curing , i should be silent , indulge , connive at , extenuate , or palliate such capital crimes : this considered , with their delight in the darkness of galenical falsities ; also their active , obstinate ignorance : now , when the splendid beams of chymical truth appear , they deserve to be handled with far greater rigour than i have expressed . i wish my antagonists would behave themselves as candidly , and ingenuously to me as i to them , they would soon find me alter from an acid to an alkali nature ; from a tart , to a sweet disposition . if they would please to put me to the tryal , they will find me really what i profess , a lover of my king and countrey , upon the foundation of verity and virtue ; a hater of vice , debauchery , lewdness , all irreligion in any whatsoever ; a resolute promoter , to my power , of all good arts and sciences , especially that of healing man's infirmities ; a defender of learning , and an admirer of great abilities and integrity . farewel , expecting , as soon as i can get it well printed , a tract in latine , viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 de splenectomia . lithocolo & loimotomiae synopsi . novemb. 4. 1674. from my house at soper-lane , alias queen-street , in well-court , nigh cheapside . geo. thomson . an explanation of some terms of art. chymist , is one who imitates nature in the separating the pure juice from the dross and ●ilth for the use of medicine mechanicks , and the ●dvancement of mettals , spagyrist is the same . therapeutick , i. e. a healing faculty . iatrical , pertaining to physick , healing . chymicophant , one who seems to be a chymist , but is not really . philomathes , a lover of learning . philalethes , a lover of truth . caco-stomachick , hurtful to the stomach . pyrotechnist , in general any workman by the fire , in particular , by way of excellency a chymist . pharmaceutick , physick which cureth by medicines . ortho-method , a direct upright short way . ortho-chymist , the true artist . pseudo-chymist , the ●alse . physiologie the reason of the nature of things , and a searching into their cause . idea , the figure , seal or pattern of things conceived in the imagination . the idea of a disease is the essence of it . archeus of paracel . and enormon of hippo. is the seminal vital spirit , the principal impetuous agent , or spiritual contriver and supporter of every thing , the arch preeminent author of health and sickness . gas , is a wild invisible spirit , not to be imprisoned or pent up , without damage of what conteins it , arising from the fermentation of the concourse of some bodies , as it were eructating or rasping this untamable matter . thermologists and psychrologists , are they who principally treat of heat and cold , neglecting essential properties . ferment ( according to van helm . ) is a formal ens , neither substance , nor accident , but neutral as light , fire , &c. stored or laid up from the beginning of the world in certain determinate places , for the preparing and exciting the seeds o● things . it carries some allusion or similitude wit● the leaven or ferment , bakers or bruers use , whic● is of a contagious diffusive odour , rarefying● dissolving nature , rousing up the spirit to fall t● action , to digest and make separation . alkali , is properly a salt from the herb kali● potash . any lixjviate salt extracted by calcination● or whatsoever volatile salt , having concordanc● or affinity with the former . alcohol vini , is its spirit totally depriv'd of phlegm xeuexton , an amulet against the pest. relollaeu● is a bare quality without a seminal being . liqu● alcahest is the universal dissolvent preserving th● seed of things inviolated . nosopoietick , that causeth a disease . anadrom● a running back . phaenomena , appearances . epig●nomena , supervenients , whatsoever succeed . errata page 10. line 15. read helmontian p. 12. l. 5. r. provocati●● p. 16. l. 5. r. signature . p. 17. l. 8. r. stomach chiefly . p. 18. l. dele the. p. 26. l. 11. r. quot . p. 3. l. 3. r. be careful . p. 32. l. 6. r. dig●●stions . p. 33. l. 7. r. those . l. 8. are . p. 35. l. 18. r. to the. p. 39. l 25. r. de●●ceent . p. 38. l. 6. r. draining . p. 38. l. 22. r. light p. 42. l. 30. r. assista●● p. 49. l. 2. r. and rest . p. 47. l. 6 r. acids . p. 60. l. 24. r. concrete . p. 65 〈◊〉 9. r. channel . l. 13. r. contraction . p. 67. l. 24. r. theorems . p. 68. l. ●● r. pyrotechnical . p. 69. l. 17. r. pyrotechnicôs . l. 29. r. balsamical . ●● 72. l. ●● r. acid meliorated . p. 72. l. 8. r. philalethes . l. 20. r. physio●●ger . p. 73. l 2. r. iterated . l. 14. r. dulcifie . p. 80. l. 11. r. salsi . l. 21. r. ●●tyrous . p. 88. l. 30. r. miss . p. 9. l. 29. r. imbued . p. 103. l. 12. r. tritu●●●tion . p. 110. l. 15. r. of ♁ by the. p. 111. l. 4. r. extermination . p. 21 〈◊〉 l. 9. r. rutilating . l. 21. r. and being . l. 23. r. empyical . p. 116. l. 27 〈◊〉 idealium . p. 118. l. 1. r. defaecated sulphurs . p. 125. l. 16. r. found 〈◊〉 p. 139. l. 27. r. empyical . p. 152. l. ult . r. corrector . p. 157. l. 26. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ps 166. l. 4. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. 173. l. 6. r. intestinal . p. 174. l. 15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. 181. l. 8. r. learned chymical . the direct method of curing chymically . chap. i. a brief examination of the original matter of natural bodies , with their dissolution . i shall first declare what nature is , according to our philosopher ; viz. a power implanted in the creature , to act in such a manner and measure according to the will of the creator , for ends best known to himself . the course and order of producing effects suitable to the first seminal cause , is constant , unless hindered by cross accidents intervening , or by some extraordinary stop put thereto by him , who is the chief mover of all essences . i look upon the materia prima of aristotle as impossible , a meer chimaera . galen and his sectaries are much mistaken in delivering the four elements : earth , water , aire , fire , the material cause of all things : which being ( as they say ) variously mixt and tempered by power of an active form , bring forth bodies of different shapes , and kind , one from another . the late chymical philosophers reject the former opinion , and being frequently conversant in opening all sorts of bodies by the fire ( which they will by no means allow to be an element ) and meeting frequently with salt , sulphur , mercury , have confidently taught , that these are the beginning matter of all things tangible . others add two more ; i. e. water and earth : all which ( as is asserted ) they can at their pleasure demonstrate , or lay open to view when they make separations . this discovery by fire indeed seems far more plausible , and favourable for the foundations and principles of all bodies , than the former conceit ; yet , upon severe search , it will not hold true . for as i have published in haemati . directed by helmonts doctrine , these which they call principles , are made by the fire , not actually existent before in the compound body : neither can salt , sulphur , mercury be extracted by any art whatsoever out of all things tractable . moreover , their unsteadfastness shews them to be no principles , for they are easily changed one into another , contrary to the nature of what ought to be the beginning of things . wherefore dr. willis his doctrine taken from bened . valent. or paracelsus , and trimly polished for sale , is to be rejected , as being not only false in the first instructions concerning nature , but also dangerous and destructive if made use of , according to what he hath delivered for the cure of diseases . learned helmonts discovery of acidum , i. e. sharp , of a binding rough condition , and an alkalie of a lixiviate smooth nature , either volatile or fixed , having a property to scour or loosen , is by tachenius , and some excellent philosophers owned to be the best of sensibles ; whereby we can most experimentally , and effectually , derive the nighest origination of all things endewed with a corporeal being : into which acidum , and alkali , art is able to bring back the same . besides these two luminaries in physick , afford the clearest directions for the cure of the worst maladies ; the only chief end , for which the upright physitian is to put out himself : notwithstanding these ( how specious soever principles reputed ) are not really so ; for they as well as the former may be reduced into water , which by the authority of acute van helmont , and my own proof in some measure , i set down as the principle , and ultimate matter , the beginning , and end of all elementarie bodies . for according to the diversity of ferments , the activity of the seminal spirit , and the peculiar image delineated by it , this liquid matter is moulded into those infinite number of various kinds of creatures . this is that abyss , or deep on which the spirit of god moved at first , now successively the spirit of the world , which out of this never failing treasure of water , frames those innumerable kinds of things obvious to our senses : now of all tangible essences , nothing is more similar or freer from alloy & mixture than water , nothing more capable of impress , nor susceptible of a seminal spirit , and so easie to be brought to this or that form. hence 't is manifest , there is not any thing chiefly more requisite for the production of all corporeal beings , than this material subject , namely water : and an efficient cause , viz. a spirituous seed working ( by means of ferments , or a certain volatile , spreading , swelling , chafing scent ) according as it frames that idea , or picture of the thing it intends to bring by degrees to perfection : till which time , the same agent ( if not impeded by some accidents ) which began makes a constant progress , till the whole be finished , bringing it to the highest state ; from whence , by little and little it declines , at length returning to that , from which it took its first being . what i have here delivered , the sensible seed of animals , plants and minerals confirm : for they all consist of a jelly-like substance , easily to be brought into water . the corporeal seed of all animals are as it were a mucilage , or the white of an egg : the seed of all vegetables may by digestion be turned into the like consistence . as to minerals , the best inquirers into them affirm , that a certain green , glutinous , slimy water flowing in peculiar places of the earth , gives them their first birth . so that an able chymical philosopher hath no reason to doubt what helmont hath set down ; to wit , that all bodies have their beginning from water ; that he could by means of his liquor alkahest , cause them to return again to the same . this is that proteus which being altered by an odorous ferment peculiarly inherent in the seminal matter , or the place where it resides , invites such a portion of the universal spirit ( according as it is capable ) to mould it by degrees into such a species , or individual being , proportionable to the plat-form laid at first . ( all outward conveniencies concurring . ) withal , as concretes or bodies are generated from vvater , so are they likewise chiefly nourished thereby : for the experiment of our philosopher confirms it thus . he took an earthen vessel , filling it with 200 weight of earth dried in an oven , in which , moistened with rain-water , he set the stem of a vvillow of five pound weight . this being for the space of five years irrigated , was nourished only with rain or distilled water as there was need , ( the vessel being covered over with a plate of tin full of holes lest any dust from without should fall into it ) after five years growth the plant put into the scales , weighed 169 pound , besides the quantity of leaves four years every autumn left out . then at last he weighed the foresaid earth dried , and it wanted of the former weight not above two ounces : upon this account 164 pound of vvood , bark , and root sprang from vvater alone . this experiment of van helm . did that excellent searcher into nature , the lord bacon confirm , by the encrease of a shrub kept a considerable time in vvater . the same vvater feedeth 40 distinct plants growing on one bed . also divers animals do plainly arise from a waterish matter : they are likewise preserved principally therewith . in the stomach of the salmon is seldome any solid matter found : neither can the sturgeon take into the stomach any gross matter for nourishment , the passage belonging thereto being so small , that scarse any thing but vvater can enter . some men and vvomen have been reported to live with vvater alone for many dayes . that pretious and viler stones are generated by vvater , and encreased by the same , is manifest , according to the tryal of van helmont . touching those existents which the chymists call principles , they are not really such ; for they have their rise from vvater , and may be specified , yea although they seem to be singular , yet may they be severed into diversity of parts . e. g. sulphur , which to the eye appears to be all of one frame , may be brought into a sharp corroding liquor : the same also may be brought into liquid balsome , or into an earthy pouder . out of sallad oyl a corrosive liquor may be made ; besides , it may without any difficulty be altered into vvater . salts may be turned into an oyly substance , then after become insipid : mercury doth ( as van helmont , and experience testifie ) consist of a double sulphur inward , and outward ; this being capable to be separated from it by art ▪ chap. ii. of the efficient cause , or primary agent of all sublunary bodies . the best philosophy teaches us , that al● constitutes have their material beginning from vvater . how this liquor comes to be diversified into innumerable kind of substances , is further to be enquired . the first alteration of this fluid body is made by a sulphureous ferment , giving a hogo to it , whereby a seminal spirit is excited to dispose and mould the matter into a form agreeable to that image or type i● hath laid . that which doth chiefly occasion and further the fermentation of vvater is , some secret acide , or sharpness proceeding from the aire , or elswhere . this insinuating closely , unites with the alkali in the vvater whence ariseth an agitation or vvorking commonly observed , when these two meet together : consequently the watery particles are exceedingly rarified , acquiring a certain peculiar scent , which they carry along with them , infecting the whole mass , wherein they reside : hereupon the archeus or vital spirit breaks forth into act , containing in it the true seminal idea , or picture of the thing capable to receive its form , and perfection . chap. iii. concerning the aitiologie , efficient , immediate and material cause of all diseases . what the antients generally , and some at this day call the conjunct , or immediate cause of diseases , i shall ( with most knowing helmont ) assign to be the occasional , provoking , or incensing . forasmuch as , whosoever desires to enquire into the nature of things aright , ought to be informed , concerning the very being of the same , as it relates to that which made it so . now no disease can have any subsistence , mansion or lodging place , but in a body endued with a vital spirit ( albeit in the dead the four humours of the galenists , and the three principles of the chymists be not wanting . ) for this reason the archeus or spirit must of necessity be the nighest fundamental beginning of all maladies whatsoever . for as our health depends upon this living spirit , when it is in all respects duly constituted , without any considerable defect in it ; so sickness ariseth when the same preserver of strength , is depraved or estranged from that clearness , proportion , and regularity , which ought to be in it . those degenerate , or bastard juices engendered through manifold errors in the helmontion six digestions , especially the first , are only means to put the living spirit into perturbation , vexation , and inordinate motions , whereby it frames images of evils , according to the condition of the troublesome , abusive intruding guest : so that in short , the seed of this , or that disease , with an absolute pattern how it is to be acted , is planted in this first founder of the whole fabrick : the grief being as inseparable from the vital spirit , as life it self ; yea it is even concentrated or seated in the very middle point thereof , and never to be separated therefrom , till the kernel , wherein this diseased image is drawn , be extinct , and quite abolished . this doctrine may seem strange to those , who are unacquainted with the writings of our profound philosopher ; however so great is the truth thereof , that 't is impossible any one should either prevent or cure diseases to a purpose , unless he be well disciplined in this solid knowledge . hence it is that opinionative doctors do so often blunder and mistake in healing any rooted infirmities ; because they either insist upon their four aristotelian elements and humours , analogous to them , as choler , phlegm , melancholy , blood , with the distemper coming from thence , or take their false measure of curing from the principles ( i mentioned before ) borrowed of the chymists , which some will have to be the next cause of diseases ; whereas they being present , only vex , gaul , bring into divers passions , the archeus : whereupon that which before did perform all things requisite in the body , decently and in order , is now become tumultuous , acting in an inconvenient preposterous manner . by this means the ferment or dissolvent in the stomach produces many raw juices , fretting liquors , which congeal the blood , or melt it into filthy matter , then follows a detention of excrements , or a profuse indiscreet throwing out good and bad ; also a specifick poison is created proportionable to those without : hence a crowd of sad symptoms appear . wherefore i repeat , the great cause why the galenists have been so unsuccessful in their curing is , because they did not truly distinguish between prevocative , occasional , and the essential inseparable cause between the concomitants , accidents , products , and consequents of humane calamities . for while they conclude a feaver to be principally heat , they have thereby taken a false indication or instructions , to free the body from that affliction ; neglecting to blot out the image of the sickness , to appease the enraged vitals , and to remove the vexatious , thorny , degenerate , dead juices , without empairing nature , wronging the stomach , or offering any violence to any shop ordained for digestion . they may plainly perceive ( if sordid gain did not blind them ) 't is labour in vain to purg bucketfuls of choler , and melancholy , ( which they suppose to be the conjunct united cause of the evil ) to let out great quantity of blood from the limbs for the cure of the scurvie , &c. sith generally the patient is more weakened , and his evil oftentimes more confirmed hereby . assuredly did they set nature upon her legs , when she is either sitting , or prostrate under any calamity , she would soon conquer her enemy , which kept her in subjection . would they but follow hippocrates , who taught them that naturae sunt morborum medicatrices , they would speedily renounce bleeding , and feeble , hurtful purgatives , to be looked upon as contrivers , and factors of filthy matter , which the expulsive power stirred up , casts out with the poison : so that in reality , the common way of purging is only like pumping , without stopping the leak . for as hippo. delivers , 't is not how much , but what is cleansed away doth good ; the occasional , exciting , peccant , fermenting matter being often very small as to its bulk . humane sickness hath a spiritual beginning , progress , state , and declination , arising from a seed , as all other things ; therefore they have a real entity , consisting of an efficient and material cause , both seated ●n the spirit of life , active and passive in contriving its own ruine , when at any time it is disturbed through any outward accident . when any thing very injurious to nature approaches from without , or is engendered within our bodies , the archeus , or vital aire takes notice of it , and being incensed , it frames in it self some ill-favoured dark images , agreeable to the cause offensive . according to this model or proportion it acts , never ceasing to follow the copy or draught of the malady made by its own activity , in a certain determinate quantity of it self , even to its own great damage and destruction , unless the character of the disease be blotted out , or the archeus pacified ; and diverted by some pleasing object , or the external vexing occasion removed . those defunct excrements , or superfluities separated from life , never to be rconciled to it , are most tedious and noisome to the vital spirits : wherefore becoming impatient , they rage , fret , chafe at the presence of so unwelcome guests . hereupon they stir upon the ferments , or instrumental transfigurators , to become disordered , sometimes to cause a confusion , tumult , boiling , and huffing in the juices , whereby a feaver is kindled ; sometimes to produce congelation of the blood , otherwhile to turn it into sharp gauling liquor , causing many long calamities . now the filth or dregs lodging in our bodies , are not diseases themselves , but stir up the archeus to create those evils , we are liable to . these are either antecedent causes of our maladies ; or they are products , and consequents , stirring up secondary calamities , accompanied with various symptoms , accidents , dispositions , and alterations . moreover , the miseries of our bodies , do now and then begin from an invisible , immaterial occasion , imprinting in our phansies , a lively character of a disease , which converting the good juices into bad , both foment the present evil , also excite the vitals to procreate more mischiefs through the contagion of a seed implanted in the life . that the phansie can out of a non ens , or nothing , frame hoc aliquid , or something of this or that species , is evident in women with child , who upon earnest longing after fruit , &c. or some sudden terrour , make the idea , or figure of what they greatly covet , or are terrified at in their spirits , which conveied to the womb , is absolutely conformed in that part of the child , which answers to the place , the woman at that instant touched , when she was so passionately affected . withal , this plant or living creature pictured in the skin , shall express all those remarkable alterations , defections , vigour , and maturation that the real type , or example of what is shaped is subject to , at certain times of the year . thus 't is plain , that the spirits being exalted , excited , or put into a vehement motion , through any notable passion can fashion that , ( bringing it to visible light on the superficies of the skin ) which before lay hid within . wherefore i doubt not there is as perspicuous a signaturi of every disease in the spirits , as the platform of the plant to be produced in a bean divided . the principle difference being , that the one is more spiritual , the other corporeal . the seminal figure then of all diseases made in the spirit of life is , the only efficient , active cause of their being . likewise some degenerate portion of the spirit , wherein the calamitie is as it were stamped ( separated from that which remains in its integrity ) becomes the material subject thereof . that 't is the blast of life which conceives and brings forth all manner of evils is most evident , seeing no dead body is capable of sickness ; this being the true only reason to be given , that the principal contrive● thereof , viz. the archeus or vital spirit is wanting . for the forbidden fruit which adam took into his stomach , having a power inserted into it of stirring up lust , or concupiscence ( the omnipotent for that reason giving advertisement to man not to meddle with ) was appropriated ; and applicated by means of the animal spirits to the immortal soul ; whereby it presently sets up images of filthy diseases , forthwith entertaining the sensual soul common to all beasts ; being then , so continuing to this day the fundamental cause of all calamities . i assert ; the irregular imagination of the living spirit of man in the stomach , chiefly the brain , and every part besides , doth first set on work every infirmity seizing upon us ; which at first seems very inconsiderable , but in process , through the uncessant motion of the first mover , it arrives to a great height of malignity , as appears by various sad symtoms , accidents , and products to be distinguished precisely from the substantial being of diseases . for example , a stone in the kidneys , bladder , or elsewhere , likewise any congealed matter , or cancrous hollowness are not diseases , but the products , effects , or fruits thereof . the petrifying imaginary seed , closely seated in the archeus , is that which first laid the foundation of the stone , carrying the same on , as it began , to full growth : so that although the stone be removed out of the kidneys , as long as there remains that stonifying seed , or invisible beginning , the person before rid of this hard concretion , may ere long ( if the idea , the principle of the congealing be not absolutly brought to naught , or blotted out ) be vexed , tortured or crucified with the like deformed matter again . that the archeus should be put into such a disturbance or passion through any disorders in diet , &c. as to frame within its own bowels such a dreadful , unhandsome substance , is to be lamented , but that the seminal character of the stone should be contrived , fomented , born with us , taking deep root , as we grow up , is far more deplorable . for diseased seminal ideas derived from the matrice are hardly to be razed out : they are so incorporated with our constitutes , challenging as great priviledge to act their part upon the stage of this little world in an uniform manner , and dress ; though depraved , as nature in its integrity , directed by wholsome images , performs all things orderly , according to just proportion and approved rules of sanity . at that very time , when the chief author moulds the seed , containing the shadowed likeness of what is to be made capable of a perfect form , doth the same workmaster draw the pourtraiture of those manifold mischiefs , which happen to body and mind many years after . so fixed are those hereditary miseries , that although the whole mass of every numerical part of the body be changed again and again , yet the radical tincture or dye of the congenite disease shall remain , ready to put forth it self , flourish , spread into various branches , and fruits , when the full time is come that it meets with an outward cause to stir it up . this is demonstrable in the gout , the stone , consumption , madness , small pox , &c. whose images for some years lie as it were asleep , till they be roused up through some provocative occasions . the idea's of evils , which the archeus contrives when we are come out of the womb abroad in the open aire are flitting , may easily be blurred , wiped off by a stronger figure : these often interfeering each other , at length clash together , and both become annihilated . infinite are the number of idea's or representations made by a working phansie , some of which are no sooner framed , but strait vanish , becoming non entia : for they are momentany , and easily thrust out by the next successour . but when any object shall often savourly and seriously affect us ; then the representation of the same doth take deep roots in the spirit , altering the texture of the blood , latex or lympha ; so that according to the species of the immoderate passion , and the picture thereof drawn either in the innate archeus , or that continually repaired , different accidents , symptomes , signs and effects arise . that all diseases have a type , copy , or example set , ( according to which the archeus that first moulded it , acts ) may be confirmed by the uniformity , regular motion , inseparable appearances or signs belonging to them , from which they receive a name proper to their nature : those tell us of what kind the sickness is , insomuch a judicious physitian is able as well to make distinction , between one maladie and another , as between a pippin and a pearmain ; an almond and a chesnut ; likewise to sort them into several kinds , classes , forms , degrees ; a thing never to be done , if there were not a certain director , informer , o● first mover , that laid a platsom of whatsoever grief , depending upon an efficient and material cause , as all other sublunaries . again that the archeus doth first make a draught of the evil in self , working afterward accordingly to its own hurt or destruction , may be proved by that intermission , silence , we find in feavers , falling-sickness , gout , stone , convulsions tissick , &c. which as it were sleep for some time , then awake , repeating their former tragical act exactly . certainly if there were not an agent lead by a strict rule , it were impossible such a constant mode and method could be observed in the beginning , progress , height , declension , and determination of maladies . briefly therefore the true efficient with the material cause of all diseases is , not any distemper of the elementary qualites , not any of the supposed four humours derived from the four elements , not salt , sulphur , mercury , &c. not any thing meerly excrementitious , vexatious , ambient : but the vital spirit stirred up to indignation , fear , &c. by some loathsome tedious object present : whereupon it makes the very shape , planting the seed of the maladie in some portion of that aetherial blast , separated from that in integrity : upon which matter , as a patient , the seminal ideal agent works shooting forth those manifold fruits or appearances in sickness . chap iv. of the therapeutick , or healing method . 1. of diet in general , respecting the prevention , and sanation of mans infirmities . the immediate undoubted cause of all diseases made manifest , their cure will become more easie , to the purpose , speedy , with less danger , and loathsomness . there are two capital principal indications , ends or marks , which ought to direct us in the ordering our diet as well as pharmacy . 1. the support of the strength or vital spirits . 2. the declining , or eschewing whatsoever is an enemy to nature , that incenses , and puts it into inordinate passions . laudable diet then both supports the vitals , encreasing them , also clarifies , pacifies , and diverts them from making hurtful images ; yea in some proportion duls , defaces , and eclipses those already framed . now by diet are comprehended all those necessary succours , requisites , or concomitants , without which , the life of man cannot subsist . namely , 1. ingestion or taking into our bodies , whatsoever is alimental , or nourishable . 2. the egestion , or discharge of superfluities arising from our food , and the retention of what is agreeable to our nature . 3. the rectification of the aire . 4. the right ordering of rest and motion by turns , in due measure and time. 5. a just allowance of sleep and watching . lastly , the moderation , or regulation of the passions , aed perturbations of the mind . in the first place , the direct way to uphold , increase the spirits , to keep them clear , bright , and free from unreasonable , sickly , turbulent , melancholy idea's , or impressions , is to have an especial care of the fountain , from whence these subtil particles spring , i. e. the stomach . this noble part is with care and tenderness to be respected above any other : for this purpose nothing is to be taken , offending it , either in quality or quantity . neither is the substance and quality of any nourishable , to be insisted upon so much , as the just quantity we are to observe : for if the stomach earnestly desire what is generally reputed to be hard of digestion , or to afford bad aliment ; notwithstanding if there be an eager appetite to the same , this noble part is to be indulged , or favoured in such a case ; only allowing a lesser quantity . doubtless this most sensible membrane , of exquisite gust doth for the most part best prompt u● to what is for the good of the whole : so that giving a repulse or check to a vehement appetite , hunting after any thing eatable , or drinkable , we oftentimes cause a cloudiness , dulness , sullenness , and darkness in the vital spirits , bringing them into such a disorder , that they coin many foul , black images , whereas , if the archeus of this eminent ventricle were gratified and humoured , in what it extreamly desires , there would be a serenity and lustre in the spirits , and then al● actions executed with more strength . the severity of some physitians in forbidding their patients to eat that to which their appetite is exceedingly addicted , hath caused no small discommodity . neither do they less offend who strictly impose upon them such a diet , as they , according to some general rules , apprehend most fitting , derived from bare qualities of heat and cold , &c. not considering that in all diseases , especially those of long duration , enquiry ought to be made to what diet the sick is most naturally inclined to , and accustomed , what his gust doth best relish , then according to that account to grant him some small portion of what he eagerly covets , although usually reckoned amongst food of hard digestion , of ill juice , of bad quality , or very hot , &c. for none can give better arguments of a diet , more proper for the satisfying the appetite , than a man himself , especially if he be of years , carefully taking notice what doth most agree with the genius of his stomach . i have known posset-drink , out of an intent to cool , prescribed by some doctors , humorists , ( without farther examination of an antipathy thereto ) even to the endangering the life , in malignant , ill-conditioned feavers . such darkness hath forthwith seized upon their spirits , and such loathsome foul shapes have been delineated thereby : that they have approached the shadow of death , undoubtedly perishing , had not prevalent art blotted out speedily those deformed figures . so hazardous it is to withhold what nature doth most sympathize with , or to offer what it bears an inbred hatred to . this certainly is to be known by a man 's own experience , whether he have an absolute dislike to honey , an egg , sider , any spice , &c. for this reason ( methinks ) 't is great vanity in those , who will undertake to be magisterial , and over-rule persons in diet , more able to judge of this matter than physitians : who presume , no less ridiculously , than ignorantly , to enjoyn iohn , thomas , william , the same food , order , season , and measure , of taking it alike , without having respect to any individual or peculiar stamp made upon the spirits in the womb , whence qot homines , tot diaetae observendae : as many men as there are in the world , so many inseparable properties are to be indulged as to the election of eating and drinking this or that . if our galenical physitians ( who stand so much upon their bare qualities of heat and cold in the cure of griefs , according to the rule of contraries , directing them as they say , but upon false grounds , to extinguish one by another ) did rather aim at the cancelling and blotting out these perverse , deformed , crooked impresses or characters born with us , and in process growing up to such a height , insomuch that they become unconquerable , mortals would certainly enjoy both a sounder body and mind , be free from melancholy , enjoying far more clearness of spirit . i am confident that the stomach , whose digestive properly is utterly estranged by a feaver , or long imbecillity , being whetted by a strong affection may alter a red-herring , oysters , a lobster , &c. better than veal , chicken , broth , gellies , or any such contrived cookeries . therefore to urge the sick to eat sodden , when he lusts after roasted ; or liquid , when he requires solid , is to cross nature , supposed either can be made fit for nourishment . in all those states wherein i find the infirm person 's stomach uncapable to make a formal chang of the food , for want of a kindly ferment or dissolvent ( as for example , in all feavers , and very ill habits of bodies ) there i generally injoyn the best liquors , abounding with good spirits , easily to be altered into the vitals , leaving no considerate foulness or dross behind ( the watrish part entering into the vessels carrying off some superfluities it meets with , by urine and sweat ) so that my practice hath taught me many years what hippo. hath delivered , facilius est refici potu quum cibo . the vital steam is with more speed refreshed , and longer maintained by spirituous liquors , than by flesh , or its juices , which for want of , a living dissolvent , requisite for this chief cook-room , become degenerate , dead , and stinking ; whereupon a feaver is added to a feaver , the archeus being encreased in its fury , makes idea's of weakness , despair , and confusion , according to the truth of the old man , siquis in febre cibum de derit , valenti robur aegrotanti morbus . yet the custome and authority of malepracticants is so powerful , that the sick thinks he must be weakned , if he eat not broth of flesh , caudels , water-gruel , &c. which those diet-mongers have justified ( contrary to the aphoris . ) will turn into nourishment whereas the stomach hereby becomes more weakened , excrements engendered abundantly , the rage of the archeus advanced hence arise misty , gloomy representations , eclipsing the sun of life , raising as it were a filthy fog in the archeus , so that it cannot see how to rectifie its erroneous idea's , suffering them to become more fixed . no less mischievous is the galenical doctrine of cooling liquors in feavers , viz. their maukish , spiritless , dull , flat posset-drink , small-beer , barly-water , loathsome decoctions of cooling crude herbs , pippin liquors , and the like , which starve the vital spirit , bringing a numness upon it , that it cannot do any thing effectually for the expulsion of its enemy : they likewise wedge in the ill juices , so that either nature is totally oppressed , yielding to its fate , or led captive by a long disease , the common event of their mortiferous method . whosoever then falls into a feaver , or any other calamity , i advise him ( upon fundamental trials made many years ) to avoid the aforesaid poor starvling liquors , to apply himself to the drinking of that , which will enable the archeus strongly to resist its enemy , to frame benign , clear , lightsome imaginations tending to health , to subdue the detestable filthy matter , holding no communion with life , by sweat , urine , spitting , vomiting , or stool : yet still let moderation be the guide in all things , for the most commendable things may be abused , witness those to whom i allowed to drink now and then a glass of sack in a high feaver , who unadvisedly fortewith poured down a whole quart-bottle to their prejudice . as i never forbid any in a feaver good strong liquors , to quench thirst , to strengthen the stomach and spirits : so i admonish all to make use of temperance : neither do i prohibit broaths , collises , eggs in any maladie , &c. upon any other account , but that they become corrupt in a stomach , whose ferment cannot turn them into a nourishable juice . he that will take a course to obtain iuventutem in senectute , to be young and chearful when old , must have respect to senectutem in iuventute , careful to be temperate , sober , and discreet , as some old men are . could we but know our selves aright so far , as to command our greedy appetite , not to devour more than the ferment of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is able to conquer , we should frustrate the common saying ; plures gula quam gladius : multitude of evils of body and mind might be prevented and remedyed . for sith natura paucis contenta est ; 't is far better in eating and drinking to subsist on this side the golden rule of mediocrity than to transgress beyond : that being more easily corected . a peculiar robust constitution ; the course of life we follow ; the exercise we use ; the region or place we inhabit ; the air we suck into our lungs ; the agility or dulness ; the alacrity or indisposition , we find the morning following the foregoing days diet , dictate what quantity of food , of what quality , and at what time we ought to eat : thus accordingly we are to regulate and reform what is amiss . one of an athletick body labouring hard , living in a mountainous , clear , temperate aire , or much conversant at sea , lively , airy and spiriteful after sleep , may justly challenge a greater share of aliment than a weakly , lumpish , drousie habit , addicted to a sedentary studious life , in a populous city , or any fenny foggy countrey , remote from the sea : for i find ▪ generally that , aqua praecipue marina promovet digestionem . the agitation of the body by neptune's ebullition , the recentation of the aire , those copious volatile particles of acid and alkali in the ambient , do powerfully corroborate the ferments of digestion , carry off insensibly any recrements without any coagulation or dreggy settling left behind : so that many can eat without discommodity quintuple the portion at sea , above that at land. large morning draughts are for the most part very injurious , likewise frequent drinking between meals ; for the kindly dissolution of the food is retarded hereby , the fibers of the stomach by degrees made flaccid , and the tone debilitated . one meal a day discreetly modefied , and with one or two short snaps beside , may 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very well suffice most men , using but gentle motion , and living in places where the aire is saturated with abundant exhalations . let him beware to eat unless his appetite invites him , then not till he be glutted ; commedat non quidem ad repletionem cavitatis stomachi ▪ nec ad voluptatis sive gustus dictamen . 't is the misery of many to have better appetites , than nigestions , which is the frequent cause that many raw juices are contracted , the body becoming more clogged , ponderous and indisposed to stir ; for if no more food be taken in than can be throughly altered ( excrementitious superfluitie● being sent packing insensibly ) one will continue the same weight , or little different many mornings togehter : if otherwise any caput mort or dreggy substance remain behind indigested , the spirits become dull , cloudy , and obscure , and the whole mass lumpish and heavy . mastication an exact chewing of what we eat , doth exceedingly avail to a happy digestion : for he that hastily gobleth in his food , had need to have a cormorants or an ostritch's dissolvent in his stomach . variety of dishes is a lure to make us eat more than ordinary , and a means to pester the stomach with more than it can digest , to make a confusion in the separation : so that which is raw being blended with what is duly changed , both are thrown off without distinction . the plainest simple , home-bred food is generally to be preferred for holsomness , before the fine , pampering , curiously-dressed , far-fetched dainties . beef , mutton rightly prepared before partridges , pheasants , &c. brown bread leavened before white . that tyrannical , severe . overbusie precepts the galenists enjoyn their patients , is to be rejected , for misere vivit qui medice vivit . to be rigidly kept from what is lawful and useful ( for want of fitting remedies ) is little better than a turkish slavery . celsus his rule , not to be much solicitous or curious in diet ( supposed some measure be observed ) is to be embraced by every man who enjoys a competent health : yea sith they who are oppressed with any great sickness ( nature becoming prostrate , subject to the dominion of the enemy ) can never be cured by the strictest government in their food : therefore even those ( when the maladie shall meet with remedies able to over power it , ought to take liberty to gratifie their appetite , and sometimes to indulge their genius more liberally than ordinary , with what it is greatly affected : for how often hath it been known the thing the physitian hath sternly forbidden upon pain of death , that the same being either secretly stoln by the patient , or privately offered by the nurse , or some friends , hath proved the unexpected means to make nature mistress of the disease , the vital spirits hereby highly exalted at the presence of that which doth so match their inclination and vehement longing , in so much that they have taken courage , and scattered those black clouds of mischievous idea's , entertaining instead thereof , clear , bright images tending to health . it is no small prudence in a physitian , to examine to what diet the sick person hath accustomed bimself , for saith hippo. quarum rerum inveteravit consuetudo , quamvis deteriores sint illae , minus tamen insuetis male afficiunt . aphor. 5. lib. 2. in this case we ought sometimes not so punctually to stand upon what is holsome , as what is customary : nor is this any argument to allow of poison , chaulk , tobacco , tiles or coles which some to admiration have frequently devoured in great quantity , without a mortal event . but the question is what indifferent food may be commended , dispensed , and afforded to the infirm in relation to custome , and a strong desire , with a capacity of digesting it : for these considerations laid aside , it were by no means to be granted . in conclusion i advise that curiosity , severity , nicety in diet be laid aside ; that the physitian , as well as the patient , insist upon what the importunity of the appetite dict●tes , the custome of any food doth urge , ●nd the largness of digestion may permit : ●or what is earnestly desired , doth conduce to ● better alteration ; what is well altered , doth encrease the vitals , otherwise it doth ●ut strengthen the disease & weaken nature . it is as possible that flesh thrown into the ●ennel should not corrupt lying there long , ●s that food taken into a stomach deprived in greatest part of its dissolvent or ferment , ●hould not cadaverate or putrifie ; whereupon the former calamity is augmented by ano●her . not how much we eat , but what is accu●ately prepared in this vital kitchen , is chief●y to be considered . veins , arteries , nerves , ligaments , gristles , bones are all beholding ●he blood and spirits for their happy subsist●nce , and those to the stomach . wherefore 〈◊〉 any aim at a comfortable life , ut sit mens sa●a in corpore sano , let him avoid excess in ●o●d and liquid diet , but especially the first . ●et him endeavour so far to understand him●elf , or be governed by those who are know●ng her in ▪ that no more ought to be put in●o this membranous body , than what it 's able ●o convert into a laudable substance for the ●ood of the whole . neither let any one ●hink to be rightly instructed by the galenists , sith they prescribe a diet according to false suppositions of heat and cold , recollae● nowhere active of themselves in the producing any vital ens : but let the upright philosophical chymist be heard , who gives counsel according as the spirits and their instruments shall dictate . hereby no considerable eerror can be committed in the superstructure as long as the foundation is so strong . chap. v. the next thing diaetetical to be considered , tending to the bene esse , or wellfare of mans life , is evacuation of what is superfluous or excrementitious , and the retention of a salubrious and friendly matter , for the sustentation of a commodious prosperous health . that all foulness ( in no wise to be taken into the custody of the vitals ) may be discharged , secretion or separation is to be made of good from bad , of pure from impure , by the active separator the archeus : for when any thing rejectaneous is thrown off promiscuously with any laudable sudstance fitting to be conserved , many inconveniencies follow , as is frequently observed by the more acute physitians in haemorrhagies , or fluxes , both natural , and artificial ; for what can be more absurd than ●o cast away the wheat with chaff , the spirit of wine with the stinking dreggy sulphur . now superfluities the more they are rarefied , and volatilized by kindly ferments , the ●ooner they are difflated or sent packing by respiration , and transpiration through the habit of the body , without the least remainder of a gross dregg , in which if it fail , there forthwith follows a declination from integri●y , a brisk sound constitution of body , becoming , according to statica medicina , a little more dull and ponderous ; if then a considerable quantity of this filthy setling be accumu●ated , the occasional cause of a disease is hatching , which if not timely prevented , breaks forth actually , disturbing the oeconomy of ●his admirable frame . wherefore due caution is to be taken that we ingest not any thing not capable to be digested , that excrements be strictly egested , or voided by stool ( for ventris torpor omnium confusio ) urine , expectoration , sometimes easie vomiting or universal cutaneous breathing : for the promo●ion of which , where nature is difficient , art ought to supply . a soluble belly , and easie transpirable skin doth much conduce to a healthful life . for want whereof , pil. polychrest and tinctur . polychrest , not omitting sometimes glysters , and bathing , do much conduce . in women the monthly terms ought to have their just course : if they come short , elix . propri . sulphur . mar. philosophically prepared do much avail . also the inward haemorrhoides or piles opened are to be indulged : for the draning of these , a gentle frication to and fro with a tuft of grass , when the fundament is open , is of singular use where there is any propensity in nature to evacuate foeculent , fretting blood , from the mesentary or spleen ; i look upon this as a most noble emunctory to disburden each . neither ought a supurfluity of seed to be kept too long in peculiar bodies , especially if there be danger it may contract an ill odour to the annoyance of the kidneys , spleen , head : for seeing the testicles have no small influence upon the parts tending to their happiness , if they be in their right tone , certainly then if out of order they dart hurtful beams to the notable damage of that organ where they lights . have a care of transgressing herein too much , for that confounds all . one thing i must by the way urge , that physitians have a special care , how they make a retention of any degenerate , malignant impurities by astringents , or opiates , without removing the cause , from whence they flow . the only way to perform this aright , is to pacifie the arci●●s , to amend the exorbitancy of the ferments , to strengthen nature to carry off at the same time that in a larger quantity with succeeding ease , which before came away by little portions , in a dribling manner , without any redress to the debilitating the vitals . then no doubt the fibers of the stomach , and other parts , will be corroborated , ( the morbisick occasion of their weakness being sequestred . ) to cleanse away every morning with a linnen course cloath any cl●mmy soulness from the three notable emunctories , as the groin , armpits , neck , doth somewhat help to preserve from sickness . the scraping the tongue fasting , ridding it from a viscous impurity , doth not only profit for the keeping from a squinsie , but also other inconveniencies . salt of pot-ash calcined , mixed with five or six times the quantity of almond cake poudred fine , doth scour the mouth , if a little thereof be taken with three or four spoonfuls of water gargarized and rubbed with the finger . note sharp liquors are offensive to the teeth , but alkalies friendly to them . chap. vi. the third diaetetical necessary supportter of a happy life , and restorer of it when impaired , is good aire , which if congruous to the lungs is as welcome to it , as some food to a rightly disposed stomach . what famous cures holsome air , with mineral waters , have effected , is well known to those , whom the galenists have left as desparate : for whereas they at first upon a false supposition that the air did chiefly conduce to the cooling of the heart , and explosion of fuliginous particles generated from excessive heat , did take their indication of cooling more or less according as any febrile disease did invade the patient ( but all in vain having exhausted both the strength and purse of the sick person ) thus missing a sanative end , they at length study to find out some pure aire , to which they commit the patient , although often too late to be cured ) yet is he sometimes beyond expectation revived ( even to their astonishment ) who are ignorant of the true cause thereof . for those coagulations , dreggy grosness in the blood ( rather augmented than diminished by faeculent medicaments enemies to the stomach ) are by the subtil ambient dissolved , rarefied , volatilized and sent packing without any filthy settling left behind . hereby the stomach recovers its digestion , and the blood runs freely in its proper channels , so powerful is the air with the ferments to refine the juices , attenuating all tenacious matter residing in them , or lurking about the spleen or stomach , whose appetite and digestion are much advanced or depressed , according as the ambient is thin or thick , defaecated or dreggy . this great separator of moisture doth in some places so rarefie and consume the solid nutriment of mans body , that although he eat plentifully , quadruple to what he doth at other times in some regions , yet shall he continue in perfect health , obtaining the same weight of body , he had some weeks before : ( few visible excrements in comparison of those insensibly dissipated to be discovered . ) this is the happy effect of subtil , fresh , well clarified , often changed , cold , piercing aire , grateful to the lungs : on the other side , where this ambient is gross , restagnant , stuffed full of foul corpuscles , to which one is confined , misty or foggy , many discommodities of health ensue , as dull appetite , in digestion , crudities , contamination of the of the blood , flatness , heaviness of the spirits , depravation of the ferments , whence troops of diseases invade us . where the atmosphere is well qualified , and constituted , men enjoy length of days , as well as at present a sound body , where 't is otherwise disposed , the thread of life is shortned . in general , the aire destitute of noisome exhalations from the earth and endued with benevolent influences from the heavens is profitable for the lungs . in particular , that air chiefly concerns the preservation from sickness , and the restauration of sanity , which doth best agree with the individual , whose approbation comes from experience . for there is a natural appetite in the lungs of some , to embrace this or that air above another , as it is inhaerent in the stomach to be affected with certain peculiar kinds of meat . where the aire is culpable , art ought to amend it , which is done by imitating nature , ventilating it when restagnant , heating and subtillizing it by good fires when 't is cold or gross , consuming or putting to flight stinking particles by the diffusion of acceptable good odours . if the air abound with excessively acid , or foul nitrosulphurious atoms it is to be rectified with the breath of the most refined askali's and the fumes of well corrected sulphurs . by this means many diseases may be prevented , and in some sort cured . chap. vii . the fourth assistanting to a comfortable life , is exercise and rest , which ought to succeed each other by turns , quod caret alterna requie durabile non est . now motion is previous to rest , for the first symptoms of life arise from a loeo motive faculty . we shall not here examine aristotles definition of nature , i. e. the principle of motion and rest ; but rather insist upon the modification or regulation of motion , as it tends to the health of man. of so great use is motion or exercise , that the wise creator ordained respiration , and pulsation to continue constantly for our vital pre●ervation through the whole course of our life ; so that we live no longer , when the heart and lungs do quite give over the faculty of moving . every one then ought to take singular care that circulation of the blood may be in no wise intercepted , nor free breathing be intermitted : for that purpose the exercise of the muscles of the limbs , gentle and sweet recreation of the mind do avail . moderate equal diaphoretick , alterative and duly excitative labor joyned with pleasant , variable , admirable , rare and desirable objects doth expand and dilate the lungs and arteries , whereby the breast becomes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the arteries emicant . nothing promotes these actions better than cheerfulness or temparate joy , constant love of what is truly amiable , never to be repented of , a probable hope of some good not long to be deferred , at length a sweet enjoyment of that which is durable , and capable to usher in better things : for i am of a very brave man's opinion ; the comfort of our whole life depends upon expectation of better things . also magnanimity or courage founded upon virtuous enterprizes , aspiring to noble designs , for a publick as well as private interest , do sweetly enlarge the spirits , quickning the ferments , causing an expulsion of superfluities : yea just indignation , kept within its due limits , facilitates respiration , transpiration and pulsation . on the contrary , fear , sorrow , melancholy , hatred , jealousie , envy contract the diaphragme , and the muscles of the breast , hindering legitimate breathing , occasioning an immature importunate systole , or a supine connivence in the arteries . it is not amiss sometimes to be transported beyond the common bounds of moderation ; to be agitated with some extraordinary passion of the mind , and to sustain tedious labor , that the sweeter composition of mind , and most delightful rest of body may follow ; sith one constant strict tenor pertaining to diet is hardly to be obtained , without greater damage , whensoever we offend , not to be avoided by any man , who hath a publick employment , or a secular interest to look after : so that it is better to be accustomed to any exercise or labour of body and mind voluntarily , least we be surpriz'd unawares unwillingly to our notable hurt . i advise those parts should undergo most gentle exercise , which are weakest ; to walk oftner upon the lower limbs when they are somewhat feeble ; to move rather the arms and hands when incident to a debility , lest the stronger by motion defraud the weaker , and so alogotrophia or disproportion in the nourishment of parts follow . i approve frication of all parts , especially three noted emunctories ; the groin , arm-pits , and neck with a course cloath , without curious superstition of rigtht oblique or transverse directions . combing the head every morning is an exercise profitable for the brain and upper limbs encreasing their vigour and opening the pores for the emission of excrements engendred in the sixt digestion , which is not a little depraved by a superfluous covering , so that the brain through too much heat becomes effeminate , soft and imprudent . let every man make choice of that exercise or recreation he is most inclined , most agreeable to his constitution , whereby he is most relieved . chap. viii . the fifth inseparable companion of our life neerly related to exercise and motion is sleeping and waking . these make almost a divident of the life of this microcosm : and happy it is for man , that the first was instituted , sith great are the cares of miserable mortals , that he hath reason to bless his creator that he can fall into a sweet lethean sleep , which , like a short death , deprives him of sorrow and anguish of spirit . pax animi quem cura fugit . albeit great is the comfort of a moderate sleep , as to the refreshment of body and mind , whereby they are enabled to execute their faculties and offices more vigorously awake ; yet no small are the discommodities brought upon us by excess therein , as an indisposition to follow ingenious arts or sciences , a stupidity to comprehend the truth of things , forgetfulness , supinity , or indifferences what becomes of our future state , leaving affairs in a confused condition , indigested and desperate . it heaps up crudities , flats the archeus , hinders the expulsion of superfluities , makes the body woman-like , delicate , tender , wanton , unfit for any noble enterprize , accumulates excrements , yielding abundant matter for all sorts of diseases , &c. excess also in waking is accompanied with multitude of ill consequents , impovrishment and distraction of the spirits , absurd idea's , indigestion , an augmentation of a-aids hypochondriack fits , melancholy and madness . caap. ix . the last inseparable concomitant of life to be insisted upon , whereby our condition is made better or worse , according as we govern them well or ill , is our passions ; which , if they move regularly , produce a sweet tranquility in the mind , and a salubrity in the body : but if extravagant , flying out beyond their bounds , they confound the whole oeconomy of this admirable frame . the stoicks seem to endeavour to deprive themselves of a sensitive life , when they would have a man to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . this is all one as not to take notice of any thing adverse to nature : for it is impossible for a man apprehensible and imaginable , not to be moved by the object , he apprehends or imagines ; as it is pleasing or distastful , so he desires it , or abhors it , the affections hereby set on work , great reluctancy , effervescence perturbation arise in the spirits which sometimes strangly alter the texture and crasis of the blood. the idea's or images of sorow , fear , anger , joy , jealousie , hatred , emulation are sometimes so fixed in the animals , that they become indeleble : hence vain imaginations of the whole man , dotage , melancholy and furie are emicant : neither do the absurd conceptions , and vain imaginatiors of the whole man only cause disturbance in the stomack or brain , storms or tempests in the universal archeus , but likewise the spirit of every part frameth particular images of indignation , fear , &c. any spinous , acculeating , or pricking matter in any particular part , presently puts the vital spirit there into a passion , the archeus of the eye is forthwith put into an indignation , when an extimulating fretting liquor is either injected into it , or engendred in it , through a fault in its peculiar degestion : whereupon the lympha , latex , or the wheyish humour is lured or summoned for the ablution of this blot , or defect , which when it cannot perform , the ocular water , as well as the nourishment thereof , is depraved , through the ringing attrition of the sensitive spirit , which ought by all means to be pacified . the like perturbation is observed to be raised in the archeus of the ear , nose , windpipe , &c. when any troublesome cause ariseth there . 't is certainly true , omne vivens mortui impatiens esse solet . whatsoever is alienated from life , engendred either within , assumed or injected from without , brings , sometimes sooner or sometimes latter , the custos of the whole or part into an inquietude . for this reason cantharides applyed , raise blisters in the skin of a living body : from the same cause do virulent animals , vegetables or minerals , taken inwardly , purge violently ; for as much as the sensitive spirit falls into an indignation at the presence of that it abhors , so makes a confusion of the holsome juices by colliquating , and putrefying them . hereupon so little benefit arises from things meerly loosening the body : the principal agent being exasperated by what is contrary to its texture and nature . after this rate did i begin my practice , being taught no better , than to give many stools or vomits , without indulging or pleasing this great president , which , as i have often proved , is the supreme cause of sanity and infirmity . but afterward instructed by a far more able tutor , than the schools , i began to correct my former traditional error , following the sure thread of repeated experiments ; so that at length i never gave any solutive not fitting to corroborate the stomach , not friendly to the ferments and vitals . before i took this course , all frequent laxatives were fruitless , because they did anger and enrage the archeus , stirring up storms and tempest in the microcosm , instead of a sweet tranquility . by this means the idea's of the phantasie ingeneral were rectified and clarified , after that the spirits in particular places were composed aright . he that desires to be free from absurd melancholy thoughts , furious passions and perturbations , let him take eustomachical benign , benevolent remedies , sufficient always to cleanse away impurities , without causing hatred , frowardness or high displeasure in nature , whose genuine course is to be observed without putting her to any violent stress , or compulsion . chap. x. the pharmaceutick , or upright method of curing diseases by medicines in general . how the galenists have been mistaken concerning the four elements , their mixture for the composition of bodies , their contrarieties , qualities , complexions , deduced from thence , how falsly they have delivered them to be principles of natural existences , and the causes of sickness and health , hath been perspicuously detected by our philosophical pyrotechnist : upon this foresaid rotten foundation have they raised their stately and pompous fabrick of curing , obstinately endeavouring still to keep it up . the rule of contraries derived from imaginary supposition of the hostility and reluctancy of the the four elements ( whence they say all concretes have their original by which they chiefly act , for the end to debellate mans infirmities , hath been the bane of many myriads . where they find any notable heat in a feaver , they presently take indication to cool the body , in a degree proportionable to its antagonist , in hopes thereby to reduce the body to an eucrasie . but still with unlucky success : for neglecting the radical cause , and aiming at the abolitions of accidents , products or symptoms , how can it be otherwise , but that they must needs miss the mark , unless they hit it by casualty ? a faithful knowing physitian is unconcern'd and indifferent whether the patient be hot , cold , or temperate ( as to the touch ) in a feaver ; whether thirsty or no. for asmuch as he understands the same agent that sends forth a hot blas , doth also send sometimes a cold from the same matter . he also frequently observes a cold dead splinter or thorn doth vex , gaul , fret the archeus of the finger in such a manner , that the pulse becomes above measure magnified , the colour rubified , the blood incensed , the heat exalted : all which arise from the material cause of the thorn impacted : likewise the eye waters , smarts , abhors the light , looks red or inflamed , from a mote or a small fragment of glass , &c. cold things ; by reason of the passion of the ingenite spirit , much provoked at the presence of the guest so unwelcomed to life . moreover , a spark of fire , essentially hot , lighting upon the hand or elswhere causes a sudden shivering coldness all over the body . what is more frequent than to sustain a grievous rigour or coldness , even to chattering of the teeth , from the abundance of a supposed humor called choller , analogous to fire ( as they will have it ) hot and dry. on the other side , how hot and dry have i known some phlegmatick bodies in feavers , even beyond cholerick ? in this case , how , without contradiction to their theorems , can they without lethiferous mistakes , give cooling things , for the encrease of phlegm , and hot for the advancement of choller : were not this to augment the cause of the disease ? is not this rather the very strait course to relieve the misaffected , to exempt the thorn or splinter out of the finger ? the mote & fragment of class out of the eye by proper instruments ? also to attenuate , rarifie phlegm , to mitigate , edulcorate , retund and alter choller , by what is adaequated operative , for the ablution , abstersion , and carrying away both . sospite stomachi ac naturae robore , through all the most requisite sluces of the body . this done ( like a true philosophical artist ) a sweet tranquility appears in the vitals , all evil symptoms of heat , cold , &c. forthwith or in a very short time vanish . neither in this case is it of moment , whether the remedies bringing this to pass be hot or cold , sith as substracting the fuel from the fire it will quickly be extinguished ; so removing the occasional matter of heat , this is soon annihilated . did the schools rightly comprehend , how fire may be procured by the rapid collision of two cold incombustible solid bodies , as stone and steel , or by the long attrition of an accensible matter , no whit hot to the touch , or by the fermentation , agitation , conglomeration or compression of acids and alkali's : also by concentration of light into a cone , or minute compass , they would be better acquainted with the cause of the aestuation , effervescence , and accension of the vital spirits in feavers ; hereby suitable remedies might be provided . when at any time the genuine , domestick spirits of the microcosm , and a wild exotick gas meeting together do strike or grate one upon another in a confused whirled manner : there strait breaks forth a preternatural heat , to be corrected by pacifying the vitals enraged , and enabling them to profligate or subjugate this hardly tameable , both subtil wild spirit , and the matter from whence it emerges ; which is never to be accomplished by cooling prescriptions , but by that which pleases the archeus , indulging it exceedingly . if degenerate salts , acid or alkali couched in a rotten matter , create thirst , or excessive heat by framing a tumult in the animals , whatsoever doth correct the same is to be embraced indifferently whether hot or cold . 't is enough if i can attain my grand intention , the ablation of the nocuous thermopoietick matter , the substance on which all qualities , accidents depend . if i can compass this fundamentally , why do the galenists wilfully blind , cavil and rail at my elaborate preparations , as violently hot , burning , drying , inflaming , when they cannot but be informed that i , spurning at their silly , insignificant qualities of heat and cold ( as to essential cures ) i extirpate all feavers by amotion , and abandoning the original exciter thereof : but in this state i renounce all dreggy , drossy , indigested , extimulating , fretting saline , unclean , malignant , virulent medicaments which frequently given by them , certainly do often positively disturb the stomach , procuring unkindly heat . 't is not that seeming to be hot ( because it penetrates , rarefies , and affects the parts by its glowing , spirituous particles , as if something fiery were applied ) is rashly so to be censured in effect : but what is impure , corrosive , or venemous , is to be condemned , as burdensome caco-stomachical , clogging , fretting , vexatious , spinous , absolutely hostile to our principles , putrefactive , and so consequently , thermopoietick . it argues great incogitancy in any , to judge of the inward energie of an elaborate pharmacon by the taste , or outward apposition before the ingredients be rightly understood ; and the exquisite manufacture discovered : some things either taste not at all , or pleasantly , yet procreate dyscrasies , deadly intoxicating consequents ; there is also that whose sapour , harsh , nauseating of an excelling gust , notwithstanding vivifick , alexitery , salutary , eucrate in operation . 't is the calamity of our art , that the world knows not how to distinguish between the adulterate and legitimate tractation of chymical works . hereby opportunity is given to the enemies thereof , lying in ambush , to sally out opportunely , and charge it fiercely , with those crimes that their own and vulgar pseudochymical medicaments are guilty of . because the officinal mixtures are inexpertly entred upon , ill-contrived , slubbered over , indiscreetly fabricated , for that respect are too hot , violent , hurtful to the stomach , leaving sad impressions behind of an inflaming , colliquating , tabefying condition ; ought upon this score , our philosophical polyacea's acquired by sweat , long experience , and true sophy of pyrotechnie , be sentenced as vile , and pernicious ? certainly , the best sack is not ere the less to be reckoned a noble cordial , because some vintners sell sophisticated , depraved liquor . what is more common at this day , than to counterfeit the best in its kind , through idleness , self-love , avarice , and wilful inexperience ? if the galenists would take pains themselves , not fearing the choaking fumes of charcoal , nor the arsenical spirits of minerals , taking the fruits of their labour into their own bodies , before they tendered them to their patients : would they spare no cost to the purchasing the best materials ; or be willing to learn of those who are able to instruct them , then would they soon be convinced of their folly , that what i offer the diseased , is neither too hot , dangerous or injurious to nature , though taken in a quintuple dose . assuredly were not the galenists most disingenuous beyond expression , they would never discover their active ignorance thus perpetually , to contradict , oppose , and malign the method which they cannot but be canscious , is the down-right , clear , safe , concise way of healing by suppressing , taming , and profligating what is really the occasional matter of the disease , according to hippocrates , acide , austere , bitter , pontick , not cold or hot. those being altered and discarded by means of powerful , effectual , arcana , an eutaxie , eucrasie , and symetrie in the microcosm follows . the good old man also tells us of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in diseases , which i find common to all great feavers containing a venemous nature more or less , acting in an extraordinary irregular manner , different from meer degenerate matter , as acid , bitter , &c. this sometimes if not maturely prevented , stabs the heart a● it were with a cryptick dagger , no manifes● reason derived from the elements to be alledged . so spiritual , graduated poison is hatched in our bodies , that it pessundates , or knocks down animals in the twinckling of an eye . dares any humourist undertake by means of heat or cold to overcome arsenical , r●algar , aconital , opiate , sardonian , taxea● , cicutarie , viperine , scorpionian , tarantula like poisons forged by the continually moving archeus , and specified according to its fancy ? what a childish conceit is it to wave the oblation of what hath an antidotal virtue implanted in it sufficient to mortifie the foresaid properties , least they be too heating ? what grand do●age , yea madness even to homicide , not to permit a cure for the scruple of an idle , vain qualitie . ? doth any but a dolt fear to give aqua-vitae , or any spirituous liquors to a lipothymical person whose vitals wanze and wain , imagining it may heat too much . were our lukewarm physitians but as well experienced as sea chirurgeons , yea even as some of the more knowing mariners , they would extirpate feavers here , as calentures at sea , by ●ubtil spirits , corrected with better judgment than their punch . for i know no solid ●eason why our seamen should so frequent●y miscarry in their long voyages heretofore ●●so that hardly a competent number were ●eft to bring home the ship ) unless this , that ●hey take and give in causons or burning feavors , apply likewise to inflammations , spiritous liquors , a thousand times to be preferr'd before their flat , dull , vapid , mor●iferous , cold juleps , and other insipids . if these spirits too hot ( as they will have them ) do good beyond their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiritless prescriptions , what will they perform in the hand of an adeptus , who knows how to correct and free from impurity , acrimony , tenacity , too much famelick praedatory faculty ( the real cause oftentimes of the indignation , consequently the excessive heat of the archeus ) the best of their spirituous preparations . this demonstrated ex facto without frivolous controversies or cavils , one would think should take these humorists or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from their jejune , cold , torpid , barren opinions , that this or that is too hot , because it seems so to their plebeian rustick taft : whereas in very deed it is only endued with a highly defecated spirit , rectified beyond their vulgar art , not able to free from a cacostomachick dross , or fretting , coagulating , spinous , salt and malignant , venemous sulphur , the occasional causes of all praeternatural heat in the body . let these philosophical reasons suffice for the confutation of their accidental way of curing , by heat and cold , and that calumniating objection that the best chymical remedies are too hot. now shall i proceed in short , to detect how maliciously as well as ignorantly , they impeach our salutary manufactures of danger of evil consequence , of sad impressions left behind , causing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 antedating the life , and bringing it to an immature period . i confess what they make the world believe in relation to our instruments of healing , may be fitly applyed to the medicaments of their dispensatory : for they are either clogged with nauseating , dirty , foeculencies , abound with impure , acrimonious , corrosive salts and sulphurs , or endued with some deletery 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ill-conditioned , intoxicating concretes , very adverse to nature . the chymical preparations which they formerly inveighed against as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lethiferous , or dangerous , the galenists have of late entertained into their ill-compiled , worse-managed exemplar . this rhapsodie of chymical pharmacy tran●cribed out of the more trivial authors , is 〈◊〉 rude , indigested , so slightly handled , more fitting the laick , than any sophical clark , so uncertain , yea perilous in their ●ffects . some whereof are virulent , leaving many times stigma's of their malignity be●ind , so that no adeptus but will conclude : the greatest part of them ought to be ex●unged , with a supply made of better things , ●nd what remains to be more discreetly ordered in their manufacture . how do the galenists impose upon us , first ●o cry down most satyrically , even to the persecution of certain honest ingenuous friends to this art , those meaner sort of pa●acelsian remedies , now to make use of them ●o the detriment of many a patient , as well ●s to the keeping up the credit of their tot●ering dogmatical structure , which must of ●ecessity have fallen ere this to the ground , ●ad they not closely foisted in upon a pinch ●ome spagyrical active preparations stolen ●rom us , at that time , when their most dull mixtures would take no place : then boast●ng they tell the credulous that their own gross compositions had the greatest share in ●he cure , whereas in reality , they did no o●her than hinder it . upon this account how subtilly do some pretend to be chymists , stealing theorem● and chymical notions out of van helm . di●●guising , putting them into an elegant dress concealing the authors name . thus 〈◊〉 these plagiaries own that filched from him , whom in publick discourse they eithe● condemn or slight : were they any whit candid , they would blush to do so . this crime may justly be imputed to the author de fermentat . de febri . and others , who make a great noise about lac sulphur . spir. c. c. spir. vitri . ens vene . &c. enough ( they think ) to make them cryed up for rare chymists ; whereas were these men , with their prescriptions , brought to the test of practice , they would easily be discovered to be but smatterers in this philosophical science : then would their egregious defects be obvious to any knowing person . hereby the safety , innocence and vital preservation of manufactures would appear , as much transcending theirs in excellent endowments , as a torch in its bright beams surpassing a small tallow candle . moreover , we are able not only to justifie our operations beyond theirs ; as free from hazard or dangerous consequences : but we dare maintain what we give to the sick , conduces to their future welfare , and lengthning out their life , according as divine ●●ovidence is pleased to allow of the means 〈◊〉 that end . having thus by solid reasons offered to be ●●nfirmed by the true touchstone of expe●●ence , acquitted our chymical pharmacy from 〈◊〉 slanders of our enemies , viz. that our ●ateria medica is so ill handled , that it is ●o hot , burning , dangerous , &c. i shall ●ow describe the direct method of curing ●ifficult diseases by help of a sincere chymi●●l legitimate learned art. the chief indication or scope , which the well-instructed physitian ought continually 〈◊〉 have an eye upon is , to keep in vigour , ●lso to pacifie , indulge , gratifie the archeus 〈◊〉 vital spirit , the achitectonical contriver ●f our first being , the constant conservator ●f our well-being , the author of our health ●nd sickness , weal and woe . this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of hippocr . by its impulse ●ets all the wheels going . if a dysphonie happen in the sphere of this vital aire there a●iseth forthwith a jarring in the inferiour orbs of the microcosm . the second principal indication is the ab●●tion of the inward efficient cause , and the outward occasional irritating matter which ●isturbs the archeus putting it into enor●ous passions and perturbations . these are the two leggs , by which therapeutick or healing faculty is moved . 〈◊〉 that is wanting in one of these is certainl● maimed . whatsoever encreaseth the eutonie o● strength of the vital spirit , ought to have similitude of nature , and symbolize wi●● the same spirit , seeing like doth readily ●●nite with like , embracing each other in●●●mately . that we may find out a compe● with the archeus , the essential knowle●● thereof is to be enquired after . the vital spirit is a most thin aehere ▪ breathing , arising from the blood , perpet●●ally circulated in the veins and arteries ill●minated , framed by virtue of a vital fe●ment in the left ventricle of the heart , of a saline , balsamical constitution , by means o● whose bright beams all spirits generated a new , diffused through the whole body receive their light and vivacity . the original of this ruddy juice where the spirits first begin to flash and glister is from the stomach , where every thing ingested is dissolved ( by power of a ferment , partly ingenite , partly derived from the spleen or arteries ) into a whitish acide chyle ; this passing through the pylorus or neather orifice of the ventricle into the guts called duodenum , iejunum , ileon is there converted ( by a lixiviate like , property of the gaul , mixed with the acid into a saline texture denominated chyme . the more refined part of this juice is conveighed through invisible pores of the guts into the venae lactae or milky vessels , both trained by them , and likewise impelled by the peristaltick motion of the guts . these venae lacteae carry the milky juice into the liver pancreas cava , through whose channels it runs rubified into the right ventricle of the heart , thence it is driven out into arteria pulmon , divaricated into the lungs , by means of the centraction of the heart , then taken up by the vena pulmonica , it falls into the left ventricle , where it is flavefied by the vital ferment of the heart : by the force of whose systole , this spirituous liqor springs into all parts designed for nutrition , procreation , sense and motion . sith then 't is plain that the first foundation of the blood is laid in the stomach according to whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , upon whose good and bad action future digestions depends : so that if the chyle be once depraved in the first shop the chyme and milky juice cannot be made in every respect approved in the second or third laboratories : consequently very laudable blood and spirits can never be fabricated . for as the chyle is , such is the chyme , lacteous liquor , latex , or lympha , cruor , sanguis and spirits . sith then there is such a concatenation , connexion , continued file of the albified mass in the stomach , to the rubified balsome in the heart , and so to the extreme parts : every , knowing upright physitian ought to be sollicitous about the discreet oeconomy or order of this noble part ▪ that defaecated blood and spirits may be created . wherefore that thing ought not to be taken into the body , which is any way offensive to the archeal ferment of the stomach , or the weakening of its tone . whatsoever is dull , flat , dreggy , fretting , rank , corrosive , or virulent must be avoided . things active well purified 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a just proportion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exquisitely mixed , endued with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fragrant smell , sympathizing with the constitution of this membrane , benevolent , and antidotal are to be assumed , that clean , bright spirits may be multiplyed springing from this vital balsame . well-rectified spirits of strong liquors i have always found to perform much tending to that end before proposed . for no sooner are they received into the stomach , but part of them are rapt into the vessels , being suddenly carried into the heart and brain , whereby the whole body is invigorated , the vital spirits in a moment encreased and illuminated : hereupon the peccant matter disturbed is profligated by sneezing , expectoration , sweating , or transpiration : by some effloresence or eruption in the skin , as pimples , spots , botches , &c. by stool or urine . the truth of this , as i said before , is confirmed by those who making long and dangerous voyages , recover of grievous maladies , as calentures , scurvie , &c. by force of a quickning drink called punch , made of rack or brandy : whereas formerly they were turned off as fast as rotten sheep , through that nonsensical method of healing , which the doting galenists taught the credulous world , by cooling , and moistning juleps . in such sort hath the authority of these dogmatists domineered over mankind for many ages past ; yea doth yet endeavour to uphold the same amongst us , that millions have perished by this absurd doctrine of heating in cold diseases , as likewise cooling in hot. however many intelligent subtil wits do discover the falacy of their corrupt theorems , or axioms in physick , casting away their slibbersauces , do rather chuse to trust to holsome , well-made strong liquors in feavers , than their ill-contrived insalutiferous weak , drossie mixtures or compositions . i heard a learned gentleman of note declare , that he was cured of a malignant feaver by means of brandy wine well construed taken in a large quantity , when the methodical doctor of the colledge , threatning his ruine thereby , caused him to desist , but for one day , and take his more temperate prescriptions , which had like to have cost him his life , if he had not fallen to his former spirituous liquor again . for my part i am of this judgment , that 't is better ( for the most part ) to cure feavers after the maritine mode , than to walk in the customary road of exhibiting medicines according to the supposed qualities described in the london dispensatory . i le maintain hippocr . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , constant , moderate sumption of strong liquors ( omitting broath , gellies , water-gruel , spiritless pos●et-crink , &c. ) shall be more prevalent to rid away feavers in general , than that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , hodg podg of supernumerary ingredients jumbled together without discretion , or serious consideration of the congruity of each one with another , without seperating the precious from the vile by a pyrotectnical analysis of every concrete , whereby the violent ferine powers of some things are mitigated , cicurated , and made friendly to our constitution : also the singular medical dowrie of other concretes are explicated , exalted , graduated , the clog of their terrestrial impurities discharged , hindering their activity . who that is experimentally intelligent , would not in a sudden lipothymie or defection of the spirits , rather confide in the analeptical or refocillating efficacie of good wine , or well distilled brandy , than in diascordium , venice treacle , london treacle , or any of their confections elect. or divers of their potions ? i cannot otherwise believe but that the benign creator , pitying the sad condition of man , made worse by the doctrine of galen ( who never saw aqua vitae ; therefore delivered to posterity , this gross , fulsome , fruitless means of curing ) hath in this later decrepit , infirm age of the world , detected by the mouth of mariners and rusticks , the use of those excellently well distilled spirits , which these thermologists , and psychrologists ( a company of delirous disputants about hot and cold diseaseases , requiring , as they say , instruments of a contrary quality thereto to be applyed , neglecting the essential nature , and radical cure of diseases ) have suppressed , to the infinite detriment of mortals , for many centuries of years . now can the indigent sick-man without fear of over-heating his blood , threatned by these thermologists , confidently swallow a due portion of vegetable spirit potent to augment sometimes to admiration the paucity of the animals , enabling them to exclude some part of the spurious juice offending the body like a thorn in the side now both country-men , as well as sea men , take these spiritouus liquors , withou● scruple that they may quench their thirst asswage burning feavers , keep off a fixe● delirium , and procure rest , to the confusi●on of the rotten precepts of these ignorantly learned galenists . away then with these idle fopperies of taking directions of curing from heat and cold : hereby fancying ap●plications contrary to those accidents wil● prevail ; seeing it is perspicuous , all those endeavours come to nought , unless the vital spirit be animated to exterminate the occasional extimulating cause of heat and cold. it being then demonstrable , that spirits are best multiplied vigorously by spirits , with which they symbolize ; we ought to be solicitous concerning their preparation with a proportion to be allowed to the archeus . i find it frequent among the vulgar chymists to boast , how they can make vinous spirits , that in a considerable quantity will all burn away to the accension of gunpowder in the bottome . having attained thus far in this process , they think , there remains nothing more in our philosophy ▪ for all this , if any study earnestly to 〈◊〉 as an able physitian , those spirits made according to the common tract , seeming to be re●ned contain in them an occult impurity● some clandestine discommodity with some di●gustful tang , sensible by the tast of our vitals . although it be hard for the plebeian to distinguish one from the other , yet an expert distiller knows the difference , and happy effect , of that which is really mundified , above what seems to be so . that spirit of vegetables may be handled knowingly , it behoveth the naturalist to anatomize it pyrotechnicoôs , that he may understand of what parts it consists , and how useful it is . according to our philosophy , an aqua-vitae may be extracted out of all herbaccous plants , i. e. grass , blade , leaf , weed , &c. which contains an alkali ; a sulphur and some particles of an occult sub-acid salt , easily to be converted into vineagar , when it floats with a tartareous matter . the vinous alkali and sulphur together exalted , become a balsamical spirit of great force to preserve things from corruption . taken into our bodies it is immediately changed partly into a vital spirit , suddainly conveighed by the vessels to the head and heart , part becomes acid in the stomach , for the recreation , or emendation of the innate ferment ; as likewise for a previous disposition , in order to a future alteration in the intestines into a volatile alkali , by the eliquating , or scouring facultie of the gaul● afterward transmitted to the kidneys , it is turned into a urinous salt , by a peculiar ferment there implanted . lastly some portion runs into an insipid liquor , called latex or lympha . thus is salt and sulphur of plants , which make up one spirit pliable , subactil , or mutable ( above other ingested things ) into this or that form , according as the ferments of every shop of digestion please . moreover the spirit of plants , if dextrously exercised , is capable to be assimilated into all parts continent and conteining , leaving little or no excrement behind : cherishing , yea . , in some measure , reducing aright exorbitant ferments . the digestive fermenting accid , in the stomach , as well as the alkali in other parts , ( the instruments of formal transmutation ) are exceedingly meliroated , and the spirits forthwith augmented by the access of this seemingly homogeneous liquor . that this compleatly purified liquor so acceptable to the vitals may be obtained , the prudent artist is to make itirated ablutions with what is of a saponary condition that the viscous clammy gummous matter may be purged away . secondly , he is frequently to distill it with a convenient heat : addition being made of those things , which in the bottome of the glass detain ungrateful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , inebriating , noxious sulphur , letting out what is pleasing to nature , innocent , strengthening the head , membranes , and sinews . there is also to be injected that which may retund , or dulifie any secret , unkindly acid , lurking in the spirit , can lenifie , or introvert , any fretting quality latitant in the alkali , tame the gas sylvestre , entangle or fetter it , that it may not too nimbly aspire : to laevigate , as it were polish , any roughness in it . whosoever hath acquired this spirit , can tread under his feet , all those slanders , back-bitings , malicious reports of the galenists , that the spirits of vegetables are too hot , inflaming , consuming the radical moisture , causing delirium , shortning the life ; all which i am sure is verified , concerning some of their rude preparations of aquavitae . poor ignorant souls ( though learned men ) that should be unacquainted with the right manufacture of a liquor so vulgarly known to be useful , sold in trivial shops , &c. how is it likely these vain thermologists , i. e. busibodies about heat and cold , shoull judge of the effects or operations o● chymical enterprizes , sith they ar● unwitting of the due tractation of spirit o● wine . i appeal to any intelligent philale●thes whether they are like to fabricate , o● hammer out the remedies of a superiou● class , who are thus egregiously to seek i● those of an inferiour . 't is no wonder they are so timorous , in the offering to the sick any thing of thin parts , pungitive , penetrating , or exciting the natural faculties , for fear they should be overheated : for as much as they give the foul with the fair , the realger with the mineral , the poysonous sting with the hony ; whereas a faithful well grounded physiologer sequesters , the evil , reserving the good ; which he can securely tender the infirm ( without curious observation of measure , or weight ) from one to ten or more . the greatest misery i know accrewing to man worse than the plague , sword , fire , &c. is from these galenists running upon false suppositions , to wit that their galeno chymical pharmacy is sufficiently instructed with all endowments becoming compleat medicines . this they rather wilfully than unwitting●y suggest to the world , most abominably ●mposing upon the credulous , even for●unes favorites ( by whom they are too zealously imprudently protected to the dammage of mortals ) that they are the most expert chymists , vilifying all others , be they never so legitimate sons of art. these are the spurious chymists , who i will maintain are overwhelmed in clouds of darkness arising from their covetousness , ambition , malic● , laziness , self-love , &c. that they cannot see the right way of making a compleat vegetable spirit . having purchased according to the best rules of our pyrotechnical philosophy , a compleat aquavitae : the next care , is to dispense it aright , to minister such a measure thereof proportionable to the individual crasis , custome , and course of life , of the sick body , the defection of vitals , magnitude , and duration of the disease , the good or bad , condition thereof : here by the way , i am bound to reprehend the busie-bodies about heat and cold severely , who miserably titubate and express extream weakness in the just quantity of their own remedies : for a president of the galenists did not heretofore dare to prescribe above five grains of antimonium diapho , in a feaver : another of the same society was doubtful whether he might with safety give four or five grains of bezoar . orient . or above ten grains of coccus baphic . cochin . above two drops , of spirit of harts-horn , for fea● of overheating , &c. what is the reason of all this supercilious nicety , but meer igno●rance of the true principles of nature mistakes in the causes of our calamities , in discreet manufacture of materia medica ▪ fitting to subdue them . did they tak● pains with their own fingers , they would quickly learn the amplitude of the por●tion of a well adorned remedy , that one small quantity of proper analepticks , or re●stauratives will do good , yet the same multiplied to five six , or seven , to twelve parts ▪ or rates , will really do no harm , but make a far greater improvement of natural vigour . for if they would be taught : these malevolents would not so unworthily , rashly censure my stomach essence , my elixir balsamick tinctur . polyacea &c. to be preternaturally hot , &c. thus it evidently appears that none but an adeptus , one that as his undoubted right can say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. i have found it out , can define and adaptate a just scantling , weight and measure of meet remedies to the languishing spirits , enabling them to destroy the strong-holds of a disease . wherefore a patient having an aversati●n to vinous liquors , ought to be more ●ndulged , to be suffered to imbibe the less , ●nd that mixed and disguised with somthing ●ore grateful . he that hath accustomed ●imself to smaller drinks , ought not to be ur●ed to assume so much , as one used to fre●uent compotation of wine , &c. above all , ●et the physitian give liberally these vegeta●le , active particles to the sick , whose spi●its are weak , and the maladie strong , very malignant , &c. five or ten times the portion of a reviving medicine is but sufficient in some cases , when in another state , a single exhibition ●oth help nature to throw its enemy spee●ily out of doors . long fixed evils are to be ●ollowed close with large quantities , often ●epeated ; likewise the plague , pestilential feavers , whatsoever grief hath in it , much of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of hippo. i. e. a poisonous condition . in all respects 't is better to propose more copiously , than niggardly , when ●he instruments we work withal are safe , admitting an extension not easily culpable . or●inary strong spirits are not to be taken without notable caution plentifully , and that well corrected by some adjuncts , as sugar , ●nd with grateful acids , for they contain much intoxicating stinking sulpur , mixt with a fretting salt injurious to the stomach nerves and membranes , producing preternatural heat : so that in conclusion , 't is no the pure , well corrected spirits of plants that causes those great discommodities , as excessive heat , inflaming , &c. which these thermologists lay to their charge ; but their heedless preparation by a philosophical ideots in our art , as likewise the rash pouri●g into the ventricle , much more than is fitting . from vegetables there may be extracted ; besides an aqua-vitae , certain essential salts holding close concordance with the vitals , some of which harbour specifik gifts for the cure of certain kinds of griefs . in general , these salts absterg glutinous excrements , attenuating viscosites , sweeten preternatural acidity , animate the archeus , help digestion , and strengthen all parts ; causing urine , sweat , expectoration . now these ought to be accurately framed for medical use , otherwise they will come short of what we expect . i find it the most compendious effectual way to separate the sulphurious or oily part from the concrete , than to change it into a pure volatile alkali : this is done by ablution , digestion , repeated distillation . thus much concerning the iatrical virtue of spirits and salts fetched from vegetables , ●s they have affinity with our vital principles : now i shall proceed to shew what pro●inquity there is between the vital spirits ●nd alkali's obtained from animals . i find , according to pyrotechnical trials , ●hat all parts of man , even his excrements , ●bound with urinous alkali's , especially the bones , blood and urine . each of which afford in stilling an alkali or urinous salt much alike , yet different in their effects : for according to van helm . spirit of blood avails against the epilepsie . the spirit of urine is of no force thereto . likewise i find spirit or salt of bones to operate that which the other two fail in : yet may they all be so prepared , that neither taste , smell , colour ●hall distinguish them . i have for many years much toiled with my head and hands , to find out what might directly match the principal agent in our body , the only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , contriver of both health and sickness . after often and serious contemplation , with strict examination of divers concrets by optical analysis , i find nothing more like to do my business , than those subtil saline particles , drawn out of the horny , bony or dental concretions of certain animals , or got out of the dung of some creatures , abounding with volatile salts : but above all i found at length volatile salts or spirits , allured out of divers po●tions of mans body , were most to be prefe●red ; for the augmentation , vigour of th● archeus , to this i was induced by the u●doubted authority of the maxime in phio●sophy , simile simili gaudet , also iisdo● nutrimur quibus constamus . besides , my p●●pose was confirmed by the essential consi●tution of the vital spirit ; viz. saline a●cording to our philosopher : est ipse spirit● vitae de natura salis volatilis & salst . v. ● 136. sextup . digest . the vital spirit is of 〈◊〉 nature of a volatile alkali . moreover , 〈◊〉 blas humanum , p. 113. per motum nempe 〈◊〉 sanguinis non quidem acidi sed salsi exte nutio , neque ideo in pinguedinem sive butyru● vertitur , sed in spiritum vitalem de salis ad●oque de balsami natura . certainly by motio● the blood is rarefied into a saline not aci● spirit : neither is it changed into a fatty bu●tynous substance , but into a vital spirit o● the nature of a sal , for that reason it is balsamical . also pa. 443. auravitae . estque ide● spiritus vitalis salsus , viciniorque spiritui lo●tij quam sali-petrae . the vital spirit is a salt of nigher affinity to the spirit of urine than salt-peter . membro semel stupefacto , si sensus redierit , id sane cum sensibilibus stimulis & punctionibus fit quae & verae salsedinis sunt indicia . if at any time a member benummed , recovers its perfect sense , there is felt prickings , and thorny shootings , which are infallible signs of a salt matter . from the consideration of the saline texture of the vital spirit , i laboured about the alkali's of this microcosm : divers parts whereof i dissected , fetching out by pyrotechnie their volatiles , which i studied to nobilitate by frequent scouring , iterated distillations , even to ten or eleven courses , adding every turn a fitting mundifier , keeping them in digestion three weeks or a month : i then proceeded to correct any harsh , acid quality lurking in them by that which blunts , lenefies , or mollifies the same by feeding their hungry appetite with a pleasing nutriment , that they may not so eagerly prey upon the body , to entangle and clip their wings , that they may not ascend too high , or fly away too nimbly to exalt them , and advance them to a more lofty virtue , by the intermixture of some small portion of salt of tart. volatile , united with a pure vegetable spirit . having thus prepared the highest clarified liquor , i have found it to carry an admirable conformity with the vitals , to symbolize with our constitutes , so that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking it up greedily , forthwith strengthned , musters greater forces for the expulsion of the enemy that hath invaded its teritories . this is really a polyacea : if further graduated it may come nigh a panacea . no sooner do the most defaecated atoms in this active , fluid body , arrive in the stomach , but some portion is strait absorpt , or lickt up by the archeus for its own corroboration ▪ part is made use by the natural archiater fo● the banishment of those burdensome , aculeating , strange apostate juices , absolute enemie● to life , through all the cleansing passages convenient quo natura vergit , whether she pleases by the kidneys , intestines , through mouth , ears , nose , through the pores of the skin , o● by a vigorous extermination of some malignant cadaverous excrements lodging in the center , to the utmost bounds of the body . add to this the archeus enabled makes use of this symbolizing alkali , as an instrument to edulcorate what is acid , to make slick any roughness , to mitigate any biting , or fretting liquor , to suppress , reduce to regularity or explode exorbitant wild spirits , to correct the defects , or obliquities of the ferments , that they may not continually engender the like vitiosity , to deobstruct the vessels stuffed with any congealed blood or viscous , calculous concrete , or phlegm , by attenuating , dissolving , scouring away the same : lastly to polish and confirm the tone of every part . thus can nature act rare feats , when it is animated by a second , when it meets with that which is of the same pedigree with it self : i. e. those saline particles first framed in the stomach , and intestines afterward more refined are destinated for diversity of uses in this mass of flesh . now 't is not the common alkali's used by the galeno-chymists , that are sufficient to satisfie an able chymist for the attaining the foresaid end . although i acknowledge the best remedies they possess are volatile spirits , drawn out of harts-horn , armoni . ivory , &c. yet i must tell them withall , if they would desire to be instructed in the art as it is scientifick indeed : i can demonstrate that their spirit of harts-horn and sal. armoni . are neither rightly corrected nor clarified as they ought : for that reason not so well embraced by the vitals . it is not without cause then that some pronounce it to be overheating , &c. therefore to be given scrupulously , seldom above a scruple at a time : whereas if it be prepared by the hand of a legitimate chymist , it hath no ill property , but is fitting to be administred without the least danger in a large quantity , to the debilitating strong , acute , and long diseases . for the confirmation of what i deliver , if doctor willis , who trusts much to this volatile , or any other , would please to be so ingenuous to make the experiment thereof , i shall order spir. c. c. so technically , that without measuring or weighing it , i will undertake to cure languid person with more speed , security , and pleasin● gust , wholly trusting to this alkali ( al●though i have for many years laid it aside remedies of more excellent form coming to my possession ) than they with their ow● unpolished , imperfect , distilled spirit o● the same kind . the alkali out of mans bones , i mus● commend as an admirable medicine , usefu● both for inward and outward griefs of th● body , if construed by a philosophica● hand . yet i have rarely met with any so compleatly regulated according to those rules before described , but brought to the test , it hath not been altogether so safe insisting upon an ample quantity , nor so efectual respecting the quality , or singular analeptick property , with which such volatiles ought to be endued . spirit of sal. armoniack , if elegantly prepared , that it move in the middle sphere , not soaring wantonly too high ; if its hungry appetite be in some measure allayed , if freed from any impurity , if married intimately to a vegitable spirit , with which it hath similitude , abounding with an abstersive salt , may challenge no small priviledge in strengthning and encreasing the vitals . that volatile alkali's do match the texture of the animal spirits above any besides is certain . however acid spirits , if handsomly framed , want not their eminent use in refreshing the archeus ; wherefore their keen corosive particles , are to be made blunt supple , their foul sulphur cleansed , their fair extraverted , what is gross in them to be rarefied , whatsoever is extraneous savoring of an unkindly , mineral condition , ought to be rejected , their ill odour to be amended , all dross to be separated from them ; and lastly , to be copulated by frequent distillation with a defecated alkali . such an acid avails much in healing , for it is grateful to the stomach raising a kindly appetite : it reforms a preternatural ferment , cherishing what is genuine ; by it , rotten , stinking , spurious saline matter in the stomach , producing extream thirst is tamed , altered , and cleansed away . the vitals having allured to themselves the alkali atomes the acid corpuscles are stamped into another form in the second digestion , where they become by the transmuting faculty of the gaul injected on them , another juice , loosing their acidity , withall assuming an abstersive salt , which easily passing through the kidneys puts on an urinous nature , producing plenty of urine in other shops they purifie the blood and l●●tex , penetrating deep , carry off superfluitie through the whole skin . i admire the galenists who proclaim them●selves chymists should dare to give suc● ill-prepared acids in their juleps or othe● mixtures , such as are so far estranged from the constitution of the parts continent an● contained , that they carry no concordanc● with them . of this sort are oil of vitriol sulphur , or what they nominate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spirits of the same : for those are fretting gnawing , biting mortifying : thes● meerly acetous , rough , harsh , stiptick , un●pleasant , flat , dull , unprofitable liquors ▪ plainly detecting , that they were never made by a knowing philochymist , as intended fo● that use which our dogmatical scribes put them to : for hereby they think to take of● heat and thirst in feavers upon the account of their supposed cooling quality , attributed to them by these thermologists : not considering , that those effects of a few drops ; eatting a woollen or linnen cloath quite through in a very short time , cannot possibly arise from a cold temperature , or any other primary quality ; but from the abundance or conglobation of acute saline ponderous particles as it were connexed in a cone , which thus concenterated tear , and rend in pieces any subject capable : wherefore as long as these salts continue in this position or texture , i cannot allow them fitting to be exhibited by an able healer : for being salts colliquated or melted , then forced over by a strong fire , they retain much of their pristine original , easily prone to be reduced into salt of a nauseous unpleasant taste . he that desires to procure a spirit of vitriol or sulphur of a grateful smell and taste , welcome to the ferment of the stomach , capable without difficulty to be altered into an alkali , apt to discharge ●mpurities through all convenient sluces , must extravert the sulphur , so then by a strong fire dilate their fiery beams , that they may become luminous , not burning ; must farther take off their sharp edge , by intervening particles readily closing in with them , whereby their heavy corpuscles are allevated , their opacous consistence made nitid : hereby our spirits comprehend them with joy . moreover , the spirit of salt so much disscoursed of , also applauded by some as made so artificially , i find very deficient , scarse deserving the name of spirit : for that vulgar liquor abounds with phlegm , little saline matter , and that far from a genuine spirit , sith it may by evaporation be brought to a corpulent sal. what is really a spirit is so volatile that it flyeth away ( unless very closly stopped ) incontinently : distilled i● leaveth no gross residue , it is delectable to the taste , of the stomach alike as to the palate : hence it is very medicinable . this requires labour with discreet analysis of the body of the salt by a golden sulphur and an alkali . i shall here opportunely reprehend our galeno-chymists , who affuse oil of sulphur to those three species the matter of elix . propri . supposing hereby both to open their body , correct any ill property , and advance their virtue , whereas they make by this means the excellent dowry contained in them more concluse , hardly to be communicated to their very homely menstruum , they encrease the biting acride fretting quality of the aloe or myrrhe whereupon follows a dyscrasie in the parts , geld or mutilate the species , instead of raising them to be more masculine and compleat . if we contemplate this rude manufacture of elix . propr . 't is no wonder those botching chymists mist of their drift in curing by such imperfect instruments . 't is no wonder they complain they are too hot , unsafe , causing cephalalgie , &c. thus taking measure by their own deformed practice , the reason is plain why such contumelies and disrespect is daily offered to this salutary way by these chymicophants , continually buzzing falsities in the years of the rich as well as the poorer sort , unstable , credulous , admiring the authority of a company of outsides , who have nothing to plead for their errors but antiquity . they have impudently , fictitiously suggested that the best chymical remedies , although fabricated by a most accurate vulcan , are dangerous , excessively hot , leaving a sting behing , not to be prescribed but by the most precise rules of their method , exactly weighing or measuring them . thus these praevaricators impose upon the simple , perswading them that they possess well-prepared medicines above others : when in truth i can prove them to be but meer philosophasters in our sophy : that they are miserably involved in darkness , not only to the handy work of the best innocent means , but also in what belongs to the oblation of them to the patient , in a just quantity & time . these chymicophants certainly ( did they rather chuse to be , than seem ) would uncessantly make a severe scrutiny by protechny into the essence and quiddity of concretes , that having extracted their pure parts , they migh● advance them by adjuncts agreeable to na●ture , avoiding all hurtful acids , circumci●sing or empairing their goodness . where●fore the mass of aloe , myrrhe , saffron being recluded by a proper alkalizate liquor , wil● by digestion freely communicate its more re●fined particles , to a spirit symbolizing with ours , of great efficacy in curing dangerous maladies if given proportionably to their degree of malignity . note some acids , wherein certain concretes pulverized very fine are infused , seem to dissolve them radically , to draw out high tinctures in so much the loborator is much affected therewith supposing he hath obtained his wished desire : when at length upon a stricter test , it is really only a disguise in the liquor arising from the piercing salt of the dissolvent , obsorbing the tenuious corpuscles of the dissolutum , which closely combined , produce this colour . these salts keeping in a fiux , the particles of the matter infused hide them that they are not discerned : till the activity of the salts be somewhat exhausted or grown languid through expiration , or a matter injected , suddenly embracing the dissolvent , makes forthwith a separation of it and the dissolutum , whereby a palpable pouder is precipitated to the bottome , and the colour of the liquor reduced to what it was before . this i made trial of in zwelfer his spirit , of venus pouered upon crabs eyes , seeming to be brought into a mucilage , their primum ens , till upon the coalition of an alkali they returned to their former shape of a powder . the same deception may be discovered in spirit of bread affused to red coral , as likewise in several other acid dissolvents . this may suffice to shew that vulgar acids do neither candidly deal with us , in dissolving concretes radically , neither do they prefer them to higher dignities of efficacy in healing . van helmont's advice is therefore strictly to be observed to endeavour to make the fixed alkali of tartar volatile , for the separation , and improvement of the better part of bodies . doubtless that great segregatour of all concretes into salt , sulphur , mercury , that the pretious may be separated from the vile , and yet it self kept in its integrity without any diminution of its virtue , hath its original from an alkali combined with pure mercury : it behoveth then every physitian to make a daily inspection into these salts , both friendly to the nature of man , and so prevalent in the unlocking materia medica , that so we may carry away what is sanative , and leave the destructive . chap. xi . as the vital spirits are to be multiplyed by their like , that they may be lusty to conquer their enemy : so are they likewise to be pacified , lulled asleep , diverted , treated gently , to be gratified with harmless anodives , sedatives , delightful speculatives , the most lucid objects , and most beautiful idea's . this renowned design is to be accomplished by vegetable animal and mineral sulphurs . nothing in this kind acts better than mineral sulphurs brought to an height of entelechie ; for no sooner are they taken into the stomach , but the vitals are refocillated by their bright rays , a sweet composure follows , their fury and rage taken off , black deformed images of mortality defaced , bright lovely idea's of health taking place . vegetable sulphurs afford us excellent virtue in healing , if freed from an empyreumatick tang , elaborated from an unkind acid lurking in them , either to be altered to a sweetness by what is apposite , or abstracted from them by curious art. add to this , if they abound with store of volatile alkali's , and of good odour : otherwise they put the ferment of the stomack to difficult labour , ●n removing their unctuosity , that they may become fitting for sanguification . those volatile salts which harbour a stinking oleous odour can never be grateful to the vitals . odores oleosi abstracti a suis concretis , inquinando potius afficiunt quam materialiter in arterias subeant . helm . de f●br . p. 90. wherefore i admire how some of our learned chymicophants can pretend to be so knowing in our sophy , yet know not how to rectifie , or to give a better odour to spirits of harts-horn , soot , &c. that they may be more acceptable to the animals . as long as any relique of faetid oil lies couched in the saline particles , it must needs contaminate the more elegant crasis : although some alledge the medicine is robbed of part of its medical endowment if this unpleasant hogo be sequestred : yet dispensing with the frequent employment of about some graveolents , as likewise , what may be requisite in historical affects without controversies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bene olents are most agreeable to the synthesis or constitution of the vitals : witness the essential oils of cinamon , clove , mace , nutmegs , &c. which being odorous plentifully imbued with saline particles , immediately refocillate , illuminate and compose nature . all caution therefore ought to be used , that the fire may not give vegetables or animals an ill odorous impress , scarce somtimes to be expunged : also to exercise 〈◊〉 manner of industry that the foul sulph●● may not rise with the clean spirits or sal● or if it so happen , it may by digestion and ma●nifold distillation with proper adjuncts 〈◊〉 divorced , at least much diminished . there are several sulphurs , balsams o● oyls extracted out of vegetables , of good con●cernment in healing , as aromatick and ma●ny fragrant plants : oyl of aniseed , fennel● marjoram , rosemary , thyme , lavender , sassafras , lemons , &c. are to be commended as they are if nitide and throughly polite ( by reason of the auspicious benevolent aspect on the archeus ) yet if they shall be converted into benign spirits or salts , they far transcend the former , working strange cures . oyl of terebinth spiritualized by a right spagyrical hand will get a physitian credit by its splendid effluviums , but oyl of amber made serene will do better things : also balsam peruvian , and balsam capiviae , arbor . vit. rarefied , or set at liberty from their grosser matter , then changed into a sublime , aethereal substance , will send forth some bright beams for the enlightning this microcosm . oyl of guaicum and box distilled without ●aetid , unsavory , fiery smell , or tast , afterward exalted to a highly volatile spirit are delightful to the archeus , and far to be approved before any diet-drink bochet , &c. offered by the galenists for the cure of the lues venerea , or other stubborn diseases . note , that we ought to be very studious in the hebetating , or withdrawing the acid latitant in most oils , whereby their virtues may become more explicated , as likewise more capable to embrace mineral sulphurs , and fixed alkali's , for their more easie transmutation into a spirituous liquor . what a happy comodity arises from the enjoyment of oil olive separated from its acid is known to most . the sulphur of wine changed into a saline nature serves for multitude of excellent uses , both as preparative and sanative . oyl of tartar distilled dexterously that it may not be so graveolent , next altered into a volatile saline liquor , affords prosperous effects in grievous calamities . the essential oil of myrrh , aloe , saffran intimately united with a pure volatile alkali deserves worthy applause in curing a quartane , and other tedious griefs ▪ for it rarely composes the disorders of the archeus . observe that oils or sulphurs so graduated , that they harbour good store of a kindly well clarified salt colliquated i● them , are more profitable for all intention of curing outward affects then being so●litary . hereby great dolors are allaied pains mitigated , aciditie in the part edu●●corated , asperities levigated , contracti●ons exporrected , tumours discussed , o● maturated , inflammations qualified , node and schirrous concretions dissolved , corruption and malignity in ulcers mortified ▪ but above all : the archeus exceedingly delighted with the application . certain sulphureous juices coagulated , as aloe opium scam . ixia , &c. artificially handled , and duly corrected , that their poisons may be destroyed , solace the archeus , enabling it to profligate the deseased matter , according as an orgasmus thereof directs . gums and resins used as topicks afford great comfort to the part aflicted : yea some hung about the neck emit a splendid virtue for the recreation of the vitals . chap. xii . next to vegetables , let us contemplate the efficacy of animal sulphurs , as they please indulge , and compose the spirits ; these are acquired from the parts of living creatures inward or outward contained within the verge of vitality , or excommunicated therefrom . a great part of our aliment is taken from the sulphurious juices of animals , best maintaining man in vigour , affording a very robust nutriment for augmentation and procreation . i find generally the most able bodies , magnanimous souls , and the stoutest souldiers to be sarcophagi : and the nigher of consanguinity the sulphurious food is to the crasis and constitution of our bodies , the more effectually it corroborates . for this reason swines flesh doth copiously nourish , encreasing the strength of those in health , and quickly restoring those who are emaciated , if the ferment of the stomach be by proper means rectified . the broath of pork , as i am informed , hath done notable things for the reparation of the decayed strength of some , who have suffered an atrophy for many months . doubtless were it by the authority of diaeteticks brought into more frequent practice , many would be better cured of consumptions by help hereof , than by those gummous , clogging gellies , and lacteous excrementitious prescriptions of the galenists . anthropophagi or cannibals earnestly covet mans flesh , esteeming it most delicate food , pittying us as ioh. le●rius the burgandian declares , that we in thi● part of the world are unacquainted with suc● dainty meat , for as much as they find thi● humanum sulphur so nigh kin to their ow● to be earnestly coveted by the appetite , de●lectable to nature : therefore easily convert●ed into their own substance . hereby sanity and longaevity are advanced . creatures of a musculous robust constitution , though ( more than others ) remote from our nature , yet through custome , and seminal participation become familiar , and most grateful : so that the sulphur of the flesh and blood of horses , yield strong aliment to the tartars whereby they are made more fierce , hardy and valiant . in general , the sulphur of the inward parts of living creatures are prized more for nourishment than physick : yet some are not wanting to do us great service , as those taken from the gaul , whose singular gifts in healing are often recorded . the sulphur of the liver and gaul of an adder or eel expedite a slow birth . the gaul of some fishes clarifie the eye-sight , remove a fistula , pin , or web off the eye : it killeth worms , it openeth , cleanseth , attenuates gross matter . the sulphur of the blood of a cat profits in the rickets ; of a goat , in a pleurisie ; of a mouse in the suffocative cough . the exactly purified sulphur of the bones of certain animals , are conducible for divers diseases : did not their foetour annoy us , we should by often taking them find them far more profitable . the dung of creatures , although proscriled from having a share of vitality , yet do their sulphur afford us great relief in sickness : horse dung against a pleurisie whose acute dolour is asswaged thereby : peacocks excrement against an epilepsie : goose dung against the jaundices , &c. the sulphur of the outward parts of animals , as the horns , hair , skin , hoofs , nails , teeth , testicles , also various superfluous excrescences of living bodies is to be had in estimation for physical use . all these if they be so ordered that no igneous stinking taste offend , nor any clammy viscous impurity remain in them , if withal their seminal virtues be preserved , are of notable force to allay in some measure the tempest of the archeus . chap. xiii . above all , the sulphur of metals and minerals challenge the greatest regard from us for their singular endowment i● healing . mettaline sulphurs are solar , lunar mercurial , saturnal , iovial , venereal , an● martial . what the sulphur of gold can act in diffi●cult cases is well known to all legitimat● philosophers . but hic labor hoc opus est : how t● fetch it out aright ; not every aurum potabile which some so boast of , ought to be repute● the anima of this glorious mettal . for tho i● may , after the example of van hel. be brought into the minutest atoms by grinding it fine with cinnaber , and salt , afterwards by often distilling it with sal armoni . stib . & mercu● subli . be turned into a red oyl . notwithstanding the tearing of this solid , ponderous most fixed body into the smallest particles possible , yet may it be easily reduced again to gold , the same in every respect as before . 't is no wonder then that we are so frequently disappointed of the happy effect , which this solar sulphur might afford us , seeing so few are able to attain a key fitting to unlock the cabinet , wherein this pretious jewel is contained . by reason of ignorance herein , those at first great applauders of van helmont , for his profound knowledg in metallurgie , have apostatiz'd from his sincere doctrine of curing the most contumacious maladies , by those compact sulphureous bodies , vaunting that they were furnished with vegetable and animal preparations every way able to conquer the most monstrous diseases in nature with as much certainty activity , as the best instituted metaline , or mineral sulphurs . this the author of vita sana & longa ( i heard ) asserted to the great disparagement of this science , and to the discovery of his evident weakness in pyrotechnie . we dare practically affirm for the defence of our philosophy , that the exalted sulphurs , derived from these most solid concretes , do generally far transcend in iatrical excellency , either vegetable or animal , whensoever any fixed disease comes to be eradicated , able to elude the best parts extracted out of plants or living creatures : yea i aver ( challenging any one of a contrary mind to the test thereof ) that the provision we make for the cure of our griefs , by means of this materia subterranea , is every jot as safe , but of far more generous issue than any desumed from the superficies of the earth . well then , if this be true , let us in especial manner put out our selves in the indagation of that pretious pharmacy which nature hath with great care shut up in these close solid bodies . qui vult nucleum nucem frangat . this solar sulphur no vulgar aqua regi● will reach , neither will the milder and corrosive touch . they may make momentany separation and rarefaction of the massie , close hard , firm constitution of gold taking into their bosome , and there obsconding from the eye , those small pulviscles : yet for as much as no real dissolution is made , the dissolvent upon the contact of what is more desired , leaves the lacerated particles of gold to it self , easily capable without the loss or diminution of its substance , to be reduced to the same ponderous solid constant matter it had before . now the reason why it is so difficult to separate a pure tincture from gold , arises from the ignorance of destroying it ; quod , qui novit aurum destruere , noverit itidem construere , saith van helmont . all these alterations it undergoes by usual corrosives , moist , or dry , are but disguises put upon this solar concrete . 't is not a harsh , boisterous , precipitate course , can make it yield a tincture , but a calm , mild , mollifying , indulging , familiar means , carrying a parity with it's nature , will so work upon this solar genius , that it is prone to expire it's soul or sulphur . the menstruum to be made choice of , must be of a sulphureous nature , upon which gold hath a friendly aspect . this liquor can insinuate into the close compage of this metal sweetly elicitating a splendid tincture . i have always found well mundified ☿ and gold to embrace each other intimately , which hath prompted me to marry them , and keep them in a warm bed together till a most noble issue hath come from them , of excellent use to compose the disorders in this microcosm , and to heal its grievous sores . the way of reserating the body of gold by long triturtion , that the acid air may insinuate into it , and dissolve , is a rare invention . in the same manner i have dealt with luna , though inferior to the former ( yet because more tractable ) hath recompenced my labours with medicines polycrest , whereby the tempest of the archeus is allayed . of mercury , that fluent metal , made nitide , i acquire by frequent sublimations , a sulphureous powder altogether fixed , serving upon all occasions to rally the spirits , when brought into a confusion , by the assaults of morbifick enemies , whereby advantage is given to nature to dis-possess them of their strong holds . of all the manufactures belonging to mercury , i could never yet see the like , being so admirably grateful to the vitals , and s● safe in its happy operation . three or fou● grains of this ruddy pouder strengthens the stomach , pacifies inward uproars , causes sweet rest , attenuates gross matter , opens obstructions , sweetens acidity , mundifies the blood , by profligating the hostile matter every way according to the impulse , inclination of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the commodity of the passages . this it executes without leaving the least evil impress behind . there are several laudable preparations of mercury , as spirit of mercury ; vigo's powder in some measure to be made fixed . although our philosopher detests the praecipitations , vitrifications , of mercury : yet for want of that which is truly fixed , the use of some of them handled dextrously , may be admitted . but i by no means allow of ordinary praecipitates and sublimates of the shops , sith they are generally made meerly for lucre , not for cure. i admire our galenists ( otherwise very scrupulous and over-cautious in prescribing any thing , but what is very safe , as they pretend , endeavouring upon that account to bring an odium upon all remedies in general chymically framed , unless instituted according to their method , dare give scamony , colocynth , elaterium , &c. very poysons : yea , offer to children , for the worms , in a large portion , mercur ▪ dulcis , than which they know nothing better against the lues venerea , exhibited by them seldom with happy event of totally conquering the malady , but often , with manifest misery to the patient . would these chymicophants contemplate how carelessly , rudely , this sweet sublimate is forged , what mischievous mistakes have happened thereby ; how at the best it is none of the most generous remedies , known to true pyrotechnists ; how easily it is remeable into running mercury , they would lay aside this , and other of their in-sufficient , dangerous chymical medicaments , leaving them to quacks , and mountebanks , and entertaining the safe , prevalent , spagyrick instruments worthy of a true philosopher . for my part , i have for many years ago ablegated those plebeian workman-ships of mercury , being conscious to my self how they did delude me , and my patients , although i had then , yea , now possess some of the better sort , as mercury praecipitatus per se , cum auro , cum argento . the splendour , purity , homogeneity , fugacity of mercury , unity , or amity , gravity , duration , indestructibility , multifarious variety ; yet a facile retrogadation to the very same numerical thing indu●ces us to believe , that there are transcendent iatrical excellencies in it . i am fully perswaded that great dissolvent , the liquor alkahest , is fabricated by means of mercury bereaved of its outward sulphur , whereby it becomes immortal , no● afterward to be laid hold of radically , by any sulphur . reperitur namque mercurius postquam est spoliatus isto sulphure nullo igne mutabilis , saith van hel. the most simple , pure , nitid , indivisible , primo enti metallico similis , embryonated mercury , is that which is drawn out of metals , according to our great philosopher . e metallo eductus ita simplex & indivisibilis ut sit impossibile ex eo seperare salem & sulphur . of ☿ are made those singular arcanaes of so general use , as ☿ diaphor . vel aurum horizont ☿ corallat ; which i ingeniously confess , i imitate , but not exactly match : every atom of those mercurial polyacea's , send forth lively illustrious beams wonderfully affecting the archeus , being infinitely delighted with the intuition of them , so that it layeth aside all morosity , melancholy , exhorbitant passions , and the entertainment of deformed ideas : then re-collecting strength , it putteth to flight whatsoever doth annoy the life . the spirit , oyl , or sulphur of saturn made philosophically , applyed outwardly , or taken inwardly , gives much content to the vitals . iupiter , or tin , contains a double sulphur , the cause why it is lighter than any other metal : the one is oyly , the other harbours in it's bosom an odd kind of salt , enclining it to be coagulated . the aporhaea , or effluvium of which entring any metal ( except lead ) makes it frangible and friable . the sulphur of ♃ tinges a diamond , saith our philosopher . if so , doubtless the beams coming from such a sulphur must needs exhilarate the vital spirits in an extraordinary manner . out of venus is got a glorious sulphur , called ens veneris : i mean not the plebeian sublimation of salt 🜹 , and the caput mort of vitriol , but the philosophical adeption of a golden sulphur out of venus by means of a benign dissolvent , and a menstruum sympathizing with it's solar narure . but of venus , floating in it's proper corrosive , i extract by means of an alkali , a sweet sulphur , most acceptable to the archeus . mars affords an illustrious clarified sulphur which doth not only please the animals by illuminating them , purifying the blood , sweetning acidities , but it also prepares many good remedies : for those , not to be used of themselves with safety & efficacy , it nobilitates ; so that they may be assumed in larg● quantity with happy success . this sulphur takes off the corrosive properties of concretes , mortifies their poisonous condition , extraverts their benevolent sulphur , that they become 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 catharticks , without offering violence to the vitals . amongst minerals , none is to be had in greater estimation than antimony , for yielding a bright sulphur : either meerly diaphor . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 altering , illuminating the microcosm 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pacifier of the fury of the archeus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a destroyer of morbifick idea's , according as you handle it that it may be made very sweet , nitid , splendid , free from cacoethie , any malignant property ; or only gently purging 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what 's digested , separated , orgastick , and hormetick , quo maxime natura viam affectat , which way nature pleaseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 through commodious conveyances : otherwise it desists , acting in another pleasing manner , opening the passages obstructed , digesting , attenuating , crude , gross matter , carrying off peccant atoms , profligating evil spirits insensibly , without the least offence to the ferments or vitals . the cordial diaphor . sulphur of ♁ which doth difflate , scatter , alter bad juices , casting a lustre upon the spirits is extracted out of it by calcination , distillation , sublimation , by calcination is made ♁ diaphoret . which although an ordinary medicine , i wish it were fabricated technically , for it is either inperfectly fixed , crude , harbouring some portion of a foul sulphur , or some exotick matter : otherwise it is not throughly exempted from the peter , perhaps containing many impurities in it self , so left behind in the antimony : if these or the like errors were corrected , it would appear one of the best chymical manufactures , the galenists possess in their shops ; and would perform great things for the cure of malignant diseases , acute and chronic , supposed they would be perswaded to give it in a large quantity , which they might do to a quintuple portion if made aright . the best in this kind , is that made by praecipitating the matter calcined , although more difficult to be acquired , yet much to be preferred before the other . out of the oar of ♁ is expedited by calcination , and praecipitation , a sulphureo●● pouder , of an orange , or red colour . th●● digested a considerable time in a spirituo●● liquor , then combined with the sulphur 〈◊〉 ♀ become a bright body , wherein the a●cheus takes pleasure to reflect it self . it clea●●seth the blood powerfully . antimonie turned by calcination into 〈◊〉 glass , of a purple colour , according to b●●silius valentinus's directions , affords a fit su●●phurious matter for distilled vineger to wor● upon , that a splendid deep coloured tinct●ure may be communicated to a genuine me●●struum for exhilarating and quieting the sp●●rits . the dry calcination of by ♁ the beam● of the sun makes it disposed to yield an anodyne sulphur for the setling the disorde● of the archeus . a regulus made out of ♁ , especially signed with a star , by means of a dry calcination is previous to the extraction of a very clean sulphur , which brought to a diaphoretick pouder , or an elegant tincture delights the vitals exceedingly . a regulus of ♁ and ♂ exceed the former ▪ but the electrum , i. e. ♁ conflated with ♂ ♃ and other mettals is to be chiefly valued , as matter most fitting for the elicitation of a cleer sulphur , much vivifying the animals . by the power of a moist calcination with praecipitation , is made bezoard mineral , ●olar , lunar , iovial , sulphureous reme●ies , which accurately handled , compose ●he archeus , animating it to the extermi●f stubborn maladies . in a humid way the sulphur of ♁ is ex●racted by penetrative corpuscles of divers corrosive liquors , whereby it is made capable to impart its most defaecated portion to ● menstruum grateful to nature . the flowers of ♁ prepared by a plain ●imple sublimation , are a subject on which ● good artist working , is able to draw out ●n approved tincture , for the sufflaminating ●he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when it is precipately hurried by immoderate passions . it also expunges ●oxious imaginations . cinnabar of ♁ concreted in the neck of the retort in distillation of the butyrum , contains a sulphur , whose finer particles enucleated by an amicable humid substance , doth eminently clarifie the vital exhalation of the blood. these flowers having imbibed a sublime alkali elixerated , afterward united with the undefiled sulphur of ♂ , cleanse the body by spitting , urine , sweat , causing the spirits at the same time to triumph . out of ♁ is separated by sublimation a sulphur , not unlike to the common , only hath somewhat a greenish cast . this exqu●●sitly refined , maturated , then radically dis●solued , gives an odorous , pleasant , glorious high-coloured tincture to an alkali imbue● with salt of tartar volatile . this remedy seldome deceives my expectation in curing truculent diseases . it sweetly condenses the spirits , entertained by them with great delight , finding thereby repast , after many toilsome hours : it helps nature to dissipate peccant matter , to thrust it out vigorously every way , it resists poison , abates inflammations , breaks abscesses , healeth them , alters bad juices to the better . it leaveth no place unrigged or unransak'd , sweeping every corners , making the whole body polite and trim . by the art of distillation , a sulphureous oyl of ♁ is forced over of excellent use in topical applications , to asswage the dolours of the archeus , to mortifie the corruptor in an ulcer , to dissolve coagulated matter , to discuss tumours in the beginning . the same liquid sulphur graduated may be taken inwardly with good success . from ♁ united with ☿ ♎ distilled is brought to light a gummous liquor , called butyr . antim . a commodious matter in the hands of a philosophical pyrotechnist for processes , leading to noble remedies , favourable to nature , bearing discord with the morbifick excrements . there are multifarious manufactures of antim . besides what are set down , upon which the archeus doth smile , whereby it is quickned to take heart , to subjugate potent , malignant griefs . but what i have mentioned here may suffice to justifie a physitians diploma , if he be industriously capable , likewise gratifie the patient , if he be obedient . cinabaris nativa , called of paracelsus metallus primus sive masculus comprehends , a most radiant solar sulphur . this brought into a red oyl , afterwards into a mercurial juice , named vinum vitae , or dissolved in some aromatick oyl , circulated with an alkali in spirit of wine , doth not onely cleanse away , banishing what is hurtful in the body , but also renovates the strength , ●mpaired in the whole , reducing the tone and vigour of every part to a just proportion and equal action . hence it is deservedly conducible for the protelation of life . the sulphureous particles of lapis haematites extraverted by sublimation , send forth a most fragrant smell like saffron . these flowers immerged in a benevolent menstruuum , digested , often distilled , give a tincture no whit different to a dissolution of gold. great is the power hereof to please the vitals , to illuminate the dark corners of the microcosm . out of bismuth . zink , talk , ludus paracel . and divers other marchasites are extorted good sulphurs , which elaborately refined , united with symbolizing liquors , afford remedies fitting to allay the perturbations of the archeus . there are also certain precious stones ; as the emeral'd saphire , granat , &c. whose rutilating sulphurs , although they are fast locked up , yet may be recluded by means of penetrating dissolvents , whereby ( their shining dowries being diffused in a friendly diaphanous bath ) the rigour of the archeus may be made supple , compliant , and enlightned , when at any time it is obnubilated . for if precious stones be reputed to have a happy influence upon the vitals , by those bright beams darted outwardly : certainly they will perform it much better , when that light imprisoned shall be set at liberty from the grosser part , being united , as it were , in a cone , shall be received into a fluid serene matter , so taken inwardly . those luminous concretions nature seems to have taken extraordinary pains about , to free from heterogene●ty or alloy , namely , unions , or pearls , indigitate to us by their clarified signature , that such ▪ shining sulphureous remedies may be fabricated by analysis of them , which the archeus may esteem as vitae deliciae , feasting upon ●hem with admirable delight . now , this dainty morsel for the archeus to banquet on , is not to be acquired by a trivial affusion of vinegar , ( which doth onely imposie upon our eyes , representing them as truly dissolved , whereas indeed they are no otherwise than masked , no better than pulverized : moreover doth likewise fleece them , castrating these splendid concretions of their real eminent lustre they had before ; but by means of such a dissolvent , able to make them retire to their ens primum . this is verily a great cordial sweetly imbibed by nature , worthy to be called elementum sive lac margaritarum , because it is a great restorer of what is impaired , a disperser of those black meteors darkning the spirits . thus i have , i hope , pro modulo , confirmed one leg of this spacious body of therapeutick physick , viz. the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or indication dedueed from the necessary support , augmentation , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 placation , moderation , applause , photism of the vital spirits . chap. xiv . the other leg to be insisted upon , or principal immediate indication to be considered , is the ablation of the inwar● efficient cause of a disease , and the ou●●ward occasional , irritative , morbifick matte● ▪ that the archeus is the prime author 〈◊〉 all sickness , is an undoubted truth . nether can any malady seat it self any where ▪ but in the life , as it 's proper subject ; fo● the body once extinct , all diseases vanish . now , this ens morbosum , as all othe● things , arises from a seminal principle , th● quiddity , or activity of which necessaril● depends upon an idea impressed upon th● spirit . as soon as this idea is formed by the ar●cheus , invested therewith , it forthwith falls to action , uncessantly labouring to pollute part of the vitals ; hereupon an unkindly forreign ferment emerges , which the archeal idea makes use of , to alienate the life more and more from it's integrity . thus from an invisible beginning a real morbous ens , is created , defined by our philosopher , vitalis potestatis actus idealis , efficiens , induens sibi vestem ex ideali materia ; atque a●quirens formam vitalem & substantialem , juxta differentiam tarditatis & celeritatis seminum ide alum . that this depraved efficient act of the vitals may be hindred , frustrated , and deprived of ideal matter to clad it self ; so be disappointed from arriving to , or continuing in a vital formality ; the ideal seed is to be defaced , blurred , and extinct by all means possible . to bring this intention home to a purpose immediately , and speedily , requires the best of van helmont's arcana : yet i doubt not but some of those medical instruments , i have before proposed , will by degrees in some reasonable space , at least cancel , if not totally deface those black preternatural ideas , that the archeus ( disturbed with irregular passions ) hath delineated in the very essence of life . certainly when a supreamly clarified salt and sulp. shall be taken into the body , then conducted into the very bed-chamber of life , shewing the archeus , as in a looking-glass , the ugly shape of the disease pourtrayed ; it cannot but after some re-collection repent of former errors , exceedingly contented at the presence of so beautiful an object offered to the view , whose salutiferous idea causes a composure in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereupon it falls to razing out the deformed image of mortality , instead thereof limns though rudely at first , the picture of future sanctity . pulv. noster bezoard . vel pestifugus . tinct . bals. solar . polya . sulp. ♂ & ♀ , most defaecated , destroy in some sort , diseased ideas , producing luminous instead of caliginous images . i question not but there are remedies to be purchased , as active in framing health●ful characters on the spirits , as there ar● things noxious framing ( with admirabl● agility ) deadly impresses . did we not too much acquiesce upo● traditional notions , prone to be rathe● credulous through idleness , than to make a narrow indagation into the formal essen●tial virtues given to concretes , we should without question , be better instructed concerning the specifick properties of animals , vegetables , and minerals : we should more directly understand what is to be adapted adequately immediately , for the abolition of contumacious , long maladies : whose difficulty of curing consists in fixed ideas , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which would quickly make a cure. 't is , i say , for want of the knowledge of the seminal endowments of creatures , able to wash away the foul tinctures , or black ideas of evils , and in lieu to ting the body with a vital balsom , creating good images in the spirits , that our calamities are so grievous , and long . how vainly then , foolishly , obstinately , yea , deceitfully , do the galenists obtrude upon their m●serable patients : faint cordials , insignificant juleps , destructive bleeding , pernicious solutives , together with outward butcheries , as vesicatories , &c. for the conquering those radicated maladies , whose essence principally depends upon a spiritual morbifick idea , which once expunged , salutiferous images come in place , nature flourisheth , it 's enemy shortly withers . i grant the dogmatists own the use of specificks , affirming that they substantially , and formally resist the evils of life : for all that , 't is well known to the faithful philosopher , how little they trust to them , being conscious to themselves how ieiune , and barren they are therein , never profoundly to a purpose examining this ideal doctrine , or putting it to the test of solid , learned , repeated experiments , as they ought , but rather trusting to what good-wives have taught them ( who happily deprived of their false methods , slighting their hodg podg , bolmong non-sensical jumbling together of multitude of ingredients , looking ninety nine ways at once , but in no wise at the right mark ) led by their own genius put to some difficulties , moved to pity their neighbours languors , simply looked upon by them with a sincere eye of healing , without that chief sordid , mercenary end , our galenical hucksturs or ingrossers drive at ) have been by divine providence conducted to the knowledge of those specificks , that have beyond expectation made a metamorphosis of the infirmity into sanity . to the rude contingent essays of the plain , candid , immethodical people , are our fine-finger'd , disingenuous methodical galenists beholding , hardly affording a mantissa of their own experimental discoveries , to the weight of direct immediate scheme of curing . this is the reason we have so few patterns of antidotes in this kind , sufficient to annihilate those venemous characters , made by multitude of dayly occurrent occasional causes : such is the laziness of these antichymists , that they will neither labour themselves , nor encourage industrious men . their main study is to disguise themselves , that they may rather seem , than be truly philosophical ; wherefore like the worst of thieves , stealing pretious truths out of van helm . or his legitimate disciples , they conceal them by dressing them in a strang habit , thus bring them upon the stage of the world to be admired , as the off-spring of their own head and hand : whereas indeed they are but meerly surreptitious , for which they ought severely to be animadv●rted , especially for cavilling , and carping at this noble philosopher , to whom they owe what orthodox knowledge they have . of this crime i know some , cryed up by the ignorant for great spagyrists : who ( as i can expressly shew ) hath pillaged our philosopher of substantial physical verities , changed their name , cut out their mark , put on a larg fine coat of rhetorick , to make them look more gaudy , so exposed them to sale at the phantastical fairs of this foolishly affecting , willingly to be deceived world. now let us find out ( if possible ) some rare gifts instilled into the creatures by the conditor of all things . these are fitly to be divided into three monarchies or republicks , each one bound to act according to that power they are subject to , viz. animal , vegetable , mineral , to which is added marine . chap. xv. among the tribe of animals with their parts , the spirit of the blood of man blots out the idea of the falling-sickness , which the spirit of urine ( in every respect besides equal with the former ) cannot effect . the pouder of the skul of a man strangled , is reputed a specifick in the epilepsie . the spirit of the brain is valued after the same rate . to drink his own urine preserveth from the image of the pest. the repeated potation of urine , cures the tertian , and makes the seminal character to fade away . the uterine blood of a child-bed woman drank , hath an excellent faculty to stop immoderate fluxes of the womb , arising from a furious idea . the blood flowing from the nose , stops excessive haemorrhagies , menstruum virginis extinguisheth erysipelas . blood extravsated or quitture hath a sympathetical sense , diffusing beams at a great distance towards the vital blood , causing idea's sanative or corruptive in wounds or ulcers , according as moderate or violent impresses are made upon the matter removed from the body . the gaul of man correcteth deafness . the mumy of mans body duly prepared , acts strangly upon the innate spirits , ferments and idea's , for , saith our philosopher : nec etenim tutum est satis mumiarum ad invicem connexum & concordantiam exprimere : inde nempe tota dimanavit necromantia veterum . a man may presume to dive too far into this abstruse philosophy to his own prejudice , imitating the necromancy of the antients . without controversie , the true mumy operates notably upon the morbifick seal , enabling the spirits to abolish it , to make salutiferous images in place of the former . but it is not to be purchased sincere at this day , nor a succedaneum thereto : for that liquor as it is described , was of a thick mellaginous consistence , of good odour , of singular efficacy , proceeding from the balsome of myrrhe , aloe , cinamon , with which they seasoned mans body . ours at this day is of a different form to the right : being only a cadaverous liquamen , or a piece of flesh condited , and dryed , very little significant for the cure of any great disease . the fat of man wants not its worth as a topick , in removing weak , troublesome , tormenting marks made on certain parts of the body . the fat of man enters into the weapon salve for the advancement thereof . to what nefarious , impious uses , witches put the parts of mans body , for the execution of their horrid enterprizes , is known to those who have enquired into natural magical causes of things . the same parts of man differently handled , may destroy their wicked villanous , bewitching idea's , by introducing good moral divine religious representations . 't is vulgarly known how fasting-spittle doth take off some griefs , not so much by power of a volatile salt in it , as by a gift conferred of spoiling the stigma in the part affected . ear-wax cometh not short thereof in energie . the spirit of hair applyed , causeth hair to grow . man's dung is reported to be an adaequate antidote for mortifying the terrible idea of some poysons . the great tooth of a dead body placed upon an aking tooth , causeth it to fall out by bare contact . van. hel. affirms , morientium sudor mirificas vires mortificandi haemorrhoides & excrescentias possidet . p. 233. the sweat of a dying man destroys the form of the swelling of the outward piles , and other excrescenscies . a dead-mans hand caused to stroke the same , acts in like manner . lice swallowed alive diminisheth ( as is confirmed by some experimentally ) the tincture of the jaundice , and sometimes totally removes the steps thereof . intestinal worms dried , poudered , taken inwardly , destroy the figure of living worms . lice are said to rid away lice . some declare the stone of the kidneys and bladder , prudently ordered by an expert pyrosophist , marreth the fashion of the duelech , loosening the compage thereof , making it become retrograde to the principle of it's first concretion . there are some who have such an idiosyncrasie , or peculiar constitution of body , that upon contact , palpation , or stroaking another living body they change the texture of the same , alter a valetudinary melancholy stamp , to a wholsome , chearful image . and i doubt not but some infected with the venereal poysonous sting of a foul woman , have , making use of one peculiarly wholsom , found them antidotarie , giving interchangeably better for worse ideas . thus great is the benignity of the good creator , who hath not suffered man to be destitute of excellent remedies contained in his own body , for the mitigation , pessundation of the sad calamities , he hath , and doth daily bring upon himself through his exorbitant , lustful phansie . he hath also destinated other creatures to be at his service , to regulate , sufflaminate , amend , consolidate , purifie , and persanate his wandring precipitate , maimed , corrupt , crasie , absurd , filthy , mad imaginations , turning body and soul continually off the hinges . i wish those specificks i deliver upon trust , were throughly explorated , and approved by learned authors , who , i fear , have taken up some of them too credulously for truths , as they came from the mistakes of the plebeian , without examining them by the test of judicious iterated trials . i shall exhort therefore all hearty lovers of verity , that they would make a severe scrutiny into some of those concrets , supposed to have a gift bestowed upon them , of acting in a spiritual manner upon vitiated ideas . for my part , had i leisure ; were i not importunately turmoiled with the accurate facture of pharmacie , i should , long e're this , have given a more satisfactory account of the operation of things , sympathizing with our nature , preserving good sound imaginations , bearing an innate hatred to those that are morbous , crasie , vitiated , extinguishing them . i have thought none more fitting for this work , than those we call virtuosi , if they would lay aside their wanton , little significant , somewhat impertinent ( as to the main matter of sanity , without which nothing can be done aright ( periergies , or over-busie curiosities , seriously setling themselves , ( for the well-fare of their neighbour ) to the inspection and anatomy of essential energies of spirits , lodging in divers bodies , as they delight , or are displeased when they meet with those of their own texture , nearly related , or strangers thereto : in that regard exert respectively their ingenite faculties producing characteristical effects of health and sickness . if they will not vouchsafe to do this themselves , let them encourage others thereto , making a collection of such observations , as other practical philosophers have really found true , being ready to exhibit plain specimens thereof to their senses . this were the direct way to advance the sophical tractation of materia medica , and to rid us of that lumber of fruitless , farraginous , absurd compositions , which do but aggravate our miserable condition . having shewn what excellent properties are comprehended in the parts of man , for the regulation of noxious phansies : i shall now make a progress of the matter in hand , mustering such animals with their continents and contents , reported either to sully , deface , blur , or quite abolish the idea's of diseases , whose action in this kind is called specifick , being destinated ab origine , for that end , to produce such an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or effect , no rational computation of which can be given from the praedicament of meer qualities . the spiritual endowments flowing from animals , vegetables , and mineral concrets , as they are simply , plain , rudely , or curiously prepared : i shall set down as most of them are delivered to me , ex fide , trusting to the bare traditions of some , to the authority , and integrity of others . therefore let no man think all the ingenite virtues , attributed here to the principal triple common-weal of bodies , to be altogether authentick ; but let them take notice of my grand design , viz. that they may come under ( a certain modification with all circumstances observed ) the examination of ingenious experimenters , who are able to testifie the falsity , or verity of the same , as they find them . swallows are commended as powerful to obliterate by degrees the falling sickness : also an elks claw , castoreum . the gaul of a sucking whelp . the liver of froggs prepared . castoreum . blood of a turtle dove . the stone in a carps head , are specifick in the appoplexie , and palsie . likewise fox grease . the smell of a fox . water distilled from ants. the dung of a black cow taken while it is hot , then calcined , and given to infants newly born , to half a dram , preserves them from convulsion fits , and the epilepsie . peacocks dung conduceth against the vertigo or diziness . the brain of a swine avails in a phrensie and a weak memory . a small bone found in snails without shells , profits in convulsions . a toad stops great fluxes of blood ; also the hair , or downie substance about the tail of a hare , taken in march , blown into the nostrils . cats tail , asses , or hogs dung are used for that purpose . the fat of a pike applied to the temples , composes the phansie to rest. a succedaneum to it is the water drawn out of the worms found in the spongy balls of sweet bryar . the juice extracted out of the liver of a weasil , instilled into the eye , removes the idea of a white spot , or cloudiness in the eye . the same is declared of the gaul of a weasil , or hare . the blood of a mouse . and water distilled out of mans dung. the inward skin of egg-shells newly hatched , powdered , and applied , takes away the venemous impress of a cancer in the eye . scarabees , or beetles dryed , and pulve●rised , repose the starting out of the eye . the chrystaline humour of the eye o● an ox distilled , corrects the infirmities o● the eyes . the gaul of a pike mortifies a fistula . the gauls of most fishes , instilled into the eyes , change the dark character of blindness , into the luminous bright image of seeing . the gaul of a pike is most famous for that end. a headless fly rubbed upon a wheal , or mattery swelling of the eye-lid cures it . the juice of periwinckles instilled into the ear , profiteth against the impress of deafness . the like is attributed to the gaul of a hare , mixt with a little honey . the claw of a toad , well dressed , and held to the aking tooth , charms the dolorous pain . the tooth of a dead dog , acts in the same manner , as they say . so doth ( as some affirm ) the gum of ivy and a snakes skin . the powder of lizards put upon the teeth , maketh them to fall out . the blood of a cocks comb rubbed on the gums of children breeding their teeth , causeth them to break forth the sooner . oyl of toads blot out pimples and wheals of the face . the menstruous matter performs the like . an egg boiled hard laid to the crown of the head , takes off the flaccidity and hanging down of the uvula . the grease of a pike rubbed into the soles of childrens feet , afflicted with a tedious cough , puts a stop to it . creatures fresh killed , applyed to the head , have a specifick virtue to mitigate pains and watchings . crabs , dogs dung. swallows , and swallows nest. boars tooth , marr the strangulatorie image of the quinzie . goats blood , mumy , crabs eyes , conduce to the amendment of that deformed figure of a phthisis . the heart , liver , and lungs of a calf , distilled , are of some use for that purpose ( as they say ) vipers , river crabs , pearls philosophically handled , are doubtless of great force . so are snails . ants distilled with honey in spirit of wine , afford an excellent liquor , appropriated for an atrophie , or consumption ; to be used both inward and outward . t' is delivered by some , that a new laid egg boiled in the urine of a consumptive body till it be hard ; then perforated with a sharp stick , that abundance of holes may be made , reaching to the yolk ; afterward this very egg boiled again in the same urine , till it be quite evaporated : at length , buried in an ant-hill , is available in an atrophie ; for as it is consumed by the ants eating it , so is the idea of the consumption of the body obliterated , and the strength restored . that frothy , slimy water slipping out of the mouth of horses , when they are drinking , being taken inwardly , repairs decayed nature millepedes cheslips . bezoar orient . crocus . the broath of an old cock , are accounted powerful to asswage an asthma , or tissick . the heart of a partridge abates the passion of the heart . the heart of a bird , called a wag-tail , the congelation of the spirits . the arterial blood of a goat , the pizzle of a stagg , or bull. boars tooth often given , cross out the sharp pointed character of a pleurisie . also the bright shining pictures in a peacocks tail , cut into small pieces , and given to drink . the fore-said spumous slippery liquor , gliding through the horses mouths in watering , imbibed , doth strangly alter the pleuritical impress . the skin of a wolf , vulture , swan , worn for a stomacher , help , as they say , digestion . hard eggs are reckoned for a specifick in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the dogs appetite . the powder of a secundine of the first born , is recommended for prevention of mischief in the pica , a strange idea of longing in women with child . a stone found in an oxes bladder of gaul , wipes off the tincture of the yellow jaundies . goose-dung , earth worms have the like property . outwardly a tench applyed alive to the navil till it dye . likewise a spider inclosed quick in a little box , hung about the neck upon the pit of the stomack till it dye . the fore-said stone in an oxes bladder of gaul prevails against sadness . the spleen of an ox is a specifick against the evils of the spleen . the worms in dog rose mortifie the worms in the belly . a living toad applyed to the region of the loyns , cancels the character of the dropsie in the kidneys . the gut of a wolf dryed , and the powder taken , lulleth asleep the torment of the cholick . the same is reputed of the inward ventricle of a hens craw , and whiter part of hens dung. likewise the testicles of a horse . the powder of the inward skin of the shell of eggs. portion of the navil string of a child new born , carried about , certainly prevents , or mitigates the torture of the cholick . the blood of a hare cures the dysentery or bloody flix . crabs eyes . the jaw bone of a pike , deface that ugly petrifying image in the kidneys . scorpions are applauded by some for that purpose . cheesils , goats blood produce the same effect in the stone of the bladder . chrystal glass often heated red hot , quenched in very pure water , acts rarely in this kind . the egg-shell of a hatched chicken powdered , profiteth in the stopping of the urine . the urine of a lynx , or spotted beast , give relief in the strangury ; also oyl of wax . the like is said of the pith in a goose quill . anima halecis . goats tallow put into the navil . urine of a goat . earth-worms . the juice of river crabs disturbs the formal cause of an inflammation of the kidneys . not inferior to the former is the urine of a goat newly made . the dung of a yellow coloured hen , mortif●es an ulcer in the bladder . the wind-pipe of a cock torrefied . the bladder of a goat . a fish found in the belly of a pike . invigorate the retentive faculty of the bladder , hindring the involuntary coming out of the urine . the pizzle of a bull , or stag , corroborates the atonie , or flaccidity of a man's yard , stirring up libidinous images . boletus cervinus , or stags mushrom . scincus , or land crocodile , promote venery . the ashes of horse-leeches . the ashes of a sucking leveret , are apprehended powerful to cure the rupture of the guts . a cuttle fish bone . the roe of a red herring are of force for the running of the reins . beetles infused in oyl of lin-seed , stop the exorbitant flux of the piles , and the falling down of the fundament . mumy hath the like credit . sponges growing in bathing places , the ashes of mouse-dung , purple shell-fish calcined , applyed to the fundament , reform the mishapen knaps thereof , warts , and other vexatious excrescences . the powder of the matrice of a hen helps conception . the fume of a dead tooth of man , destroys the idea of sterility . the liver and gaul of an adder or eel dryed , and taken in drink , causeth speedy delivery in child-bed . a girdle made of an adders skin , worn about the loyns , hath the same virtue . the secundine torrefied and drank , wonderfully dischargeth the after-birth . powder of cockle-shells , powder of mother of pearl , crabs eyes , spiders web , a fish , called a tench , do all help to raze out the image of feavers . the spawn of froggs technically ordered , appease the pain of the gowt . swines blood , river crabs , take off in some measure , the impress of a hectick feaver . sal 🜹 seven times sublimed , powder of vipers , the heart of a hare , spoyl by degrees the figure , or type of a quartan . to that purpose conspires a living spider , imprisoned in a little box , placed about the stomack . a red or pickled herring eaten , cures hydrophobie from the biting of a mad dog. a toad , rightly prepared , is a true xenexton , preservative , or curative in the plague , mortifying pestiferous phancies . a wolf's tongue is extolled by paracelsus , as endued with the same virtue . a lizard assists nature to kill the venom of a carbuncle . the fat of a wolf obliterates the picture of a disease , called a wolf , in mans body . vipers flesh frequently assumed , doth overcome that filthy species of a miserable calamity , the leprosie . the blood of a hare extinguisheth the fiery shape of an erysipelas . the fat of the same creature extracteth a thorn out of the flesh. a living worm applyed close to the finger , afflicted with a whitflaw , dissipateth it . the blood and skin of a mole performs the same . the mouse , called a shrew , or ranny , cut up alive , forthwith put to the part bitten , heals the wound . honey , or the bee it self , cure the sting of bees . the liver of a mad dog eaten , is an antidote against his poyson . the head of an adder is alexiterie against it's biting . a scorpion against it's sting . a toad stone agafnst the venom of a toad . chap. xvi . the next class of those things which make 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are vegetables , as follow . the root of male piony , missletoe of the oak , a shrub of elder growing on a willow , taken inwardly , or worn as a periapton , are very prevalent for the deletion of the deformed , venemous , epileptical image . lilly conval , the flowers of linden , or teil tree , black cherries , southern wood , valerian , oyl of the wood of hazel , balsam of palestina , spirit of tobacco , spirit of camphire , are according to tradition , specificks against the epilepsie , appoplexie , and palsie . balm , black hellebore prevail against mad phancies . white poppy , nutmeg , help to abate great watchings . serpillum , or wild thyme , vervein , regulate the disorders of the head. the flowers of succory . rochet , applied to the nape of the neck , celandine , the green leaves of tobacco , mitigate the inflammation of the eyes . hieracium i. e. hawkweed , eye-bright , fennel , strengthen weak eyes . wormwood , vervain , diminish the tingling noise in the ear. an onion , pellets of common raddish , put into the ear , have a property to help the difficulty of hearing . the root of gentian amends the idea of an ulcer in the nose . majoram , hors-mint , restore the decay of smelling . the juice of mil-foil , the mushrom of a birch tree , the flowers of daisie the lesser , restrain haemorrhagies , flowers of benzoe , stalks of nigella romana , or gith , dissolve congealed blood. oyl of box , the root of sharp pointed dock , burdock , are reckoned appeasers of the tooth ach : the fume of henbane killeth worms in the teeth . a decoction of veronica mas , i. e. fluellin the male , is said to cure the aphthae , the thrush in sucking children . the root of aron , bryony , valerian , are specified against diseases of the lungs . ground ivy is powerful to do good in those who are empical , i. e. have corrupt matter gathered in the chest : the seed of roman nettle , and the root of comfrey , are also proper . horse-tongue , ladies thistle , appease the pains of the side . wild cresses take off the mark of hoarsness upon the lungs . zizipha lenifie a cough . henbane-seed , the root of stinging nettle , fluellin , bistort , comfrey , burnet , sanicle , check spitting of blood. the lesser housleek is of great force against a quinzie . english saffron , scabious , garlick , horehound , spirit of tobacco , benzoe , deface the character of the tissick . the root of mullein ( before it comes to flower ) hinders the impetuous flux of the latex to any part . the like virtue is attributed to mother of thyme and ground-pine . zedoarie , balm , anacardium , give redress in lipothymie , or fainting fits. oyl of cynamon in palpitation of the heart . hemlock , gum of juniper , afford succour in the inflammations of the breast : likewise rhaeas or wild red poppy , daisie roots , and flowers . the juice of ground ivie , the flower of st. johns wort , reform the mishapen figure of a phthisis or ulcer of the lungs . hemlock , mint , the root and seed of fennel , hinder an overplus of milk , and its curdling . the greater dragon , aron , spoil the filthy shape of a cancer . burnet , bryony root , water of vine branches , abate the phantastical longing of women , hindering the mischief which commonly coms upon it . zedoarie is applauded as an excellent proper stomachick . essence of bread helps digestion admirably well . the seed of columbine , crocus , horehound , strawberry leaves and root , alter the dye or stain of the yellow jaundice . elder berries lenefies the vehemence of the bloody flix . essence of persicaria is excellent against the diseases of the mesentery . gladiolus , sword-grass , fox-glove , are of great importance in the kings-evil . black hellebore , tamarisk , garlick , fern , epithymum , polypodium , seed of roman nettle are accounted remedies for the spleen . gratiola doth good in the dropsie , anasarcha , tapsus barbatus in a tympany . garden scurvy-grass well prepared , brooklime , lesser celandine , horse-raddish herb two penny , the leaves of pine , or firr , help to cancel the virulent idea of the scurvy . rupture wort , hippoglossum , pilosella , semen sophiae , filicula , perfoliata are appropriated for the cure of a rupture of the guts . herb paris reduces the inflammation of the scrotum to an eucrasie . the dead nettle , terebinth , ebulus , much conduceth in a gonorrhaea . satyrium , boletus cervinus , cubebs , the root of dogs stone , umbilicus veneris , quicken veneral phancies . oyl of rue abates the priapism . sweet bryar balls , alkekeng , juniper berries , saxifrage , lignum nephriticum , peach stones , lachrima job , the liquor of birch , drawn from the tree in march , are commended for the stone in the kidneys . decoction of red ciches avails ▪ in the strangury . agrimony , in pissing of blood. figg leaves , juice of onions , aloe , open the piles . linaria , the ashes of vine branches , remove the warts and knubs of the fundament . black hellebore quilted with cotten in form of a girdle worn , stops the excessive flux of the piles . the root of sloe bush , restores the falling down of the fundament . down upon quinces , maiden-hair , thapsia cause the hair to grow . storks bill , called gratia dei , unites broken bones . persicaria , celandine , the lesser bryony , take away black and blew strokes . hypericon , persicaria , are excellent vulnerary herbs . the root of bryony steeped in water with oak ashes , destroys worms in the skin . gladiolus applyed , fetches out thorns and splinters . mushroms of an oak mortifie carbuncles . strawberries are accounted a specifick against the leprosie . the bark of birch , bladders on elm leaves cleanse away freckles . a bath made of osier leaves , refresheth consumptive limbs . lunaria is a special remedy for a cancer . an apple applyed to warts , and buried under ground , mortifies them . chap. xvii . lastly , mineral and marine substances act upon the idea's of diseases , by defacing , or expunging them . the legitimate spir. of vitriol amber , terra sigillata , red coral , natural cinnabar . cinnabar of ♁ . the emeral'd , scatter those black clouds arising from the horrid spectrums of the appoplexie , epilepsie , introducing instead thereof a brightness and splendour in the spirits . our bezoartick powder with ☽ doth notable things to this purpose . it operates rarely well in comatous evils and watchings . balsam of saturn appeases the furious commotion of the brain . the sulphur of vitriol cures the vertigo or diziness . the pure tincture of tutia respects the good of the eyes , causing the species of objects to be seen more plain . sal punella , flowers of brimstone , made as they should be , are doubtless , of commendable use in the quinzie , and tissick . tincture of mars , lapis haematites , and vitriol , stop excessive bleeding . antimonium diaphoreticum is conducible in imposthumes of the lungs . the flowers of ♁ fixed , are so prized in an empical condition . bezoar , mineral , dissolves blood congealed , and is of great validity in a phthisis ; but above all , the anodine sulphur of vitriol is to be preferred . coral revives the vital image in lipothymical persons . powder of crystal encreaseth milk. spirit of ♄ amends the defects of the stomack . emeral'd , coral , sulphur of ☉ are magnified for good remedies in cholera and dysenterie . mars , saccharum ♄ clarifie the spleen , reforming it's peccant idea's . the load-stone applyed to the navil , causeth cholick pains to cease by destroying the image of the disease . the sea spong , sal gemm , is much commended in schrofulous affects . sal gemm artificially prepared , is extolled in bubonocele and enterocele , mercury destroys all sorts of worms . essence of amber , venice borace , revives the image of virility , extinguishing the ill-favoured type of sterility . ludus paracels . reduces the stone of the kidneys or bladder to it's first principles . spirit of mercury causeth the corrupting impress of the sore in the kidneys or bladder to fade away ; revocating a healing facultie . the true tincture of coral , purified sulphur of ♂ puts a stop to diabetes . antimony fixed , restrains the virulencie of a gonorrhaea . the emeral'd red coral , well ordered , gives succour in pissing blood. crocus metallorum , easeth the blind piles ▪ but above all , van helm . ring . aetites , or eagle stone placed in the upper parts above the navil , hinders abortion ; situate below about the thighs , cau●seth timely delivery . osteocolla , or lapis ossifragus taken inwardly , helps to unite broken bones . vitriol healeth wounds at a distance . the stone , called a saphire , wonderfully brings to naught the poysonous form of a carbuncle . arsenick after a peculiar manner , cures ulcers . antimony the eyes . if hydrophobus be soused in sea water , the image of the dog pourtrayed in the phancie of him , who is bitten , becomes annihilated . crystal dug out of the earth , resists the malignity of arsnick , auripigmentum , sandaracha . thus far have i pointed at that pharmacy , which having a gift of healing implanted in it , strikes immediately at the inward efficient cause of our infirmities . in the next place , i shall make a progress in removing the outward occasional , irritating , or exasperating matter , which provokes , enrages the archeus , causing it to fall into inordinate passions , and perturbations , whereby diseases break forth , are encreased , become tedious , or lethiferous , if not timely prevented . chap. xviii . there is not any faculty , or profession hath more imposed upon the credulity of mankind , than physick , considering how precious the subject is to be handled , likewise how easily we might be convinced of the grand errors , and abominable abuses , thrust upon us , to the loss of our lives , yea , our very souls , were we not obstinate , self-conceited unspeakably idle , and malicious . in a comedy , called the cheats , an address is made to a reverend learned doctor , a galenist , for advice in a difficult disease ; who no sooner views the urine , but forthwith gives councel to bleed and purge . i wish this were only comical , and were not indeed tragical . what cruelty , tyranny , torments hath been exercised by the galenists ov●r mankind ? what butcheries and 〈◊〉 hath been made of poor mortals 〈◊〉 ▪ by bleeding , and purging , is practically known to all perspicacious physitians every week , yea , every day . how indirectly do these men assume to themselves priviledges , who , i 'le maintain to their faces demonstratively , are not able to cure any great feaver radically , with judgment worthy of a philosopher . can any deliberate , well advised man think , that it was ever the intent of any prince , to set up a company of men to destroy their subjects , or at least , to suffer them to enjoy any royal priviledge , if they perversely , against the perspicuous light of reason , and clear testimony of fact , should persist in their male-praxis , their active , wilful homicide , at this day , when van helm . like a prometheus , hath by means of fire ( blown up by a heavenly benediction ) discovered , and taught the world the cure of those truculent calamities , which that epimetheus , or protoplastes , by opening pandora's box , hath brought upon it . i have in haematia , offered dr. willis , or any other semi-chymist , or chymicophant , to make it appear by solid experiments , that bleeding ( as there stated ) is an indirect way to overcome any grand disease . se● surdo narro dum sibi plaudunt . 't is all one , as if i should vociferate to neptune that he would forbear to swallow up ships , passengers , and treasure , sith 't is the nature of the ocean agitated with the fury of a tempest , to execute such mischief . so it is equally in vain , for me to cry aloud ( if i had stentor's voice ) that dogmatists would forbear to destroy their countrey-men ; for as much as nature , education , voracious appetite of gain , and honour , hurry them to that end. however i shall always discharge my duty in reprehending their vitious method , detecting how mischievous it is to the life of man. as i have deservedly declaimed against phlebotomie , with arguments , and experiments , sufficient to perswade any intelligent person , that it is a reprobate means of conquering any great infirmity . so i shall at this time make manifest for the satisfaction of the senses of all judicious men , that the common instruments the galenists use in purging , or carrying off the occasional , provoking , morbisique matter are unworthy to be prescribed by those , who own themselves learned doctors . that i may therefore justly reprove those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who keep men in purgatory , without expiation of the errors of life . i shall ( besides most clarified reasons depending upon long experience ) alledge the authority of hippocrates , and galen , for the countenancing what i deliver . that brave heroe hippocrates hath delivered to posterity two aphorisms , worthy to be written in the frontispiece of every honest able physitians house . the sense of the first is mentioned five several times in divers places ; as aphor. 2. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. also lib. 1. aphor. 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. again , aphor. 25. of the same book , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. likewise aphor. 3. lib. 4. the same words are repeated . and aphor. 2. of the same book , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : intimating by these repetitions , that physitians ought to have a singular care what they purged out of the body . the second most useful rule he gives , is aphor. 21. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . denoting that in all evacuations we ought to observe the motion , orgasm , inclination of nature , and most convenient passages for that purpose . if these catharsists were legitimate disciples of a master so excellently well versed in healing , they would never thus promiscuously exclude good and bad juices , by their colliquating solutives , without any euphorie or profit to the sick man ; giving purging and vomiting medicines so often repeated , that their patients have complained they have emptied upward and downward 500. times ; yea , some a thousand , yet have found no melioration of their health , but a decay of their vitals . nothing is more common than to meet with those , who ( when for their redress , i commend vomiting , or purgative physick ) presently reply , they have undergone too much of that , desiring me to forbear : when some , upon promise of safety , and efficacy , have taken my emetick tincture , emeto diaphoret , or emeto cathar , powder or pill with benefit : yet having found little sensible evacuation , they have murmured , fearing lest the physick lay in their body to their future hurt ; supposing the same malignity to be in mine , as in the galenical solutives ; and that we were to judge of the patients restauration according to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the largeness and number of sieges . the miserable experience of colliquating purgatives , taken into my own body , the space of seven or eight years , without any solid cure , taught me that the uncorrected catharticks of the dispensatory oftentimes carry off peccant juices , without profit , making as much as they discharge , wronging the ferments , weakning the tone of the stomack , forcing nature to move a way contrary to the stream of her own 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the morbifique dross . and when at any time there succeeds any redress after plentiful evacuations by this means , it is by accident in robust bodies , where the disease is trivial , nature standing upon her own leggs , the vessels permeable ; also an impetuous motion in the matter attenuated , ready upon an easie irritation to be sent packing . however this exploit will not nobilitate a physitian , or his art , seeing ( take one time with another ) this way doth double the mischief to the good. neither is he upon this account able to promise the radical cure of any great infirmity , very rarely , when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is sitting , but never when she is jacent . then truly this is no more than the good old woman can perform by her simple method ; wherefore for satisfaction of ingenuous lovers of knowledge , let us a little contemplate a beadrol or register of their stronger and weaker solutives , with their correctiors . can any one , who knows what belongs to poysons , believe that gum arabick , tragacauth , bdellium , are in any proportion fitting mortifiers of the poyson of colocynthis , which hath proved death in the stomack of many a man ? is vinegar sufficient to amend the virulency of the roots of esula , lawrel , or mezereum , &c. can milk tame the cacoethie of elaterium , the acid gas of sulphur , scamony ? or the juice of quinces the root of black hellebore ? or water wash away the realgar of lapis lazuli ? i could never find yet by repeated essays , that sanders , violets , ginger , mastick , anniseed , cinnamon , saffron , daucus seed , almonds , penidia , pepper , spikenard , with several gums , have any power to take off , to a purpose , the deleterie nature of grand , boysterous catharticks ; neither do they otherwise than disguise the more gentle poyson of minoratives ( as they call them ) as manna , cassia , reubarb , sena , agarick , myrobal , carthamus , mechoa , soldan , turbith . i grant some have now and than a present ease by uncorrected purgatives ; but 't is no other than what happened to the doctors servant , who , upon eating two or three spiders , discharged her stomack , had a stool or two , so was for a while freed from her grief . for all that , let me give a caution to those , who without scruple swallow down intoxicating compounds , electuaries , potions , pills , or powders ( far worse than a simple spider ) that at length by frequent sumption of the same , they make not an indeleble character or impress upon the stomack , never to be razed out by any art ( as i have known ) the thread of their life being cut short ( according to humane probability ) half in half : withal what they enjoyed had much feebleness and irksomness in it . how can it indeed be otherwise , forasmuch their oracle , galen saith very true in this : omne purgans naturae inimicum . certainly , naturae bellum inferre odiosum . he that offers violence to the vitals , takes a course to dissolve the compage of his body the sooner . neither do i charge their own proper emeticks , or catharticks , as malefactors , but i moreover accuse those they have borrowed of the vulgar chymists , viz. infusio croc. metal . abusively called vinum benedictum , ☿ vit. ☿ dul sublimat , ☿ dul praecipit . turpet miner . vinum antimo . vinum rubel . these are their scandalous chymical medicines , as bad , if not worse , than those which mountebanks , cheating astrologers , or those quacks , who with their ominous bills , make a most doleful noise in the streets , and every corner , worse than scritch-owls , or night ravens . 't is not strange then that the common sort of people , yea , even those of better quality , know not how to distinguish between chymical preparations , real , or counterfeit ; those safe and hazardous : between efficacious and fruitless , elaborately defaecated , philosophically handled , and those slightly contrived , or rudely flubbered over . herein lies the cheat , that the galenists assuming to themselves the name of chymists ; incogitant , unwary persons take it for granted ( by reason of the authority , prevailing credit , they have gained among persons of degree , by seeming to be what they are not ) that men of so many letters , must needs be the only legitimate sophi in our science ; whereas through want of integrity , industry , difficult labour with their own hands , magnanimity , arnauty , a design of noble enterprizes , it is impossible they should arrive to any pitch of knowledge in pyrotechnie . so weak are the judgments of some of our academicks , even those who rank themselves among scholars of the higher class , that i am ready to blush , observing what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is in their understanding , how dim sighted their minds are , to make a right distinction of things , and to value them as they are in themselves . these are they , who assent that dr. willis , with certain others , are able chymists , because having stolen a plat-form of more refined philosophy out of van helmont , they have made a large spacious rhetorical superstructure , most part sermocinal , little practically salutiferous . let me tell those , who covet to learn , 't is not a vast library , profound speculations in a closet , an eloquent tongue , a dexterity in writing elegantly , a pretty slight in prescribing after the manner of their boasting method , a concourse of multitude of patients , the applause of great men , professors of the university , virtuosi ( who of all men methinks , should be most cautious how they acquit dogmatical physitians ) nor the vogue of certain altogether interested apothecaries , chirurgeons , midwives , or nurses , can justifie a man as an authentick , philosophical chymist , unless he walk plainly , according to helmontian principles , viz. renounce phlebotomy altogether , according to the indication of evacuation or revulsion ; laying aside all ill-conditioned vomiting , and purging instruments , praedatorie diaphoreticks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 grating , fretting diureticks , and divers torturing palliating ways . he then that will rid the body of those cadaverous , foul , out-lawed , fretting excrements , like thorns or splinters extimulating the archeus , to make sundry ideas of calamities : let him hunt after those remedies that the vitals have a pleasing gust for , which obsecundate and follow the genius of nature in the propulsion of impurities , wheresoever sited , what way soever tending , withal obtain a faculty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to turn by meer contact any thing depraved in the body to a better condition . seeing 't is most difficult to attain , paracelsus his , or our great philosopher van helmont's arcana's , e. g. tinctur lili ab electro minera . mercur. vit stibii proles integra . tinctu lili antimon . mercurius diaphore . element . ignis e cupro , ☿ corallat , &c. let him put out himself to the utmost , using all means possible to purchase such a pharmacy , agreeable to the doctrine of our philosopher , fabricated according to his rules ingeneral , endeavouring 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to imitate his illustrious spagyrical secrets , so by degrees let him aspire to greater things . let him study to defaecate throughly the sulphur of ♁ , that it may be at the command and beck of nature , exterminating whatsoever annoys without blemishing the ferments . let him marry the well purified sulphur of ♁ , to the sweet sulphur of a vegetable , entertaining both into a delectable bath . he ought also to digest ♁ with an alkali ; afterward to extract a high tincture , subservient to nature , in cleansing , sweeping away filth or dregs in the body , making a happy alteration in the texture of degenerate juices . the red and citrine sulphur of ♁ made by praecipitation , well sweetned with the alcohol of wine , afterward intimately joyned with a solar sulphur , fulfills the dictates of nature , in proscribing per loca commoda , without damnifying the stomack , whatsoever is rebellious , conspiring against life , stirring up the archeus to indignation . bezoard , mincra , solar , luna , iovial , may be so coyned , and such a stamp set upon them , that they may safely , and effectually agitate the morbifique matter , hunting , chasing it every way , without offering injury to the noble parts , or leaving an evil tang behind . the yellow sulphur of ♁ like the common , likewise it 's cinnabar , worked upon philosophically , will bring to pass the former end powerfully . out of the flowers , regul , glass of ♁ , may be extracted harmless , gentle emeticks , cathart , diaphoret , diureti . always leaving an euphorie and euphrasie behind . ☿ well nigh fixed with ☉ or ☽ doth assist nature to disturb , ferret , profligate , vitious , lentous , stubborn , coagulated foulness , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with relevation . our emetocathar , emeto diaphore powder , or pill ; our bezoar powder , as i can fabricate it by the adjunct of ☉ or ☽ take part with nature to help it to conquer great evils , excluding the nosopoietick thorns and bryars , those goads in the sides of the archeus , extimulating it to extravagant passions , through the sluce , or out-let most patulous and convenient : withal they sweeten 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , any extream acid , mortifie malignant idea's of the scurvy , &c. taming great acute griefs safely , generally affording solace . this they act whether they vomit , purge or no , keeping in it's integrity , what is sound , and meliorating what is depraved . our emetick tincture is endued with the same excellency with the former , but operates more insensibly , and with somewhat more advantage to the vital strength . our pil. polychrest causeth an eutony in the stomack , helps digestion , purifieth the blood , dilates coarctations , or constrictions , opens passages obstructed , dam'd up with gross congealed stuff , which it attenuateth , abstergeth . it allays , edulcorates sharp fretting liquors : it sweetly dischargeth any thing noxious through the intestines , kidneys , gullet , wind-pipe , and skin , with augmentation of the strength , without impairing the ferments , or offending the parts . he that possesseth this pill , need very seldom prescribe a glyster . i my self have taken many thousands , and given multitudes of them to others , to the diminution of that stubborn infirmity the scurvy , the advancement of the vital faculty much suppressed thereby . common sulphur sublimed with ♂ is no contemptible cleanser away of impurities , lodged about the hypochondries , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . colocynth . scamon . elateri . the root of esul , hellebo . alb. digested with a most refined mineral sulphur , and salt of tart volati ; so that their poysons become introverted , evade friendly catharticks , diaphoret , diureti , sufficient to assist the archeus to subjugate ferine refractory diseases . syrma ortho chymicum . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the art of midwifery chymically asserted . what calamity , exorbitant passions , and dreadful pains of the womb succeeded the depravation of the stomack by lustful fruit : how at this day each membranous body darts benevolent , or malevolent aspects one upon another reciprocally , according as they are well or ill affected , is known to the theological physitian . these two membranous vessels contain the seminal cause of those innumerable infirmities belonging to woman-kind double to man ; sith according to plato , she harbours , as it were , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . to find out remedies adequately effectual to amend the irregularities and extravagant motions of this uterine animal , requires a most expert philosopher ; but to appease or tame sometimes it 's furious raging commotions , will put one upon the search of something magical . he that thinks any galenist 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 professing midwifery , exercising a function herein to be sufficiently furnished with abilities for that purpose , is meerly led by the opinion of the world , not by solid reasons , and repeated experiments . for i can prove it in the general impossible ex facto ( if i were put to it ) that any but the legitimate chymist , can relieve , or cure uterine calamities safely , gratefully , effectually , and speedily . the truth of what i here deliver time will make perspicuous . when i was first called to this science of physick , i was advised to apply my studies in especial manner to the art of midwifery , which i easily listned to , being captivated with considerable gain amounting thereby , apprehending it principally a manual operation not difficultly to be attained . but my modesty , and second thoughts of aspiring to a more ample knowledge in physick , took me off . and well it so happened according to divine providence , sith had i insisted upon that subject , i had neither been any whit an experienced physitian , nor skilful in the feat of obstetricating . for i plainly discovered afterward , that to one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in child-bed labour , who justly called for the hand of any man with his chirurgical instruments , upon the account of a dead child , or the preposterous indirect position of the living , hundreds required the help of a learned chymist ; affording proper remedies for the assistance of the vitals of the mother and child , to the end , that this great work of happy partitude or delivery might be performed as it ought . wherefore the accomplished chymist , who can vindicate his analeptica , antipyreta , antihysterica , and anodyna far transcending the galenical preparations in all stubborn maladies whatsoever , ought to be especially consulted with , when sorrows of bringing forth infest the miserable woman . many remarkable histories to this purpose could i relate , the space of eighteen years , wherein i have observed a constant redress of those grievous unprofitable pangs , to follow the oblation of our pharmacie , without the production of preter-natural heat , or any other bad symptom . moreover , most parturients , or child-bed-women miscarry , by reason of irregular dyet , through malignant feavers arising from the scurvy , retention of the lochia , rash restriction of enormontick sweats , indiscreet management of the milk , as happened to my own wife , who after the pestilential feaver was mastred by proper antidotes , was destroyed by the ignorance of a midwife , applying to the mamillary emunctory a topick , which in a dozen hours caused a total anadrome of the virulent milk toward the center , whereupon a great coagulation of the blood followed , haemoptysis the privation of a commodious universal sweat , dyspnaea , and other direful accidents . in all these exigents the learned iatrical chymist , not the noso-poietick galenist , ought to be sought unto for advice . had i opportunity to enlarge , which i may hereafter , i could demonstrate how insufficient these galenical opinionative men-midwives ( as they call them ) are to prevent abortion in gravids ; to remove the deep impressions of futious unbridled passions and perturbations , the evil consequences of bruises by falls , or strokes ; to rectifie the depraved appetite , to prescribe a salutiferous dyet , before , and after lying in ; to administer competent corroboratives for the welfare of mother and child , and the auspicious promotion of her bringing forth . i could also make it apparent by our theory and practice , how ignorant the galenical obstetricatio●s are of the right method and means of curing the manifold diseases incident to poor infants ; how thousands of children have suffered through the unadvised administration of diascordium , and other opiats . but studying concisenes i must desist at present , being ready upon all occasions to maintain by fact what i have here asserted . the character of a legitimate ortho-chymist . the legitimate philosophical chymist hath laid his foundation in learning . the institutions , notions , axioms , and theorems in natural philosophy delivered to him , he doth not take up on meer trust , without a severe scrutinie into the truth of the same by the test of experience . his theory , and his practice , his ratio and exploratio go hand in hand . he is able to give an account of the beginning , progress , entelechy , declension , and retrogradation of physical bodies ; the aitiologie of the defections , interpositions , eclipses , alterations in nature , principally of the infirmities , and maladies belonging to man's body , according to whose indications , phaenomena , symptoms , fruits , and products , he finds out , and applicates appropriate remedies . he works with his own hands , taking into his own body first for tryal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his manufactures , that he may understand whether they be authentick , or apocrypha before he dares offer them to his patients . he is furnished with some prevalent polyacea's , which he carrieth along with him whithersoever he goeth , ready to be exhibited upon all occasions , either for the sufflaminating , or putting a stop to the full carreir of an acute disease ( till a more eompleat provision of medical instruments can be brought forth ) or for the forthwith breaking the egg , and suffocating the embryon of any ferine calamity . his most preheminent intentions in curing is to uphold nature , to pacifie the fury and perturbation of the archeus , to expunge morbifique idea's , for which purpose he studies by all means to remove the occasional cause of all griefs , without annoying the ferments of the shops of digestion . he is not deficient in a competent necessary knowledge of anatomicks and botanicks , so far as they manuduct him to the cure of miserable man ( being satisfied that the life of mortals , if it were far longer , is too short to anatomize materia medica , that the essential virtues of concrets may be elicitated ) but he deservedly sets at naught , and derides the galenical theatrical periergies , curiosities , in dissecting bodies of little use , unless for ostentation , to get practice and applause among the ignorant vulgar . he operates not according to the express letter of a tyrocinium chymicum , nor gives credit to it further than general philosophical rules ; his own intellect and former iterated experiments direct him . he claims , as his just right , the cure of outward , as well as inward corporal evils . he is seldom but as a man mistaken in the prognôsis , or prediction of life and death . his promises and performances generally accord . he stands not gaping for a critical day , but forthwith falls to his business of animating the vitals , for the expulsion of the enemy without truce . he hates to do any thing wilfully as unworthy of a good moralist , and an elected physitian ; but studies by all means possible , to keep up the credit of the art , without prostituting it to lucre or lust ; and he is indifferent whether he enjoy the favour of great men , unless out of a candid respect for truth ; chusing rather to be then to seem a healer of man's infirmities fundamentally : wherefore he detests an hermaphroditical chymist , & his linsey-woolsey texture halting ( for his unworthy by-ends ) between two opinions , one that by surreptitious means raises his fame , adorned like the jack-daw , with other birds feathers , making the world believe they are his own by birth-right . his integrity makes him daring , the precious value of the subject he works upon zealous , the thoughts he entertains how far short he yet comes of the height of this unlimitted science , makes him humble , ready to learn of any who offers a demonstration : neither doth himself desire to be credited farther than reason and sense shall induce . he rather diminisheth , than enlargeth the virtues of his remedies , by no means attributing to them what they are not able to effect , brought to the touch-stone of iterated tryals ; neither doth he magnifie those as elaborate medicinal arcana's , mustering up a long scheme of them , when in all probability not one deserves that title . he is ready to meet any one of literature to confer with him about the well-fare of a patient , to be informed what is most fitting to be done , supposed all animosity , and all confused passion be laid aside , withal allowing matter of fact to determine the controversie . he hates to supplant another physiitian , by using unworthy means to get a patient out of his hands , or to pass a censure more than he can prove : yea , were not the contest about matters of the highest importance , whose indifferent lukewarm or conniving defence would endanger the soul , he would scorn to hurt or attaint the fame , reputation and honour of his greatest antagonist : however , upon a cordial resipiscence would be the first would cover his lapses , and set him right . a character of the pseudo-chymist or counterfeit . the pseudochymist is an upstart thing , as it were a mushrome , suddenly sprung up , receiving , for the most part , his seminal being from the publick prescriptions of the galenists , their disrespect to the chymical orthomethod of healing , and their gross ignorance in handling materia medica . hereby this fungus animated , having by accident , contract , or another by-way purchased some ordinary medicaments , which he prodigally giving without any precise method at a venture in difficult diseases , becomes more cryed up for his notable feats in physick by the multitude than the dogmatists , both conspiring alike to ruine man. thus farther emboldned , he rusheth in at the back-door disguised , strait falls to act his part on the scene of this microcosm , with a full design to cheat all that he can draw to him . then from a mechanick , as a gunsmith , tailer , shoomaker , he is by the bewitching tongue of nurses midwives , or the like gang perhaps ravished with his jugling astrological prodictions metamorphized into a formal doctor , who created by the rabble at first , and clambring higher by vulgar steps , at length insinuates by his imposture , wiles , craft , impudence , and flattery into some great mens favour : upon this he forthwith passes currant for an approved chymist ; although , if he should be put to the test , he would turn all into dross . to advance his base enterprize the more , he hath in readiness , his emissaries , whom he hires or bribes to trumpet out , magnifie , and extol his rare cures : he endeavours to prostitute this chast art , to make it a very whore to his lusts , pimp or pander to compass his vile ends. he is impudent beyond expression , and because stupid and ignorant , a most sworn enemy to learning : yet will admire van helm . although he never read him , nor is in least able to understand him , though translated into his mother tongue . he boasts of his specious furnaces : but seldome handles a retort himself , yet will tell you what herculean labours he hath undergone ; what he hath atchieved : making comparisons with the best . he and the galenist are herein well met for subtlety , for like apes , they know how to take nuts out of the fire with the paw of the cat. this foul bird such as the poet speaks of ( contactu omnia foedans ) hath a strang faculty by the enchanting melodious tune of his long bill , setting out his wonderful cures , to draw one into his net , hiding the rest of his ugly body , till he hath picked your pocket , wronged your health , or mortally wounded you . he counterfeits the true chymist ( as the hyaena a mans voice ) tempting unwary people to come unto him , and then worries them . he , and the chymical galenist , like davus , confound the whole world , so that few know how to chuse the right , and leave the wrong way of curing . he is still sowing his pseudochymical tares so thick , that orthochymical wheat is in danger to be strangled thereby . although he be really of no religion , yet sometimes he , as well as the galenist , will profess to be of some congregational church , or of some fanatical conventicle , to the end , being changed into an angel of light , he may set a specious gloss of piety upon his fraudulent ways , hereby gaining more reputation amongst the brethren , he may cozen his patients more plausibly . at his first entrance upon pseudochymical devices , he pretends to be a great astrologer , thereby to determine whether the sick shall live or die : yea to make him more notoriously famous , he undertakes to tell fortunes , to instruct the people how they may come by their stolen goods again , whether mariners shall make prosperous voyages , whether men shall meet with good or bad success in marriage , women with the like , &c. but afterward having pretty well feather'd his nest , by plucking those credulous gulls who have stooped to his call , also now his art of casting figures becoming more and more suspected , likewise conscious to himself the heavens will not suffer any longer his impostures ; he begins to lay aside ouranoscopie , thinking it best non altum sapere , sith quae supra nos nihil ad nos , and betakes himself to ouroscopie , where he fixes , pretending to be a notable pispot prophet , to tell by bare inspection of the urine , without farther enquiry , what 's the disease , whether the party may recover , and how long , &c. to this hocus pocus women of all sorts and degrees flock to know whether they be with child ; yea supposed maidens to be resolved whether their tympany be intestineal or uterine , how they may be rid of the last with privacy , whose expectations he says , upon good terms , he is ready to satisfie to all intents and purposes , by means of a secret knack he hath attained . i could acquaint my countreymen if i had leisure , with multitude of gins , traps , and snares this bastard chymist lays to catch the simple harmless man , that he make a prey of his body and purse . in short , he is a most pestilent animal , no more fitting to be tolerated by the magistrate , than wolves and foxes amongst sheep . a short description , or explanation of the happy efficacy , and sanative virtue of our stomack essence . the grand opposers of the ortho-chymical way did put me hard to it at first , by reason of the implicite belief most men have supinely , and in a blind manner of obedience ( without further scrutinie , yielded to their authority and antiquity ) to preserve this most useful , florid , splendid remedy , ess. stom . from being blasted , or extinguished by their malignant breath , more mischievous to the truth of direct healing than any mephitical damp to the life of man. however 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 crescit sub pondere virtus , the more they have endeavoured to suppress it by fastning false weights of defamation to it , viz. that it was too hot , inflaming , burning , too strong , violent , consuming the radical moisture , shortning the life , withal under-valuing it , that it was no better than pepper drops , and that it might be made in half a dozen hours , which dr. merret unworthily reported behind my back , who ( when i came to face him offering to give it under my hand presently to be bound to reward him with a hundred pounds the next morning , if he would teach me to make it in twenty four hours ) replyed by way of collusion , that he could counterfeit it in that time . i say , the more these chymicophants have laboured to sink down this noble remedy , the more it hath sprung up , and flourished to their grand shame : yea , i dare averr upon reasonable experimental grounds , this polyacea will be esteemed by posterity one of the best medicines for it's general utility to the life of mortals , innocent nature , pleasant gust , and easie purchase that ever yet came to light . he that will may read the just vindication of it , published formerly , none of my adversaries daring to oppose it openly , unless a tergo sneakingly below a generous man. what excellency i have here attributed to it , rather comes short , than transcends it's desert . this medicine is not with little labour fabricated , being brought over in glasses above twenty several times , and digested many days . it consisteth of three pure volatiles , united , fetched out of the store-house of animal , vegetable , and marine substances , which produce these salutary effects following . it exceedingly strengthens the stomack , helps it's digestion , encreaseth and maketh active the vital spirits , and their instruments by which they work ( called ferments ) rectifies the spleen , scatters and expels wind , vapours , or any wandring wild spirit , which flies in a moment from one place to another , vexing the parts . it sweetens in some measure the sharpness of the thin liquors in the body , which often-times causes pains , feavers , &c. it subtilly enters the veins and arteries , being carried about with the blood , which it very much cleanses . it carries off to the out-side whatsoever is impure , causing a kindly breathing in the skin . it also causeth urine , conveying gravel from the kidneys , hindring that it may not be engendred and fixed . it is helpful in difficulty and pain of making water , coming forth sometimes by drops . 't is of great service against pains of the side , the colick , griping of the guts . it is a very great cordial , preserving from fainting , and restoring those who are surprized with loss of vital spirits . it is very effectual to keep one from , and to cure surfeits . it is very powerfully good against the scurvy , or any poysonous , ill-conditioned , infectious evils . it prevents , and helps to cure all kind of feavers . it quencheth the thirst to an admiration , above all supposed cooling things whatsoever . it bringeth preternatural heat or coldness to a due moderation , by removing the efficient cause thereof , reducing the parts to their former strength . it is available against fits of the mother ; the whites . it dissolves congealed , curdled matter ; ripeneth raw juices , bringing them either to a better condition for the use of nature , or preparing them to be sent packing out of the body , by convenient ways and medicaments . it abates a nauseons disposition , or vomiting , by confirming the membranes of the stomack , and by promoting the throwing off that which disturbs it . it cutteth , and cleanseth away slimy birdlime-like flegm , giving ease in difficulty of breathing , mitigating the violence of the tissick . it is admirably useful against melancholy imaginations , passions from the spleen , &c. called hypochondriak : an evil state of body arising for want of proportionable nutriment , or from galenical medicaments . it availeth against the dropsie , or consumption . the frequent use thereof strengthens the brain , sinews , loyns , memory , and all the senses . stom . ess. outwardly applyed , challengeth noble effects : for 't is very healing , balsamical , curing green wounds and plain soars , being often touched therewith . i have hitherto found it constant in happily curing burnings , scorchings or scaldings ; some drops being frequently distilled thereon , and forced inward by the bottom of a smooth glass . i cannot but experimentally commend it as one of the best asswagers of the pain of the teeth , i have hitherto met with . it is also of great force to preserve them from corruption , likewise in part to restore them ; resisting the putrifaction of the gums . neither is it to be contemned for the mitigation of the pains of any part , strengthning and quickning the vital spirit thereof . with many more laudable properties is stom . ess. or alexi flomachon endued , which the frequent use thereof , and a longer strict observation , will bring to light . the quantity to be given , is measured by the greatness and st●bborness of the disease : for sometimes ten or twenty times as much as the common portion , ought to be offered : neither is it to be feared that any hurt will arise therefrom . the ordinary dose , or extent of giving it , is twenty , thirty , forty , fifty , sixty drops in a draught of any liquor , as beer , ale , separate or mixt ; sometimes wine , as sack , or whatsoever doth best relish with the person . it may be taken at any time when the stomach is out of orde● , troubled with indigestion , wind , pains , gripes , or any of the foresaid vexations ; then let them take liberally thereof . he that constantly takes every morning thirty or forty drops , shall prevent many mischiefs in reference to his health . i doubt not but the galeno-chymists , or the pseudo-chymists will like apes endeavour to imitate and counterfeit this experienced essence ( which before i am convinced by fact , i shall presume to prefer before any medicament of its rank , yet visibly extant among us . ) of such i shall advise my countreymen to beware , for these adulterators will but disgrace and degrade it ; for i am sure none can find out the true way of making it , unless he be a knowing philosopher , working with his own hands , and taking preparations into his own stomach . thus much i advertise ; he that dextrously can volatilize salt of tart. may do something tending to this purpose , otherwise not . he that desires to be farther instructed concerning the defence of the virtues of this essence , and the disproving of what is spoken against it by mal●volents , ; let him read with integrity the just commendation of it in haematiasis , &c. indefatigable perseverance in opening bodies ●y the fire , and the repeated assumption of what was thence produced , hath brought me to the knowledge of a pill i call polychrest , which consists of three golden sulphurs from minerals well purified , and friendly to nature ; whose innocence , as well as effectual operation , is remarkable , and upon tryal to be justified by any who understands a good remedy . they are conducible in most diseases . they act by cleansing , opening , corroborating and purifying the blood , without leaving the least ill impress behind , for they contain no laxative so noxious as senna or rewbarb . they are of great force to conquer the scurvie : also prevalent against the dropsie . they prevent the stone , and carry off gravel . they sweeten sharp liquors in the body . they overcome the venereal or foul disease , if taken a considerable time : neither is it to be suspected , that one may be weakned by the long frequent use of them ; for they , contrary to other purging concretes , make one more lusty and vigorous , as i have found in my having taken many thousands of them with an advancement of my strength . they reform the spleen ; help to cure feavers , prevent relapses and long maladies . they may be swallowed at any time of the day or night ; neither will they cause injury , but rather benefit , if they loosen not the body in twenty four hours , which is rare , for usually they give a stool or two in that space . the dose is two or three pills a little before supper , or early in the morning . the patient proceeding thus for three or four days , and resting a day or two , and then repeating them . tinct . nost ▪ emetica , is profitable in all malignant feavers , in the griping or loosness of the belly , difficulty of breathing ; pain of the sides , headach , diseases of the stomach & spleen . it leaves the vitals more cheerful and active . it matters not whether it work or no by vomit or stool ; however , it will do good by sweat , or causing urine . if the party be capable , it may be given a week together , at any time of the day or night , i often give it in bed . pul. emeto catharticus is profitable in many diseases , ( as emetica tinctur . ) it searches out the morbifick matter , leaving wholesome juyces untouched : when other vomits are given in vain this profiteth . pil. emeto cathart . are useful for the same diseases , as pulvis emeto , cathar . polyacea , tinctura solaris , or balsamica , are great supporters of nature , the tamers of malignant feavers ; they go into all parts , illuminate and augment the archeus or vitals . they carry off by sweat , urine and expectoration . there are few diseases which will not somewhat yield to these cordials , if exhibited in a just proportion . elixi . proprietat . nost resists putrifaction , opens the spleen , helps digestion , purifies the blood : it is very cordial , expels menf●r●a stopped , and gives a check to them flowing excessively . it is most efficacious to cause an easie and speedy delivery in difficult labour of women . its dose is from ten to an hundred drops or more in strong liquor . with several other salutary remedies could i acquaint the world ; but now i must desist , hoping god may spare my life till the edition of my physical observations : the history , cause , & cure of 3 cholick-stones , of a vast unwonted magnitude : also the history of the exection of the spleen out of a dog , that lived two years and a quarter after very lively and well ; with sufficient reasons to back the experiment : the diseases of the spleen , with preservative and curative instructions of the same . lastly , a synopsis , or abridgment of loimotomia , the dissection of a pestilential body ; all in latine , wherein materia medica and its philosophical management shall be more amply examined . from queen-street , formerly called soper● lane , in well-court , nigh cheapside . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : or a just complaint of the deceitful , dangerous and pernicious method or way of curing , obstinately insisted upon by the galenists at this day , when a far better means is found out by the philosophical chymists : also the advantage or benefit arising from a legitimate learned colledge established by authority : moreover , an invitation to the galenists to become ortho-chymists . to offend , when a man , neither knows nor is taught better , deserves pity . to act amiss through an importunate imperfection , with an earnest desire to reform , argues ingenuity , and a noble spirit : but wilfully to persist in a capital errour , to the ruine of aur neighbour , when one is advertised thereof , and may have better things indigitated to the senses , makes one guilty of abominable wickedness . the time was 26 years past , that following those dogmatical rules received from antiquity , i did help for two or three years to fatten the churchyard , howsoever with many anxious thoughts , much regret and checks of my soul , that i neither did , nor could tell how to perform my duty with more ability in this weighty profession . so disquieted was i night and day upon consideration ( how being sent for in the beginning of an acute evil i suffered a young man in the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or flower of his strength to be cut off for want of due medicinal provision ) that i resolved to take some other course of life , to get a subsistence , rather than thus conscious of my own insufficiency , to be accessary to the death of my patients : yea i did believe , persevering in this common road of malepractice , i might contract the guilt of plain homicide , to the utter undoing my soul. thus , after many an agony or conflict of spirit , i fell off by little and little from that great dictators method and pharmacie ( reputed by me at first oracular . ) having acquired some furniture of ordinary chymical medicaments , i exhibited them though with a trembling hand and heart ( partly through prejudice , partly through fear of being adulterated ) to those tired out with long sickness , as the scurvie , q●artane , hypocondriak passions , &c. yet with a success happy beyond my expectation . the galenical doctrine becoming at first suspected , and at length less reputed , incited by my tutor and another friend , an excellent chymist , i was fully bent without wavering to purchase van helmont ( one formerly slighted by me for inveighing without cause as i foolishly thought against the schools ) to read him intirely , impartially with a single eye , and a marginal note . in the upshot , after a serious rumination of those physical verities relating to the radical essence and cure of diseases communicated by this incomparable searcher into nature , i forthwith took out a new lesson of theory and practice , renouncing my former mistakes , imploring an influence from heaven that i might be farther informed . wherefore nauseating a hundred treatises of feavers and other 〈…〉 nothing but cramben millies coctam , the same obsolete stuff over and over , i rid my self of the impediments or luggage of a fruitless library , wholy addicting my self to the lecture of initia physicae inaudita , and other of the most authentick authors , coadjuvant to the understanding of the more obscure places delivered by our philosopher . then according to his advice i bought glasses , erected furnaces , fell to labour with my own hands , prepared according to his general direction the materia medica , which i first took into my own body for tryal , afterward tendred it to my patients . in this manner making a progress twenty years compleat from that time to this . having maturely received a farther illumination and confirmation of the solid principles of chymical physiologie , and the rotten foundation of the galenical , abominating bleeding ( as rightly stated ) uncorrected purgatives , &c. i have with convincing predictions been able , auspice deo , to relieve the calamities , languors , and grievous wounds of poor mortals , to the infinite satisfaction of my own spirit . a proof whereof i have tendered to dr. willis , dr. merret , dr. goddard , and divers others of our london colledge ; and am now ready to make good by fact in a publick hospital or private families , that the galenical design of healing is fraudulent , dangerous and deadly : as likewise that our rightly instituted fabrick of pharmacy , with the method of dispensing and distributing it , is upright , safe and sanative : withal , that those allegations of excessive preternatural heat , virulency , violence , consuming the humidum radicale , or shortning the life , imputed to our remedies , are malicious slanders , false accusations , detractions , cavils , and subtil devises contrived by these traders in men's skins , on purpose to keep up their interest , though myriads perish . any but one obstinate , rash , self-conceited , will judge charitably of my proceedings in this kind , sith deserting the galenical usual manner of prescribing i incurred the displeasure , yea , hatred of most apothecaries , a dis-repute among the galenical chirurgeons , because i condemn phlebotomy , and the common way of healing wounds , sores , &c. the rash , incogitant censures , and raillery of midwives , nurses , or such like creatures , with the huffings , s●ibs , tepulses of fortunes favourites ; and the abuses , sarcasms , opprobrious language of the ruder sort . moreover , hereby i haue lost my ease , outward applause , riches and honours , and many secular respects , laid hold by the galenists in oliver's days , and since , without the least touch or scruple of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . besides upon consideration , that had i then plaid my game craftily ( which i could easily have done as well as the best of them ) i should have enjoyed no less temporal advantages than they . but seeing i had more sublime thoughts , esteeming nothing too dear , so that i might attain the gift of healing , as i ought : therefore in all equity and reason i ought to be listned to , who request nothing more than that the helmontian doctrine ( which i assert ) may be accepted , so far as i can make it appear true by repeated experiments . once more i shall entreat those learned galenists , they would be pleased , out of respect to their own souls , commise●ation to miserable mortals , for the dignity , glory , and promotion of this divine science , to put a stop to their profuse effusion of blood , consumption of the strength of the body by tabefying purgations , withal to abandon fruitless , cooling julebs , pusillanimous cordials , poysonous vesicatories . if the galenists ( whose estimation i should abhor to blemish , did not the life of man stand in competition ) still persist to deny me this kindness , of explaining things as they are in themselves , they will constrain me to set forth a catalogue of those patients , with the names of the physitians attending them , whom ( as i 'le make appear by analogism , examples , or instances agreeing ( in every respect possible to the type of the disease ordered by them ) they have sent packing into the other world. if they can as justly accuse me , producing the same evidence , that i am guilty of such indirect practice ( these 16 years i have here resided in london ) i shall willingly submit to be severely animadverted . moreover , i shall detect what a considerable number of sick brought to the brink of the grave by their galenical orders ( some whereof i have urged to try further , if they were able to relieve them ) utterly despairing of their recovery , divine goodness hath cured by his weak spagyrical agent . i hope his majesty , for the love he bears to chymical truth , the benefit redounding thereby to himself , and his subjects , out of a kindness to one , who sincerely and constantly suffered for his royal father , will indulge this honest , profitable enterprize so far , that if i can make good to the senses , that our philosophical way is able ( according to judicious providence and predictions ) to preserve his subjects in health of body and mind , to prevent mischiefs to come , and to restore them to sanity , better than formerly , for many centuries past : withall if it can be proved plainly by iterated essays , and equal tryals , that the galenical , and galeno-chymical method is an imperfect , palliating , treacherous , and pernicious means to overcome , or eradicate any great fixed malady , will be pleased to erect a learned chymical society , which may be a president to foreign nations to imitate ; for which , present and future ages will be bound to bless him . the admirable commodity and benefits accr●ing to mankind by this heroick enterprize of a chymical colledge , are sufficient to move the magistrate to force these anti-chymists to desist from their evil practice . 1. religious . 2. moral . 3. political . 4. medicinal . 5. mechanical . i should not question by means of wholsome chymical physick to make men of more sound 〈◊〉 religion . atheism , hypoctisie , prophaness , debauchery , might in some measure be lessened , quailed , and restrained , by power of a mastring discipline of the intellectual soul made more apt to understand the truth of things , by means of the organs of the body , blood , and spirits well clarified . by virtue of our hermetick physick , the head , heart , and hands of hierophants , might be purified ▪ their exemplary dumb and deaf preaching up of vice throughout all the world , be corrected ▪ circumstances and punctilio's in religion lovingly , calmly proposed , debated , and accepted ▪ and those fierce eager altercations about adi●phora laid aside . by the powerful operation of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quakers , catabaptists , independents , separatists , schismaticks , and multitudes of phanaticks , might be brought to more integrity of mind in religion , be reclaimed far better than by any rigid persecuting-course whatsoever . we should entertain more frequent serious contemplation , or divine idea's of a future world , were not our bodies consequently our souls clouded by black hypochondriack me●eors , and depraved by bad physick . in my minority i have been a little amazed to hear the religion of physitians indifferently , yea , slightingly , ironically spoken of : so that i have not without some indignation , vindicated it ; perswading my self , that there were many , who , like dr. brown , were able to assert it practically . but coming to greater maturity in the observation of things , i found , for the most part , that really true , which before i apprehended was precipitately spoken by the vulgar . for i dare averr , if a man may judge of a tree by it's fruits , or of the nature of any corporeal existent by signatures , impresses , and accidents , products , phaenomena , and effects ; so certainly may a man censure most of the galenical tribe , sitting to be ranked among plato's classes of atheistical , hypocritical wretches ; not only poysoning others by their deletery , virulent , intoxicating physick , but also by their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their profane , loose , voluptuous , intemperate , covetous , proud , blasphemous behaviour , both in word and deed , and most obstinate , active , perseverance in their lethiferous method of curing . how in truth can it be otherwise , sith their minds are corrupted by their malignant physick , through the want of a true benign mundifier of their vitals . besides , how is it possible they should be acquainted in the least mith a deity , who are so grosly ignorant of the aitiologie of things in nature . needs must they be stone blind as to any right apprehension of an omnipotent creator , a wise supporter , disposer ; and governor of all things : sith their understanding is so extremely to seek concerning the material , efficient cause of all corporeal beings . how can they who are so much mistaken concerning the essence of fire , approach him infinitely transcending any consuming fire . ) how is it possible they should have any understanding of the father of lights , who know not whether light be accident or a substance . had they been better acquainted with nature , the first mover of all things , would have communicated himself more clearly . now , sith they have wilfully blinded themselves through vile interest , at the presence of that which is obvious to the senses , 't is but just they should continue in cimmerian darkness , without the true discovery of things invisible . it hath been a curse upon the galenists 1600 years , not to be capable to cure radicated diseases , because they slighted him who is the great healer of all our infirmities , nam deus creavit medicum non homo . this considered , 't is no wonder they are thus accused of atheism . if so , the only way to make them religious proselytes , and to bring them to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to convince them of their errors in philosophy , to demonstrate how miserably they are out of the way of curing their own , as well as others evils . what imperfect , yea hurtful means they use to remedie their own laesam imaginationem by bleeding , tabefying , colliquating , carharticks and duil cordials , &c. and to indicare to them ortho-methodus fanandi chymica , that there may be an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the stomach , spleen and other parts , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a purity in the blood , and an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a firm activity in the spirits : thus the soul obtaining compleat organs , will act as it ought ( for aceording to galen , animi actiones sequntur temperamentum corporis , which is verified of the spirits . ) thus when the doctor is convinced , many discidles will follow his example : this will be the most assured way to make a reformation in the world , and to take us off from unprofitable disputes in religion . the abuses and extravagant practices in divinity , and physick being chymically redressed , the corruptions , prevarications and unjust dealings in the law are like to be quickly voted out of doors : for the irregularities in divinity and physick confound the whole world . moreover , i have observed more ingenuous favourers of chymical philosophy among the students and practicers of the law , than any other profession whatsoever , therefore more inclinable to be taught better things . next our ethicks or morality may by wholsome chymical physick be meliorated : one reason why we are at this day so depraved in our manners , may with plausible reason be attributed to new feral diseases , which rage among us as the scorbutum , lues venerea , single & complicated : likewise to the increase of the cacoethie , or malignity of former diseases now graduated , and guarded with more cruel symptoms , aggravated by cacost●machical medicaments . hereby our off-spring is born valetudinary , sickly in body , and vitious in mind , the seminal idea of those infirmities which lay couched in our body being imprinted iure hereditario on the miserable infants . 't is not to be admired , why we are at this day so melancholy , discontented , distracted with inordinate passions and perturbations , so malicious , perfidious , falshearted , dishonest , full of hatred , pride , vain-glory , hypocrisie , covetousness , faction , rebellion , lightness and phantastical aemulation of forreign nations , unworthy of an english-man : for as much as most of the galenical compositions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 corrupt body and soul. again , 't is singular policie in the magistrate to promote and cherish this chymical method of curing : for his own and the peoples sake . he being by this means enabled to enjoy sounder body and mind , to govern long , making good laws ; and his subjects hereby multiplyed will be ready to embrace them and obey him : both using a direct way to clarifie the organs of the soul for the reception of truth , and the right discretion or election of what is best . by vertue of this art , his subjects will be more magnanimous , valiant , empowered the better to defend him and his territories , to vindicate his rights , to make enquiry abroad for new plantations , and colonies , to prevent sicknesses incident to the climate , to oppose any enemies stoutly that shall invade us , to heal their wounds , to save many limbs from being mutilated or cut off . doubtless had his majesty been throughly acquainted with the excellent efficacie of the stomach essence in healing both inwardly and outwardly , injoyning a large quantity to be made for the use of his fleet against the dutch , many hundreds of those brave men might have been preserved , who perished for want of true chymical remedies . neither would this or the like have only cured their scorbutical infirmities , healed their grievous soars , but also have maturated their stratagems , magnified and animated their spirits for the execution of far greater actions . were there not some among us , who envie that the nation should enjoy such a time of iubilee , or halcyonian days , wherein the state of body and soul might be amended , they would suggest to his majesty the extraordinary emolument or commoditie would arise to him , his posterity and the people , if this enterprize were set on foot . it would appear honest and noble policy to purg the schools by paracelsian physick from capital galenical errours , at this day predominant in physick , to eradicate those corruptions so deeply grounded tam frequentes foedasque in philosophia nundinationes ( as an antient academical antesignanus of learning expresses ) those unworthy respects of conferring degrees on those who deserve to be termed no better than philosophastri , theologastri , idiotae , nugatores , sycophantae , otiateres , compotores , indigni libidinis voluptatumque ministri , hinc rude vulgus , inops , sordidum , leve , melancholicum rebelle , contumax , refractarium ac miserandum . if the magistrate be pleased to cause the helmontian institutions to be introduced into the academies instead of aristotelian , according as one shall be found experimentally true , and the other false , the whole kingdome will by degrees be brought into a far more flourishing condition than formerly : hereupon able physitians will be sent into all parts to keep men in sanity ( the direct way to prosperity in the general ) which before was empaired by galenists , mountebanks , quacks , who giving medicaments noxious , as hemlock instead of parsley , have made the nation brain-sick , phantastical , scorbutical , unconstant , rebellious , idle , full of beggars , querulous , prone to extreams , innovations , affected with outsides and appearances rather than solid worth. thus the trading for mens skins might be abolished , physick , chirurgery and pharmacopoie united , materia medica better improved , better attendance given to the sick in time of the plague , and a prevention made of fugitive physitians in our greatest extremity , whose courage may be encreased by appropriate antidotes against so great a poison . let us but turn over to the chymical page ; his majesty will always enjoy virtuous , prudent , sage , valiant , upright counsellours : good men will still be encouraged with just rewards , and evil punished ; those who have real intrinsical worth preferred , those making an outward seeming shew rejected : for assuredly the reason why we do not esteem things as they are in themselves , proceeds from laesa imaginatio , a crasie phansie to be corrected principally by powerful chymical physick . moreover , the consideration how ready at hand our remedies are upon all occasions , safe and effectual , may plead for their protection by the magistrate : suppose a prince or any great man be surprized with a lipothymie , epilepsie , lethargie , vertigo , in a place remote from any appothecarie , certainly he may himself , or his physitian attending him , carry a few light paracelsian remedies , which may in a moment relieve him ; whereas should he send a prescription so far as the unsupportable bulk of an apothecarys pharmacy resideth there to be dispensed , this noble person might in the mean time perish . i add to this , 't is no small politick satisfaction to a great man , who prizes his life , to see a physitian , or any other in health , to take some chymical arcana without any nocument , which is tendred to the patient for his restauration , which i 'le undertake to make good upon my own body , or anothers . i shall not omit how satisfactory 't is to one , who in his prosperity , loves to breath in this atmosphear , to hear a plain comfortable prediction from an adeptus , that he is capable of recovery , or if not , that he may settle his affairs , while he hath mature judgment . in the mean time the dogmatical guessers , boggle , blunder , juggle , speak as amphibologically , as the orac●e of old at delphos , or else are quite mistaken , altogether over-shoot themselves , as appeared by their prognostick , in mr. colwel , the great banker , his case , and many other , whom i shall make mention of , annexing a large comment on the miscarriages of these improvident galenists , if they do not forthwith endeavour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to forsake their destructive paths . lastly , princes encouraging pyrotechnie may obtain far more active antidotes against poyson , than hath hitherto been known , whereby the thread of their life may be protracted ; they may also discover how , not only vain , but injurious the common catharticks are in stubborn maladies , studying to avoid them as poysons either manifestly hurting at present , or privily shortning their days for the future . 4. the medicinal profit , advantages , and service that will attend a chymical society , established by law , is most remarkable , which the reader shall find described in ortho-methodus iatro chymica . that catalogue of incurable diseases , given in by the galenists , will be cancelled , and an appropriate means found to remedy the most truculent sickness , and atrocious virulent malady . deus omnes nationes fecit sanabiles . the powerful benign father of every good and perfect gift hath created a salve for every sore ; onely ungrateful , sloathful , supine man will not exert his faculties , for the indagation , or narrow search of such precious latrical pearls to be valued above any thing in this world ; yea , so indifferent he is , so paralytical in his desires towards the summum bonum , sanity of body , and soul , so wilfully miserable , that he is loath to put out his hand to receive so great a favour , though he may have it gratis , rather envying , retarding , than furthering those who labour for a publick good . were this iatro chymical exploit indulged and quickned by those in authority , such polyacea's might be brought to light , enriched with virtues abundantly sufficient to conquer , and quite cut off those complicated evils , which like hydra's heads elude the vulgar medicaments . if artists were animated , the epilepsie appoplexy , gout , quartan , lues venerea , scorbute radicated , yea , and the itch ( which i wondred they omitted amongst the list of their incurable diseases , for i am sure their method cannot cure directly ) would not thus tyrannize in this microcosm . an adaequate lithontribon might be detected potent to dissolve the stone in the bladder without cruel , uncertain lithotomie . were the world furnished with compleat , learned pyrotechnists , no man would fail to be cured in due time of a pleurisie , by anti-pleuriticks , ( not bleeding ) expeditely , radically , without relapse , or future danger of being obnoxious to the like pungitive vexation again . all feavers might in a few days be strangled . the measles and small pox might be cured without scandal , in the same manner as other defaults in nature , to the contempt of ignorant and presumptuous nurses , midwives , and the like gang , who in this stare fear to meddle ( not without just reason ) with opinionative physitians , having been so notoriously un-successful in the management of this malignant disease : neither let any one think that their method is more prevalent to cure other malignant feavers , no such matter ; onely their unlucky dealing is more obvious to the common people in this cutaneous affect , who cannot in more obscure passages so easily pry into their egregious imperfections . were there frequent consultations of philosophical spagyrists receiving mutual assistance one from another ; the liquor alkahest and butler's stone might in all probability be enucleated , and set on work for mortals good : the magical , magnetical , and sympathetical mystery of healing might be improved and confirmed . the feat of obstetrication might be far more advanced , to the grand disgrace of certain men , who profess it ; and to the regulating of some self-conceited , rash women . chirurgery made appear to belong principally ( setting aside manual operation ) to the skilful chymists , who have in their custody such mortifiers of the idea's of cacoethick sores , fistula's , cancers , herpete's , &c. such vital balsoms , and sanatives to be taken inwardly and outwardly , that the chirurgion should be forced to confess , that in most cases the physitian is to be sought to ; and that in long voyages , none are to be compared to spagyrical preparations , for duration ; with which being accurately fabricated , he and the apothecary should be furnished upon occasions : a legitimate , substantial , efficacious pharmacy being introduced , the supposititious , aadulterated , trivial , insufficient factures rejected . then will the promiscuous , indifferent , confused comprehension at this day , of the counterfeit , and real ; the apish , and manly chymical exercitations be made plain to mean capacities : how our colluding galenists have imposed upon the world , by owning themselves the best chymists , though worse than the greatest adulterators of sack , for which none can plead but the impudent sophisticator , or compounder . then will the thermologist be either ashamed so much as to mention hot and cold for the cause , or c●re of diseases ▪ or if he should , he might , perhaps , be ridiculously discarded by the friends of the patient , to his detestable shame , as a singular fool. if once the omnipotent encline the hearts of our governours to cherish , and resolutely protect this divine science , cutting holes in the skin will grow out of fashion : epispasticks , blysterings , scarifications will be thought fitting for none but malefactors : common purgation and bleeding , with their dreggy decoctions ( little better than drenches ) will be confined to the cure of horses . if prometheus fire were throughly kindled among us , our eyes would be opened that we might understand , how those very galenists who have declaimed undeservedly , railed at and condemned chymical remedies in general , have been forced at length ( unless they ventured to come off with unsufferable disgrace ) to minister closely the same sleight preparations of the shops , altogether renounced by the spagyrical sophist . yea , it will appear , how in time of their greatest ignorance they have advised their patients to the sumption of mineral waters , thereby implicitly and tacitly denoting against their wills , that natute taught them to be chymists , if they had not been obstinately blinder than bats and owls . lastly , if such a philosophical chymical company be authorized and countenanced , mechanicks will be much promoted , their manual faculties will be more dextrously carried on : the art of gilding , painting , writing , artillery may be wound up to a higher pitch . metals might be more intimately purged , refined , volatile made more fixed , the terrestrial parts more sublimed , their colour and sound exalted , those friable made ductile , the ignobler provected , and generous augmented . mercury precipitated , coagulated , &c. then combined with multiplicity of bodies with which it will shew variety of shapes useful for divers mechanical factures . antimony likewise technically prepared might be employed for the advancement of many handycrafts , sulphur anreum fulminans might be made in greater quantity and cheaper for the atchievement of many rare designs . such electrums might be made which would perform stupendious things . a clearer light of the lapis chrysopoeus might be given . doubtless artificers would find that the compleat learned spagyrist would be able to instruct them for the contriving of several mechanies to his advantage , never to be attained by ideot-chymists . i hope these important motives and persuasive reasons will excite the magistrate to constitute with all expedition , such a learned society of ortho-chymists , that they themselves , and these nations may gather the delicious fruits thereof , and forreigners may be lured to follow their good example . withal , i supplicate the omnipotent to put it into the hearts of the more generous and refined spirits of the galenists , to take for the future right measures for the cure of humane griefs , to wave ( when they are to aim at essential sanation ) those childish fopperies of heat and cold , and to abdicate and proscribe their indiscreet , either secretly noxious or openly lethiferous bleeding , purging , &c. to lay down those pernicious instruments , and to take up salutary . if the juniors ( leaving the old doting fellows to themselves , as a very learned man calls them . who will no more be brought to learn better things in healing , than an old dog to fetch and carry ) will couragiously , and resolutely bend their endeavours to carry on this heroical pyrotechnical enterprize , they shall find me ready to serve them ( according to that little talent i have ) in the detection of those physical verities which have cost me nigh 30 years labour of brain and sinews , besides the hazzard of my life by assassinating realgars of metals and minerals , together with the treacherous gas of charcole ▪ also the dangerous essayes i have made upon my own stomach , for the discovery of the operation of my own manufactures : add to these the continual opposition , the obloquies i have sustained , abuses , slanders , disrespects thrown upon me undeservedly , enough to deter any man from being a sceptick in physick , or to digress from the common road of healing . i shall , i say , communicate real arcana to a certain number of literate candid persons , fitting to lay the foundation of a salutary colledge . then for my part i shall be willing to sequester my self out of secular tumults , uproars and turmoils , thinking it the happiest condition in the world to live privately . i question not but other ortho-chymists will follow this pattern , and contribute to the honour and enlargment of such a scientifick society . the post-script . if the galenists find any substantial remarkable errors in this syntagm , or a late tract , called epilogis . chymic . i am willing to be rebuked as sharply as they please , but not scurrilously : however , i ought to be convinced by matter of fact , as well as reason , which those of the royal society are bound to grant me , without favour , affection , partiality , or obligation to each other . this denyed me , they still persisting to set at naught essential , medical verity , back biting and vilifying us and our remedies : let them be assured i shall in general publish in lively colours a character of them . next in particular i shall attack j. g. j. k. j. b. h. b. t. c. h. g. d. w. j. l. j. d. w. d. t. c. all reputed learned doctors , whom i can undoubtedly charge ex facto , with an indirect method of curing . moreover , the cause of the death of mr. colwel , the great banker , mr. edw. viner , mr. parker , mr. scot , sir george viner and his lady , lord conwallis ; yea , the reason of the shortning the life of divers other great persons ought to be strictly examined , and a history of the management of their sickness to be exposed to publick view for caution to others . i shall especially take to task dr. c. m. who deserves to be handled according to the rigour of the law , for positively slandering me ; that i had killed three patients in one house : neither will his bare denial serve his turn , sith i have sufficient witness to cast him , upon oath . i shall in good time match the cock of our anatomical boasters , who accused me of presumption , for cutting up a pestilential body , when they , for want of a stock of powerful prophylacticks , and therapeuticks , never attempted it but with loss of life . i shall farther vindicate ( as the first ) the credit and propriety of splenectomia , i. e. the cutting the spleen out of a dog ( the animal surviving the operation two years and a quarter ) vsurped by dr. c. s. appropriated by the virtuosi , now set down in the list of their transactions . i shall , in convenient time , call to a reckoning a galenical doctor ( whose name is consonant with stults , a proper etymon for an ignorant physitian ) correcting him to a purpose , for maligning my practice , and offering abuses to this innocent art. i may likewise , in time , comment , and make animadversions on pharmaceutice rationalis sive diatriba , and instruct the world concerning the authors great mistakes , relating to the aitiologie of diseases , method and instruments of healing . finis . enchiridion medicum, or, a manual of physick being a compendium of the whole art, in three parts ... : wherein is briefly shewed 1. the names, 2. the derivation, 3. the causes, 4. the signs, 5. the prognosticks, and 6. a rational method of cure ... / by robert johnson, med. professor. johnson, robert, b. 1640? 1684 approx. 447 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 171 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-11 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a46939 wing j816 estc r440 13166498 ocm 13166498 98252 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a46939) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 98252) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 423:6) enchiridion medicum, or, a manual of physick being a compendium of the whole art, in three parts ... : wherein is briefly shewed 1. the names, 2. the derivation, 3. the causes, 4. the signs, 5. the prognosticks, and 6. a rational method of cure ... / by robert johnson, med. professor. johnson, robert, b. 1640? [16], 317, [7] p. : port. printed by j. heptinstall for brabazon aylmer ..., london : 1684. advertisements: p. [1] and p. [7] at end. reproduction of original in cambridge university library. imperfect: port. lacking on film. (from t.p.) i. of diseases of the head -ii. of diseases of the breast -iii. of diseases of the belly. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng diseases -early works to 1800. 2004-06 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-07 spi global keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-08 rachel losh sampled and proofread 2004-08 rachel losh text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion enchiridion medicum : or a manual of physick . being a compendium of the whole art , in three parts . viz. i. of diseases of the head. ii. of diseases of the breast . iii. of diseases of the belly . wherein is briefly shewed , 1. the names . 2. the derivation . 3. the causes . 4. the signs . 5. the prognosticks . and 6. a rational method of cure. comprehending the substance of the more approved authours both ancient and modern . published for the benefit of all persons , being fitted to the meanest capacity . by robert johnson med. professor . london , printed by j. heptinstall , for brabazon aylmer , at the three pigeons over against the royal exchange in cornhill . mdclxxxiv . librum ( cui titulus est enchiridion medicum ) ab authore experto conscriptum ; tyronibus , in arte medicinae , chyrurgiaeve haud inutilem fore judicat . tho. novell med . doctor colleg. medicor : lond. socius . hunc librum ( cujus author robertus johnson ) ex parte perlegi , plurimaque in eo inveni observatione digna ; & si imprimeretur , plurimis profecturum existimo . johannes groenevelt med . doctor e colleg. amsteladomensium socius . i have examined the authour hereof , and do find him a person well versed in his art , and worthy of all encouragement . witness my hand , peter chamberlain . his majestie 's first and eldest physician in ordinary to his royal person . ad lectorem enchiridii medici . en tibi , lector , opus magnum , parvumque : licebit , hinc parvo pretio commoda magna petas . chara salus cunctis , cunctis charissima vita : hunc doctum legas , utraque chara minus . j. garretson . in laudem authoris , & operis . exquirit sapiens utilia mente sagaci , inventis : alios communicare juvat . tu laudande tuâ faelix virtute triumpha : nomine perpetuo secula cuncta colant . tu johnson medicâ celeberrimus arte , docere gaudes : hic doctus monstrat utrumque liber . b. johnson . ad robertum johnson . compendium medicum anglico idiomate edentem . primus apollo dedit medicam mortalibus artem , quâ se tutari , qua morbos pellere possent . vt referunt vates , ut fabula prisca recenset , hinc sacra progenies epidauria dicitur orta , dicitur ortus & hinc pedalirius , hincque machaon , hippocrates , sexcenti alii , galenus , & omnes , quos labor & vivax virtus ad sydera vexit . omnium at instar eris noster tu , johnson , amicus , qui dum das facili medicamina dogmate tuta , ( scilicet ut vivat mens sana in corpore sano ) ipse per ora virûm vivas volitesque beatus , eximiumque trahas per postera secula nomen . j. g. the preface . the most learned , and wisest philosophers , who were onely led by nature and reason , were of this mind , that man was not born for himself , but was framed ( by god and nature ) so excellent a creature as he is , to the end that he might employ those singular gifts wherewith he is endued , not to his own private benefit , but to the profit of his country and others ; as saith plato , non nobis solum nati sumus , ortusque nostri partem patria vendicat , partem parentes , partem amici ; quae in terris gignuntur , ad usum hominum causa esse generatos , ut ipsi inter se aliis alii prodesse possent . we are not born for our selves alone , but partly for our country , partly for our parents , partly for our friends : whatever the earth hath produced , was created for the use of man , man also was created for man's sake , that they might among themselves profit one by another . this good opinion engrafted in those heathen philosophers by nature , delivered from one to another by instructions ; and so from time to time continu'd among themselves by consent ; caused such as god had plentifully endued with knowledge and vnderstanding , to leave some worthy monuments ( which daily are to be seen ) to posterity ; as plato , and tully , good rules of government ; aristotle , the hidden secrets of philosophy ; ptolomy , the misteries of astronomy ; euclide , the infallible principles of geometry ; varro , the necessary observations of husbandry , &c. out of the which great benefit in all ages hath been reaped , and hath also from time to time been increased . certainly they do nearest attain to the rule of uncorrupt nature , and deserve best of a common-weal , whose travails and studies are employ'd on those things that tend to the best end ; for by consideration of the end whereunto each thing leadeth , the goodness and excellency of the same is to be known , and considered : as for example ; if health either maintained or recovered be good , then physick , whose chief end is to maintain and recover health , must needs be good also . i have endeavoured ( with a great adventure ) to set forth this compendium of physick , for the common good , both of young physicians , and chirurgeons , and also their sick patients . i know that many learned men have already written large volumes of this art , whereupon it may seem perhaps a matter both vain and superfluous to write any more thereof ; and some physicians may rashly judge that this little tract cannot be comparable to that which is already done by others . but though i have but onely hinted at diseases , because i intended this but for an enchiridion , or manual ; yet there is so much writ as will satisfie every unprejudic'd artist , that many physicians both ancient and modern , have not attained to the true knowledge of the causes , and consequently the cure of diseases . i must confess , i owe much of it to those standard-bearers of physick , the great platerus , the most famous helmont , and franciscus de-le-boe , sylvius , &c. out of whose monuments i have collected the choicest things , of the greatest import in the art of physick , whith were never divulged or known before , of which i have had large experience . was it wholly mine , it would be of little estimation ; it is the great names of the profound authours before mention'd , which will give it being and life , and make it remain as an exemplar of the true knowledge of this famous art. i need not tell the world how usefull a subject of this nature may prove ; especially being methodical , the better to be understood by those that are of mean capacities , who cannot comprehend what is confusedly set down in large volumes . it is the duty of all good men to praise those authours , who have left to posterity , as much as was known to them ; such is my judgment of the writings of others , that i think their labour well bestowed , which have written herein before me ; and i shall not find fault with any that shall ( with an incessant labour , and continual industry ) discover , and bring to publick light , any thing of this art , which as yet is cover'd , and unknown , but will always esteem them worthy of much commendation ; and therefore i hope that others also will judge the like of me . for it is unjust and injurious to good men , and also to the re-publick , presently to defame those wickedly , who do endeavour to discover things that are obscure , and bring them forth to the common use of mankind . if any are perswaded , that they can excell others in judgment , and are desirous of splendour and glory , let them take pains , to discover things that are as yet obscure in nature , by which they may wax renowned with the celebration of their name . but they who have not sown with much labour , and expect a great harvest , for the most part are fed with vain hope . i must expect some calumnies , and obtrectations against this , from such malicious prejudiced men , as envy glory to all , except themselves ; but the best is , it is not my portion alone ; for it was the fate of that worthy man dr. harvey , to meet with storms of malevolent censure , about his circulation of the bloud ; and it was always and ever will be the fate of the first authours of any invention ( though never so good ) to meet with opprobry and contempt : and therefore i know no reason why i should be exempt from the common destiny ; but let those who are severe against this , pardon my opinion , that such their severity proceeds from self guiltiness , and give me leave to apply that of ennodius , that it is the nature of self wickedness , to think that of others , which themselves deserve . and that the reader may have a charitable opinion hereof , i testifie before god , the onely searcher of hearts , that i have not written any thing here , but what seem'd true to me , and chiefly profitable to the sick ; and therefore i doubt not , but this will find acceptation amongst the true sons of art , and all others who are lovers of the truth . if any ( by reading this little book ) procure to themselves more knowledge than they had , or cause any good to be done to the diseased , it is all that is aimed at by robert johnson . april , the 2d . 1683. from the ben-johnson 's head in devonshire-square , without bishopsgate , london . an index of the chapters , comprehending all the diseases of this book . the contents of the first book . chap. i. of the head-ach . page . 1 chap. ii. of the palsie , and apoplexy . page . 13 chap. iii. of convulsions , and the epilepsie . page . 22 chap. iv. of the night-mare , and vertigo . page . 35 chap. v. of the lethargy , coma , carus , and catalepsie , or catochus . page . 38 chap. vi. of the phrensie , and madness . page . 44 chap. vii . of catarrhs . page . 55 the contents of the second book . chap. chap. page . page . chap. i. of shortness of breathing . page . 69 chap. ii. of the pleurisie , and other inflammations . page . 72 chap. iii. of the consumption , or phthisick , and hectick-fever . page . 83 chap. iv. of the palpitation of the heart . page . 92 chap. v. of an universal languishing , as also of swouning , and syncope . page . 96 chap. vi. of fevers in general . page . 103 chap. vii . of intermitting fevers . page . 116 chap. viii . of malignant fevers , and the calenture . page . 124 chap. ix . of the plague , or pestilence . page . 129 chap. x. of the small-pox , and measles . page . 136 the contents of the third book . chap. chap. page . page . chap. i. of the thirsty disease . page . 141 chap. ii. of hunger vitiated , or of a depraved appetite . page . 144 iii. of want of appetite , or loathing of victuals . page . 148 chap. iv. of the hicket , or hiccough . page . 152 chap. v. of belching . page . 156 chap. vi. of vomiting , and of the cholerick , and iliack passion . page . 158 chap. vii . of pain in the stomach , and of various pains of the guts , as colick , &c. page . 168 chap. viii . of worms . page . 179 chap. ix . of loosenesses , or fluxes of the belly . page . 185 chap. x. of the dry belly-ach . page . 196 chap. xi . of the yellow-jaundice . page . 202 chap. xii . of a cachexy , or ill habit of body . page . 207 chap. xiii . of dropsies . page . 211 chap. xiv . of the scurvy , and hypochondriack suffocation , commonly called fits of the mother . page . 222 chap. xv. of the green-sickness , and suppression of the courses . page . 231 chap. xvi . of the immoderate menstrual flux , and the whites in women . page . 237 chap. xvii . of the falling down of the womb , and fundament . page . 242 chap. xviii . of barrenness . page . 245 chap. xix . of abortion or miscarriage . page . 249 chap. xx. of hard travel in child-birth . page . 252 chap. xxi . of nephritick pains , and of the stone in the reins and bladder . page . 257 chap. xxii . of extraordinary pissing . page . 269 chap. xxiii . of involuntary pissing , commonly called pissing in bed. page . 272 xxiv . of the stoppage of vrine , and the strangury . page . 274 chap. xxv . of the scalding or sharpness of vrine . page . 277 chap. xxvi . of venereal affects . page . 279 chap. xxvii . of the rachites , or rickets . page . 288 chap. xxviii . of the gout and rheumatism . page . 303 enchiridion medicvm : or a manual of physick . book i. chap. i. of the head-ach . the head-ach may be divided into three kinds . the first is the momentany head-ach , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , caput , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dolor . the second is an inveterate head-ach , and is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod tegit calvarium . the third is a pain on one part of the head , before , behind , or on one side , this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cranium , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dimidium . there is little difference between cephalaea and cephalalgia ; onely per cephalaeam affectae partes multo redduntur quam in cephalalgia debiliores . these distempers are caused by halituous vapours , and humours , fuming up ( from the stomach and other parts ) to the head. 1. if the pain be external , so that the combing of the head be troublesome , then the pericranium is affected : but if the pain be internal , reaching to the eye-roots , then the dura mater is invaded with the peccant humours . 2. if there be pricking distending pain with great pulsation , it is from sharp bilious humours or halitus ; but if the pain be heavy , it is caused from viscous phlegm or melancholy . 1. if a violent head-ach come suddenly on a healthy person , and the party become dumb and snort , 't is a mortal sign , unless a great fever do immediately happen . 2. if corrupt waterish matter or bloud do issue out of the nostrils , mouth , ears or eyes ( especially on the fourth day ) the sick will suddenly recover ; but if the pain be very violent , and do suddenly vanish without a crisis , 't is doubtfull . 3. if the pain be without a fever , accompanied with noise in the ears , deafness , or megrim , with numbness of the extreme parts , an apoplexy or epilepsy , is at hand . 4. those that have cholerick stomachs , are most subject to a hemicrania ; and if it continue long , it causeth weakness of the eyes , and sometimes blindness . if the head-ach proceed from phlegmatick viscous humours abounding , first give this clyster . take of vervain , betony , mallows , mercury of each one handfull : let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of posset-drink , 'till half of it be boiled away , then strain it and dissolve in it one ounce of the electuary caryocostinum , oil of chamomel two ounces ; mix it for a clyster . sour things , and all that have a lixivial salt , either fixt , or volatile , and all aromaticks do correct and amend the viscous phlegmatick humours . let these forms serve for example . take the waters of baum , and mint , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , and aqua coelestis , of each half an ounce ; syrup of fennel , and mint , of each six drachms ; spirit of salt , as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , mix it , and give three spoonfulls of it often . take salt of tartar vitriolated half a drachm ; cream of tartar one drachm ; white sugar-candy two drachms ; make it into a fine powder for four doses , which may be taken every morning and evening in white or rhenish wine . for the rich you may prepare a medicinal wine . this may serve for example . take the roots of elicampane , calamus aromaticus , of each one ounce ; of rue , sage , vervain , sweet marjoram , of each three handfulls ; anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , of each an ounce and half ; orange-peel half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine . it may be given to three or four ounces in the morning fasting , with twenty drops of elixir proprietatis , you may also give it by it self , at dinner and supper . when the wine is used , fresh wine may be put to the ingredients , for a second infusion . but farther to correct , and gently evacuate the viscous phlegmatick humours . this opening apozeme is effectual . take of the five opening roots of each two ounces , liquorish an ounce and half ; guiacum half a pound , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , the berries of bays , and juniper , of each half an ounce ; vervain , betony , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised , and infused in two quarts of rain-water very hot , for twenty four hours ; then strain it out very strongly , and add the best manna , syrup of roses solutive with senna , of each four ounces ; tincture of cinamon three ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated half an ounce ; mix it , and give three ounces every morning fasting . if there be need of stronger physick you may administer these purging pills . take of extract . rudii , pil . foetidae , cochiae , of each half a drachm ; mercurius dulcis twenty grains ; mix it for three doses . if the pain be old and stubborn , apply vesiccatories to the neck , also leeches to the temples , and haemorrhoids ; or open the jugular , or frontal vein , which hath often prov'd effectual . errhines , sternutatories and apophlegmatisms may also be used , and ventoses with scarification if need require . baths of sulphur ( whether natural or artificial with cephalick herbs ) are good to bathe the head and whole body . some approve of the fume of amber , taken into the mouth and nostrils . also spirit of cranium humanum , or spirit of salt armoniack , held to the nose in a narrow-mouth'd vial , giveth present ease in all cold pains of the head. also you may touch the nostrils and temples with oil of amber , or nutmegs , or apply this epitheme to the temples and forehead with linnen-rags . take the waters of vervain and betony , of each one ounce ; vineger of roses , ointment of alabaster , of each half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum one scruple ; mix it . cold distempers of the head , may also be corrected by hot cephalicks quilted in a cap for the head. take of sweet marjoram , stoechas , vervain , betony , sage , flowers of chamomel , of each one handfull ; nutmegs , cloves , wood of alloes , the roots of galangal , cyperus , calamus aromat . of each half an ounce ; let them be all beaten into powder for a quilted cap. before you put it on , let the hair be shaved close , and the head gently rub'd for some time , the better to open the pores . let the sick abstain from fat and viscous food , and let the mind be compos'd to chearfulness . if the juice of the pancreas abounding in the body , be over sour , it causeth a vitious effervescency , being oppos'd by choler and phlegm in the small guts ; from whence sour and ungratefull vapours may be sent to the stomach , and thence to the head. if the humours be over sour , the sense of hunger will be encreased , notwithstanding the pain of the head. this distemper is to be cur'd by giving those things which temper , and amend the acid juice in the body , and do prevent its encrease . those things abounding with either a lixivial or volatile salt , do powerfully destroy this acid juice ; as pearl , crabs-eyes , coral , chalk , amber , bloud-stone , filings of steel , &c. take this as a form of a powder . take of crabs-eyes , pearl , red coral prepar'd , of each half a drachm ; white sugar half an ounce ; let it be made into fine powder for six doses ; which may be taken morning and evening in two or three spoonfulls of the following cordial julep . take waters of baum and mint , of each three ounces ; scurvigrass-water two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrup of worm-wood , of each one ounce and half ; oil of juniper one drachm ; mix them together for a julep , of which you may also give two or three spoonfulls every fourth hour . i prescribe no purgers in this distemper , because i am taught by large experience , that the four humours in the body may be stirr'd up indeed , but not purg'd , unless with very great gripes , which will doe more hurt , than good . the encrease of the acid juice , may be prevented by abstaining from the use of acids . let the patient's diet be moist , and fatty , as fat broths , jellies aromatiz'd , &c. when the head-ach proceedeth from a hot cause , if the patient be costive , first give this clyster . take of mercury , violets , lettice , mallows , dandelion , of each one handfull ; damask prunes twenty ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two pints of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add electuary lenitive , one ounce and half ; oil of lillies two ounces ; mix them for a clyster . after its operation , you may open a vein and draw eight or nine ounces of bloud . some authours will not consent to phlebotomy in any head-ach , except the pain be intollerable ; but i have had sufficient experience , that it may be done safely in any pain of the head. elixir proprietatis , taken in wormwood-wine , to the quantity of half a drachm at a time , a little before meat , doth wonderfully conduce to amend the vitious quality of choler . choler may be evacuated by vomit , most commodiously by antimonial preparations . take of the infusion of crocus metallorum one ounce ; oximel of squills half an ounce . give it in the morning . but if the patient be averse to vomiting , the choler may be evacuated by stool , by this or the like cathartick . take of baum-water one ounce , cinamon-water two drachms , syrup of roses solutive , the best manna , of each half an ounce ; powder of cream of tartar twenty grains , diagredium ten grains ; mix it for a potion , which may be given in the morning fasting . also these most gratefull tablets of scammony may be prepared , and kept for use . take cristals of tartar two ounces ; scammony one ounce ; white sugar four ounces ; with gum dragon dissolv'd in rose-water as much as is sufficient ; let it be made into troches according to art. half a drachm of these troches may be given to a child with carefull governing ; a man or woman may take two drachms of them . they who are fearfull of scammoniats , though safe and potent , let them take the following infusion . take of choice rhubarb two drachms ; cream of tartar one drachm ; infuse them in four ounces of endive-water for a night ; then strain it and add syrup of roses solutive , syrup of cicory with rhubarb , of each half an ounce , cinamon-water two drachms ; give it in the morning fasting : this electuary is also an excellent cholagogue . take the pulp of damask-prunes ten ounces ; powder of scammony , cream of tartar , of each two ounces , rhubarb ten drachms , cinamon half an ounce ; yellow sanders two drachms ; the best manna , syrup of cicory with rhubarb , of each eight ounces ; mix all together into an electuary according to art. the dose is from two drachms , to half an ounce , taken either in a bolus , or dissolved in a sufficient quantity of endive-water , or any other convenient vehicle . these excellent medicines do not onely purge choler abounding , but purify the bloud and other humours ; and here we may note , that if a purging medicine do not operate according to expectation , it may safely be repeated the same day without any danger . if the head-ach be accompanied with a great fever , and thirst be augmented ; the following medicines will much conduce to asswage it . take of barley-water two pints ; cinamon-water two ounces ; syrup of violets four ounces ; salt prunella half an ounce ; mix it , and give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it often . this tincture is also very effectual take of barley-water two pints ; red-rose-buds one ounce ; spirit of vitriol twenty drops , or as much as is sufficient to make it of a good tincture , let it infuse all night , then strain it , and add syrup of jujubes four ounces ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every three hours . if an emulsion may please better , take this following form . take of sweet almonds one ounce ; the four greater cold-seeds of each half an ounce ; white poppy-seeds two ounces ; let the almonds be blanched , and all well beaten in a stone mortar ; then with four pints of barley-water , make an emulsion ; strain it , and add syrup of the juice of limmons , diacodium , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; of which let the sick drink often , four spoonfulls at a time . you may also have a little fine sugar , and salt prunella equally mixt , which may be kept in the mouth , to deceive the thirst. but where rest is hindred by the choler abounding , and cannot be obtain'd by the emulsion , which gently procureth sleep ; you may dissolve two grains of laudanum opiat . in two or three spoonfulls of it , and give it at night ; or you may order this or the like julep . take the waters of lettice , water-lillies of each two ounces ; syrup of red poppies one ounce ; cinamon-water half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum four grains ; oil of vitriol six drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it to cause sleep . this epitheme may be applied to the temples , and fore-head with linnen-rags . take the oils of violets , and water-lillies of each half an ounce ; the waters of red roses , lettice , and houseleek , of each two ounces ; vineger of roses half an ounce ; mix it . you may also anoint the temples and fore-head with this ointment . take the ointment of alabaster , populion , oil of mandrakes , of each half an ounce ; mix it . let the patient's diet be mutton or veal-broth without salt . when a salt catarrh , or the like spittle is the cause of thirst augmented , you may administer a pill of s●yrax , or cynoglosson , which will temperate the saltness of the humours ; and if salt serous matter abound in the bloud , you may purge it b●●●ool and urine , for which there are variety of medicines prescrib'd in the chapter of catarrhs . chap. ii. of the palsie , and apoplexy . the palsie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. a solvendo , eo quod nervorum genus resolutum , facultate animi defluere prohibita sensu motuque destituatur . it may be also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. dimidia apoplexia . in latin it is called nervorum resolutio vel relaxatio . it is a privation of sense and motion of one side of the body , or of some particular part . the apoplexy is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutior , attonitum reddo . in latin 't is called stupor corporis , it being an abolition of sense and motion through the whole body . the parts affected are the brain , spinalis medulla and nerves ; the motion of the animal spirits through them being deprav'd . the causes are either external , or internal . the external is much cold and moisture , which doth chill and over moisten the head , and extreme parts ; and this seems to prove that phlegmatick and watry humours abiding about the ventricles of the brain , and nerves , may over moisten , and perhaps so far loosen the tunicles or membranes of them , that it may render them unfit to let the animal spirits pass through them ; hence it is that sometimes one particular member hath been paralytick by too much cold and moisture ; and sometimes more parts have more or less lost sense and motion . it is the opinion of most eminent physicians both ancient and modern ; that the animal spirits being severed from the bloud in the brain , &c. are from thence carried through all the nerves to exercise the external senses and animal motion ; which is continual and equal in healthy persons , but changeable and unequal , according to the divers diseases of the body or mind . wherefore when no animal spirits are carried to the organs of the external senses , or animal motion ; the functions of seeing , smelling , tasting , hearing and touching : and the sense of heat , as also of motion in the palsie and apoplexy , cease all that time . the signs of the palsie are manifest ; to wit , deprivation of sense and motion of the paralytick parts ; the eye , and half the tongue , ( viz. of that side affected ) is much weakned , and deprav'd . the signs of the apoplexy approaching are these , a sudden crying out for help , with an abolition of sense and motion . 1. if the palsie , or apoplexy do invade the sick in the decrease of the moon , and the patient be old , 't is an ill sign . 2. if the sick do snort , and is droughty , and cast spume or froth out of the mouth , and have great sweat with difficult breathing , 't is mortal . but if the person be young , and a strong fever immediately happen , 't is a good sign ; for the fever consumes the superfluous moisture , and makes a dissipation of the gross and phlegmatick matter . 3. a palsie coming after the apoplexy is ill , and many times turns to the apoplexy again . when any of the extreme parts be paralytical , or when the head is ill affected by the external coldness of air , water or snow ; or a stoppage of the head be also bred thereby , or the defect of the animal spirits chiefly urge ; then the sick may be cur'd by driving out whatsoever cold has pierc'd into the head , or any other parts of the body , which may be done by spirituous and volatile sudorificks ; for they do not onely alter and correct the cause of cold , and other evils accompanying it , but do also amend the harm entring into the body , containing , and contained . to this end i commend this following form. take of treacle-water one ounce ; fennel-water , and epidemical-water , of each two ounces ; syrup of red poppies , and syrup of the juice of scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; bezoar-mineral , antimony diaphoretick , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix it , give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it , and expect to sweat , being meanly covered ; and a spoonfull every half hour afterward , till the sweat break forth ; then give them some pure broth , with a little wine in it , whereby strength may be recreated , and the patient enabled to bear a sweat longer ; for nothing so much helps the sick as a sweat continued mildly a while , which experience hath often taught me . for by the help of this spirituous , and volatile , and also aromatick medicine , or one like it , the troublesome cold , and dulness of motion are discust . they who let bloud in this distemper caused by external cold ; or think they can carry out the cause of this evil either by vomit or siege , put the sick into danger of death , or at least of most grievous evils . but when phlegmatick and watry humours stick about the nerves , &c. and too much moistening and loosening their membranes and marrow , be the cause of the palsie and apoplexy , and if the same humours much abound in the body ; then phlegmagogues , and hydragogues may conduce to the cure , after clysters , and internal aromatick sudorificks . wherefore to begin the cure of this ; you may first give this or the like clyster , which must be made strong . take of sweet marjoram , betony , sage , penny-royal , hyssop , rue , mercury , marsh-mallows , the lesser centaury , the flowers of chamomel , and stoechas , of each half a handfull ; anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and dissolve in it the electuary diaphaenicon , benedicta laxativa , of each half an ounce ; pil . cochiae twenty grains ; common salt one drachm ; oil of rue two ounces ; mix it for a clyster . the next day ( if the sick have a plethorick body ) you may draw bloud from either arm , to eight or nine ounces . if phlebotomy cannot be done , apply ventoses with scarification to the shoulders ; afterward sweat the patient with the aforesaid sudorifick . sometimes suppositories may be used in stead of clysters . this may serve for example . take the powders of coloquintida , salt-niter , hiera-picra simple , of each one drachm ; euphorbium half a drachm , honey boiled as much as will make it into a suppository . but if it appear that phlegmatick and viscous humours do abound in the body , purgers may be prescrib'd most conveniently in the form of a pill , because the gums are most apt ( above all other medicines ) to loosen and cut viscous phlegm ; neither can they be easily dissolv'd in any liquour . let this , or such a like form of pills serve . take the gums amoniacum , and galbanum , of each two drachms ; dissolve them in vineger of squills , strain it , and boil it , to a due consistence ; then add powders of troches , alhandal , scammony , mastick , of each one drachm ; oil of anise-seed eight drops ; make it into a mass of pills according to art. let the sick take five or six small pills of this in the morning fasting , and an hour after drink some thin broth . if the humours be more serous , i commend this electuary . take juniper-berries one pound ; boil them in six pints of fennel-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then add the fruit of tamarind eight ounces , and pulp them both through a sieve : to which add powder of jalap , and scammony prepar'd , of each three ounces ; cinamon , sweet fennel-seed , of each half an ounce ; white sugar one pound , make it into an electuary according to art. the dose of this effectual medicine , is to half an ounce , to people of age ; a child may take from half a drachm , to a drachm , either by it self , or dissolv'd in whey , or parsley-water , or in any other convenient vehicle . after universal evacuation hath been made , and the patient's stomach be still nauseous , this vomit may safely be given . take the infusion of crocus metallor . vinegar of squills of each one ounce , give it in the morning with care : after the operation of it , give some of this cordial julep . take the waters of sage , couslips , lillies of the valley , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water one ounce ; syrup of peony-flowers , stoechas , of each six drachms ; spirit of castor two drachms ; spirit of salt as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , of which you may give the sick three or four spoonfulls every fourth hour . to correct a slow ferment , and also to amend phlegmatick viscous humours , a medicinal wine may be prepared for the rich , in this form . take the roots of galangal , elecampane , of each half an ounce ; the tops of wormwood , mint and calamint , of each one handfull ; powder of cinamon , anise-seed , of each half an ounce ; nutmegs two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in six pints of white-wine . the sick may drink of this physick-wine at dinner and supper , adding to every draught , five or six drops of elixir proprietatis . when the wine is almost consum'd , more may be poured on , till it cease to be aromatical . external means for the palsie , and apoplexy are also to be used . bathing is much commended , both natural and artificial ; and how excellent it is daily experience doth manifest . this artificial bath , or one like it , may be prescrib'd , where a natural sulphureous or nitrous bath cannot be had . take sage , penny-royal , betony , organ , sweet marjoram , hyssop , rue , time , ground-pine , of each six handfulls ; flowers of chamomel , melilot , of each four handfulls ; roots of briony , pellitory of spain , of each four ounces ; bay-berries , juniper-berries of each three ounces ; brimstone six pound ; salt-niter two pound ; let all be bruised and boiled in twenty gallons of spring-water , till the third part be consumed . let the sick be well bathed with this as often as strength will permit . after bathing , anoint the hinder part of the head and neck , and down the vertebra of the back with this oil ; upon which let a fox-skin drest be worn . take chymical-oils , of juniper-berries , turpentine , spike , of each half an ounce ; oils of chamomel , earth-worms , rue , foxes , of each one ounce ; spirit of castor two drachms ; mix it . this plaister may be applyed to the head. take galbanum , opopanax , of each half an ounce ; mustard-seed , white pepper , euphorbium , castor , of each two drachms ; chymical oil of sage and rue , of each twenty drops ; oil of spike and turpentine , of each a drachm ; make it into a plaister which you may spread on leather , and apply it warm to the head. or you may make the quilted cap as is prescrib'd in page 6. to wear constantly ; oil of nutmegs is good to embrocate the ears and nostrils ; also errhines , sternutatories , and apophlegmatisms may be used with good success . take castor , sweet marjoram , betony , root of white hellebor , of each a drachm ; beat them all into a fine powder . blow up some of this powder ( with a quill ) into the nostrils , to cause sneezing . let the patient's diet be such as may not breed phlegm , and let it be thin and spare , as water-gruel , in which boil some mace ; or you may make broth of mutton , &c. in which boil sage , rosemary , time , sweet marjoram , couslips , &c. of this broth you may make panado's with the crums of white bread , and the yelk of an egg. let anise-seed , or sweet fennel-seed be baked with the bread . abstain from all clammy diet , as fish and milk , &c. and eat little or no supper . chap. iii. of convulsions , and the epilepsie . the cramp or convulsion is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin convulsio . it is a very painfull , involuntary contraction of the nerves and muscles towards their original . there are generally two sorts of convulsions . viz. a true convulsion , and a convulsive motion . a true convulsion is either universal or particular . of the universal there are three kinds . the first is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin tentio ad anteriora ; when the body and head is drawn forward . the second is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin tentio ad posteriora when the head and body is drawn backward the third is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in greek , and distentio in latin , in this the whole body is inflexible . the particular convulsions are various . if it be in the eye , it is called strabismus . that of the mouth , is call tortura oris , &c. the falling-sickness or epilepsie , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , invado , quod sensum atque mentem pariter apprehendat . it is called also in latin epilepsia vel invasio ; item morbus hominem ita invadens , ut retineat & sistat sensuum actiones , because the mind and senses in this disease are suddenly surprized . it may be called morbus caducus , a cadendo , or morbus puerilis because it is most subject to children ; or more properly noverca puerorum , quod eos male tractat . it is also called herculeus , & elephantiasis a magnitudine , because it is difficult to cure . some call it morbus lunaticus , because the sick are most subject to the fits at the change of the moon ; but enough of the names . the epilepsie is an universal cramp or convulsion of the whole body , with deprivation of sense and motion in the time of the fit . the parts affected are not onely the brain , cerebellum and spinalis medulla , but all the nerves and muscles . the causes are either external or internal . the external , may be by the biting of some venemous creature ; or by a wound or puncture of a nerve or tendon . sometimes it may be caused by surfeiting or drunkenness ; and also by the taking of hellebor , &c. it may be also caused by a mineral gas suming from the mines of lead , or antimony , &c. which infecteth the air with noxious metalline exhalations of a venemous malignity ; which is many times the cause of convulsions , as they can tell by experience , that live near those mines . the internal causes are acrimonious and flatuous vapours , rising from the small guts , because of over viscous phlegm , and the over acidity and tartness of the juice of the pancreas , which causeth a vitious effervescency of the humours , by which the lympha is also rendred very sharp . these sour flatuous vapours continually ascending to the head , together with the spirituous substance of the bloud , and going forward into the ventricles of the brain , and cerebellum , and so to the first spreading of the nerves ; and corroding them , causeth an inordinate agitation , and very fierce motion of the animal spirits ; and by a continual and grievous irritation , urging about the beginning of the spinalis medulla , is the cause of an universal convulsion , or epileptick-fit , in which all the muscles of the body are most vehemently contracted . the irritation in a particular convulsive motion or the cramp , which may be oft observ'd in the thigh or leg , and other extreme parts , may be also ascrib'd to the same sharp and sour flatuous vapours , carried to the beginning of the nerves and tendons of the said members , fretting and gnawing them sometimes with great pain . the signs of convulsions are manifest . the preceding signs of the epilepsie , are trembling , sadness , fearfulness , vertigo , numness , debility of the senses , troublesome sleep , with great pain of the head. the signs of the epilepsie presently approaching , are a vehement shaking of the whole body , foming at the mouth , and a sudden deprivation of all the animal functions . 1. a convulsion or epilepsie , being hereditary , is incurable . 2. if a pregnant woman be taken with either of them , it is very dangerous ; and also after abortion . 3. children are most subject to these diseases , because they abound with abundance of moisture , and flatulent vapours in the brain ; and because they have nervorum poros angustos , whereby the brain is easily filled with such vapours ; and therefore we see that children are often troubled with them , young people more rarely , and old folks but seldom ; and we find that children better suffer them than either of the other , who frequently die of these fits , especially of the epilepsie , when in their falling there follows snorting , gnashing of the teeth , a ghastly countenance , much some at the mouth , involuntaria seminis effusio , and great cryings out . 4. of all the kind of convulsions , tetanos is the most difficult to cure ; because it is ( as it were ) composed of the other two kinds ; but if a fever happen in this or any other convulsion , the sick will suddenly recover , because a fever dissolveth it ; but if a convulsion should succeed a fever , it is very dangerous , especially from a wound , or proceeding from venemous matter . so likewise it is very dangerous if it be caused by taking of hellebor . when a particular convulsion is caused from a prick of a nerve or tendon ; as it may happen sometimes by the unskilfulness , or precipitancy of the chyrurgeon in opening a vein , then most speedily pour into the wound or puncture , the oil of turpentine , with rectifi'd spirit of wine , both actually hot ; as that famous chyrurgeon mr. ambrose parey adviseth in his ninth book , chap. 11. of which i have had large experience with good success . the like course may be taken with all other wounds of the nervous parts . but if the wound of the nerve or tendon yield not to this medicine , the same is to be cut asunder cross-ways , seeing it is safer to lose the action of one part , than that the sick should be exposed to the danger of a deadly convulsion . when the nerves or tendons of the muscles are prickt by sharp splinters of bones , the grievous pains succeeding , soon cause a particular convulsion of that part , and at length an universal convulsion will attend the patient , if there be not speedy help . wherefore if possible , the sharp fragments of the bone must be cut away ; or if this have been neglected , or could not be done , and an universal convulsion be feared , you must hasten to amputation of the member ; for , necessitas non habet legem . if a particular convulsion be occasion'd by a hot tumour or any other sharp pain , which hath rais'd an inflammation ; let the pain be diminisht as well by internal , as external anodines and narcoticks , to allay the over encreas'd motion of the animal spirits . to this end you may give the sick two or three grains of laudanum opiat . at a time , either in a pill , or dissolve it in a little wine or other convenient vehicle . and if the ingenious and judicious physician , or chyrurgeon , do add a little volatile salt , either of animals or vegetables , to his topical medicaments , whether fomentations , cataplasms , or ointments , he will wonder at the incredible benefit ; for by the help thereof the tumour will be mollified and dissolved , the internal obstruction loosned , and the pain eased . if a convulsion be caused by the taking of hellebor , or any other venemous matter ; administer an antimonial vomit with all speed . but if it be a child , give it ten grains of salt of vitriol , or half an ounce of oxymel of squills , with a drachm of oil of almonds . after the operation of the emetick , ( and also at other times ) you may give some of this julep . take of black-cherry-water , the water of line-flowers of each two ounces ; briony-water compound , syrup of peony , of each one ounce ; tincture of castor half an ounce ; confection of alkermes one drachm ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every fourth hour . having briefly hinted at the cure of particular convulsions ; i come now to those more universal , as likewise convulsive motions , and the epilepsie . and seeing there is little difference , in the remote causes of them in the body ; these diseases may ( for the most part ) be cured with the same remedies . 1. first then the peccant humours are to be temper'd , and diminisht . 2. the rising of vapours is to be hindred , and their expulsion procur'd by sweat , or insensible transpiration : by which the over motion of the animal spirits will be restrain'd and brought to tranquillity , that is a more quiet motion . all aromaticks , and all things abounding with either a fixt or volatile salt , do not onely correct , and by cutting amend the viscous phlegmatick humours ; but do powerfully temper and destroy the over acidity and tartness of the juice of the pancreas . to temper and diminish these humours , i commend these medicines . take the roots of male-peony , valerian , missletoe of the oak , and peony-seeds , of each two ounces ; castor half an ounce ; let them be all bruised , and infus'd in peony-water compound , the water of line-tree-flowers , of each one pint , for the space of twenty four hours ; then strain it out very strongly , and add syrup of peony and stoechas , of each three ounces ; spirit of castor half an ounce ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls at a time every fourth hour , with which you may mix spirit of salt armoniack , elixir proprietatis , of each six drops . also you may give the patient half a drachm of the following powder in three or four spoonfulls of this infusion , with the aforesaid spirit and elixir . take of crabs-eyes , salt of tartar vitriolated , salt prunella , of each half an ounce ; volatile salt of harts-horn , salt of amber , of man's skull prepar'd , of each two drachms ; make it into a fine powder , which may be taken half a drachm at a time , morning and evening . the peccant humours being temper'd and diminisht , by the frequent use of the abovesaid medicines ; the inordinate , involuntary and impetuous motion of the animal spirits , ( in convulsive and epileptick fits ) will be the better reduc'd to a calm and voluntary motion , by the help of volatile and spirituous sudorificks , mixt with anodines , and narcotick medicines us'd in a small quantity , and at times ; which two will be expedient to be given together , because then they will the better circulate to the animal spirits , and temper and educe the hurtfull flatuous vapours . for which i commend the following form . take of treacle-water , fennel-water , of each one ounce ; syrup of peony , syrup of the juice of scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; antimony diaphoretick , bezoar mineral , crabs-eyes in powder , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; tincture of castor one drachm ; oil of cloves three drops ; spirit of salt armoniack ten drops ; mix it , and let the sick take it , being well cover'd with cloths , whereby the sweat will the easier come forth . if the body be costive , let it be made soluble by a clyster , or suppository ; such as is prescrib'd in the cure of the apoplexy . as often as the stomach is nauseous , or the sick inclines to vomiting ; let the emeticks before mention'd be carefully administred ; and likewise three or four days before the full of the moon . but if the sick be averse to vomiting , and pills or potions are more acceptable , take the following as examples . take of extract . rudij , pil . foetidae ex duobus , of each a drachm and half ; castor , black hellebor prepar'd , of each half a drachm ; salt of amber twenty grains ; oil of rosemary twenty drops , with syrup of stoechas ; make it into a mass for pills ; of which you may give half a drachm twice a week . also this purging infusion is very effectual . take of the best senna , rhubarb , and cream of tartar , of each an ounce and half ; liquorish , and the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; guiacum , china-roots , of each six ounces ; missletoe of the oak , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , bay-berries , and juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be all bruised , and infused in black-cherry-water , and the water of line-tree-flowers , of each a quart , very hot for the space of a night ; then strain it very hard , and add syrup of roses solutive with senna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated half an ounce ; mix it . let the sick take four ounces of this purging infusion every morning , whereby the viscous humours and flatuous vapours may be both corrected , and also evacuated gently by degrees . if bloud abound , let a vein be opened ; in women open the saphaena in either foot , but in men you may apply leeches to the hemorrhoidal veins . &c. bathing hath been often us'd ( with good success ) in these diseases . a natural sulphureous bath , such as is in the city of bath , is excellent ; but when it is not to be had , an artificial bath may serve . that which is set down in the cure of the palsie and apoplexy , is of excellent virtue , and very effectual in these distempers . after bathing , let the spina dorsi , and other affected parts be anointed with the following ointment . take the oils of euphorbium , rue , castor , petre , spike , turpentine , bricks , dil , chamomel , of each half an ounce ; oils of amber and juniper , of each two drachms ; the ointments martiatum and aregon of each one ounce ; mix them for an ointment . issues are approved of , either in the neck , or arm ; also ventoses with scarification , sternutatories , errhines and masticatories are all commended . this masticatory may serve for example . take the roots of pellitory of spain , ginger , calamus aromaticus , of each one ounce ; mustard-seed ; all sorts of pepper , nutmegs , castor , mastick , of each half an ounce ; beat them all into fine powder , and with fine honey boild into a syrup , make them into troches according to art. when they are drie you may chew them one after another , when you please to draw the rheum out of the mouth . when the fit is coming , or upon the party , blow up some sneezing-powder into the nostrils , or the smoak of tobacco into the mouth . embrocate the temples , fore-head and nostrils with oil of amber ; and hold the spirit of salt armoniack to the nose , in a narrow-mouth'd viol . make a noise in the ears ; and let the sick be kept in a light room , with the head upright . let the teeth be kept open with a stick , or rather with a little viscus quercinus , if it may be had . let the soles of the feet be well rub'd with salt and vineger ; also frictions and ligatures may be used in the parts affected . some commend a pigeon cut asunder , and applied hot to the navel ; for hereby the venemous halituous vapours are partly drawn away . i might add variety of medicines for the cure of these diseases ; but those before mentioned are sufficient to give light to the ingenious artist , who knows how to prepare diversity of them , as well milder for infants and children , as stronger for adults . i will therefore prescribe a powder to preserve children from convulsive and epileptick-fits , and so conclude this chapter . take the roots of peony , valerian , of each half an ounce ; the moss that groweth upon a man's skull , the triangular bone of a man's skull prepar'd , missletoe of the oak , elks-hoof , the seeds of peony , sweet fennel and annise , of each two drachms ; red coral , whitest amber , and emerald prepar'd , of each one drachm ; white sugar the weight of them all , let them be reduc'd into a fine powder . you may give a child twenty grains of this powder with a little oil of sweet almonds , so soon as it is born , which may happily preserve it from convulsions , and epileptick fits . and because obstructions of the belly in children , exposeth them to flatuous vapours , and gripings , and so consequently to convulsive and epileptick-fits ; i advise you to keep the belly open , either with a little manna , or a carminative clyster , so often as you see convenient . let the sick live in a serene air , and abstain from all food that breeds bad nourishment , and flatulent vapours . chap. iv. of the night-mare , and vertigo . i shall treat of these two distempers in one chapter , because if either of them continue long ; they are forerunners of the palsie , or apoplexy , and sometimes convulsions , or epilepsie . the night-mare is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin 't is called incubus ab incubando , quod externa vis quaedam aut moles incubare videtur . it is called the night-mare , because it oppresseth the sick in the night , at which time they think that some great weight lieth upon them , by which they seem to be almost suffocated . it happens most commonly after the first sleep , whereby the party oppressed , is deprived of speech and motion , and sometime breathing for a time . when the fit is upon the sick , they do imagine that some witch or hag lieth hard on their breast or stomach , ( from whence it hath also acquired that name ) in which they cannot stir , nor call for help , though they have a great desire , and do strive very much to cry out , but are possessed with a panick fear . the cause of this distemper , is most commonly intemperance in eating and drinking , especially in the night ; whereby crude halituous vapours are bred in such plenty , that nature cannot disperse nor dissolve them before sleep ; and therefore they are raised up to the ventricles of the brain , by which imagination , sense and motion are all depraved . the giddy motion is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. obscuritas oculorum . in latin 't is called vertigo , ex vertendo quod caput vertere videtur . in this disease the animal spirits are wrong mov'd , which makes the sick believe that not onely all things they look on , go in a circuit about , but their head and other parts , seem to turn round ; which many times causeth them to be in danger of falling , or tumbling headlong . the cause of the giddy motion , is either external , or internal . the external are either an intent looking at any object that turns round , or about , especially if very remote ; or a frequent turning about of the body it self . the internal cause , is the ascent of flatuous vapours to the head , together with the spirituous part of the bloud , and carried with the animal spirits , into the passages of the brain , and cerebellum ; by which the motion of wheeling about is communicated to the animal spirits , and anon carried to the cristalline humour of the eyes , by the optick nerves ; and so a giddiness seems to be produc'd . for the cure of these diseases ; seeing they are the forerunners of the apoplexy , and epilepsie ; i refer you to those excellent medicines prescrib'd for the cure of them . let such as are subject to these distempers , be very sparing in their diet ; let them avoid all herbs , roots and fruits , that are windy ; and all viscous and gross diet , such as is of hard concoction . let the external causes be remov'd , and the internal causes corrected . sublata causa tollitur effectus . chap. v. of the lethargy coma , carus , and catalepsie or catocus . the lethargy is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , id est , ab oblivione & inertia . because in this disease , the sick is very forgetfull and slothfull . in this distemper , there is a very great propensity to sleep , accompanied with a symptomatical fever , and sometimes with the hiccough , with difficulty of breathing , dulness of the head , and many times a deprivation of the senses . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sopor altus , is an insatiable inclination to sleep ; the sick being called unto , they open their eyes , and answer , but presently fall a sleep again . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is called in latin crapularis redundantia ; because it is sometimes caused by surfeiting , end drunkenness . it is deep and profound sleep , whereby imagination , sense and motion are all depraved . in these there is no fever , in which they differ from the lethargy . catalepsis , vel detentio , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies a with-holding , or restraining , because in this distemper , the mind , with the senses , and motion are all suddenly surprized , so that the sick remain stiff , and immoveable , in the very same posture in which they were taken , with their eyes open . the causes of these diseases are either external , or internal . the external causes are gross food , idleness , spirituous wine , or any other inebriating liquour taken in excess ; and sometimes by the air inspir'd , which is defil'd by the smoak of coals , or other mineral fumes , by which the air may be infested . the internal cause , is a narcotick force mix'd with the animal spirits , bred by degrees in the body , by the frequent use of opiats , not well corrected , which not onely dulls the mind , but causeth a sluggishness of the whole body ; for the animal motion being deprav'd , the external , as well as internal senses , will be thence soon infected , and defil'd . these diseases are all very dangerous , and except they are speedily cur'd , they will soon hurry the sick into the boats of acheron , or devouring jaws of death . but if a phrensie cometh immediately after any of them , it cureth the patient with little help of medicine . to cure these diseases , let the drowsie animal spirits be stir'd up , and rais'd from sleepiness , and stupidness , by potent external objects , which may sharply move the external senses ; let the sick be kept in a light room , and be often called upon very strongly , and let sharp smells be applied to the nostrils , such as spirit of salt armoniack , harts-horn , &c. also sharp spices or salts should be put into the mouth , and gentle frications us'd ( with warm cloaths ) to those parts that are affected with numness . the animal spirits may be freed from the narcotick force mingled with them , ( and likewise slothfulness , and sleepiness may be ( by little and little ) diminished , ) by the frequent use of sharp volatile salts , and all medicines endued with an aromatick biting ; such as pepper , cloves , castor , garlick , horse-radish , mustard , scurvigrass , &c. of which you may make diversity of medicines , for example . take the waters of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , of each two ounces , syrup of the juice of scurvigrass one ounce ; tincture of castor two drachms ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix it , and give the sick two or three spoonfulls every two hours . this decoction is also very effectual . take the roots of horse-radish , the best china , of each two ounces ; roots of galangal half an ounce ; scurvigrass , hedge-mustard , of each one handfull ; cloves one drachm ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and infused in white-wine , and fountain-water , of each a quart , for the space of a night very hot ; the next morning boil it gently for half an hour , then strain it , and add syrup of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; mix it . let the sick lying in bed , meanly covered take often in a day five or six spoonfulls of this decoction , whereby a light sweat may break forth to ease them . by the frequent use of these medicines , the animal spirits will not onely be freed from their drowsiness , but even the narcotick force bred in the body ( either in the length of time , or received in from without ) may be corrected , and by degrees gently educ'd by insensible transpiration : so that at length , these dangerous distempers may happily be overcome . let clysters , and suppositories be often administred , as need requires . those prescrib'd in page 17 , 18. in the cure of the palsie and apoplexy , are very effectual here . if strength and age permit , let a vein be opened in either arm or foot , as you shall see cause ; for generally authours consent to it , besides experientia docet , let ventoses with ( or without ) scarification be applied to the shoulders and hinder part of the neck . and let sternutatories be often snuft up into the nostrils , to provoke sneezing . take the roots of pellitory of spain , white hellebor , of each half a drachm ; castor , nutmegs , white pepper , of each twenty grains ; flowers of lillies of the valley one drachm ; beat them into a fine powder . if the stomach be foul , and the sick incline to vomit , give this or the like . take the decoction of horse-radish , two ounces ; the infusion of crocus metallorum , oxymel of squills , of each half an ▪ ounce ; oil of sweet almonds newly drawn , two drachms ; mix it , and give it in the morning . but if the sick had rather take pills or potions , let the following serve . take extract . rudii , pil . foetidae , ex duobus of each half a drachm ; powder of castor twenty grains ; oil of cloves six drops , with syrup of stoechas , make it into pills , for three doses . you may give them twice a week in the morning fasting . this purging infusion is also very effectual . take of the best senna , rhubarb , polypodium , of each half an ounce ; mechoacan , agarick , turkey-turbith , of each three drachms ; ginger , anise-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised and infused in eight ounces of ale very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and add the best manna ; syrup of roses solutive of each one ounce ; spirit of castor twenty drops ; mix it for two doses . let the affected parts , as the head , &c. be bathed with this or the like fomentation . take the roots of master-wort , angelica , zedoary , of each three ounces ; bay-berries , juniper-berries , of each four ounces ; sage , marjoram , rue , rose-mary , betony , flowers of lavender , melilot , chamomel , of each two handfulls ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in white-wine-vineger , and fountain-water , of each three quarts , till half of it be boiled away . after bathing anoint the hinder part of the head with this oil. take of oil of rue , marjoram , of each half an ounce ; oil of amber , rose-mary and bricks , of each two drachms ; oil of bays , euphorbium , castor , of each six drachms ; mix them . for revulsion , let the soles of the feet be washed with salt and acet . scillitic . vesiccatories may also be applied to the coronal suture , and behind the ears ; or upon the shoulders , neck , arms , thighs , &c. avoid all vaporous and phlegmatick nourishment . chap. vi. of the phrensie , and madness . the phrensie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mens ; quia mentis morbus . the phrensie is an inflammation of the brain and meninges , both the dura and pia mater ; causing an acute continual fever , which remains from the first moment of its invasion , to the last of its duration , thence a delirium , and raving madness , together with great trouble of mind , afflicts the sick in a superlative manner . madness is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , insanio , 't is called in latin amentia , furor , insania . it is a furious alienation of the mind , or a vehement delirium without a fever ; in which it differs from the phrensie . i know there are not wanting the works of great physicians , who have written very learnedly of these diseases ; but omitting the opinion of others ; i shall in a few words , relate that which seems true to me , to be the cause of these furious distempers . none who are ingenious searchers of truth ; and have weighed accurately ( with an attentive mind ) both the fabrick and ways , or vessels of the containing body , and the natural motion of the bloud , and other humours ; will deny , that almost innumerable diseases do arise from the vitious effervescency of over fat choler , the too tart pancreat juice , and over viscous phlegm , flowing together in the small guts ; for by this vitiated mingling not onely hurtfull humours are produc'd , but often wind , and halituous vapours , causing much harm to humane bodies . wherefore i judge , when phlegm is very viscous , or otherwise vitious , and the juice of the pancreas too tart and harsh ; sharp halituous vapours are thence produc'd , elevated from the small guts , because of a vitious effervescency there rais'd ; and thence continually ascending to the head ; and with the spirituous bloud , circulate into the ventricles of the brain , by which the animal spirits are vitiated , and troublesomely mov'd , and hindred of natural rest and tranquillity ; therefore 't is no wonder that the empty mind of the sick is thereby disturb'd , and at length the sick become distracted and mad . but if choler be predominant , these vapours become very cholerick and acrimonious ; which rarifies the bloud by degrees more and more ; so that at length the heat and burning fever in the heart , ( and thence through the whole body ) is encreased by choler successively over-ruling , which causeth the phrensie . no marvel then if heat , pain , and inflammation , and pulsation of the head do chiefly vex the sick in this grievous distemper ; seeing no part of the body hath so many arteries , and receives so much bloud as the head ; wherefore the pulsation of the temples is felt more troublesome than elsewhere , because of the remarkable windings of the brain , through which great arteries are carried ; from whence great watchings , and at length raving madness do molest the sick . but there still remains something requisite to be set down , as the chief cause of these , and most other distempers , which ought not to be despis'd ( either by jew or gentile ) seeing we have the word of god for it ; and that is the crying sins of mankind continually drawing god's judgments on them . you may reade the 28 th . chapter of deuteronomie , where the prophet moses enumerates the many diseases , with which god would smite the children of israel , for the wickedness of their doings , whereby they had forsaken him . and not onely they , but we also shall be subject to these grievous distempers , and eternal destruction also , if we do not turn to the lord by unfeigned repentance , except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish , saith our blessed saviour jesus christ in luke 13.3 . verse . those poor creatures who have been miserably afflicted with these furious diseases , and happily recovered ; can tell by sad experience , that they have been many times hurried almost to desperation , by the cunning wiles and temptations of satan ; which hath prevail'd on many to lay violent hands on themselves ; from which let us pray , libera nos domine . 1. the phrensie is a most acute and dangerous disease , insomuch that it ends most commonly in seven days ; for in that time it either terminates by the recovery of the sick , or else they go over the threshold of the other world . 2. if the phrenetical party hath a crisis either by sweating , bleeding at the nose , or haemorrhoids , &c. or a tumour appear behind the ears , there is hopes of recovery : but if the sick gnash with his teeth , and his excrement and urine be whitish , and no crisis appear , 't is mortal ; so likewise is it very pernicious , if it turn either to the lethargy , or convulsion . in the mania or madness , if the stomach or appetite decay , and the sick be very fearfull , and hath continued long , it is most difficult to cure : but if the party be merrily conceited , it is not so dangerous . 3. if the swelling of the veins in the legs , called varices , or the haemorrhoids , or menses , or any other flux of bloud should happen to them that are mad or frantick , there may be hopes of recovery . and that we may pass on to the cure of these lamentable diseases : let the following golden precept be speedily observ'd . principiis obsta , sero medicina paratur : cum mala per longas invaluere moras . for unless speedy help be procur'd for the phrensie , it killeth the party in a short time : and likewise mania or madness becomes oft ( by degrees ) so stubborn , and rebellious , that it can be cur'd onely late or never . ttherefore the friends of the sick are to be admonish'd to consult with the honest physician , so soon as the signs begin to be manifest ; for when it hath taken deep root , it is hard to be eradicated , or overcome , unless by an herculean labour . first therefore let a clyster be administred . take of mallows , marsh-mallows , violets , lettice , beets , pellitory of the wall , mercury , centaury , water-lillies , of each one handfull . damask prunes twenty . boil them in a quart of barley-water till half be consumed , then strain it , and add electuary lenitive , syrup of violets , roses solutive , of each one ounce ; oil of violets two ounces ; common salt one drachm . mix it for a clyster . after the operation of it , you may open a vein in the arm. but if menses , or the haemorrhoids be suppressed , then open the saphena , in either foot ; and let the orifice be made pretty large , because thereby sharp and fatty vapours may more plenteously be effus'd together with the bloud : whereby the troublesome heat will be the better temper'd , and not a little diminisht . neither will it suffice to let bloud once , but this evacuation is oft to be iterated , till ( by the diminisht feverish heat ) it appears that the cause is remov'd or overcome . but let phlebotomy be warily done , where choler abounds , because sanguis est fraenum bilis : wherefore i advise the young practitioner to take away but little bloud at a time , which may be done so often as need requires , either by an instrument , or leeches to the haemorrhoids . ventoses with scarification , may be applied to the shoulders , also vesiccatories to the armes , thighs , & inter scapulas , in extremis morbis , extrema sunt adhibenda remedia . choler over plenteous in the body , may be safely diminisht by a mild chologogue ; for example . take of dandelion , succory , sorrel , of each two handfulls ; tamarind-fruit two ounces . boil them in a quart of barley-water till half be consumed ; strain it , and add the waters of cinamon , and fennel of each one ounce ; the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; spirit of niter twenty drops . let the sick take oft a draught of this julep , till the body be made soluble ; but if there be a strong constitution of body , i refer you to those excellent medicines prescribed in page 8.9 . of this book , which evacuates choler more powerfully by stool . but where the stomach is full and nauseous , let a vomit be administred without delay ; and here i prefer antimonials before all o-thers , both because they do most happily empty any humours promiscuously , and because they are most friendly to humane nature , bringing all the humours by degrees ( after a peculiar manner ) to a most laudable state . and because in this distemper , the sick is always attended with a greivous and furious raging ; let those things be given which will not onely promote sleep , but powerfully temper the sharp cholerick humours . to this end i commend any fixt mineral , sulphur of vitriol or antimony , which will temper the acrimony of choler , and free the bloud from such matter perhaps before all others . but where these choice medicines are not to be had , opium well prepared will conduce beyond any commonly known medicine ; which may be used both internally and externally . this cordial opiat is of great virtue . take the waters of sorrel , lettice , penny-royal , fennel , of each two ounces ; cinamon water , syrups of red and white poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum ten grains ; tartar vitriolated half a drachm ; oil of vitriol ten drops ; mix it , and give two spoonfulls of it often , whereby the body may the sooner be reduc'd to sleep , and the mind to tranquillity . the following epitheme , and linament may be used outwardly to give ease , and promote sleep . take the waters of betony , red roses , of each two ounces ; vinegars of roses , and marygolds , of each half an ounce ; opium twenty grains . mix it . let linen cloaths be dipt in it being warm , and applied to the forehead , and region of the temples ; and as often as the cloaths are dry , moisten them with the same , till pain be diminisht , and sleep follow . take populion half an ounce ; opium dissolv'd in oil of poppies half a drachm ; mix it for a linament ; wherewith anoint each region of the temples , and spread some of it on brown paper and apply it . let the diet be very thin and cooling : avoid hot spices , wine , and other strong liqours , and let the common drink be barley-water with syrup of limmons . pigeons cut asunder , and applied to the soles of the feet , do many times avail , by drawing down hot vapours and fumes from the head. by this you may know how to cure not onely phrensies , but all ravings and watchings , which are ingendred by fevers ; for it will not be very hard from what is aforesaid , to frame or join such helps as may conduce to the same . in mania or madness ; when phlegm is over viscous , and the juice of the pancreas too tart and harsh , exceeding , and over-ruling the other humours in the body ; whereby sharp halituous vapours are continually rais'd , disturbing the sick both in body and mind : speedy care must be taken to correct and educe the vitiated humours , to amend and discuss the hurtfull flatuous vapours , and also to compose the immoderate passions of the mind . volatile salts and aromatick oils do not onely correct viscous and acid phlegm , but sour and tart vapours also ; for they have power to cut and dissolve that which is viscous , to temper and correct that which is sour and tart , and to discuss and dissipate what is vaporous and windy . the following julep , whose power is singular and stupendious , may be deservedly preferr'd before many others . take the waters of parsley , fennel , mint , penny-royal , scurvigrass , of each two ounces ; the waters of treacle and cinamon , of each half an ounce ; syrups of fennel , poppies , and the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . twenty grains ; spirits of salt armoniack and niter , of each twenty drops ; oils of annise-seed and cloves , of each ten drops ; mix them . by the frequent use of this julep , or such like ; the hurtfull humours and vapours will not onely be corrected , and amended ; but a new production of them will be hindred , and both body and mind reduc'd to a more quiet frame . these pills will be also usefull to correct more , and mildly educe , or expell the vitious humours . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar of squills ; powders of mastick , troches alhandal , rozin of scammony , and jallop , of each one drachm ; powders of castor , mirrh and saffron , of each twenty grains ; oils of cloves , harts-horn , balsom of sulphur with oil of anise-seed , spirit of salt armoniack , of each ten drops ; beat them all into a mass for pills , of which you may give half a drachm at a time , in the morning fasting . it will be convenient to take these pills twice a week , for the better vanquishing the rebellious and redoubl'd humours . also let antimonial vomits ( rightly prepar'd ) be sometimes administred , they being endued with an universal force of cleansing man's body from all harm and impurity . by these forms any judicious practitioner , may easily invent other prescriptions in some things to be varied , as the disease requires . thus having premis'd a rational , and dogmatical cure of these grievous diseases , confirm'd by experience ; i think it my duty ( once for all ) to admonish the honest physician , and others who attend the sick ; to be often seeking the lord for a blessing on the means . and if all refuge sails , to take the advice of the apostle james in the 5 th . chapter and 14 , and 15. verses . this was the custome of the primitive christians without doubt , and i wish it were more in use amongst us at this day ; for god is as able to heal the sick now , as he was then , for he is the same yesterday , and to day and for ever . i thank god , i have had some experience of his great goodness and mercy , extended towards some of his poor creatures , by means of this ordinance , when all other help of medicine , &c. have prov'd unsuccessfull , for which uni deo & trino gloria . chap. vii . of catarrhs . the catarrh is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , fluo . it is called in latin distillatio , because it is a defluxion of excrementitious and sharp rheumatick humours from the head , into most parts of the body ; invading not onely all the conglobated , and conglomerated glandules ; by which the circulation of lympha and spittle are deprav'd : but also the nerves , which causeth intense or vehement pains , and inflammations in the parts ill affected , which is most commonly attended with a symptomatical fever , especially if the rheum be thin and sharp , and do flow very violently . and seeing this distemper is not enough explain'd in authours , either ancient or modern ; i therefore ( god prospering my indeavours ) will bestow some pains in searching out , and proposing the true causes and effects of it ; which i hope will induce other liberal and ingenious spirited artists to a farther inquiry after the occult causes , not onely of these , but other obscure diseases daily occurring in practice ; that so by little and little , many things in the art of physick , as yet most obscure and confus'd , may be illustrated , and most commodiously explain'd . experience confirms , that there are many kinds of catarrhs ; some are more thick , others more thin ; some acid and salt , others more sweet ; some rheums are hot and sharp , flowing more violently , other cold and pituitous , flowing but slowly ; hence it is , that some catarrhs are attended with fevers , and some without . the causes of catarrhs are either external , or internal . the external cause is from external sudden cold , shutting the pores of the skin , hindring the discharge of sweaty vapours by insensible transpiration ; for if the usual ports of the skin do deny passage to the sweat , it will in a little time condense , and thence become sour , by which the extreme parts are chilled , which doth manifest it self by a shivering ; as any one may experimentally observe after taking cold. these humours having not vent through the porous skin ( which is absolutely necessary ) by the habit of the body ; they are conveyed to the head ( together with the lympha ) through the lymphatick vessels . the internal cause arises from pituitous humours , gradually collected ( besides nature ) in the conglobated glandules , observeable about the plexus choroides in the side ventricles of the brain , and elsewhere ; perhaps in the tonsils , and all the rest of the small glandules about the trachaea arteria ; hence the lympha becomes sourish salt , as is tasted in a coryza . whence also we may probably conclude , what way soever the conglobated glandules are hurt , that the lympha declines from its natural state and quality : and as its depravation is milder or sharper , more grievous , or lighter pains are thence bred ; of which we have many times an ocular demonstration in the flowing down of the rheum through the nostrils , which is oft so sharp , that it doth corrode the skin , and superficies of the face where it comes . if it be in quantity moderate , it is conveighed to the infinite little salivary ducts or chanels , in the conglomerated glandules , which open into the palate of the mouth , and there pour out the salival liquour which they contain ; which is either swallowed down into the stomach , or else it is evacuated by spitting ; and if nature be overburthened by its plentifulness , it is also sent forth by the nostrils . but if the lympha becomes more sharp , acid and salt in the glandules before mention'd , it produceth first a stoppage , and burthensome pain of the head , which overcomes the retentive , and provokes the expulsive faculties ; so that nature being driven to most violent motions , doth extravasate , and intravasate the rheumatick humours , hic & ubique , a capite ad calcem , through the most abstruse and inconspicuous passages of nature ; so that it is the opinion of many learned physicians , that a catarrh is the original of many diseases incident to humane bodies . 1. catarrhs happening to children , are dangerous , especially if there appear plenty of humours , because they abound with moisture , and are full of excrements : wherefore if a sudden defluxion happens to any of a tender age , desperate accidents may follow . 2. if the rheum flow through the nostrils , it is but gentle ; if to the throat 't is worse , but if to the lungs , worst of all ; and if it becomes inveterate , it is very hardly cured . in the cure of catarrhs , the head is chiefly to be taken care of , because the rheum doth continually flow from it ; therefore the head ought to be corroborated , and the superfluous moisture thereof to be dried up : and likewise the part or parts ( to which the rheum flows ) must be strengthned ; the vitious quality of lympha , and the other humours is to be corrected , and their plenty diminisht . as catarrhs consist of a different matter , and afflict divers parts , so they require diversity of medicines to cure them ; for if the matter be thick and viscous , it must be attenuated and cut with aromaticks , and afterward evacuated with phlegmagogues : so likewise serous and salt catarrhs are to be temper'd with oily things and opiats , and the plenty of humours to be diminisht with hydragogues ; by which means the cure will be the sooner performed . for viscous catarrhs , accompanied with a cough , i commend these following medicines . take the waters of hyssop , mint , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of fennel and red poppies , of each one ounce and half ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it , of which you may give three or four spoonfulls , every three hours . by the frequent use of this aromatick julep , the viscous phlegm will not onely be attenuated , but the over sharp vapours will be discust , and the other humours temper'd . after the phlegmatick humours , &c. are thus prepared ; it will be convenient to evacuate them downwards , by gentle purgation , with powerfull and effectual phlegmagogues ; and such are all mercurials , colocynthis , hermodactils , &c. to be taken chiefly in the form of pills . take extract . rudii , pil . ex duobus , of each one drachm ; mercury dulcis half a drachm ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix them for three doses . if the sick be averse to pills , give this potion . take of rhubarb , agarick , hermodactils , polypodium , of each two drachms ; cinamon , cloves , of each one drachm ; sage , rosemary , of each one handfull ; sweet fennel-seed , juniper-berries , of each three drachms ; bruise them and infuse them in hyssop-water very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and dissolve in it syrup of roses solutive , electuary diaphaenicon , of each one ounce ; mix it for a potion . every night give the patient a pill of styrax , or hounds-tongue , to stay the rheum , and to give ease and rest . if the catarrh be serous and hot , accompanied with a fever , and the sick have a costive body , this clyster will be effectual . take the common decoction for clysters twelve ounces ; diacatholicon , electuary of the juice of roses , of each six drachms ; oil of chamomel two ounces ; common salt one drachm ; mix it for a clyster . after the operation of it , you may open a vein in either arm , and take away eight or nine ounces of bloud . then give this purging decoction . take borage , lettice , purslain , endive , violets , of each one handfull ; the four greater coldeeds , of each one drachm ; damask-prunes ten , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised , and boiled in eight ounces of the pectoral decoction till half be consum'd ; then strain it , and dissolve in it syrup of roses solutive , electuary of the juice of roses , of each half an ounce ; spirit of niter six drops ; mix it for a potion . you may give this potion twice in a week ; which will both temper and gently evacuate the serous and acid humours ; and flatuous vapours will also thereby be discust , and gently educ'd . to cause rest , and thicken the rheum , let one of these pills be given every night to bed-ward . take of laudanum three grains ; powder of olibanum , extract of saffron , of each four grains , with a little pectoral syrup , make it into four pills . or you may give a pill of styrax every night going to bed . when the rheum flows down from the head , into the trachaea arteria , it stirs up a coughing more or less , according to the sharpness and plenty of the humours , which are many ways vitiated ; wherefore a cough may be diversly cur'd , according to the diversity of its cause . if the humours be over sour , they may be corrected with pearl , coral , crabs-eyes , &c. if the rheum be too serous and salt ; the aforesaid pil . estyrace & cynaglos . &c. is excellent to temper it . becchical troches , both white and black are not onely effectual , but gratefull to the sick in this coughing distemper . if the humours be thick and viscous , they require sourish sweet things , and aromaticks to attenuate and cut them . the fore-mention'd julep may be prescrib'd in this case . when the salt , sharp and serous humours abounding , are corrected and temper'd ; they may be diminisht by hydragogues . the hydragogue electuary prescrib'd in page 18 is an effectual and gratefull medicine , which may be often us'd to the profit of the sick . children may take from one drachm to two , and adults to half an ounce ; of this excellent medicine once or twice a week . as in other distempers always , so let me here admonish you in general , to be very diligent to attend to the medicines that most conduce to every particular body , whereby they may be prefer'd before the rest ; and as long as they profit , continue in the use thereof , that so the health of the sick may be every way promoted . when much bloud is voided by coughing , there is great danger ; wherefore we must hasten the more to its cure ; lest the opportunity here ( if any where urgent ) be lost by delay ; for the singular substance of the lungs is easily infected and corrupted , but difficultly restor'd and repair'd ; wherefore bloud carried down from the head into the lungs , and raising a cough , is to be stopt in its efflux . to this end let a vein be opened , especially if a plethora concur , or there be a notable heat of bloud , or a suppression of its wonted emptying . after bleeding , let the over great heat be allay'd with sour and tart medicines ; for example take the following decoction . take of plantane , housleek , wood-sorrel , of each two handfulls ; boil them in barley-water one quart till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of jujubes three ounces ; salt prunella one drachm ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . the flux of bloud may be stopt by conglutinating medicines , which have power to close the vessels , either broken by violent coughing , or corroded by the sharpness of the descending rheum . take the waters of comfry , plantane , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , distil'd vinegar , of each one ounce ; syrup of mirtles , comfry , of each six drachms ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; oil of sulphur per campanam twenty drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every two hours . this choice medicine often taken , will cure the most ruptions of vessels , and will soon stop the flux of bloud , beyond expectation ; but i advise , that a sparing use of it should be continued for some time , after the disease is cur'd to sense , whereby the affected parts may be strengthned against the access of a new evil . the bloud distilling into the sharp artery of the lungs , will soon corrupt and turn into purulent matter , if not prevented by convenient medicines , which hath power to dissolve the coagulated bloud , that it may be the easier expectorated . the following form may be prefer'd . take the waters of hyssop , fennel , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vineger , of each half an ounce ; syrup of hore-hound one ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give two or three spoonfulls every two hours . if the lungs be ulcerated , the cure thereof will be promoted , if you add two or three drops of balsam of sulphur , with oil of annise-seed , to every spoonfull that you give of the aforesaid medicine , or in any pectoral decoction ; it must be given oft in a day ; the better to finish the cure. in all catarrhs if the rheum have been long , you may use a decoction of china , which will wonderfully temper the humours ; or you may add lign . sanctum , sassaphras , sarsaparilla , &c. which will dry up the rheum by degrees . the sharp humours being temper'd , and the matter of rheum partly evacuated by phlegmagogues , and hydragogues , &c. outward means that dry up rheum are likewise to be used ; as caps for the head , perfumes , errhines , sternutatories , masticatories , apophlegmatisms , &c. ventoses with scarification , may be also applied to the neck and shoulders ; and fontinels may be made in the neck and arm , for they have been often profitable in catarrhs . also vesiccatories applied to the coronal future , and inter scapulas will avail much . let the temples and parts adjacent be anointed with oil of amber , oil of nutmegs , &c. and let the fume of amber or mastick be often drawn up into the nostrils . also a sternutatory ( such as is prescrib'd in page 21. in the cure of the palsie ) is very effectual to cause sneezing , twice or thrice in a day . a cap may be also quilted for the head ( of the following things ) with cotton-wool and red sarcenet . take of sweet marjoram , betony , baum , bazil , red-rose buds , of each half a handfull ; the berries of mirtle and juniper , the seeds of peony and white poppy , of each one drachm ; calamus aromaticus , nutmegs , cloves , frankincense , mastick , styrax calamitis , laudanum , of each two drachms ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder , for a quilted cap. also this following powder may be prepar'd , to fumigate the head and cloaths ; morning and evening . take of olibanum , styrax calamitis , amber , of each two drachms ; red roses , coriander-seeds prepar'd , mastick , gum of ivy , cloves , mirtle-berries , white poppy-seeds , of each one drachm ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder . also this masticatory may be often used . take of mustard-seed , roots of pellitory of spain , master-wort , capers , mastick , amber , of each one drachm ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder , and tye up some of it in a linen-rag , and chew it in the mouth every day before dinner and supper . or you may chew either mastick , amber , or the root of pellitory of spain by it self , which will draw the serous humours away by spitting . errhines may also be used ; they are either moist or dry , the dry are made with pepper , betony , rosemary , stavesacre , &c. the liquid are made with the juices of rosemary , ivy , beets , mercury , sweet marjoram , &c. and it may here be noted , that when rheum doth flow down to the throat , lungs , &c. then errhines may be used ; but when the humours flow to the eyes , nose , &c. then use masticatories , for a revulsion ; revulsio enim est humoris fluentis attractio in partem contrariam . the spirit of salt armoniack , held to the nose in a narrow mouth'd glass , doth wonderfully conduce above all others , not onely to dissolve the viscous phlegmatick humours , obstructing the glandules : but also temperates the acid saltness of catarrhs . plaisters may be also applied to the head being first shaved , to dry up the rheum , and strengthen the brain . this may serve for example . take of the plaisters ad herniam , and cephalick , taccamahac , of each half an ounce ; mix it , and spread it on leather , and apply it to the head. let the rheumatick live in a warm and dry air , and use a drying diet with moderation in eating , drinking , sleeping , and all other things . jejunet , vigilet , sitiat : qui rheumata curat . chap. i. of shortness of breathing . shortness or difficulty of breathing , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. afflo calidum ori . it is a disease in which the bronchia of the lungs are so stuffed with viscous phlegm , that the sick can hardly breathe , but with wheasing , blowing or puffing , and do make a great noise with snorting ; in which the diaphragma , and intercostal muscles are violently moved . if the lungs onely are stuffed , it is without snorting , and is then called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , â 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aegre , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro . in this the conduits of the lights are much stopped , causing hardness , or straitness of breath , and pursiness . but if the patient fetcheth breath with much difficulty , with the neck stretched upright ; it may then be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , rectus , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , spiro , i. e. erecta cervice spirare . the cause of this disease , is the juice of the pancreas growing more sour by its obstruction , joined to viscous phlegm in the small gut , by which it becomes more flatulent ; and being stir'd up in its effervescency with choler , it riseth to the thoracick passage , by the lacteal veins , and so to the heart and lungs , and filling the airy conduits thereof , and sticking there , it causeth a breathing with snorting . the same humour is also carried to the stomach , which causeth many sour belchings in this distemper ; and if these flatuous humours become more sharp than viscous ; so often as they come to the lungs , they pierce into the sharp artery , and do so provoke and molest it , that thereby the lungs are compelled to cough , by which the expiration of air is deprav'd . if there be much moisture contain'd in the sharp artery , it will be the easier expelled by the help of coughing , but if the trachea arteria be affected with driness , then nothing is spit out , though with great and much labour , but the universal body is wearied in vain with indeavouring to cough ; whence there is sometimes raised a vehement pain both of the head and hypochondries , and other parts ; yea sometimes a rupture is bred by it , and the urine and excrements are thereby often involuntarily extruded . 2. if this disease be not speedily removed , it will prove chronical and hard to be cur'd , unless the patient be young and of a strong constitution , for otherwise it will end in a cachexie or dropsie . an asthma , or wheasing anxiety may happily be cured ( in the beginning ) by an antimonial vomit , especially in those who do vomit easily , because the phlegmatick humours ( which are contained in the sharp artery , &c. ) are thereby immediately brought up ; but if vomiting hurts the sick , the humours may be evacuated downwards by gentle purgation , with powerfull and effectual phlegmagogues , and hydragogues , such as is prescrib'd in the chapter of catarrhs . page 56.57 . if the patient hath a costive body , let carminative clysters be often administred ; and if the body be plethorick , let a vein be opened , either in the foot , or apply leeches to the haemorrhoid veins , which will much conduce to free the respiration . such medicines as have an expectorating quality , and have power to temper and discuss the over sharp vapours , may be often us'd in a little quantity . the following julep may be commended in this case . take of the pectoral decoction half a pint , cinamon-water , syrups of hore-hound , fennel , of each one ounce and half ; spirits of salt armoniack , niter , of each twenty drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; oil of sulphur per campanam ten drops , mix it . quercetanus his syrup of tobacco , is commended in this distemper . also tobacco taken in a pipe , or chewed in the mouth , draweth abundance of viscous phlegm out of the stomach and lungs . many more medicines might be inserted , but i refer you to the chapter of catarrhs , where you may be throughly furnished . chap. ii. of the pleurisie , and other inflammations . the pleurisie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 latus , quod tunicae costos succingentis lateris dolor . it is also called in latin pleuritis , & inflammatio ; it being an inflammation of the pleura , and also of the intercostal muscles , and other adjacent parts , as the mediastinum , pericardium , diaphragma , &c. it is attended with many symptomes , as difficulty of breathing , shooting and pricking pain of the sides , which is the more exasperated by coughing , and is common in this distemper ; the patient hath also a continual acute fever , which is most commonly symptomatical . the inflammation of the lungs is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 circum & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pulmo , quod a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro . it is also called in latin peripneumonia , & peripneumonicus morbus . it is not different in the causes or signs from a pleurisie . the cause of the pleurisie , and peripneumony , and all other inflammations , is an obstruction of the capillary vessels , ( in the inflamed part ) by glutenous phlegm , carried together with the bloud through them , and if a plethora concur , the bloud and humours will soon be stagnated , and become acrid and fervid , which preternaturally distends the vessels , by which circulation of the bloud is hindred , so that at length the vessels break , and the bloud is poured into the part affected ; which there corrupts and increaseth the pain and inflammation , and consequently produceth a tumour , where the putrid bloud and humours , ( being by degrees corrupted , ) are converted into purulent matter ; for the bloud being stagnated , or standing still in any part , the spirituous , and more volatile and subtle parts , that are wont to temper both the acid and salt parts , do afterward begin to vanish , whence both being made sharper , do more fiercely rise up one against another , and stir up an hot effervescency , because of the oily parts of the bloud present ; yea by degrees do so corrupt the bloud , as it turns it into matter , which is different according to the variousness of the bloud corrupted . 1. the sooner the inflammation and tumour comes to suppuration , the more easie will be the cure. 2. if a pleurisie follow an inflammation of the lungs , there may be hopes of recovery ; but if a peripneumony follow a pleurisie , or quinzy , 't is dangerous , and ( for the most part ) mortal . 3. if much matter be expectorated by coughing , and there still remain difficulty of breathing , 't is an ill sign ; so likewise is it , if in coughing nothing be spit up . 4. if the pleurisie , or peripneumony remain above twelve days , an empiema will inevitably ensue ; for the bloud standing still , is by little and little collected in its vessels , and being peccant in a great excess , it distends them more and more , till at length they burst ; whence there happens an effusion of bloud into the cavity of the breast , and being there collected , and corrupted into matter , it constitutes a suppuration called empiema . to cure a pleurisie , and any inflammation , and aposteme following , it is required , that 1. the obstruction of the vessels be opened , that the circulation of the bloud stopt , and standing still may be restor'd . 2. that the bloud effus'd out of its vessels ( if possible ) may be discuss'd , before it turns to matter . 3. that if the suppuration cannot be hindred , it must be promoted with all expedition , that the purulent matter collected , might be evacuated . 4. that the cleansing and consolidation of the ulcer be speedily performed . an obstruction of the vessels by viscous phlegm , or bloud coagulated in them , may be cur'd by volatile salts , prepar'd not onely of several parts of animals , but also of scorbutick plants , viz. dandelion , hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , garden and water-cresses , &c. to these may be referred crabs-eyes , the jaws of a pike , the bone of a harts-heart , mummy , sperma caeti , antimony diaphoretick , opium prepar'd , &c. as also all fixt metallick and mineral sulphurs . these volatile medicines have an egregious power of dissolving all things coagulated , and conglutinated in man's body , and of reducing the same to their wonted fluidity , and do mildly promote sweat ; hence it is that often by one such diaphoretick given in season , both a pleurisie , and piripneumony , and also inflammations of other parts have been most happily and safely cured without phlebotomy . but where a plethora concurs ; after a stool hath been procur'd by a carminative clyster , let a vein be opened , for thereby the bloud standing still will be restor'd to its wonted circulation ; for some of the bloud being let out , there will be a larger space made in the veins , for a more brisk and swift motion of the universal mass of it . after a sufficient quantity of bloud is taken away , it will be profitable to give a sudorifick . this may serve for example . take the pectoral decoction four ounces ; the waters of hyssop , fennel , parsley , juice of horse-dung clarified , distilled vineger , of each three ounces ; treacle-water , cinamon-water , syrups of the five opening roots , and of red and white poppies , of each one ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , two drachms ; mummy , sperma caeti , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; volatile salt of harts-horn half a drachm ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take often a spoonfull of this julep , which is rich in volatile salt , and powerfully corrects the acidity of the bloud ; by the help whereof the clottering of it will not onely be hindred , but it s over thick parts incided , and by degrees attenuated ; and it s over thin parts will be discust , and evacuated together with sweat or insensible transpiration : it s over sharp parts will be also temper'd , and the pain asswaged , and at length wholly taken away ; as also the obstruction it self will be loosened and dissolved ; for when the volatile salt of the sudorifick comes to the place of obstruction , it attempts the matter obstructing be it what it will , and cuts , attenuates , loosens , and makes it fluid ; whence it is farther driven forward together with it more easily . the bloud is also thereby more and more rarified , and becomes more fluid , and moveable ; wherefore there needs no farther care for elaborated medicaments , and methods . frustra fit per plura , quod fieri potest per pauciora . as for topical medicaments , or external applications , the following are excellent . take the roots of briony , smallage , fennel , of each four ounces ; the tops of elder , dwarf-elder , hedge-mustard , agrimony , wormwood , mint , vervain , flowers of melilot , chamomel , of each two handfuls ; cummin-seed , the berries of bays and juniper , of each two ounces . let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in two gallons of rain-water till half of it be boiled away , then strain it for a fomentation . let the inflammation or tumor be well bathed with it , as hot as may be suffered , either with woollen cloaths , or soft spunges , fit to cover the part affected ; after which let it be anointed with the following ointment . take ointments of marsh-mallows , martiatum , of each one ounce ; oils of dill , bays , lillies , poppies , henbane , of each half an ounce ; oils of amber , turpentine , bricks , of each one drachm ; camphire two drachms ; mix it . then let this plaister be spread on leather , or linen cloath , and applied . take yellow wax four ounces , sperma caeti , two ounces ; galbanum prepar'd with vinegar , one ounce . make it into a plaster according to art . this egregious plaster doth not onely preserve the bloud from coagulation in any part where it is applied ; but milk also from curdling in the paps . but if it be not to be had , the following dissolving , and mollifying cataplasm may be substituted . take of onions rosted under the ashes two ounces ; dwarf-elder , hedge-mustard , vervain , elder , chervil , water-cresses , of each one handfull ; powders of album graecum , lupines , a swallows nest , barley-meal , of each one ounce ; butter-milk as much as will make it into a pultis . apply it meanly warm to the inflam'd part , for thereby the internal obstruction will be the better opened ; but it must be renewed as often as it begins to dry . when the bloud is effus'd into such places , out of which it cannot be well remov'd , or discust ; suppuration or the generation of matter , must be promoted , and hastned ; which may be done by emollient and ripening medicines , as the roots and leaves of mallows , marsh-mallows , white lillies , onions , squills , the powder of fenugreek , and flax-seed , the meal of barley and beans , the marrow of all bones , and all kind of fats , and almost any oil that is exprest of seeds , or kernels ; as also divers sorts of gums , as galbanum , liquid styrax , bdellium , amoniacum , and also wax and turpentine , &c. of these you may prepare cataplasms , oils , unguents , emplasters , &c. which judicious physicians and chyrurgions may doe as they see occasion . but when there is much heat in the part inflam'd , beware of all unctuous things , and let your fomentations and cataplasms be made with butter-milk , which doth egregiously temper heat , and hinder st. anthonie's fire from being easily join'd with the inflammation . the generation of matter being promoted , and the tumor come to suppuration , let it be opened either with an instrument or potential cauterie , in the softest and lowest part of it ; and let the matter be evacuated by little and little , because otherwise the strength of the sick will not be a little prostrated , especially when there is much matter contained in the aposteme ; wherefore let not the tumor be pressed hard , which is familiar with many chyrurgions , but often proves prejudicial to the patient . if the orifice be too small , you may dilate it with a tent made of spunge dipt in melilot pla●ster , and afterward pressed ; but it is better to lay it open by incision , if it may conveniently be done ; after which you must forth-with proceed to cleanse and consolidate the ulcer ; to which end several medicines are wont to be applied , all which i neither blame nor carp at . i have often considered ( with admiration ) the laudable effect of balsam of sulphur with oil of turpentine , &c. in this case incredible to many , if a little of it be mixt with a milder balsam , and dropt in or applied to the ulcer ; for shortly after , the generation of new phlegm is so diminisht , that oft by the help of this one balsam , i have in a few days perfectly cur'd notable apostemes after inflammations , bred both in the breasts and elsewhere . by this experiment not a little to be esteem'd i judge the cleansing and consolidation of ulcers following apostemes , to consist in the correction of acid and corroding matter , adhering to the ulcer , and corrupting the bloud , ( at least in part that is apt to nourish it ) and turning it into new matter ; which may be corrected by the mention'd balsam of sulphur which is not onely aromatical , but abounds with a volatile oily salt ; by which the acid spirit ( which corrupts the bloud into matter ) is not onely dull'd , but so amended , that the bloud flowing to it soon repairs the parts before consum'd , and finisheth the last consolidation . what farther may be deduc'd from this experiment , to perfect physick and chyrurgery also in other cures , let both ingenious physicians , and chyrurgeons , weigh and judge . if a pleurisie , or peripneumonie , be not carefully cured , an empiema ( which is a collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the breast ) will unavoidably follow . wherefore if these humors cannot be evacuated by expectoration , nor by sweating , pissing , or purging ; the matter may be drawn out by a * paracenthesis made in the breast . the apertion may be made four or five inches from the sternon ; not so near the upper as the lower rib , because under each rib there is an intercostal vein , arterie and nerve . i do not approve of the old way of performing this operation , viz. after the orifice is made , to put in a perforated pipe of gold , silver , or lead , and there to remain till the matter be all discharged . there is now a safer and surer way wherein is not onely avoided many difficulties and dangers , but 't is also done with less trouble and pain to the patient . the instrument must be made of steel , sharp at the point like a lancet , and hollow like a quill , with holes in several places towards the point , the better to evacuate the matter . when the quantity ( which you intend ) is discharged , draw out the instrument , and put a little pledget of dry lint on the orifice , and upon it a sticking plaster ; the next day ( according to the strength of the sick ) repeat it , either in the first place , or make a new apertion . thus you may doe every day , till the matter be all discharged . by this instrument may a hydrocele be also discharged , and likewise the dropsie of the breast and abdomen . they that desire more directions in this operation , may peruse hieronymus fabricius ab aqua pendente , in libro de operationibus chirurgicis . chap. iii. of the consumption or phthisick , and an hectick fever . the consumption is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , tabesco , because in this disease the sick doth consume or waste away . it is called in latin tabes , which is a general name for all consumptions , whether it be atrophia , cachexia , or phthisis ; but it may most properly be taken for an extenuation of the whole body , caused by an ulcer of the lungs . the purulent matter of the ulcer circulating with the bloud , doth infect , and by degrees corrupt the whole mass of it , which makes it unfit for nourishment ; hence it is that all the parts of the body do waste and consume . the causes are many , sometimes purulent matter may be communicated to the lungs , from the plurisie or empiema , inflaming and corrupting them , which causeth an ulcer . sometimes a salt and sharp rheum flowing down from the head to the trachea arteria , which doth not onely cause a vehement coughing , but doth corrode the lungs , being naturally tender ; hence an ulcer will be caused . also many times pustules , or tubercles , are generated in the lungs , and coming to suppuration , they break ; and the matter flowing to the bronchia , it may be spit up , if the patient have strength ; but oft times an ulcer remaineth , which causeth a consumption . these causes depend sometimes on choler , sometimes on the juice of the pancreas , sometimes on spittle , sometimes on chyle , sometimes on lympha any way vitiated , by which the mass of bloud ( in time ) becomes also corrupted . when the lungs decline from their natural consistency , they will soon become hard and tumorous , and so by degrees they will be corrupted , and ulcerated ; and the matter of the ulcer corrupting , and makeing the mass of bloud glutinous , in circulating with it , doth so weaken and corrupt all the parts of the body , that they become unfit to perfect natural nourishment ; and therefore of necessity the universal body must consume and pine away ; sometimes it is caused by an obstruction of the lacteal veins , which hindreth the natural passage of the chylus . authours mention many more causes of consumptions ; as gonorrhoea , nocturnal pollutions , want of nourishment , &c. the signs of a consumption begun , are a great defluxion of rheum into the sharp artery , causing a violent cough , by which the lungs are exasperated , and there follows a hectick fever , sometimes putrid , from the purulent matter flowing into the veins . to know whether the lungs be ulcerated , let the patient spit into water ; if it sinks it is matter , which is an infallible sign of an ulcer ; for phlegm always swims in water . when the ulcer is confirm'd , there is difficult breathing , and wasting of the whole body ; the spittle is thick , and of various colours . if the ulcer of the lungs , and consumption hath not been long , and the strength of the sick remains , there may be hopes of recovery ; & e contra . the hectick fever is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. ab habitu ; quod in habitu corporis , vel in partibus solidis consistat . it is an unnatural heat which hath seized upon the solid parts , and wasteth the moisture of them . the heat in an hectick fever is but little , and therefore rarely troublesome to the sick , except one or two hours after meat ; at which time the heat is a little sharpned and increased , which may be known by an over frequent though weak pulse ; but it soon returns again to its former equality . but here it will not be amiss to shew you that there is a threefold moisture in the body , viz. bloud in the veins and arteries , a dewy substance in every part , and also a glutinous moisture ; which doth not onely nourish , but moistneth it , and keepeth the substance of each part together . in the beginning when the moisture begins to fail , the hectick fever is not easily discerned because there is still sufficient moisture to entertain the natural heat ; but if ( by the long continuance of the hectick fever ) the radical moisture of the solid parts begins to consume , it may then be easily known , for there follows a continual and lingring leanness of the whole body ; which being reduc'd to its extremity , may be call'd in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in english an extenuating fever . the latin authours call it marcor , which signifies corruption or rottenness . it is an immoderate dryness , and consumption of the whole body , by reason of the defect of the substantial humidity . there are two degrees of it according to galen , the one is , when this extenuation of the body is in fieri , in consuming ; the other is when it is in facto esse , or consummate ; in which the body is reduc'd to such leanness , that it seemeth to be nothing else but a walking sceleton . the causes of an hectick fever , are external or internal . the external causes are all that may occasion any of the other fevers , for oft times hectick fevers are observ'd to follow other diseases , and especially fevers of one day , proceeding from a great errour in diet , and also from continual , and intermitting fevers , when they are very vehement ; but most frequently from inflammations of the bowels , especially of the lungs , for when an ulcer follows , then the whole mass of bloud is infected by matter , and gets a singular glutinousness ; which being communicated to the other humours , spoils them with the same fault , and renders them unfit to perform the natural functions rightly . sometimes hectick fevers are observ'd to arise immediately from excess of the nonnatural things , as most vehement anger , too much watchings , immoderate sorrow , continued labour , want of food , &c. the internal cause is , the over viscousness of the bloud and humours , because of which not onely the appetite of all food is diminished , and at length dejected , but the nourishment of all the parts of the body is dayly decreas'd ; for when there is loathing of food , then fermentation , separation of usefull from unusefull parts , sanguification , generation of the animal spirits , &c. is hindred and destroyed ; whence the toughness , and sluggishness of choler , spittle , the juice of the pancreas , and lympha , is dayly augmented , and the evil becomes by degrees greater , and at length incurable . if you perceive that there is so much of the radical moisture remaining , as is able to cherish the natural heat , which you may discern , if the colour of the body be fresh , if the figure be decent , if the proportion of the parts be according to nature , and the sick can ( in some good measure ) perform all actions , you may conceive some hopes of recovery . but if the body be extenuated , almost like a sceleton , viz. when the body seemeth to be nothing else but skin and bone , ( as the vulgar proverb is ) acquaint the sick with the danger , least death seize upon them unprepared . nevertheless , if the sick implore your aid of christian charity , withdraw not what comfort you are able to procure unto them . the cure of a consumption , and hectick fever , will differ not a little , according to the diversity of causes producing them . when an hectick fever comes with , or succeeds fevers with or without fits , then upon their account , the cure may be varied according to the divers harm of the humours , differently peccant . if a consumption , or hectick fever , be caused by purulent matter from an ulcer of the lungs , &c. then you must endeavour to free the bloud and humours from matter , which may be done by any antimonial medicines rightly prepared , perhaps before all others ; whether they be diaphoreticks , purgers , or vomiters , as experience doth manifest ; for it hath been observ'd , ( even in a phthisick , and an inveterate great ulcer of the lungs ) to bring away a good quantity of matter , by stool and urine , so that then for many days , no matter was cast forth by a cough . among common things , all vulnerary plants are good used in decoctions . let this or one like it , be a form of a decoction in this case . take the roots of plantain , comfry , round-birthwort , liquorish , of each two ounces ; fennel , scabious , plantain , of each two handfulls ; figs , raisons of the sun stoned , of each four ounces ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in three quarts of barley-water till a third part be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrups of hore-hound , and hyssop , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiatum ten grains . mix it . let the sick drink two ounces of this decoction oft in a day ; and if you add one or two drops of balsam of sulphur with oil of annise-seed to every draught , it will be the more effectual . the balsam prepared of the truly sulphureous and inflameable flowers of antimony , is most excellent in this distemper , if it may be had , which may be taken as the balsam of sulphur . also those medicines may be used which mildly amend and correct the viscousness , and glutinousness of all the humours ; for which i commend all mild aromaticks , and oily volatile salts , as that cut and alter every viscous humour , and reduce it into its natural state . those medicines are to be selected as do most conduce to , and agree with the constitution of every sick person . vitriolated tartar is an excellent medicine , which will agree with all constitutions , and may be taken from ten to twenty grains ( every other morning ) in a little warm broth. also the following medicine is very effectual . take the powder of cream of tartar , and tartar vitriolated , of each half a drachm ; volatile salt of harts-horn , salt of amber , of each ten grains . mix it for two doses , which may be taken in chicken broth , in the morning . these choice medicines will conduce much to cleanse the bloud and humours from all purulent matter , if there be any hopes of the patient's recovery . all effusions of bloud , seed and milk , are to be shun'd , except the wonted emptyings , which are natural and serve the individual . let the motions of the mind be moderate , and the exercise of the body be gentle , and let sleep and watchings keep a mediocrity . appoint a moistning and nourishing diet , which is of easie fermentation , as broth , and jellies of young creatures , and milk of goats , sheep and cows , and chiefly of wholsome women . a panado made with the broth of a chicken , the crums of white-bread , and the yelk of a new laid egg , may sometimes be given the sick for a change . let ●ooling herbs be boiled in the broth , and jellies ; adding other ingredients that are cooling , moistning and cordial , both to strengthen nature , and revive the spirits . let the sick drink barley-water , made pleasant with some pectoral syrup ; and if they have been accustomed to drink wine , let it be well diluted with water . as for fruit , apples are much commended , especially pippins , and permains , which will much refresh the sick . if the patient be costive , you may sometimes administer a clyster of milk and the yelk of an egg. the worst symptome that can attend these diseases , is a loosness ; if it so happen , give goats or cows milk , wherein steel hath been quenched , and rice boiled in it , adding a little powder of cinamon , and let the sick eat commonly of it . chap. iv. of the palpitation of the heart . this disease is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin , palpitatio cordis , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod leviter ac frequenter commovet ; because there is an over frequent pulsation or leaping of bloud in the heart , &c. it is a convulsive motion of the heart , with a vehement systole , and diastole of it ; which sometimes hath been so inordinate , that the pulsation hath not been onely seen , but heard at a notable distance ; yea sometimes it hath been so great , that the adjacent ribs in young and tender people ( who have been afflicted with this distemper ) hath been dislocated , and the aorta or great artery , hath been much dilated . see fernelius lib. 5. cap. 12. pag. 292. this deprav'd motion , or palpitation of the heart , is for the most part caused from sharp , viscous and flatuous humours , frequently arising out of the small guts , and transmitted to the ventricles of the heart , and adhereth to them , by which the heart is provoked to a vehement and unequal contraction of it self , without intermission . these humours are mov'd and driven forward , either by their vitious effervescency ; or else they are stirr'd up by violent motion or exercise of the body , especially in the quick ascending of a steep hill ; and sometimes they are constrain'd , or urg'd by grievous passions of the mind . sometimes there have been observ'd fleshy tumours , and cartilaginous excrescencies in the substance of the heart , when dissected ; and those poor creatures when living were never free from a vehement palpitation . also worms have been found in the pericardium , of some that have been dissected after death ; which without doubt caused a deprav'd motion , or pulsation of the heart when living . that which is caused by fleshy tumours , cartilaginous excrescencies , worms , or any other extraneous thing in the pericardium , or substance of the heart , is incurable . but the palpitation of the heart which is caused by acrimonious , flatuous and viscous humours may be cured . those medicines must be administred , that cut , and discuss , and temper an acid acrimony . the following julep may serve for an example . take the waters of parsley , fennel , of each three ounces ; tincture of cinamon , syrup of mint , of each two ounces ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; mix it , let the sick take a spoonfull of it every quarter of an hour , till they get some ease . if the distemper hath persever'd long ; the peccant humours must be emptied out by purging ; and to educe them , i prefer before all others , pills to be made of gums , seeing they loosen the glutinous humours , and dispose them to be easier carried out . for example . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar half an ounce ; powder of scammony prepar'd , troches alhandal , of each two drachms ; oil of carraway twenty drops ; make it into a mass for pills . take five or six of these pills in the morning fasting , twice a week . they who abhor pills , may use an aromatick and purging decoction . the following though bitter is very efficacious . take the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; roots of angelica , berries of bay and juniper , of each half an ounce ; the best senna , orange-peel , carraway-seed , coloquintida , of each one drachm ; guiacum four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of roses with senna four ounces , cinamon-water two ounces ; mix it . let the sick take four ounces of this bitter decoction , every other morning ; which will by degrees diminish , and mildly educe the hurtfull humours by purging . but seeing not onely the cause ought to be removed , but also the symptomes asswag'd , by refreshing the heart ; you must administer cordial medicines which have power to corroborate the heart , and to cherish and strengthen nature . the following cordial may be preferred in this case . take the waters of baum , mint , borage , cinamon , of each three ounces ; syrups of baum , red poppies , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . amber-greese , of each ten grains , mix it . let the sick take two spoonfulls of this rich cordial every three hours , which will wonderfully refresh , and delight the sensible stomach , from whence the persumed impressions will soon be communicated to the whole body ; by which all the vital and animal functions will be refreshingly cherished , and strengthned , and the palpitation of the heart eased and abated . if the patient hath a costive body , let a carminative clyster be sometimes administred , and if a plethora concur , let a vein be opened , either with an instrument in the arm , or by leeches applied to the haemorrhoids . chap. v. of an universal languishing , as also of swouning and syncope . an universal languishing of the strength of all the parts and functions , is sometimes observ'd to remain after some disease preceding , not rightly cured ; especially when the infirmity hath been grievous , for then a weariness or defect of the animal motion doth usually concur , together with a weak or little pulse , and dulness and debility of the internal and external senses ; whereby the sick continues weak and more languishing ( by certain intervalls ) than is natural . all the kinds of swounings , may be divided ( for methods sake ) into two , viz. the lighter kind , and the most grievous . the lighter kind of swouning or fainting is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in latin animae defectio , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 anima , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deficere , because it is an imbecility or feebleness of the heart and courage . the most grievous and singular kind of swouning , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 concido , to cut away ; quod praeceps virium omnium lapsus . it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. pulsus privatio , because there is no pulse ; neither indeed ( presently in the fit ) is there any animal or voluntary motion or respiration to be observ'd , so that they are more like dead than living creatures . the signs of these fits approaching are yawnings , a cardialgy , anxiety or compression of the heart , griping and distension of the belly , tinkling in the ears , dimness before the eyes , and a giddiness ; and at the approach of a syncope , there are often convulsive motions , with a cold and glutinous sweat , and paleness of all the parts of the body . the causes of these distempers are either external , or internal . the external are many , as extreme weariness of the body , exceeding passions of the mind , prolong'd hunger or thirst , ungratefull smells , the sight of any person or thing that is envied , too great effusion of bloud , seed or milk , over great evacuation of the humours , by vomit , stool , sweat , urine , &c. it may also be caused by the biting or stinging of any venemous creature , and by any other vehement pain . sometimes it is produc'd by a great heat , either of the sun , fire , bath or fever . any of these causes mention'd ( being extreme ) may so change , and diminish the natural effervescency , and rare faction of the bloud , that the heart it self is not thereby enough expanded , and contracted : so that the vital bloud cannot be sufficiently effus'd into the arteries ; and therefore the pulse is felt less and more languishing , yea sometimes none . the internal cause is glutinousness encreased in the bloud , and the other humours ; and sometimes an encreased acidity in the juice of the pancreas , lympha and spittle ; by which the circulation of the bloud and humours becomes too slow ; hence the ventricles of the heart are not enough dilated , which causeth the pulse to be weaker than is natural , for the effervescency of the bloud and humours being not potent enough , cannot provoke the heart to contract it self , and therefore a swouning or syncope will inevitably ensue . they who are much subject to a swouning or syncope , dye suddenly . those fits which are produc'd from some evident cause , as vehement passions of the mind , immoderate evacuations , &c. are less dangerous than those which come from an internal cause , as glutinousness of the bloud and humours , &c. which in a great measure hindreth its free circulation through the ventricles of the heart , whereby there is a sudden and swift failing of the vital spirits , and consequently of all strength . to cure an universal languishing , as also a swouning and syncope ; the phlegmatick , glutinous , and acid humours must not onely be corrected , but when they abound , must be diminish'd and educ'd out of the body . therefore to correct and amend the said humours abounding , both in the universal body , and bloud ; i will here set down some forms of select medicines , for the sake of young physicians . the following decoction , is an efficacious medicine . take the roots of elicampane , galangal , angelica , calamus aromaticus , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; sage , baum , betony , sweet marjoram , the tops of hore-hound , centaury , wormwood , the flowers of rosemary , stoechas , chamomel , clove-gilliflowers , of each one handfull ; the seeds of anise , sweet-fennel , parsley , cardamoms , berries of bays and juniper , of each two drachms ; orange-peel , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; nutmegs one drachm ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of fountain-water for a night ; then boil it gently till a third part be consumed ; strain it , and add syrup of mugwort , stoechas , tincture of cinamon , of each two ounces ; mix all together . two or three ounces of this decoction may be taken at any time , twice in a day , either before or after meat , that so the power of the medicine may mildly mix and incorporate it self , not onely with the food , but with spittle in the stomach , and also with the threefold humour flowing together in the small guts ; and thence with the universal bloud and humours in all the veins and arteries ; whereby the desired amendment , and correcting of them will be performed , sooner , easier and more happily . if any like a medicinal wine better , they may infuse the aforesaid ingredients in a sufficient quantity of white-wine , and drink it daily both at dinner and supper time . these choice medicines may be continued for some time ; but when the sick is weary of them , you may use the same ingredients in the form of a powder , or electuary , or make them into troches , with syrup of staechas , mugwort , &c. or you may make use of those compound powders which are to be sold at the shops , viz. spec. diambr . diagalangae , dianthos , &c. all or either of which may be used as aforesaid . if any will be better pleas'd with pills than other forms , you may prescribe these , or some like them . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar two scruples ; powder of amber , mastick , of each one scruple ; frankincense , mirrh , castor , of each ten grains ; vitriol of mars prepar'd to whiteness , half a drachm ; chymical oil of mace , eight drops ; beat them into a mass for pills . let the patient take four or five of these pills in the morning fasting , or at night an hour after supper ; whereby the viscous phlegmatick and acid humours will be potently corrected , and temper'd ; which being done , the peccant humours may be effectually educ'd with these hydragogue pills . take gum , sagapenum prepar'd with vinegar half a drachm , rosin of jallap , gambogia , of each one scruple ; oil of juniper four drops ; mix them into pills . four or five of these pills may be administred at a time ; or more or fewer , as the sick is more difficult or easie to be purg'd . when a swouning fit or syncope is near approaching , give those things that will powerfully concentrate the four flatuous vapours , and discuss the glutinous phlegm . the following volatile , and aromatick cordial will conduce much to this purpose . take the waters of mint , fennel , betony , scurvigrass , cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrups of borage , mint , of each six drachms ; tincture of castor , confection of alkermes , of each two drachms ; salt of amber one drachm ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; laudanum opiat . amber-greese , of each six grains ; mix it . the sick may take two or three spoonfulls of this cordial in time of the fit , and likewise both before and after , which will much repair both the vital and animal strength , which is wont not a little to languish in these fits . none but they who have try'd , will be easily perswaded of the wonderfull efficacy of the aforesaid medicines ; not onely in preventing , but in diminishing and soon curing swounings and the syncope . when either of these fits urgeth , or is upon the party , you must use those outward things , which may stir up the external senses ; as frictions of the external parts , shoutings in the ears ; also make a smoak with amber , or partridg feathers at the nose , or hold the spirit of salt armoniack , ( in a narrow mouth'd glass ) to the nostrils . you may also wring the fingers , and pull the hair , &c. if you have not a cordial ready , give cinamon , or treacle water , or the apoplectick or antepileptick waters , or for want of them , brandy , aqua vitae or strong wine may serve . chap vi. of fevers in general . a fever is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel a feritate morbi , that is from the fierceness of the disease . it is called febris in latin a fervore , quasi fervens , because it is a hot distemper . a fever is a nonnatural heat , which may be so termed , because it is more than nature requires , for the continual management of her vital functions ; for when nature is grieved , or over-burthned by any distemper , there is a strugling endeavour of nature her self to remove it , which causeth this non-natural heat . it may be called the prince of diseases , because it is the general door , through which most of humane mortals take their exit of this world . the cause of the preternatural frequency of the pulse , is either a permanent and over rarefaction of the bloud , or any sharp , sour , or salt vapour carried to the heart , corroding the internal substance of it ; by which the archaeus or vital airy spirit of the heart is provoked to allarm all the faculties , and powers both vital and natural , that it may the more couragiously resist its invading enemy , so that the spirits are thereby much stirred up and inflamed ; from whence proceedeth a conflagration , or vitious effervescency of the bloud and humours throughout the whole body . fevers are either continual , or intermitting . a continual fever is that which remains from the first moment of its invasion , to the last of its duration . when a continual fever is very mild , and remains but one day ; it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dies , quod diem durans . it is called in latin diaria , & ephemera febris . this fever is often excited by sudden passions of the mind , as vehement anger , &c. and also by our abode too long in the sun , or by vitiously using any other of the six nonnatural things so called ; for which there is no great need to prescribe medicines for a cure , it being not difficult , the very nature of such a fever terminating it self , most commonly by a breathing sweat , especially if you substract the patient from the inflammatory cause . if the fever continues longer , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , continuo . from whence it is called in latin febris continua , quae nullas hujusmodi mutationes habet , quae accessiones videri possint , sed unicam modo accessionem a principio usque ad sinem nullis exacerbationibus distinctam . the continual fever is also called homotona , quae similem calorem ad finem usque servat . it is also called acmastica , quae continuo crèscit & intenditur . a synochus , or continual fever , may be divided into two sorts , viz. that which is not putrid , called in latin synochus non putrida , and that which is putrid , called synochus putrida . in a synochus non putrida , the bloud , and other humours is a little sharper than is natural , and the heat somewhat great and vaporous , declining a little to the nature and manner of those called putrid . continual fevers are oft times mixt or compounded with those intermitting , having some fits , and again remissions , so that they are not intermitting , but still remain continual . these fits come sometimes every day , sometimes the third , and sometimes the fourth day ; whence it may deservedly be nam'd , either a quotidian , tertian , or quartan continual fever . these fevers upon the account of their divers causes , may not unfitly be distinguish'd into cholerick and lymphatick fevers . and because under the general name of lympha , we do not onely comprehend , that lympha which goes from the conglobated glandules , and other parts to the heart ; but also the juice of the pancreas , and spittle it self , proceeding from the conglomerated glandules , and also the liquour that ariseth from the three-fold sway of the guts , all mixt together with lympha , and the bloud in circulating with it . hence may lymphatick fevers be subdivided into glandular , pancreatick and salivary fevers . all these fevers may differ something according to the divers constitution of other humours together being in the body . but i shall wave the nice descriptions and differences of fevers , and let the dextrous , and judicious physician put a difference between them , as their symptoms shall direct and indicate , for though there are many sorts of continual fevers not putrid , yet the cure is almost the same in all ; i shall therefore ( in a few words ) mention some of their differences , taken from the more grievous symptoms oft accompanying them ; after the example of famous practioners , and chiefly great platerus , and the most famous helmont , and judicious sylvius , &c. 1. first , let us take notice of the exceeding heat , and most urgent burning , which attend some fevers . it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which doth signifie burning ; in which the sick is very dry and thirsty , which is hard to be quenched . this heat is not of the essense of the disease , but proceedeth from the inflamed spirits , as is before mention'd in page 98. neither doth the great thirst in fevers , proceed from heat and driness , as in a true and natural thirst , but from some excrementitious matter , which adhereth to the sensitive faculty of the internal membrane of the stomach , which is common to the throat , mouth and lips , as that famous physician , and ingenious anatomist doctour alexander read , did well observe ; which is also the cause , that those parts are always afflicted in this dry and thirsty distemper . in this symptome , choler is peccant , not onely in a salt acrimony , but also an inflamable oiliness ; hence the pulse is very great , and over frequent , &c. 2. raving may be oft observ'd in many fevers , which is grievous to the sick for some time , chiefly when the fever is malign , or epidemical . the cause of this is choler peccant as aforesaid , which so diminisheth the viscousness of the juice of the pancreas , that it causeth a vitious effervescency with it , and being made sharper , it produceth a humour not much unlike black choler , which causeth the head-ach , and watchings , and hence ravings , and at length sometimes convulsions , and death it self . there are many more symptoms belonging to continual or synochal fevers . 1. as first , a speedy wasting of several parts of the body , caused by choler , the cure whereof may be referred to the cure of a hectick fever . 2. a malignity , which suddenly dejecteth the vital strength , without manifest cause ; which for the most part is epidemical . but of this i intend to treat particularly in chap. 8. of this book . 3. the last symptome which i shall here mention , is seldom observ'd ; in which ( all the time of the disease ) the external parts are cold , while the internal parts burn ; and therefore 't is called by the latins lipyria febris , and in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quia destituitur ardore externo . some think this distemper consists of a double fever , cholerick , and pancreatical ; and not without reason , because such like vapours may be continually rais'd in the small guts , by the juices of the pancreas universally over-sour ; which may be confus'd onely with the mass of bloud , and breed a sense of cold in the habit of the body , whilst a burning heat is stir'd up in the internal parts by a fever , caused by choler more oily than sharp . the cause of every continual fever not putrid , is sometimes choler vitiated , sometimes lympha together with the juice of the pancreas and spittle , and many times all these together are ill affected . these vitiated humours flowing always to the heart , cause a continual effervescency in the right ventricle of it ; whence the pulse is continually produc'd more frequent against nature . fevers in children are caused either by the food abounding in quantity , or by some vitious quality of it , or from an ill disposition of the digestive ferment . milk is the general food of children , and there is such a propensity in its own nature to curdle , that if it be not quickly digested , it obeyeth the acid ferment of the stomach , and is soon coagulated like new tough cheese , and if it be not speedily vomited up , it begets a putrefactive ferment , which produceth terrible symptoms , as griping , scouring , vomiting , &c. i know a woman , that had a young child about a month old , which was taken very ill with convulsions , after which followed a thorough thrush , with a fever , accompanied with the aforesaid symptoms , as griping , &c. which continu'd many days , till the whole body was so maciated , that it was in a total atrophia ; and when there was no hopes of recovery , the nurse gave the child a little of the infusion of the antimonial cup , which caused it to vomit up a curd , three or four inches long , very green , and as tough as new cheese : after which the child did wonderfully recover and grow fat . continual acute fevers are oft times accompanied with a secret malignity , and therefore dangerous ; parvae febres quandoque valde malignae . the stomach ( in continual fevers ) is most commonly primarily affected through undigestion , or else from excrements , not being separated and orderly evacuated ; which causeth an irregular ferment , or nonnatural heat in the stomach ; which ( though begun else where ) is much aggravated by vitiating juices , found in this first elaboratory of decocting nature . for as in humane frame , the first heat of nature ( preparatory to all her depending motions ) is the digestive heat for chylification in the stomach ; so likewise the corrupting or exasperating of the same , either by the sour ferments , or too much of the overflowing gall , is the cause of most fevers . therefore in the beginning of the cure , evacuation by vomiting never ought to be neglected by the carefull physician ( provided it be duely timed ) because then most commonly it removeth the sole cause of the feverish intemperature , without the help of any other means . and here i commend antimonials well prepared , before all others , seeing that antimony as well rightly prepar'd , as administred , serves no less to purifie man's body than gold. but if the patient's body be costive , and there be eminent signs of a plethora , or great fulness of bloud ; then let a carminative clyster be first administred , and after its operation let a vein be opened , and draw seven or eight ounces of bloud at a time , and if there be occasion let it be reiterated ; for i always prefer it s repeated less diminution , ( as need requires ) sometimes instituted in the same day , before great evacuations made suddenly , which hath brought many evils to the sick . it matters little what vein be opened , unless in women , because of the monthly terms either at hand , or hindred . and seeing it is the duty of every honest physician to be natures helper , he ought to endeavour to remove all impediments , whereby the sick may be cured more quickly , safely and pleasantly , without demurs , to magnifie the cure , and inflame the reckonings . wherefore since the first curative intention of most fevers , is the discharge of the first turgent monitor from the stomach , and adjacent parts by vomiting , as is before said . let the patient ( upon the discovery of the assaulting enemy ) take an antimonial emetick , and if one doth not suffice , let it be reiterated ; by which the morbifick matter will be evacuated , nature calmed , and the contemperating of the incited , or enraged nonnatural heat , will be the easier performed . but here the sex is to be consider'd , the female not so well enduring this evacuation ; because emeticks cause great commotions , and flatuous vapours in them ; which may also prevent or corrupt natures own intentions in her great discharge of turgent humours . wherefore administer no emetick to them , except they vomit very easily ; but rather let the peccant humours be diminisht , or emptied out gradually by the following decoction to be taken twice a day to three or four ounces . take the roots of parsly , fennel , plantain , peony , dandelion , succory , of each two ounces ; the leaves of endive , house-leek , fumitory , damask-roses , of each one handfull . let them be cleansed , bruised and infused ( for a night ) in one quart of fountain-water very hot , then boil it gently till a third part be consumed , strain it and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , the best manna , of each two ounces ; powder of cream of tartar , and tartar vitriolated , of each two drachms ; oil of sulphur twenty drops ; mix it all together . this pleasant medicine will conduce much to correct the salt sharpness of choler , and will also amend its oily inflameableness , and separate it from the bloud , and mildly dispose it , and the rest of the abounding humours to be voided out by stool . after these evacuations , give the sick the following medicine twice a day in a little thin broth , or water-gruel . take salt of amber , volatile salt of harts-horn , tartar vitriolated , of each six grains ; mix it . this excellent volatile medicine is both abstersive , and diuretick , and will cleanse the stomach and intestines of the remaining sordes , and expell them by urine . in the declination of the fever , if sleep be wanting ; this following julep will much avail , both to cause rest , and refresh the spirits . take the waters of carduus benedict . fennel , of each two ounces ; treacle-water , syrup of red poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; salt of wormwood half a drachm ; spirit of salt twenty drops ; mix it , and give the sick three or four spoonfulls every three hours . by the frequent use of this cordial julep , ( or one like it ) all pains will be eased , nature quieted and relieved , and the importunate thirst allayed . but if thirst still urgeth , give the dulcified spirit of salt , or of niter , in posset-drink , and all the liquids they take , from six , to ten or twelve drops at a time . if you fear there be any malignancy in the fever ; give the sick eight or ten grains of bezoardic . mineral . every fourth hour , in a spoonfull or two of the aforesaid julep , or good sound canary-wine , to keep the patient in a breathing sweat . as for the cure of fevers attended with grievous and furious raging , and watchings , &c. i refer you to the chapter of phrensies , which is full to this purpose . i shall now give some directions to young physicians and nurses , and so conclude this chapter of fevers in general . 1. first , give no opiats in the beginning of a fever , because they tye up the archaeus of the stomach , and first passages , thereby hindring it from expelling , the occasional cause of the disease . 2. give the sick neither mithridate , nor diascordium ( as is the common custome ) nor apply it to the wrists , nor stomach , ( nor any thing else that is nauseous ) whilst nature and the disease are strugling ; but if the patient tends to coldness , you may moisten a piece of rose-cake , or a tost of stale bread in sylvius's spirit , or for want thereof in brandy dulcified , and apply it to the stomach twice a day , which will revive nature , and fortifie it against the invading enemy . 3. give no meat whilst the disease is on them , for the stomach is not fit to receive it , neither hath it strength to digest it ; and therefore it will become a recruit or supply to the disease , except it be speedily vomited up again . 4. if it be a child , give it not any milk , and if it suck , wean it ; for milk is the first matter , and foundation of this disease in them ; neither give it beer , nor water , nor any cooling things to correct the heat , because it will weaken nature , and strengthen the disease . but hot posset-drink turn'd with white-wine , or sound beer with a little vinegar , may be drank liberally , after the cause is removed . 5. if the sick be adult , you may give two parts of water , and one of good wine , either french wine or sherry ; but malaga , or any other sweet wine is not so good . 6. when the patient begins to recover , the plainest broths , and gruels , are the best ; till then a little is too much ; and if you did use salt and vinegar , instead of spice and sugar , it would agree better with them . chap. vii . of intermitting fevers . an intermitting fever is that which returns after intervalls , sometimes longer , sometimes shorter in divers fits ; whence according to the divers space of every access or fit ; the same gets also divers names , for if a new fit return daily , answering the precedent in proportion , it is called a quotidian . if it comes every other day , it is called a tertian . if the fit return after two days intermission , it is called a quartan , and so forward , although quintans , sextans , &c. are seldom observ'd . and here you may note , that intermitting fevers do but seldom return in the exact intervall of natural days of twenty four hours ; but return quicker or slower , for the most part ; wherefore then they are said to anticipate the expected time for some hours , which is disliked , or to come later , which is commended by some . although it matters not , whether the fits anticipate , or come later ; if so be that their continuance , and the grievousness of symptoms ( daily accompanying ) be diminish'd . there is great diversity among authours concerning the causes of intermitting fevers , which i shall not insist on ; but in a few words will set down the true causes of them . the causes then , are either external , or internal . the external cause of agues is a stop of the usual necessary discharge of fermenting humours ; the porous skin ( being shut by external sudden cold ) denies passage to the constant discharge of the sweatty humours , which happens most commonly about autumn ; and likewise when any comes suddenly out of a hot climate , into a cold region ; for the sweatty vapours being detain'd by the constipation of the skin , or shutting of the pores , the same condense , and thence become sour , which chills the external parts , and causeth the shaking , or shivering cold fit , at the first invasion of this disturbing foreigner ; after which the inflaming ferment of choler ( being exasperated ) doth act its part , and ( having gain'd dominion ) it doth rarefie the bloud by degrees ; whence the pulse becomes greater and stronger ) which is increas'd by an irritation of the acrimony of choler , and the rarefaction of the bloud at the heart ; for the heat and burning in the heart , and thence in the whole body , is increas'd by choler successively over-ruling . the internal cause of agues or intermitting fevers , is an obstruction of one or more of the lateral ducts or branches of the pancreas or sweet-bread , by reason of viscous phlegm ; which being separated from the bloud by the glandules of the pancreas , is there collected by degrees ; whence it is sent ( in too large a quantity ) to the main duct or pipe thereof , which detaineth the juice of the pancreas contrary to nature , which ought continually to flow into the small gut called duodenum . the juice of the pancreas , which is naturally sourish , being compelled to stand still in its passage , quickly grows more acrimonious , or acid ; because the volatile spirit ( which is naturally conjoin'd to it , to temper it ) doth gradually fly away ; by which this juice ( becoming more sharp and acid ) acquires a putrefactive ferment ; whence at length it makes way through the obstructing phlegm , and is effused into the duodenum , where meeting with choler , it stirs up a vitious effervescency , or preternatural ferment , from whence comes the ague fit , with all its symptoms ; as in the beginning horrour , chilness , cold , shaking , &c. then presently follows reachings , yawning , and vomiting , &c. at length acrimonious and flatulent vapours ( raised by the aforesaid vitious effervescency ) are carried through the lacteal veins , and thoracick passage , and so through the vena cava ascendens , ( in what form soever ) to the right ventricle of the heart ; and by its acrimony , alters and troubles the vital effervescency , and by over stirring the heart , causeth a more frequent pulse ; and many times produceth grievous symptoms , as great heat and thirst , difficulty of breathing , heart-ach , raving , swouning , and all other symptoms , that happen in all intermitting fevers . the nature of viscous phlegm is such , that though it be pierced through by the juice of the pancreas too acid and acrimonious , yet it doth presently run together and unite again , and so repairs and renues the obstruction that was in part opened ; and the juice of the pancreas being stopped as before , grows sour by standing still as aforesaid , so that it forceth through the phlegm that stopped its natural passage , and so produceth , a new fit ; sooner or later , as the phlegm ( obstructing the lateral passage of the pancreas ) is pierced through by the foremention'd juice . for if the obstructing phlegm be not very glutinous , and the juice of the pancreas be plentifull and acid , a new fit of an intermitting fever will return in the space of twenty four hours , and therefore 't is called a quotidian but if the phlegm be very viscous and plentifull , and the juice of the pancreas be little in quantity , and also tart and obtuse ; so much the slower will the new fit of the intermitting fever be produced ; so that it is sometimes three , sometimes four days , before the returning of the fit ; from whence it is called a quartan , or quintan , &c. so likewise as oft as the obstructing phlegm , and the juice of the pancreas are in a medium , viz. the phlegm more glutinous and plentifull , than in the quotidian , but not so much as the quartan ; as likewise the juice of the pancreas is more in quantity , and more acid than in the quartan , but not so plentifull and acid , as in a quotidian ) so oft new fits of intermitting fevers will return almost every other day , from whence they may be called tertians , which much differ in their symptoms beyond what other intermitting fevers do , although none of them return in the exact intervall of the days or hours before mention'd , but return quicker or slower for the most part . the cure of all intermitting fevers will be perform'd , 1. first , if the glutinous coagulated phlegm , ( which is the cause of the obstruction ) be cut and dissolv'd , and wholly carried out of the body . 2. if the increas'd acidity , and acrimony of the juice of the pancreas , be temper'd and corrected . 3. if its vitious effervescency with choler , &c. in the small gut , be hindred and amended . phlegm obstructing will be cut most commodiously with aromaticks , and any volatile salt. this volatile aromatick julep may serve for example ▪ take the waters of carduus , parsley , fennel , fumitery , succory , treacle , cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrup of carduus , the five opening roots , of each an ounce and half ; powder of crabs-eyes , tartar vitriolated , of each one drachm ; salt of amber , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of cloves six drops ; mix it . take a spoonfull of this volatile medicine , often in a day throughout the whole cure , using some exercise , that thereby the whole body may grow warm , and the force of the medicine being disperst over all the body , may come at last to the lateral passages of the pancreas , and dissolve the obstruction . three or four hours before the coming of the fit , you may give three or four spoonfulls of the aforesaid cordial , which will not onely cause a breathing sweat , but will temper and correct the increas'd acidity and acrimony of the juice of the pancreas , and hinder , and amend its vitious effervescency with choler , &c. in the small gut , which will conduce much to a cure. three hours before the return of the next fit , administer an antimonial emetick , which is in this case proper before all others ; for by the help thereof , not onely choler abounding , but also phlegm obstructing , will be expell'd to the small gut , and thence to the stomach , and at length by the mouth ; and the straining to vomit doth many times procure a stool or two , which is very beneficial . but if the sick be a female , or vomiting be prejudicial , or not approv'd of ; then such things as cut and purge phlegm downwards , may be administred , for example . take of pil . faetidae one drachm ▪ mercur. dulcis , powders of troches alhandal , scammony prepar'd , tartar vitriolated , of each half a scruple , salts of amber and wormwood , of each one scruple ; spirit of salt armoniack , oil of amber , of each ten drops , with syrup of buckthorn ; make it into a mass for pills . take four or five of these pills , four hours before the coming of the fit ; which will both cut , and purge the viscous phlegm out of the body , and also educe other peccant humours . after purging or vomiting , let the sick often take the following powder in a glass of generous wine , or in two or three spoonfulls of the cordial diaphoretick before mention'd , to provoke sweat as is there directed . take volatile salt of harts-horn , salts of amber , worm-wood and carduus , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; sugar of pearls the weight of them all , mix them for two doses . you may take a dose of it two or three hours before the access of the fit ; which will wonderfully conduce to dissolve the obstruction , and cause a breathing sweat . let these evacuations be as often reiterated as occasion requires . if the intermitting fever hath continu'd long , or the sick hath a plethorick body , let a vein be opened . by these few forms the young practitioner may easily invent other effectual medicines , in some things to be varied as the distemper requires . chap. viii . of malignant fevers . in the chapter of fevers in general i told you , that synochal , or continual fevers , were without any fit , to their last and complete ceasing ; and likewise i did distinguish them into putrid , and not putrid . those that are not putrid , have little or no malignity in them , but the putrid are always accompanied with malignity . a malignant fever differs from others in this , that it draws its putrefaction immediately from its own matter , putrefaction being joined with it ; from whence the vital strength is suddenly , and unexpectedly dejected ; or far more grievous symptoms occur , than are wont to be observ'd in such a like disease . malign fevers are either more acute , ending in few days ; or longer , continuing more days . and they are either contagious , and epidemical raging among many in the same time , having a common cause , as the air or food vitiated , &c. infecting others , or else they are not contagious . among contagious fevers , we may not neglect to speak something of a calenture , because it is a contagious distemper , assaulting not onely those which use the sea ; but also many that live near the sea-shore , in sea-port towns , &c. are subject to it . the signs of this disease are a great pain of the head , sometimes with violent raging fits , and delirium , the rest of the body being in good temper ; the sick do fancy the water to be a green meadow , and will indeavour to get into it . the cause of a calenture is the intemperature of the climate , together with ill diet , causing strong obstructions , and an ill habit of body , by which flatuous vapours are encreas'd in the body , and in time ascend to the head. the cause of the malignity ( in this , and all other putrid fevers ) is a sharp volatile salt in the air , which is drawn into the lungs by degrees , and weakens the liquor of the glandules ( which is naturally sourish ) and makes it sluggish , and of little force , whence the natural consistency of the bloud is diminish'd , and the separation of the animal spirits often hindred . the sharp volatile salt aforesaid , may be also swallowed down with food or spittle into the stomach , or it may enter the pores of the body ; by which not onely the liquor of the glandules , but the bloud also may be infected ; hence depends the variety of symptoms which may be observ'd in these diseases . in malign fevers , there oft precedes a light shivering , after which a gentle heat soon follows ; the pulse is frequent and unequal , though little and weak , and sometimes deficient , the sick is often drowsie , and possest with a kind of lethargy ; and when they sleep , they are often vex'd with turbulent dreams ; they are often grip'd in the stomach , and troubled with loathing and vomiting , accompanied with the head-each , raving , giddiness , &c. also there is great thirst , weariness , and unquietness of the whole body ; sometimes there happens cholerick and setid loosnesses ; and also a haemorrhage at the nose or womb doth often concur . 1. if tumors in the glandules , and spots and little pimples , divers both in colour and greatness , do break forth in many parts of the body , they are signs of great malignity . 2. if the sick get no ease after sweating promoted by art , there is little hopes of recovery ; also if the extreme parts soon wax hot , and again are presently cold , 't is an ill sign . first to preserve and defend the body from all malignity , and infection in time of contagion . i commend the frequent , and moderate use of sour and tart things mixt with all things potable , for the patient's drink , or food ; as barberries , quinces , oranges , pomgranates , limmons , wood-sorrel , verjuice , vinegar , &c. in the beginning of malign fevers , and also the calenture , if a loathing urgeth , part of the acrimonious volatile salt adheres to the tunicles of the stomach ; wherefore in this case , first administer an antimonial emetick , which is well prepared , mild and fixt , because it hath an admirable sulphur in it , whereby any sharpness is wonderfully temper'd , and the malign poison is thereby in part sent out by vomit and stool . after the operation of the emetick , let a cordial sudorifick be presently administred , that the remaining part of the malign poison may be driven forward , and expelled most safely , and commodiously out of the body . the following cordial may serve for example . take of epidemical water , spirit of vinegar , of each one ounce ; the waters of treacle , and cinamon , of each half an ounce ; the waters of carduus , scabious , of each two ounces ; syrups of the juice of carduus , clove-gilliflowers , of each one ounce and half ; antimonie diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , of each one drachm ; venice-treacle , two drachms ; mix it . let the sick take a quarter of this diaphoretick julep , and dispose the body to sweat , and after half an hour , take one or two spoonfulls more , and so go on , till a profitable sweat follow . in the interim if the sick be thirsty , let them drink a little warm broth temper'd to a gratefulness , with juice of oranges , citrons , or verjuice , &c. whereby the breaking forth of the sweat will not onely be promoted , but also the hurtfull acrimony of the peccant salt will be corrected , and asswaged . after this excellent medicine hath been sufficiently and rightly us'd , so that you perceive the malign poison to be carried out of the body ; yet you must persist in the moderate use of it , as likewise in the use of sour things , a little harsh , mixt with drink , or broth as beforesaid ; because they much conduce to restore ( by degrees ) the former consistency to the bloud . in calentures , phlebotomy may be safely used . chap. ix . of the plague or pestilence . the plague or pestilence is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , solvo , quod vitam solvat . it is called in latin pestilentia , & pestis , ex depascendo , quod veluti incendium depascat . it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutio hinc angl. the plague . pestis significat omne malum ; quod tam inanimis quam animatis mortem & exitium repentino adfert . the plague is a contagious disease , suddenly afflicting the heart , and all the vital , animal and natural faculties with many grievous symptoms . the cause is chiefly the sins of mankind , provoking the great god to send this pestiferous distemper as a judgment on them for their impiety . the cause ( next to god's judgment ) is a sharp venemous and contagious volatile salt in the air , very much heightned ( inspired with the air into the lungs , or is swallowed down with the food or spittle into the stomach ; it may also get in through the pores into the body ) by which the acid liquor in all the conglobated glandules is weakned and made sluggish , that it doth not circulate with its wonted force : whence the natural consistency and rarefaction of the bloud is diminsht , and the separation of the animal spirits hindred ; and the vital strength is much opprest , by which the pulse becomes not onely little , but also languishing ; till at length the spirits are extinguisht , and death ( unexpected to many ) carries them speedily ( torrenti similis ) in fiery chariots , god knows where . all the signs in malign fevers are common ( and much heightned ) in the pest ; besides many other grievous symptoms , as diarrhaea , hemorrhage at the nose , ears , eyes , mouth and secrets ; sometimes yellowness of the eyes , buboes in the groins , armpits , and behind the ears , and in some white bladders , and carbuncles , also spots called the tokens , with raving , &c. 1. the pest is deceitfull above all other diseases , therefore no certain prognostick can be drawn of it ; for many have died when there hath been great hopes of recovery , and on the contrary , many have escaped with mortal signs . 2. a bubo is less dangerous than a carbuncle , and it than the spots , ( vulgarly the tokens ) which most commonly portend death wheresoever they are . 3. buboes incompassed with a blue or livid circle , are most commonly a mortal sign , especially if they suddenly disappear , unless the malign humour be sent to some other part ; and if with a bubo behind the ears , there be pain of the throat without inflammation 't is mortal . 4. if a carbuncle rise after a bubo , and look white , with a litle push or tail at the end of it , 't is dangerous , except the fever do very much abate ; and if after cauterizing , or cupping , the carbuncle abate not in twenty four hours , 't is a sign of death approaching , except matter appear ; and if carbuncles seize the stomach , guts , bladder , or other intrails , it portends death . 5. deliriums , drowsiness , heart-ach , trembling , convulsions , great driness of tongue , are all bad signs ; also a dysentery is most commonly mortal ; but a hemorrhage at the nose , or menses are not so dangerous . to preserve from this pestiferous distemper , although transmigration in the fear of god may be lawfull , yet let none think to escape by flying , and so neglect their duties to god , for 't is impossible to run out of his reach , for he filleth heaven and earth with his presence ; wherefore let servent prayers be put up to god , whose compassions fail not ; and then make use of an honest physician . 1. you must endeavour to purifie the infected air , with great fires , wash the house daily , and after sprinkle it with vinegar ; and fume either with pitch , frankincense , mirrh , amber , benjamin , wood , and berries of juniper , &c. 2. avoid all passions , watchings , and immoderate exercise and venery . 3. eat nothing that is hard of concoction , and use a moderate diet though easie of digestion , and drink good sound wine , &c. 4. go not forth with an empty stomach , but always take some preservative against infection . for example , take spirit of vinegar , julep of roses , of each one ounce ; mix it . vinegar , verjuice , oranges , limmons , citrons , pomgranats , barberries , quinces , wood-sorrel , &c. are all very good , used as before directed in malign fevers . this poison must not be sent out by vomiting or purging ; neither is phlebotomy allowed . for it is known by manifold experience , that the cure of the pest is most happily instituted by cordial sudorificks , rightly prepar'd of antimony , because it hath an admirable sulphur in it , whereby not onely sharpness is wonderfully temper'd , but the malign poisonous volatile salt is thereby most safely driven forward , and expelled by sweating out of the body ; to which may be added other cordials , as followeth . take the powders of crabs-eyes , tartar vitriolated , antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , of each one scruple ; bezoar-stone of the east , red coral prepar'd , salts of rhue , scordium , of each half a scruple ; venice-treacle , two drachms ; spirit of salt ten drops ; mix it into an electuary with confectio de hyacintho . let the sick take half a drachm of this cordial electuary every three hours , and drink three or four spoonfulls of this cordial julep after it . take of epidemical-water , the waters of carduus , borage , scordium compound , of each three ounces ; the waters of treacle , cinamon , syrups of the juice of carduus , and limmons , syrup of saffron , of each one ounce ; salt prunella , and salt of wormwood , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; mix it for a cordial . let the sick person take the aforesaid medicines , till sweat is plentifully provoked ; then let the sweat be gently wiped off with warm linen cloaths . in the mean while give the sick a little hot chicken-broth , or other broth of fresh meat , temper'd to a gratefulness with some sour thing , as was directed in malign fevers , as barberries , wood-sorrel , limmons , &c. you must persist in this course till the danger be over , and some time after , ( though the sick think themselves well ) lest the disease deceive you by a sudden surprize again . there are many cordial confections always to be had ready at apothecaries shops , as mithridate , diascordium , venice-treacle , london-treacle , treacle-water , &c. any of which may be used by the rich or poor , for they will not onely cause sweating , but also will temper and moderate the hurtfull acrimony of the volatile salt before mentioned . you may dip a hot toast in aq . prophylactica , and apply it to the region of the stomach , and also tye some of it in a rag , and smell to it . if there be great drowsiness , avoid opiates , and take the cordial julep without the laudanum ; but if there be great watching , vomiting , flux of the belly , or hicket , you may give it with the laudanum prescrib'd , for it will much conduce to ease the sick of all these symptoms . if there be a bubo , apply a strong vesi●catory , and when the blister is well raised , open it , and dress it with mustard , and basilicon , of each equal parts ; after cure it according to art. if there be a carbuncle , apply leeches , or ventoses , with scarification , or the actual or potential cautery , after which often apply mithridate , 'till the eschar be separated ; then dress it with vnguent . basilicon , and aegyptiacum , or else you may use butter of antimony 'till the ulcer be well cleansed and fitted for the last consolidation which may be performed by any desiccative medicine . chap. x. of the small-pox , and measles . the small-pox , and measles are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin morbilli , quasi parvi morbi , vel parvorum morbi . they are also called variolae , & pustulae , ex vario , vel varium facio , quod cutis fit varia . because the skin is of various forms . these distempers are most commonly attended with a malign fever , which oft proves epidemical , contagious and mortal , and therefore may justly be termed pestilential . the small-pox is a cutaneous eruption , or large pustules , something like to warts on the skin , with inflammation , which in few days comes to suppuration , if the sick recover . the measles are little pustules in the skin , with a deep redness , and may be best perceived by feeling ; they are usually discussed in five or six days without suppuration . there is an other sort of pustules , or tubercles , like little bladders , incident to men , women and children ; which are without inflammation or redness ; and also without a fever . some call them cristals , others blisters , but country people call them swine-pox , hen or chicken-pox , &c. to these also may be referred , those red fiery spots which break out about the fourth or fifth day ( in malign fevers ) all over the body ; and if the sick recover , they vanish about the eighth day , after which the cuticula cometh away in flakes ; this is commonly called the scarlet fever . the signs of the small-pox approaching , are pains of the head , shining before the eyes , with redness and swelling of the face , and sometimes bleeding at the nose ; also a grievous pain of the back , which reacheth to the neck , with great heat and pricking all over the body ; there is often loathing of the stomach , and vomiting , with trembling of the heart , great terrour in sleep , difficulty of breathing , and sometimes raving and convulsion . the cause of the small-pox and measles , is an ill quality or impurity of the mothers bloud , with which the child was nourish'd in the womb , which doth communicate pollution , and defile the mass of bloud ; and after the child is born , when there is an ill disposition of the air proportionable to the disease , there followeth a peculiar effervescency or ebullition of the bloud and other humours , by which nature is inraged and provoked to cast forth the impurity . the excrementitious matter is either thin or thick ; if it be thin , the measles follow , if thick , the small-pox are produced . and if there be a malignant constitution of the air , it causeth not onely a purging forth of the corrupt matter of the bloud , &c. but corrupteth the whole mass of bloud , and so produceth a dangerous and epidemical small-pox . if they come out red , and soon ripen or turn white , being round pointed , and outward in the skin ; if the voice and breathing be free , without any grievous symptoms , there is no danger , but if there be a great fever ( which is not abated after their eruption ) with great thirst , and difficulty of breathing , also black or bloudy urine , or stool , hemorrhage at the nose , mouth , &c. doth signifie a great acrimony , and malignancy of the bloud , that nature is compelled to evacuate it by such preposterous ways ; and are most commonly mortal signs . so likewise if it be long e'er they come out , and they be green , blewish , or black , and sink in again , the sick is in great danger of death . as for the cure of these distempers , if they be malignant , or epidemical , let the same means be used as is prescrib'd in malignant fevers , but if there be little or no sign of malignancy , you may first administer an antimonial emetick , and after its operation , give this or the like cordial . take the waters of carduus , dragons , treacle , scordium compound , of each two ounces ; venice-treacle two drachms ; syrups of the juice of limmons , carduus , saffron , of each one ounce ; confection of hyacinth one drachm ; mix it for a cordial . let the sick take two or three spoonfulls of this every half hour till a sweat be promoted ; after sweating , keep the patient in a warm room , till the danger be over . before the eruption , ( if there be eminent signs of a plethora , and the sick be adult ) phlebotomy may be used with good success . bezoar and gascoign's powder , and diascordium are commonly used in these diseases . you must endeavour to defend the inward parts with the pectoral decoction , to which you may add a little saffron . also a saffron stay , in which is put a few sows ( called millepedes ) bruised , is excellent to defend the throat . for the eyes , this water is good . take the waters of plantain , white roses , of each three ounces ; of camphire , saffron , of each ten grains ; mix it . or you may use womens milk , and saffron . if the throat and mouth are inflamed , make a gargarism with plantain-water and syrup of mulberries . to defend the nose , put up this with a rag or feather . take of red rose-water , vinegar of red roses , of each one ounce ; powder of red saunders , camphire , of each one drachm ; mix it . when the small-pox begins to dry , anoint them often with oil of sweet almonds , and oil of the yelks of eggs , which will prevent their pitting . of diseases of the belly . book iii. chap. i. of the thirsty disease . this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sitio , to be thirsty . in latin 't is called sitis morbosa . thirst is the first natural passion of mankind , and also of beasts ; as is manifest by their first sucking milk out of the breast to asswage it . the causes of thirst augmented , are either external or internal . the external are the air over heated by the sun , over salt food , too much exercise of body , vehement passions of the mind , as much anger , &c. prolong'd watches , the body either too costive , or too loose , much sweating , urine voided too plentifully , any notable evacuation of bloud , milk or seed , &c. the internal cause is deduced ( for the most part ) from too sharp choler , carried down into the small gut ; where it raiseth such an effervescency with the juice of the pancreas flowing thither , that thence are elevated salt vapours to the stomach and gullet , and there produceth a sense of drought . it may also pierce through the lacteal vessels , and so to the heart , and infect the bloud too much with its saltness , whence the spittle , and the other humours also become too salt , by which a great thirst is stirred up and augmented . the signs are manifest , for the patient's complaint for want of drink , will inform you . this distemper may be cured by such acid liquours , and oily emulsions , which will dilute the lixivial salt of choler , and potently change its acrimony , and asswage its sharpness , and deduce it to the bladder . the following julep may serve for example . take tincture of red-roses , barley-water , of each twelve ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces , syrup of violets three ounces , salt prunella two drachms ; mix it , and give the sick three spoonfulls every two hours . this emulsion is also of great virtue , not onely to restrain thirst , but mildly to procure rest also . take of french-barly boiled four ounces ; sweet almonds blanched ; white poppy-seeds , of each two ounces ; let them be well beaten in a stone mortar ; then with two quarts of barley-water , the waters of cinamon and fennel , of each two ounces ; mak● an emulsion ; to which add julep of roses four ounces , syrups of violets , and the juice of limmons , of each two ounces ; mix it . let the party thirsting , drink a moderate draught of this emulsion , often in a day , which will be very acceptable . you may also make gratefull troches , or pellets of sugar , and salt prunella , to be kept in the mouth , to deceive the thirst. if salt serous matter abound in the body , purge it by stool or urine . this gratefull medicine may serve for both intentions . take the roots of flower-de-luce , parsley , china , of each two ounces ; dandelion , agrimony , of each one handfull ; senna one ounce ; rhubarb half an ounce ; agarick , turky , turbith , jallap , of each three drachms ; cinamon , cloves , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine , for the space of twenty four hours , then strain it , and add syrup of the five opening roots four ounces ; of which you may give the sick four ounces every third day in the morning fasting . if there be a salt catarrh , it may be temper'd with pills of styrax , you may administer a pill every night going to bed . let the patient's diet be mutton or veal-broth , without salt. chap. ii. of hunger vitiated . hunger may be called the appetite of meats , as thirst is of drinks . it may be many ways deprav'd , viz. when it is augmented , diminish'd , or abolish'd . hunger augmented may be deprav'd two ways , either in quantity or quality ; if it be in quantity , there is more nourishment desired than the stomach can digest . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fames ; quod affatim edatur . it is called by the latines fames canina , and in english dog's appetite ; because in this distemper the sick do feed insatiably ; after which some do purge and vomit like dogs ; and are presently hungry again , and sick if they do not eat . if hunger be deprav'd in quality , then vitious things , which are not food , ( as coals , ashes , clay , turfs , leather , and i know not what ) are desired . this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and pica also in latin ; ab ave pica , vel quod varia appetant , ut pica varii est coloris , vel ex eo quod & pica terram mandet . if this distemper be in women with child , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin also gravidarum malacia , which is an inordinate longing in them , of which i shall treat more at large in the chapter of the hypochondriack suffocation . hunger diminish'd is caused of too fat and viscous spittle , swallowed down ( by little and little ) into the stomach ; and being unfit to promote the fermentation of food , it passeth into the small guts , and there generates viscous phlegm like to it self , which doth not onely dull the moderate acidity of the juice of the pancreas , but thereby at length all the acidity in the body becomes less sharp and dull . choler also being too fat , arising from the small gut , to the stomach , doth there corrupt both the remainders of food and spittle , and prostrates their gratefull acidity by which means the appetite becomes dull . these causes being complicated , if they be most grievous ; will at length quite take away and abolish hunger . the cause of hunger augmented is sometimes worms in the stomach , which devour the chylus ; but most commonly it is caused by the over-sourness of the juice of the pancreas abounding in the body , and chiefly in the small gut ; whence it sendeth sour vapours to the stomach , which do potently urge and increase the sense of hunger . the cause of hunger deprav'd in quality , ( as pica , &c. in women ) is the suppression of their monthly courses , which is more or less corrupted about the womb , and having not its natural evacuation , it returneth , and ( in circulation ) is mixed with the whole mass of bloud , by which it is all vitiated , and deprav'd ; and so produceth a cachexy , or ill habit of body , which in time corrupteth all the other humours ; from whence not onely hunger , but all the functions are deprav'd . hunger augmented needs no other sign , than the devouring of food . the signs of hunger deprav'd in quality are also manifest , as the longing desire for those things which are not food , as coals , &c. before mention'd . if these distempers continue long , they are difficult of curation , because the sick will easily fall into a cachexy , dropsie , consumption , vomiting , fluxes , &c. hunger increas'd , may be cur'd by giving those things which destroy , and do temperate and amend the over acidity of the juice of the pancreas , and do prevent its increase . there are variety of medicines ( proper for these intentions ) prescrib'd in the 6 th . and 7 th . pages of the first book . if hunger be diminish'd , or abolish'd , it may be cur'd by medicines that correct and educe the viscous phlegmatick humours , of which you may be throughly furnish'd in the 3 d. and 4 th . pages . if hunger be suddenly diminish'd by choler , either over fat , or abounding in plenty ; it may commodiously be evacuated by an antimonial emetick . many other proper medicines are set down in the 8 th . and 9 th . pages . chap. iii. of want of appetite , or loathing of victuals . want of appetite is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sine , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appetitus . in latin 't is called inappetentia , because in this distemper the sick hath no desire after food , but their minds are averse to , yea they loath most kind of meat and drink , which sometimes riseth to that height , that it takes away their strength . this differs from vomiting onely in degrees , it being a desire to vomit up whatsoever troubles the stomach , but cannot , either by reason of weakness , or toughness of the matter . loathing is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 navis , quod navigantibus praecipue contingit . all loathing is either natural , or adventitious . the natural ( for the most part ) is common to women with child ; wherein 't is thought by some , that the mind of the child in the womb is affected , as well in this distemper , as in the disease called malacia , or longing ; wherein if the woman have not presently what she longs for , wheresoever she first puts her hand on any part of her body , in that part the child is mark'd , as we may see often by experience . the adventitious loathing , or that which cometh by accident , is stir'd up in healthy people by prejudice , they esteeming some sorts of food ungratefull , or prejudicial to their health , and therefore their stomachs loath them . sometimes nauseousness , and loathing even to vomiting , immediately follows intemperance in eating and drinking , which is dangerous . that we may the better judge of the causes of this distemper , let us first consider what is the natural cause of hunger , by which we may the easier discover it . i judge the chief cause of natural hunger to be the remainders of food fermented in the stomach , and the longer it stays there , it is still more and more fermented by the spittle ; which is continually swallowed down , and intermix'd with it ; and at length it raiseth a somewhat sour and gratefull vapour , which pleasingly affects the upper orifice of the stomach , and so natural hunger seems to be produc'd . and if food be with-held somewhat longer than ordinary , then this hunger is increas'd even in healthy people ; which i think is promoted and augmented by the juice of the pancreas , having a friendly effervescency with choler and phlegm in the small guts , from whence sour and gratefull vapours are sent to the stomach , which increaseth hunger ; and if food be seldom taken , it may proceed to fainting fits . hence we may gather , that if there be a vitious effervescency of the aforesaid humours in the small guts , then vitious vapours are thence produc'd , which rising up to the stomach , and other parts adjacent , not onely diminish hunger , but more or less deprave thirst , as also the senses of tasting and smelling ; hence it is that the sick do loath all sorts of food , as soon as they smell , taste or see it . 1. want of appetite or loathing is a digression from the natural state , and is therefore dangerous ; and is worse in children than adults , because they require more nourishment . 2. in all diseases this is an evil symptome , and if the sick recover and want appetite , or loath their food , there is danger of a relapse . this distemper ( either in healthy people , or those that are sick ) may be cur'd , 1. first by freeing the mind from every prejudice . 2. by correcting or purging out the vitious and peccant humours . if the humours incline upward , they may be safely carried out by an antimonial vomit ; and after the operation , at night going to bed , let the sick take this cordial opiate . take the waters of damask-roses , baum and cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrup of clove-gilliflowers , red poppies , of each half an ounce ; confectio alkermes half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; oil of vitriol six drops ; mix it . but if the humours be very viscous , ( and the stomach be not nauseous ) let them be purged out by stool , with such medicines as have power to alter , amend and evacuate the vitious humours . for example . take of the decoction of senna gereonis four ounces ; the best manna , syrups of epithymum , roses solutive with senna , of each half an ounce ; mix it for two doses , to be taken in the morning fasting . after purging , the stomach must be strengthned ; which may be done by this excellent diet-drink . take the roots of china , sarzeparilla , of each eight ounces ; guiacum two pound ; cinamon , mace , nutmegs , of each one ounce ; raisins of the sun stoned one pound ; anise-seed , liquorish , of each one ounce and half ; let them be bruised and infused in two gallons of fountain-water very hot , for the space of twenty four hours , then boil it to the consumption of the third part ; strain it , and add syrups of cinamon , and of the juice of rasberries , of each four ounces ; mix it , and let it be put into bottles . the sick may drink four ounces of it three times in a day . also candied ginger , and nutmegs preserv'd are good to corroborate the stomach ; a little of either of them may be eaten before the taking of the diet-drink . you may anoint the stomach with oil of mace by expression ; after which apply a plaster stomachicum magistr . to the region of the stomach . chap. iv. of the hicket , or hiccough . the hicket is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin singultus , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum , & gula , quod fere gula fiat ; vel a sono gulae . it is called in english a sobbing or yexing , being something like the clocking of hens with chickens . this disease was thought by the ancients to be a deprav'd motion of the stomach onely , by which it striveth to expell something which is hurtfull ; but experience doth manifest , that it is a convulsive motion of the midriff , and not of the stomach , because in this distemper , expiration is deprav'd ; and this is chiefly perfected by the muscles of the belly , both by drawing down the breast , and compressing all that is contain'd in the belly , and driving them forward towards the midriff , and so compelling it upward ( its proper motion together concurring ) by which a greater straitness is made in the breast , which causeth the lungs also to be straitned , and consequently the air contain'd in them to be suddenly expir'd . 't is true , in this distemper , the stomach is primarily affected by sharp vapours , wind , or humours whencesoever proceeding , which piercing to the membranous centre of the midriff , provoke it by pricking , or corroding , to perform that convulsive motion ; in which the diaphragma is contracted with a great force towards the region of the stomach , which suddenly and violently driveth it forward and outward , the convulsive motion soon ceasing , and again often repeating . the causes of the hicket are either external , or internal . the external are hurtfull , sharp and poisonous food , or medicines , taken into the stomach , by which the midriff is soon affected , and compelled to this violent , and presently interrupted convulsive motion . the internal cause riseth up out of the small gut , by the vitious effervescency of the humours there meeting ; from whence sharp , halituous or windy vapours are rais'd to the upper orifice of the stomach , by which it is soon corroded ; and thence the sharp flatuous humours , or vapours , are presently carried through the vessels of the diaphragma , and sticking in its substance , do corrode its sensible parts , and compell it to that convulsive repeating contraction of it self . when the hicket is the symptome of any other grievous disease , as an acute fever , inflammation , &c. it is dangerous , and sometimes mortal . in most ordinary hickets , the party is easily restor'd , either by stopping the breath , or by suddenly surprising them with fear . but as often as sharp poisonous food or medicines , or any flatuous humours be in the stomach , &c. causing the hicket ; they must be presently expelled by an antimonial emetick , which will not onely empty the peccant humours upward and downward , but will correct and amend the hurtfull humours in the body . after the operation of the emetick , the following cordial opiate will conduce to dissipate the molesting vapours , which remain about the mouth of the stomach ; and will stay the hicket , and mildly procure sleep . take the waters of treacle , cinamon , syrup of mint , of each one ounce ; the waters of baum and mint , of each two ounces ; confectio alkermes two drachms ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirits of harts-horn , niter dulcified , of each twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick often take two spoonfulls of this opiate , till they be dispos'd to rest . if this distemper be obstinate , and yields not to the aforesaid medicine , it shews that over-viscous humours are conjoin'd to its cause . therefore in an obstinate hicket , it is better that the peccant humours be emptied downwards , with such medicines as will both cut , and educe them . for which i commend these pills . take pil . foetidae , ex duobus , of each fifteen grains ; oil of harts-horn four drops ; make it into pills ; take them in the morning fasting . let these or the like aromatick pills with gums be taken at least twice a week ; which will not onely educe the hurtfull humours , but discuss vapours , and wind. in the interim , let not the frequent use of the aforesaid cordial opiate be neglected , for it will wonderfully conduce to the cure. sometimes it is good for the patient to sneez , for it hath often prov'd succesfull . drinking of warm milk from the cow is also much commended , because it will asswage the hurtfull humours which remain about the stomach , &c. chap. v. of belching . belching is called in latin ructatio & ructuatio esculenta , quae fit ab homine saturo , because it comes most commonly after a full stomach . any thing which breaks up from the stomach in the kind of a rift , or windy vapour , and is expell'd by the mouth with noise , may properly be called belching . the cause of this distemper , is either outward , or inward . the outward is from windy food , or other flatuous things taken , as beans , pease , radishes , &c. the internal cause is either from a phlegmatick viscous humour adhering to the stomach , where it is rarefied into wind by aromaticks taken ; or from the same viscous humour in the small guts , turned into wind by choler over fat , and volatile ; and thence it is driven forward to the stomach , whereby the fermentation of food is deprav'd into a noisome crudity ; whence belches like rotten eggs , &c. are rais'd , which doth distend and gnaw the stomach . if the phlegmatick matter , which cleaveth to the ventricle , or small guts , be very tough , the belching is more hardly excluded ; whence often a swelling , and troublesome distension of the stomach follows ; & e contra . the cure may be safely and happily perform'd , onely by correcting , and educing the phlegmatick viscous humours abounding ; for which there are variety of medicines prescrib'd in the third and fourth pages in the cure of the head-ach . chap. vi. of vomiting , and of the cholerick and iliack passion . vomiting is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vomo . it is a deprav'd motion of the stomach , and a certain sign of health weakned ; for in perfect health nothing is wont to be expell'd out of the stomach by the mouth . in vomiting sometimes food , ( either crude , or more or less fermented ) is cast out by the gullet and mouth ; sometimes bloud , sometimes choler , and other times manifold humours and matter of divers colours , taste and consistency ; and sometimes the excrements returning to the stomach ( as in iliaca passio ) is expell'd by that preposterous way of vomiting , wherein , omnia naturae praepostera legibus ibant . all the differences occurring in several sick people , are very difficult to be numbred , or reduc'd into a certain order ; and much more to make an exact examination of all the symptoms , and thence to give a solid judgment of every one . in this distemper the stomach is either primarily , or secondarily affected . the stomach is primarily affected to vomit , when the cause is in it self . as by taking a vomit , or when there is an inflammation , or exulceration of it ; for then it is easily stir'd up ( by food , or any other thing swallowed ) to a violent and preternatural contraction , and turning of its motion , whereby it is compell'd to cast out whatsoever is contain'd in it . the stomach is secondarily affected , when it is drawn by consent of other parts first distemper'd ; as by the contracting motion of the guts , either in part or wholly , in that most grievous disease called ileos , or iliaca passio ; or by the vehement shaking of the midriff , together with a potent contraction of the muscles of the belly , caused sometimes in a grievous cough : by which all the bowels contain'd in the belly are compressed upward , toward the breast , and urge the stomach to change its natural motion . as often as cholerick humours are plentifully voided out , as well upward , as downward with great force , accompanied with troublesome anxieties of the midriff ; it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bilis . and in latin cholerica passio . when there is a forcible pouring out of bloud by vomiting , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin vomitio sanguinis . the cause of ileos , or iliaca passio , is an excrementitious viscous matter that doth adhere unto the gut called ileo ; which in time is coagulated into a very hard substance , almost in the form of bullets ; ( of which i have had large experience ) whence all passage through for the excrements by siege is stopt , and anon their regress and ascent to the stomach follows , with a miserable vomiting of them . the rupture of the peritonaeum may be also the cause of this grievous disease , especially if it be so great , that not onely the small guts , but the great ones also fall through the lacerated hole , either by reason of their weight , or else by the perpetual approaching of what is contain'd in them , which renders them uncapable to be reduc'd , or put back through the same hole ; whence the excrements , ( having not passage downwards ) are more and more hardned to that degree , that they can hardly be dissolv'd , so that a hard and unsupperable tumour doth soon follow , which hinders the reflux of bloud , and causeth an inflammation , and consequently a gangrene of the guts , attended with a violent vomiting of the excrements , 'till death do put a period to the patient's misery . these evils are often encreas'd by fomentations too hot apply'd , as also by a preposterous and strong rubbing of the swell'd part , and violence us'd to repell the guts . the immediate causes of the cholerick passion , are sharp , putrid , cholerick humours collected in the stomach and bowels , because of external errours commited in diet , or by the taking of poison uncorrected , which doth immediately disturb and corrupt all the humours . the cause of vomiting bloud , is to be deduced ( most commonly ) from the pancreas , by reason of some vessel open'd by its over sharp juice , caused by a vitious effervescency with choler , from whence most of it is driven up to the stomach to be vomited out ; whilst some of it may descend downward to be voided by stool . this distemper may also be caused by bloud flowing out of the vessels of the stomach or guts , either broken by vehement coughing , or corroded by sharp humours . 1. if vomiting be from repletion , or be critical , 't is a good benefit of nature , and therefore must not be stopped : but if it be symptomatical , 't is an ill sign , especially if it be caused by inflammation of the stomach , or adjacent parts , or by poison taken . 2. if the cause of ileos , be from excrements indurated in the gut ileon , it may be cur'd , if taken in time ; but if it be from a rupture of the peritonaeum , 't is dangerous , and for the most part mortal , especially if there be inflammation and tumour of the guts , &c. 3. if the sick vomit bloud , 't is dangerous : neither is the cholerick passion without danger . the cure of this manifold vomiting , may be performed diversly , according to the variety of each cause . if vomiting be rais'd too much by an emetick , or any other nauseous thing taken , it may be represt by this aromatick opiate , or one like it . take of mint-water , four ounces ; tincture of cinamon , half an ounce ; syrups of mint , erratick poppies , of each six drachms : laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirit of nitre twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take a spoonfull of this every quarter of an hour , till the vomiting ceaseth . if a catarrh be the cause of vomiting look for the cure in its proper chapter . if the cholerick passion be caused by poison , or plentifulness of cholerick humours in the stomach , &c. then nothing hinders but that a gentle antimonial emetick may be given , to which may be added those things which will temper the too great effervescency of the aforesaid humours . for example . take of the infusion of crocus metallorum , mint-water , of each six drachms ; cinamon-water , two drachms ; syrup of erratick poppies , half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum , two grains ; mix it . after the evacuation of the peccant humours upward , and downward , an opiate may be profitably used ; because it will not onely temper the acrimony of choler , but asswage the acid juice , and stupefie the outward sense , and procure rest , which will be very gratefull to the sick . take the waters of fennel , plantain , mint , purslain , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of myrtles , purslain , white popp●es , of each one ounce ; confect . de hyacintho , diascordium , venice-treacle , of each two drachms ; laudanum opiat . eight grains ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take two spoonfulls of it often , which will conduce to amend the faultiness of any humours , whether acrimonious , salt or sour ; for in the disease of cholera , it will powerfully asswage the too much effervescency that is raised in the small gut , staying the fierce motion of the troubled humours . a bloudy vomiting requireth speedy help , whence soever the bloud cometh . the following astringent medicine will wonderfully conduce to the cure . take the waters of plantain , comfrey , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vinegar , of each an ounce and half ; syrups of mirtles , quinces , of each one ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud half a drachm ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; mix it . the sick may take two or three spoonfulls of this astringent julep every hour , with good success , for it will cure the most ruptions of vessels , and stop the flux of bloud beyond expectation . after vomiting is supprest , if the patient be troubled with belching of wind , &c. in this case , the following exemplary mixture may bear the praise ; for it doth not onely conduce to curb and discuss wind , remaining as well in the stomach , as guts ; but it doth temper and correct both phlegm and choler , and hinder wind in its rise , and will dissipate it , when it is bred . take the waters of mint , fennel , of each four ounces ; the carminative water of sylvius , syrup of mint , of each two ounces ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; mix it . let this be taken by spoonfulls , often or more slowly , as pains or stretchings do more or less urge . if bloud be thought or feared to be clotter'd in the cavity of the guts ; to dissolve it , you may add to the above mentioned carminative julep , pul . ocul . cancror . antimon . diaphoret . sperma coeti , of each one drachm . the voiding of matter by vomiting and stool , is not to be staid , but mildly promoted , seeing it is wholly unnatural , and hurtfull to the body : but its new rise is to be hindred as much as may be , seeing it is bred of bloud , which is the fuel of our vital fire , and the sustenance of all parts of the body . among all the medicines that move or promote the voiding of matter , and hinder the continual breeding of it , out of corrupt bloud ; i prefer and commend antimonials , rightly prepar'd ; as well emeticks , as other preparations of it , as antimonium diaphoretic . and above all , a balsam made artificially of its flowers , which will powerfully conduce to alter and correct the harms befalling the body by matter , and hinder the new producing of it . also balsam of sulphur with oil of anise-seed is excellent to cleanse and consolidate any inward ulcer ; if two or three drops of it be taken often in a day in any pleasant healing vehicle . in all preternatural vomitings keep the belly open , so that the sick may have ( at least ) every day a stool , either by nature or art ; and let the peccant humours remaining be emptied out by siege , with these or the like pills . take extract . rudii half a drachm ; resin of jallop , salt of wormwood , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; oil of cinamon three drops ; mix it for two doses , to be taken in the morning . the cure of ileos , or iliaca passio , may ( for the most part ) be performed by the aforesaid medicines . but for the sake of young practitioners , i shall add some few directions for the cure of this lamentable contracted motion . wherefore to appease the troublesome irritation of the guts , let fat broths be often taken in at the mouth , and also injected into the fundament as a clyster ; but if an emollient clyster can conveniently be made , let the following be prepared and often used , the decoction of which may be also taken at the mouth , with a few drops of oil of anise-seed . take the roots of marsh-mallows two ounces ; of mallows , marsh-mallows , mullein , of each two handfulls ; the seeds of anise , sweet-fennel , coriander , flax , faenugreek , of each two ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of spring-water till half be consumed , then strain it , and add oil of white lillies , the fat of a hen , of each one ounce ; mix it for a clyster ▪ of which ingredients you may also make fomentations and cataplasms to be applied to the region of the navel , moderately hot , adding swines or goats dung to the pultess . the following emulsion will conduce not onely to allay the irritation , and temper the sharp humours , but will make the passages slippery , and ( by degrees ) moisten the hard excrements contained in the small gut , and in the mean time , will mildly procure rest , and stop vomiting . take of sweet almonds blanched , white poppy-seeds , of each two ounces ; french-barley boiled four ounces ; the waters of fennel , plantain , roses , of each half a pint ; barley-water a pint , let it be made an emulsion ; to which add syrup of violets three ounces ; confectio alkermes de hyacintho , of each two drachms ; laudanum twenty grains ; spirit of niter forty drops ; mix it . let the sick take three spoonfulls of it often . in this grievous disease , nothing is to be neglected , either outward , or inward , that may procure ease to the patient . the intrails of animals , as sheep , &c. applied very warm in hot cloaths , and often repeated , are very effectual . also ventoses applied to the navel have prov'd succesfull ; after which let a little civet wrapt in cotten be put to the navel , and upon it apply a plaster e cymino , or sylvius's carminative plaster ; or else let the aforemention'd pultess be applied warm . golden bullets swallowed are excellent , but for want of them , leaden bullets may serve . some give great pills of antimony ; and crude mercury or quick-silver well depurated is also highly commended , to be given to three pound at a time , and walk or ride after it , to agitate the body ; but before you give either of them let the sick take an ounce of oil of sweet almonds or sallet oil , and likewise after it : and be sure that no acid thing be given after the quick-silver till it be evacuated , lest it coagulate the mercury , and hurry the patient to the grave . chap. vii . of pain in the stomach , and of various pains of the guts , as cholick , &c. the pains of the stomach may be distinguish'd or divided into two sorts , viz. of the upper and lower orifice . if the upper orifice of the stomach , ( which is of exquisite sense , by reason of the intertexture of nerves with which it is wonderfully furnish'd from the vaga sexta , whereof branches are also communicated to the heart ) be affected , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cor. it is also called in latin cardiacus dolor , cui os ventriculi dolet , & per consensum cordis , ergo vocatur affectio cordis , seu oris ventriculi . for the mouth , or upper orifice of the stomach being primarily affected , the heart suffers by consent . if the lower orifice , called pilorus , be affected , it is called dolor seu colica ventriculi ; especially if it come of wind . the pains of the guts may also be distinguish'd , because one while the small guts , and other whiles the thick guts are griev'd . as often as the upper part of the small gut , ( nearest the stomach , ) is pain'd , because that part of the gut is over the right region of the lions , it maketh the patient ( and sometimes the physician ) think that the pain is in them . but if that part of the small gut which riseth up from the loins and mesenterie , ( towards the left hypochondrium ) be afflicted with rendings and distensions , with a notable hardness , this is attributed to the spleen , even by some physicians , although without any solid reason ; when indeed this distending pain is altogether hypochondriacal . if the pain be in the gut ileon , it is thence called iliaca passio , which hath been already treated of . whatsoever pain is rais'd in the gut colon , may be called colica passio . these may be distinguish'd from one another , chiefly from the situation of either gut. for the gut ileon is for the most part contorted hither and thither , up and down about the region of the navel , and from thence a little upward ; but the colon from the navel downward , the pain of the cholick generally pressing to the bottom of the belly , as well as to each side , and the back , &c. according as the gut is writhed which is almost in the manner of a roman s. being roll'd to the navel , and from thence with a remarkable winding through the middle of the belly , it is writh'd to the left kidney , and groin , and so down to the os sacrum , and bladder , and ends in the right gut ; whence the pain rising in the circuit and circumference of the belly below the navel may truly be called cholical . sometimes there is a hot distending pain with pulsation and inflammation in the latter part of the thick guts called rectum ; and this is either with a troublesome rending , as in the internal or blind hemorrhoids ; or else it is a corroding pain , accompani'd with more or less itching , perpetually provoking to siege as in the tenesmus , which oft times follow a dysentery or bloudy flux . in these various pains of the guts , there is one while a hot burning with pulsation , and other whiles a cold chilness seemeth to be fixt ; pricking , and ( as it were ) boring the bowels ; sometimes there is a distension of the bowels , pressing them with a sense of weight , wonderfully writhing and contorting them with such a tearing corroding pain , that the sick cannot give an explanation of the grief , and misery which they endure . the causes are either external , or internal . the external are wounds or contusions , caused by external violence . the internal causes are divers ; sometimes worms may be the cause . but a burning pain is produced either by an obstruction of the capillary veins of the stomach or guts , by which the bloud is forc'd to stand still in the vessels till at length ( after a great distension ) the vessels burst , and the bloud is effus'd , which breedeth an inflammation , and a manifest pulsation about the part affected , by which it may be distinguish'd from any other kind . but for the most part , a burning and corroding pain riseth from choler too fat , powerfully and vitiously raising an effervescency with the juice of the pancreas too acid ; as experience teacheth in outward things ; for if you pour spirit of vitriol to oil of turpentine , it will presently raise an effervescency join'd with a notable heat and burning . this burning pain is chiefly felt in the region of the loins , because there is the conflux of choler , and the juice of the pancreas ; and from thence ariseth vitious sharp vapours , which produce griping pains of the stomach , and pricking pains in the guts , as also other wandring pains therein . if the pain be chill and cold , it is caus'd from the juice of the pancreas very acid and sharp ; which raiseth a vitious effervescency with choler ( not oily ) and phlegm together , as we may observe , if we mix spirit of vitriol with any volatile salt not oily , how it will raise an effervescency , coupled with a notable chilness , and coldness onely sensible ; hence we may conclude , that the operation of the acid spirit in producing cold , is much promoted by phlegm . the cause of the colick is over viscous phlegm , mixed with choler , peccant both in its saltish acrimony , and volatile oiliness ; by which the viscous phlegm is rarifi'd into wind ; and if the excrements are contain'd beyond their course , they harden , and adhere to the gut , whereby the natural ferment is vitiated , and the windy blasts are more and more rarifi'd , and being shut up and remaining in the cavity of the gut colon , it causeth a violent distension and contraction of it . but if the aforesaid humours be mixt with the juice of the pancreas over sharp , acid and harsh ; then there is a wonderfull sense of contortion in the part affected , urging and writhing from place to place , according to the winding or rolling of the gut. if this wind pierceth through the guts , into the cavity of the belly , it expandeth the peritonaeum , and so inflateth the whole abdomen , and causeth a tympany . these distempers are all dangerous , and sometimes mortal , especially if a violent fever be complicated with them . we must vary the cure according to the diversity of the causes . a burning corroding pain may be cur'd , by tempering too fat choler with acids , as spirit of niter , &c. being mixt with opiates . for example . take the waters of fennel , fumitory , sorrel , succory , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vinegar , syrups of violets and white poppies , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick often take a spoonfull of this julep , till the heat and pain be diminished , and sleep be procured . the following emulsion is also profitable , and therefore may sometimes be given for a change . take the four greater cold seeds , white poppy-seeds , of each one ounce ; french barley boiled four ounces ; with two quarts of barley water ; let it be made an emulsion ; and add to it syrups of violets , and white poppies , of each two ounces ; salt prunella half an ounce , spirit of niter thirty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every two or three hours . if choler be two plentifull , let it be educ'd with this or the like mild cholagogue . take damask-rose water two ounces ; manna , diaphaenicon , electuary of the juice of roses , of each two drachms ; tartar vitriolated ten grains ; mix it , and take it in the morning . the cholagogue electuary of sylvius is also excellent , of which you shall have the receipt at the latter end of the book . chilness and cold pains may be cur'd by tempering the over sharp acidity of the juice of the pancreas . lixivial salts both fixt and volatile are excellent in this case , as also any aromatick spirit of wine , treacle water , &c. with which may be mix'd coral , pearl , crabs-eyes , antimon . diaphoret . &c. and let the body be compos'd to sweat . the following forms may serve for example . take the waters of treacle , fennel , syrup of the juice of carduus , of each half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , salt of wormwood , of each ten grains ; mix it , and give it the sick to cause sweat . you may also give some of this cordial julep , to uphold the spirits when they sweat . take of tincture of cinamon , the carminative spirit of sylvius , of each half an ounce ; the waters of mint , baum , of each two ounces ; syrups of the juice of oranges , clove-gilliflowers of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; oil of cloves six drops ; mix it , and give two or three spoonfulls of it often . let sylvius's carminative plaster be spread on leather , and applied to the region of the stomach and navel . as for the cure of the cholick , let an emollient clyster ( which discusseth wind ) be given often , at least twice in a day . take the roots of marsh-mallows one ounce ; pellitory of the wall , mallows , marsh-mallows , the flowers of melilot ; chamomel , of each two handfulls ; the seeds of anise , sweet fennel , dill , the berries of bays and juniper , of each one ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of whey till half of it be consumed ; then strain it , and add electuary diaprunum , cariocostinum , benedicta laxativa , of each half an ounce ; oils of dill , chamomel , roses , of each six drachms ; oil of harts-horn ten drops ; mix it for two clysters . the smoak of tobacco may be blown into the clyster-bladder , and given with it , with good success . besides , a clyster may be made of canary wine , or warm cows milk , and a little honey , or malossus , and given sometimes to soften the hard excrements , and to dissolve those that are too viscous , whereby they may be the easier evacuated , and also wind invited to an easie outlet . to drink the decoction before prescrib'd , will much conduce to ease the sick ; also of the same ingredients , you may make fomentations and cataplasms , but if the patient do not care for the trouble of such medicines ; you may anoint the belly with this ointment . take ointments of marsh-mallows , martiatum , oils of capers , white lillies , of each one ounce ; oil of bricks half an ounce ; mix it . after which apply a large plaster of sylvius's carminative empl. to the belly . the following julep taken often by spoonfulls will much conduce to ease the pain , and discuss the wind . take the waters of mint , scurvigrass , fennel , lovage , penny-royal , of each one ounce ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , tinctures of cinamon and castor , of each half an ounce ; syrups of mint , fennel and mirtles , of each six drachms ; oil of mace distill'd ten drops ; spirits of harts-horn and niter , of each twenty drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; mix it for a julep . the oil of harts-horn is a very potent , though ungratefull remedy in this disease . also the balsam of sulphur made with oil of anise-seed , amber , or juniper is excellent in vanquishing this rebellious distemper . after the violence of pain is abated , you may purge the body with this following decoction . take of guiacum four ounces ; roots of china , sassafras , lovage , of each one ounce ; seeds of anise , sweet fennel , berries of bays and juniper , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water till half be consumed , strain it , and add of the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each four ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; spirit of niter two drachms ; mix it , and take two ounces of it every morning and evening . the following pills with gums will be also very usefull , and potent to educe the viscous phlegm , &c. take galbanum prepar'd with vinegar of squills two drachms ; resins of jallop and scammony , powders of castor , mastick , mirrh , vitriol of mars calcin'd to whiteness , of each half a drachm ; saffron ten grains ; powder of troches , alhandal two scruples ; oils of harts-horn , cloves , of each ten drops ; beat them all into a mass for pills . let the sick take three or four of these pills in the morning fasting , which will kindly expell the vitious humours . after which let them take some of the aforesaid julep to procure rest and ease . oily volatile salts , and spirit of niter are excellent , not onely to correct choler , and other peccant humours , but do potently discuss wind . chap. viii . of the worms . worms may be generated in all parts of the body ; those which are bred in ulcers , may more fitly be called maggots , in latin termetes ; but i shall onely treat of those which are bred in the internal parts of the body . every man living in all places , and climes , doth more or less suffer by the frequent generation of these little intestine enemies ; especially the weaker state of man , as infants , and the female sex ; whose ferment , or digestive heat being not sufficiently master of their great moisture ; part of it is turned into putrefaction , which corrupteth the humours . wherefore it is no wonder that active nature ( being never at rest ) by the quickning animating heat , which causeth concoction , doth frequently generate worms either in the stomach or guts , according to the various occurrences of matter , and seminal dispositions . there are three or four kinds of these inbred disturbers , which we may take notice of . the first are called in latin teretes , a terendo , quod quasi terendo rotundum sit , vel ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. terebrando . they are long and round like earth-worms but whiter ; they are more common than the rest , and are bred in the guts , but do sometimes get up into the stomach . the second are called lumbrici lati & longi , because they are broad and long . they are also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , tendo . i. e. fascia extensa . because they are something like a womans head-band . this worm is full of joints , and is a native of the jejunum , which is a fit place to nourish these milk-suckers , or craving vermine ; there being the most supply of milky juice , by reason of the numerous lacteal vessels . some of these worms have been of an incredible length . pliny lib 11. nat . hist. cap. 33. affirmeth that some have been thirty foot in length . if you peruse schenckiu's his observations , lib. 3. pag. 411. you may reade variety of such histories . the third are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , salio . in latin they are called vermes exigui intestinorum , quod ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , è sordibus nascantur . they are little and slender ; some call them arse-worms , because they commonly lye in the intestinum rectum , near the sphincter muscle . there is another kind of worms ( though seldom seen ) in the colon , like the botts in horses ; they may be called in latin vermina , ex vertendo , quod rependo torqueant sese , & vertant cum quodam minuto motu . ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 serpo . the material cause of all worms is ( most commonly ) the inconcocted part of the chylus which is produc'd of such nourishment as easily putrifieth in the stomach ; as green fruit , &c. which gives sufficient matter to these intruding vermine . this part of the chylus being crude , and unfit for sanguification , is left ( undrawn by the lacteal veins ) in the intestines , where it is mixed with pituitous humours , and elaborated by the temperate heat of the guts , which is the efficient cause of such like generations . the form which lay hid in this matter before , is afterward generated by the temperate heat of the bowels , and according to the diversity of the latent forms , sundry sorts of worms are bred . in the aforemention'd title of schenckius , you may reade of the stupendious figures of worms , set down by learned and famous men in their monuments . the signs of worms are many . if they be round , there is a pinching or gnawing pain in the belly , especially being hungry ; also a stinking breath , a frequent dry cough , loathing , and sometimes vomiting and looseness , with distention of the belly , and a symptomatical fever ; the sleep is often disturb'd with horrible dreams , and starting and gnashing of the teeth ; the face is pale , the nose itcheth ; wherefore children that have them , do often rub and pick their nose . if the long broad worm be in the small guts , the party hath an insatiable appetite , the body consumeth , having quick stools after eating , in which there is often a substance like to the seeds of cucumbers . if the small worms called ascarides , be bred in the intestinum rectum , there is a painfull itching in anus with provocation to stool , in which they often come away . if the short thick worms like botts be bred in the colon , there is a wringing troublesome pain , and they often come from the patient night and day , without any excrements , or motion to stool . these last mention'd , are of all others the worst , and most difficult to destroy , especially if they continue long , and grow numerous , because they enclose themselves in a cystis or bladder for shelter , which they run out and in to , as a coney into her burrough , whereby they defend themselves from the power of those things which are given to kill them . the broad long worms are also hard to destroy ; and if the round ones continue long , and are many , they cause convulsions , and sometime epilepsie ; and if they come out alive in acute fevers , it betokeneth great malignity of the morbifick matter , which they labour to shun . the ascarides are not dangerous , for they may be easily killed with clysters . as for the curation , it is perform'd by two indications ; the first is by killing of them , the second by expelling of them when killed and here the place or residence of the offending vermine is to be considered , viz. whether it be the stomach or bowels ; if the bowels , whether the most external , as the rectum , or more internal , as the colon , ileon , or jejunum ; and according to the different seat of such internal offensives of life , we must differently level our remedies , and manner of cure. if the stomach be the residence of these notorious offenders ; they may then be killed , and pumped upwards by an antimonial vomit . but large worms , which are not natives of the stomach , but ( as is said before ) of the jejunum , or other next productive guts , may be most properly conveyed downwards by the force of aloetick and mercurial medicaments . and for as much as the passage is tedious for such slow marchers as worms are ; which being but sick it may be with one dose , and loath to be dislodged ; therefore they must be often stimulated to their exit ( at least five or six days together ) by protruding medicaments , till they be all destroy'd , and evacuated . the following pill is excellent . take extract . rudii , pil . ruffi , of each one scruple ; mercur. dulcis sixteen grains ; oil of juniper three drops ; make them into eight pills . a young child may take a small pill of this every day , and those that are adult , three or four of them , for five or six days , till all the vermine are kill'd and ejected . and to render the whole region of the bowels an uneasie residence to such unwelcome guests , an aloetick plaster applied to the navel is never to be omitted ; and farther to specificate the same , and all other medicines , either internally exhibited , or externally applied ; i advise you to mix some of the powder of the ejected worms ( of what kind soever ) with them , which you will find most effectual to destroy the living vermine . also all medicaments which partake of mercurial irradiation are destructive to worms where-e'er they are . our common quicksilver , if boiled an hour or two in fair water , renders the whole ( without communication of taste or scent , and also without any loss of weight ) a certain destroyer of worms in humane bodies ; which may be either given at the mouth , or sweetned with sugar , and given as a clyster ; after which give two or three doses of the aforesaid pills to expell the dead vermine , and verminous matter . chap. ix . of a looseness , or flux of the belly . as often as the expulsion of what is contain'd in the guts , happens quicker , oftener , and more plentifully than is natural , it may be called a looseness ; of which there are divers sorts , which may be distinguisht according to the different things voided . 1. if food be evacuated crude and undigested , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin also lienteria , i. e. levitas intestinorum . 2. if the food be fermented in the stomach , and the chyle passeth into the guts , and the nutriment of the chyle be not there separated from the excrement , but is voided whitish like a pultess , much like the excrements of those that have the jaundice , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin coeliaca , i. e. alvinus , vel ventralis dispositio ; of which there is another kind , which for distinction sake may be named the chyle-like looseness ; wherein the food is both fermented , and severed into chyle and excrements , and yet are voided confusedly together . 3. if not onely food , but waterish and cholerick humours are often and plentifully voided , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo . it may be called in english a cholerick looseness . there are divers other kinds of looseness , which may be called diarrhoea ; for if thick and viscous phlegmatick humours are frequently and plentifully voided , it may thence be call'd a phlegmatick diarrhoea ; if the humours be serous , it is a serous diarrhoea ; if fat and oily excrements are frequently evacuated , it may thence be nam'd an unctuous diarrhoea , &c. 4. if the dejection be purulent , corrupted , excrementitious matter , together with pure bloud , it may then be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod hic non tam difficultatem quam detrimentum notat , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intestinum , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intus . it may be called in latin tormina quod dolore torquentur intestina ; in english 't is vulgarly called the bloudy-flux . if there be a perpetual endeavour to go to stool , and nothing but a little mucous purulent matter voided with great pain and straining , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tendo . in english it may be called a neediness , there being a continual need and desire to go to stool . this distemper properly belongeth to a dysentery , because it doth most commonly follow it , and sometimes with a procidentia ani. to a bloudy-flux may also be referred the immoderate flux of the hemorrhoids ▪ which may be known from a dysentery , both from the place affected , and the great quantity of the bloudy purging . it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sanguis , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , profluvium . also the flux of the liver ( if there be any such disease ) may be referred hither , in which the excrementitious liquour ejected , is like the washing of bloudy flesh . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , qui ex hepate laborant . in latin 't is called hepaticus affectus , vel fluxus est serosi et sanguinei humoris per alvum excretio , propter hepatis imbecilitatem . the causes of all fluxes of the belly , are either external , or internal . the external , are any of the six non-natural things immoderately used , which weakens the stomach , also the taking of any venemous thing , as arsnick , mercury sublimate , &c. which presently destroys the ferment of the stomach and guts . the internal cause of the lientery , is weakness of the stomach , that it cannot retain any food received into it , but striveth to expell it . the jaundice-like flux is caused by the sluggishness of choler , so that it is not carri'd down to the guts , to promote the separation of the usefull , from the unusefull parts of the chyle . the chyle-like flux is also caused by the same , so that the straining of chyle through the spongy crust of the guts into the lacteal veins is hindred ; the orifices or pores tending to the lacteal veins , being obstructed by over thick and viscous phlegmatick humours . a cholerick diarrhoea is caused by over-salt , sharp and serous choler ; together with phlegm , and the juice of the pancreas too watry and fluid . a phlegmatick diarrhoea is caused by such things as do breed much viscous phlegm . a serous diarrhoea ariseth most frequently from spittle , and the juice of the pancreas too serous . a fat , oily , or unctuous looseness , doth follow the over much use of too fat food . a dysentery doth proceed either from the thickness of the bloud , by reason of over viscous phlegm , being mixed with lympha , or the juice of the pancreas too acid , accompani'd with sorrow of mind ; whereby the bloud doth become too gross for its wonted circulation through the capillary vessels of the guts ; wherefore it causeth a great distension of them , till at length they burst , and pour out the bloud into the cavity of the guts . or else it may be caused from choler too salt , sharp and plenteous in the bloud , whereby it doth become extravagantly serous , and eager , through extraordinary fermentation , extremely agitating the humours to a colliquation , especially where fierceness of anger or great heat of mind do concur ; by which the bloud is the more rarifi'd to pierce through the tender restraint of the vessels , and doth flow out by indirect ways , sometimes by great loss , to the endangering of life . a tenasmus is caused by a phlegmatick viscous humour , joyned with a sharp acid humour , which doth fret the gut about the siege , stirring up a troublesome ulcer there . the flux of the hemorrhoids , and of the liver , is to be deduc'd from much serous matter mixt with the bloud , and also relaxing the vessels . the hemorrhoids are either critical , which useth to ease the sick ; or symptomatical , and much weakneth them . the signs of fluxes are manifest , from what hath been said . 1. if any looseness continue long , with loathing , 't is an ill sign , especially if it be with a fever . 2. if the small guts are affected , the pain is sharper than when it is in the thick guts . 3. in the dysentery , if the dejections be very bloudy , or black and setid , with great thirst , hicket , &c. for the most part they are mortal signs ; but if the erosion be onely in the internal membrane of the gut , and there be no great pain , nor other bad symptome , there is great hopes of recovery . if the bloud and humours be too thin and serous , they must be corrected , and evacuated . chalk , and harts-horn , ( or any other burnt bone ) reduc'd to powder , and given often in a small quantity , doth imbibe and correct watry moisture , and also over much fatness , which may be the cause of a looseness . after which the peccant humours may be evacuated by stool with hydragogues , and by sweat and urine , with sudorificks and diureticks . toasted rhubarb will satisfie to many indications , seeing that it doth not onely evacuate water together with choler abounding , but will soon correct the over-loose body , by its mild tartness . wherefore when the bloud doth abound with much serous liquour , let the sick take this powder in a little broth. take the powder of jallop , cinamon , of each fifteen grains ; powder of rhubarb tosted half a drachm ; mix it after the operation of it , you may give the following cordial by spoonfulls . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water half an ounce ; syrup of mirtles one ounce ; confectio de hyacintho , diascordium , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it . it will be also convenient sometimes to educe the humours by urine and sweat ; for which i commend the following decoction of china , &c. take the roots of burdock , the five opening roots , sarzeparilla , contra yerva , of each one ounce ; china four ounces ; gromwell-seeds , juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain water , 'till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrup of the five opening roots six ounces ; spirit of niter one drachm ; mix it . let the sick take a quarter of a pint of this warm , twice or thrice a day , and especially in the morning fasting , which will the easier procure a breathing sweat , or else urine more plentifull , by which the serosity of the bloud will be consum'd by little and little , so that the bloud and humours will thereby become more pure . if a dysentery , or bloudy-flux arise from a sharp humour corroding the vessels ; it may be cur'd by correcting , and tempering the sharp acid humours , and consolidating the vessels fretted . the following powder is excellent to correct and amend the aforesaid acid humours , and stop all fluxes of bloud . take the powders of red coral , pearles prepared , white chalk , dragons bloud , of each half a drachm ; mix it for six doses , which may be taken in three spoonfulls of the following julep , every two or three hours . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each two ounces ; tincture of cinamon , syrups of quinces , mirtles , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of juniper ten drops ; mix it . if there be an ulcer in the thick guts , and clysters can come to the part affected , let the following be often injected , and instruct the sick to retain them so long as they can . take new milk wherein steel hath been quenched one pint ; honey of roses one ounce ; venice turpentine half an ounce ; the yelk of one egg ; balsam of sulphur four drops ; mix it . the following bolus may be sometimes given in the morning fasting . take the powder of rhubarb tosted two scruples ; nutmeg one scruple ; make it into a bolus with conserves of red roses . and this bolus may be given at night going to bed . take diascordium , conserves of red roses , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; mix it . by the frequent use of these choice medicines , the ulcer will be cleans'd , the gripes asswag'd , and the consolidation of the ulcerated gut ( both in the tenasmus and dysentery , &c. ) will be wonderfully promoted . but if the ulcer be in the small guts , the following vulnerary decoction will more conduce to the cure. take the roots of comfry , plantain , knot-grass , of each two ounces ; the tops of saint john's wort , sanicle , germander , red roses , of each one handfull ; shavings of harts-horn , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in three quarts of fountain-water wherein steel hath been quenched , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of dried roses , tincture of cinamon , distill'd vinegar , syrup of marsh-mallows , of each two ounces ; mix it , and give the sick four spoonfulls every two or three hours . if you add two or three drops of balsam of sulphur , made with oil of anise-seed to every dose of the decoction , &c. it will be the more effectual both to cleanse and consolidate the ulcer . the flux of the hemorrhoids , if it be symptomatical , and weaken the sick , is then to be hindred , which may be effectually done by the afore-mention'd medicines . if much serous liquour can so dilute the bloud , and relax the vessels , that part of it may be carried out of them into the guts , and produce a flux like the washing of flesh , commonly called a flux of the liver ; it may be cur'd by driving forward the serous liquour out of the body , by sudorificks , and diureticks ; and also by tart strengthning things that repair the hurt of the loosened vessels . the diuretick decoction of china , before mention'd , is excellent in this case , to be taken as is there directed . also the following diaphoretick may be sometimes used with good success . take the waters of treacle , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; plantain-water two ounces ; distill'd vinegar three drachms ; confectio de hyacintho , diascordium , of each one drachm ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; syrups of mirtles , dried roses , of each six drachms ; mix it for two doses . also the powder and astringent julep prescrib'd in page 192 , 193. is excellent to corroborate the loosened vessels , &c. anoint the belly with the oil of quinces , mirtles , roses , wormwood , &c. mixed with unguent . comitissae ; which is also good in all fluxes of the belly . chap. x. of the dry belly-ach . this cruciating disease may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin spasmus abdominis , quod sub umbelico est ad bubem ; and because of the additional torments , it may be also named tormen abdominis , quod dolore torquetur abdomen . this disease doth also need as well the name , as the invocation of miserere mei deus ; the sick being in such extreme misery , that 't is incredible to all but them that have endur'd it . the most urgent and exquisite pain under this affect , being in that most tender and sensible part , viz. the belly , may seem to have some alliance with the iliack or colick passion ; and indeed they are sometimes its concomitants , but much different from it . the causes of this lamentable distemper , are either external , or internal . the external general occasional cause is contracting cold in the region of the belly , &c. which doth cramp not onely the muscles of the abdomen , but also the tender fibres of the intestines , cruciating all the affected parts with obdurate contractions ; which is more aggravated when the moon doth come to opposition with the sun. which may be also observ'd in all spasms and convulsive motions , that about the full of the moon , the tide of such nervous diseases doth rise highest : especially in those places where the direct aspects of the nocturnal luminary have the most power ; which demonstration will evince to be between the tropicks , which many of our mariners , ( who have sailed that way ) can tell by wofull experience . another external procuring cause of this grievous disease is a mineral gas ascending from the caverns of the earth , infesting the air with its poisonous fumes , whereby not onely the tender fibrous , and nervous parts of the belly are oft times crampt with convulsive spasms ; but the mineral fumes being inspired with the air into the body , produce most eminent apparent evils , as the corruption of the chyle into porraceous and adust choler , from whence followeth irritating vomitings , and the constipation of the belly , with obdurateness of the excrements , which inflames the bowels , and entails a symptomatical fever , with a heavy and slow pulse ; and as the pain doth aggravate more and more , there is want of sleep and rest , with other uneasiness , and commotions of body and mind ; as the operatours in chymistry have sometimes experience of ( to their cost and trouble ) in mineral preparations ; for if a vessel chance to break , the sharp and acid vapours , or gas of the mineral , immediately seiseth the animal spirits of all that are in the elaboratory ; by which they are mov'd unequally ( against the will ) through the nerves to the musculous parts , which causeth convulsive motions , with trembling and shaking of the limbs , and other accumulated evils . the like grievous symptoms ( though not so violent ) happen to many people that inhabit near the mineral mines in hungaria , and also in some places of england as derbyshire , &c. where there are lead-works , from whence mineral fumes continually ascend from the separating oar , which infesteth the air , and is a great producer of such convulsive effects . at the first seisure of this evil , the muscles of the abdomen , and sometimes those of the breast and back , ( through contractions ) prove hard and painfull , as in our ordinary cramps ; which symptoms will evince , that these vapours are peccant in an acid acrimony . the internal cause , is also sour vapours arising most commonly out of the small guts ; which the concurring symptoms ( consider'd and weighed with an attentive mind ) will confirm ; for these vapours being sharp , are driven forward into the nerves , and gnawing them with great pain , aggravate and produce this convulsive spasm . 1. if this miserable and afflictive distemper hath continu'd to a long durance , it causeth such obstructions in the fibrous and nervous passages of the muscles , that thereby lameness and an atrophy soon succeeds , increasing the weakness of all the members of the body , till at length it ends in a paralitical resolution of them . 2. if a pregnant woman , or a woman after abortion , be afflicted with this grievous evil ; it is very dangerous , and many times mortal . as for the cure , we must endeavour to ease the pain , and strengthen the weak parts with all expedition , the pain may be eased , and diminish'd as well by internal , as external anodynes and narcoticks ; to allay the violent motion of the animal spirits , and abate the grievous spasms succeeding . the following cordial diaphoretick opiate is excellent in this case . take the waters of fennel , peony , treacle , of each one ounce ; syrups of stoechas , peony , scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , salt of tartar vitriolated , salt of amber , volatile salt of harts-horn , of each one scruple ; tincture of castor two drachms , spirit of salt armoniack , oil of cloves , of each four drops ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . by the frequent taking of this volatile and anodyne sudorifick , the peccant humours will be temper'd and diminisht , and the inordinate , involuntary , and impetuous motion of the animal spirits will be reduc'd , and brought to tranquillity , by which the binding constrictions of the belly-ach will be the easier remov'd . bathing in this distemper , hath been often us'd with admirable success ; for by the frequent use thereof , the cutaneous and muscular fibres will not onely be relax'd from contracted spasms ; but the pores will be also kept open for the constant discharge of transpiring particles . a natural bath , such as is in the city of bathe , is excellent ; but when it is not to be had , an artificial bath may be very usefull for the ends propos'd . for example . take of elder , dwarf-elder , vervain , betony , chamomel , bays , rhue , time , hyssop , ground-pine , organ , penny-royal , sage , sweet marjoram , of each six handfulls ; flowers of stoechas , chamomel , melilot , of each four handfulls ; roots of pellitory of spain , briony , master-wort , virginia snake-root , of each four ounces ; spicknard , berries of juniper and bays , of each two ounces ; brimstone six pound ; salt niter two pound ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in twenty gallons of fountain-water , till a third part be boiled away . let the sick be well bathed in it , as often as strength will permit ; and let them sit therein , as long as they may well bear the same . then let them be rub'd dry , and remov'd into a bed ; and let the affected parts be well anointed with this ( or the like ) fragrant ointment . take oil of earth-worms , ointment of orange-flowers , jessamy , of each three ounces ; oil of mace by expression one ounce ; oil of juniper , bricks , of each two drachms ; mix it . as often as the body is costive , let a suppository , or carminative clyster be administred to make it soluble . let the weakned parts be fortifi'd with the aforesaid unguent ; upon which apply a plaster of sylvius's carminative emplaster spread on leather , which you may remove once in twenty four hours , using warm frictions to the pained parts , and apply the plaster again ; and over it you may apply a fox-skin drest , which will keep the parts warm , and conduce to the cure , which course may be continu'd 'till strength be restor'd to the grieved limbs . chap. xi . of the yellow jaundice . the yellow jaundice is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab avicula quae 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicitur , quod ea oculos flavi vel aurei coloris habet . it is also called icterus in latin ; it being a spreading of a yellowish colour over the whole body . it was the common received opinion of the ancients , that the chief cause of this disease , is an obstruction of the cystick passage to the small gut , so that choler is thereby wholly hindred in its natural descent ; wherefore it doth ascend to the liver , and so to the bloud , with which it is transfer'd to the habit and superficies of the body , where it doth shew it self in its colours . but it may be manifested from many observations , and experiments , both anatomical , and practical ; that the jaundice may be produc'd without an obstruction of the passage of choler . although i suppose that the jaundice may sometimes be rais'd by the aforesaid obstruction , either by choler it self most glutinous , or lapidescent ; which i have had sufficient experience of , having dissected several dead bodies , in which i have found stones not onely in the gall , but cystick passage also . but on the contrary , it hath been oft observ'd in dissecting icterical people , that the cystick passage was not obstructed , but the excrements were dyed yellow , although not so much as usual . whence it is manifest , that it may be bred without any obstruction in the passage aforesaid . the causes then are either external or internal . the external cause is the biting of a viper , whose poison is of a subtile , volatile and spirituous nature ; which doth soon render choler over spirituous , after the biting of the serpent . but the aforesaid poison being antipathetical to humane nature , it doth presently endeavour to defend every individual part from the potent killing quality of the poison ; and therefore doth immediately send the balsamick bile to antidote the venome ; and in circulating with it , the volatile salt of the choler is broken , by which it is less apt to effervesce with acids , and therefore is easily joyned with the other humours ( being onely confus'd with the bloud ) by which the superficies of the whole body becomes yellowish . 2. ebriety , or the abuse of strong drink , may be a procuring cause of this disease , because the volatile spirit of the drink may be too plenteously mixt with choler , which renders it spirituous , by which it becomes less apt to effervesce with the acid juice of the pancreas , and hence most intirely to join it self with the other humours . the internal cause is unexpected sorrow of mind , by which all the humours become glutinous and viscous , because the juice of the pancreas is thereby made more tart . it may be also caused by obstructions , as is before mention'd ; either by choler glutinous , or lapidescent , or by viscous phlegm , &c. if the cure be not hastened , a dropsie , cachexy , or deadly pining , will in a short time succeed . if sorrow of mind be the cause , it ought to be prevented as much as may be , both by philosophical and theological reasons about any troublesome matters , and by confirming the mind , whereby the sick may be the better enabled to bear and suffer stoutly any adversity . this must also be observed in all other diseases . if ebriety be the cause i comm●nd sobriety to cure it . sublata causa tollitur effectus . if the humours be over viscous or glutinous , the following decoction will not onely alter and correct , but mildly educe the peccant humours , by which the jaundice may in a short time be cured . take of rhubarb , the roots of madder , smallage , the greater celandine , of each one ounce ; the flowers of broom one handfull ; hemp-seed two ounces ; the seeds of anise , parsley and columbines , of each half an ounce ; saffron two drachms ; white tartar three drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in white-wine , and fountain water , of each three pints , till the third part be boiled away , then strain it , and add the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; mix it . let the sick take four spoonfulls of this three times a day , till the viscous phlegm and choler be sufficiently evacuated , and the natural colour of the body restored . as oft as the jaundice is caused by the poison of a viper , or any other venemous thing whatsoever , you must administer ( as soon as possible ) a volatile sudorifick to correct and expell the venome . the following will serve to both indications . take the waters of carduus , fennel , fumitory , of each two ounces ; treacle-water , syrups of the juice of carduus , red poppies , of each one ounce ; tincture of saffron two drachms ; venice-treacle half a drachm ; bezoar-mineral , antimony diaphoretick , salt of harts-horn , of each one scruple ; spirit of salt-armoniack six drops ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls to provoke sweat , and after it breaks forth , give a spoonfull or two , now and then , to promote it . also this decoction , or one like it may be prescrib'd for the icterick patient , it being both sudorifick , and diuretick . take the roots of scorzonera , juniper , of each two ounces ; roots of master-wort , sassaphras , of each half an ounce ; berries of juniper and bays , of each one ounce and half ; seeds of nettles , hemp and columbines of each one ounce ; shavings of harts-horn three drachms ; the tops of carduus , scordium , scabious , the lesser centaury , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrup of the juice of carduus four ounces ; treacle-water two ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every two or three hours . soap of any sort , conduceth to the cure of the jaundice , upon a twofold account , both by reason of its fixt lixivial salt , and also by reason of its fatness or oil ; for the lixivial salt doth correct and diminish the over volatileness and spirituousness of the vitiated choler , and the oil doth blunt the sharpness of the volatile and spirituous salt ruling in choler . the following mixture is very effectual . take of hemp-seed two ounces ; soap two drachms ; bruise the seed , and boil it in half a pint of new milk , till half of it be consumed ; then strain it , and add syrup of saffron half an ounce ; tincture of saffron two drachms ; laudanum opiatum four grains ; mix it , and give half of it in the morning fasting , and the remainder at night , going to bed . chap. xii . of a cachexy . an ill habit of body is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , malus , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , habitus . it may be called in latin mala corporis habitudo . there are many causes of this distemper , which may be distinguisht according to the diversity of the conjoin'd symptoms . it doth accompany all chronical diseases , as dropsies of all kinds , hypochondriack suffocation , scurvy , pox and gout , &c. for it doth spare none , neither peer nor peasant , of any age or sex ; but it most frequently seizeth on women when their monthly terms are supprest . the cause is either external or internal . the external cause is either bad diet , a long time receiv'd , or for want of good refreshing food after sickness , for the stomach being weak cannot digest course diet , by which the nutriment of the body doth by degrees become peccant in quality , vitiating the humours , and bloud it self , so that an ill nourishment of the body doth follow . the internal cause may be the suppression of the terms in women , which is more or less corrupted about the womb , having not its natural evacuation , from whence the whole mass of bloud is indued with a vitious quality , by which the nourishment of all parts of the body is deprav'd . also choler , and the juice of the pancreas ( which are always confus'd with the bloud ) being alike vitious or peccant in quality , do not onely corrupt the separation of usefull and unusefull parts , but by the vitious effervescency of these humours manifold flatuous vapours are rais'd , which do not onely increase anxieties about the midriff , but being carried to the heart , there follows a pressing pain and palpitation thereof ; and in circulating through the lungs , it causeth a dyspnoea , or difficult breathing ; and being thence transferr'd every way throughout the body , it doth breed a general weariness in all parts . but when the vitious humours abound together in plenty , then several kinds of the dropsie at length succeed ; if not the universal body groweth lean by degrees . from what hath been said , the production of every cachexie may easily be deduced by a judicious physician . the signs are paleness of the face , shortness of breath , palpitation of the heart , and often apressing pain of it , accompanied ( for the most part ) with a lingring fever , either continual , or intermitting , or compounded of both , in which the urine is crude or watry ; at length there is a weariness of the universal body , which in some doth pine and become lean , but in others the body doth swell , and is turgid . if this disease be not helpt in time , it will become by degrees so stubborn and rebellious , that it will puzzle the wisest and most experienced physicians to cure it ; for by the long continuance thereof , phlegm becometh very tough and glutinous , on which all chronical , or prolong'd diseases depend ; besides , all the other humours are by degrees vitiated , which incorporate with the bloud , and diminish its effervescency , so that the separation and excretion of the excrementitious parts ( to be voided together with urine ) do not follow , from whence many grievous symptoms succeed , which oft proves mortal . the cure of every cachexie will consist in the correction and amendment of the bloud any way vitiated . if flegm be tough and glutinous , it must be corrected and evacuated , for which there are variety of choice medicines prescrib'd in the fourth page , of the cure of diseases of the head ; in the use whereof you must persevere for some time , or else the laudable success , and happy wisht for cure will be expected in vain . any other humours that are peccant in quality ( by which the bloud is vitiated ) must be alter'd and reduc'd to their natural constitution by selected medicines , which will amend and empty them out by degrees . in the interim good food ( which is easie of digestion , and wholsome nourishment ) must not be neglected , whereby nature may be cherished , and health by degrees procured . those medicines which are prescrib'd for the cure of the dropsie and scurvy , are proper for this disease , wherefore i shall forbear prescriptions here . chap. xiii . of dropsies . the dropsie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aqua , quod nomen sumpsit ab aquoso humore cutis . the ancients have assigned three sorts of dropsies . 1. the first is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 uter , pellis . 't is called in latin aqua intercus , ex inter & cutis , because the water is between the skin and the flesh. this is the most proper dropsie , in which the abdomen , secrets , thighs and legs are affected . 2. the second is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod tumor est ad similitudinem tympani , vel tympani sonum referens . as this is the most rare , so 't is the most cruel and afflictive . 3. the third is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 caro , quod hydrops toto corpore diffusus ; it is also called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 album , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , phlegma vel pituita ; because it is caused of white phlegm gathered in all parts of the body . some authours make a difference between anasarca , and leucophlegmatia ; that anasarca is caused by a serous humour , and leucophlegmatia by a phlegmatick and more viscous humour ; but all dropsies except tympanies seem to me , to be little less than a distinction of degrees of one and the same disease . the ancients did take the liver to be the chief part male-affected in these distempers ; but helmont ( who was happy in a remedy to cure it ) doth severely reprove them , and is so bold to tax the whole schools with the ignorance of anatomical dissections ; he having inspected many carcases of dropsical persons ( of whom he makes distinct mention ) doth assert the livers of them all no-way vitiated , and therefore he concludes the liver faultless in dropsical affects ; and he derives the cause of dropsie to be an obstruction of the kidneys with the stone or gravel ; and so the water which should be transferr'd through the kidneys , to the bladder , ( to be evacuated by pissing ) is forced into the cavity of the abdomen . but experience teacheth that dropsies may be caused many ways ; wherefore i shall betake my self to a more evident description thereof . the causes of dropsies are either external , or internal . the external cause is the constipation of the porous skin , impeding transpiration , whereby the discharge of sweaty vapours through the habit of the body is lessned and interrupted ; hence what moisture is usually carried off by sweating , doth rebound inwards , and condense into an ichorous water , and is there ( by degrees ) aggravated and increased , through the hindrance of the necessary transpiration ; till at length a great quantity of water is accumulated , and stagnating in the affected parts , in time may work farther alterations on the subjected bowels . matter of fact hath evinced this to me , having cured several hydropical patients onely by sweating , and external applications . the internal cause of the dropsie , may be over viscous chyle , or phlegm of the guts , coagulated in the lacteal veins , and causing an obstruction in more or fewer of their branches , so that the liquour rising either from the continual conflux of choler , the juice of the pancreas , and the phlegm of spittle ; or else from chyle , or from drink plentifully drunk , being stopt and intercepted in its motion , it doth by degrees more and more distend the vessels , that at length they burst ; and the moisture receiv'd into them , is poured out between the membranes of the mesentery , and presently after into the cavity of the abdomen . this disease is sometimes suddenly produc'd by much drinking in a burning fever , join'd with an urgent and permanent thirst. after the same manner ( though difficult to be known ) may a dropsie of the breast be caused , viz. by an obstruction of the lateral lymphatick vessels , by glutinous phlegm carried together with lympha into the said vessels , and there coagulated , by which the motion of lympha is hindred , so that the lymphatick vessels being much distended , by the great quantity of lympha gathered in them , at length they burst , and the lympha piercing ( through the pleura ) into the cavity of the breast , procureth a dropsie in it . the cause of a tympany is wind , together with a serous humour piercing through the guts into the cavity of the belly , and being there detained , it is more and more rarified , by which the peritonaeum is not onely expanded , but the whole abdomen inflated , and violently distended . the signs of ascites , are swelling and fluctuation of the belly , difficult breathing , a dry cough accompanied sometimes with a symptomatical fever , and great thirst. the signs of anasarca are weakness , faintness , and swelling of the whole body , which being pressed with the finger , it doth p●t , and leave an impression , breathing is also difficult , with a continual fever . in a tympany the belly is distended , and being struck upon , there is a noise like a little drum. 1. every dropsie is difficult of curation , especially if it hath been of long continuance . 2. if the hydropical persons have a good digestion , and void more moisture both by stool and urine , than they either eat or drink , it is a hopefull sign of recovery , & e contra . dropsies may be cured by strong hydragogues , sudorificks , and bathing , and sometimes by a paracenthesis or boring the belly . the best hydragogues are prepared of elder , dwarf-elder , jallop-roots , elaterium , gum-gutty , crystals of silver , &c. of which you may prepare purging infusions , pills , &c. for example . take the roots of flower-de-luce , dwarf-elder , madder , liquorish , the five opening roots , of each one ounce . the tops of saint john's wort , centaury the less , agrimony , the best senna , of each one handfull ; the barks of capers , ash , tamarisk , cinamon , of each six drachms ; flowers of beans , elder , dwarf-elder , broom , of each half a handfull ; seeds of sweet fennel , parsley , gromwell , juniper-berries , of each one ounce and half ; cloves , salt of tartar , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine , for two or three days ; then strain it , and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , six ounces ; mix it , and give four ounces of it in the morning fasting . if any like pills better , i commend the following . take the resins of jallop , and scammony , tartar vitriolated , mercur. dulcis , of each half a drachm ; oil of juniper one scruple ; make it into pills with venice-turpentine , of which you may give twenty grains at a time , in the morning fasting . the following pills are also very effectual . take of elaterium , gambogia , resin of jallop , of each ten grains ; oil of nutmegs six drops ; make it into pills with venice-turpentine for two doses . the obstructions in the lacteal veins , or lymphatick vessels , may be cur'd by medicines that do powerfully cut , and happily open the said obstructions . this aromatick sudorifick may be commended for these intentions . take the waters of treacle , scurvigrass , fennel , of each one ounce ; waters of parsley , fumitory , of each two ounces ; distill'd vinegar half an ounce ; syrups of the juice of carduus , and the five opening roots , of each six drachms ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , salt of amber , beans , worm-wood , of each one scruple ; spirits of salt armoniack , niter , of each twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it every two or three hours . after the vessels are freed from the noted obstruction by the medicines before-mention'd , or such like ; they will be easily consolidated again by conglutinating food , in which you may boyle the roots of comfry , plantain , and solomon's seal , for the more quick and easie cure . in a tympany , the dulcifi'd spirit of niter is excellent , being taken in broth or sack , three or four times in a day , from six to twelve drops at a time , for it doth correct both phlegm and choler , and hinder wind in its rise , and dissipate it when it is bred . also the following exemplary julep doth curb and discuss wind , remaining as well in the stomach as guts . take the waters of mint , fennel , of each four ounces ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , syrup of the juice of mints , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . eight grains ; spirit of niter one drachm ; salt of amber half a drachm ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; mix it , and take three or four spoonfulls every three hours . you may prepare a medicinal wine for the rich , very beneficial in dropsies . take the seeds of anise , fennel , caraway , coriander , berries of bays , and juniper , of each two ounces : salt of tartar half an ounce ; let them be bruised , and infused in three pints of white-wine , for three days , then strain it , and add spirit of niter half an ounce ; salt of amber two drachms ; syrup of mint three ounces ; mix it , and take four or five spoonfulls of it often . sweating is very profitable in all dropsies , either in bed , with the forementioned sudorifick , or in a bag●io , or hot-house , by which the water standing beside nature in any part of the body , will ( by degrees ) be emptied through the pores of the skin . also it may be necessary , especially in persons more elderly , to use warm baths . that which is prescrib'd for the cure of the belly-ach in page 201 , 202. is also very profitable in dropsies ; into the which it may be agreeable to descend at evening , before bed-time , and there to continue so long as the patient can well endure without fainting ; after which frications may have their proper use , and great benefit . and to strengthen the cutaneous fibres , and restore their true tone , for their better service of the offices of nature : let the affected parts be anointed with the following fragrant balsamick ointment . take of flanders oil of bays , nerve-oil , oil of earth-worms , of each two ounces ; oil of mace by expression , half an ounce ; mix it . galen commendeth a cataplasm of snails bruised with their shells , and laid upon the navel . but a pultess prepar'd of the ingredients of the bath , and applied to the affected parts , will be more effectual to discharge the ichorous water . or you may make a cataplasm after this manner . take the tops of elder , dwarf-elder , vervain , worm-wood , chamomel , of each two handfulls ; horse-radish-roots four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of the juice of wild-cucumbers , till they are very tender , then strain it , and beat them very well , and add barley-meal , one pound ; and with the same liquor boil it into the consistence of a pultess . let the patients diet be drying , and let them drink moderately ; you may infuse juniper-berries , tamarisk and elicampane-roots in their ordinary drink . and for the benefit of those physicians and chirurgeons , that live in the west-indies ; there groweth ( almost every where in moist places ) a large cane , much like the sugar-cane ; the planters generally call it the dumb cane , because they that taste it , are presently dumb , and unable to speak for two or three hours ; after which the tongue returns to its former use and volubility without any prejudice . the reason why this remarkeable plant doth so affect the tongue upon the touch of it , is its power of attracting such plenty of moisture into it , as doth distend all the vessels thereof , and render it immoveable , till the crouded moisture be gradually discharged . hence we may conjecture , and indeed experience teacheth , that of this plant may be prepared diversity of medicines as cataplasms , oils , ointments , &c. which will be effectual to attract , and easily and kindly discharge the swollen part of the ichorous water ; which may be used for some time after the evacuation of it , the better to prevent a farther accumulation , or return of the disease . likewise may medicines be prepared , ( by a skilfull artist ) of this plant , very effectual to be taken inwardly , not onely against dropsies , but the scurvy , gout , &c. if these choice medicines are not to be had , and nothing be effected by other means ; a harmless paracenthesis may be instituted in the dropsie of the breast , or abdomen ; provided the apertion be made by such a little hollow instrument as is describ'd in page 81 , 82. of the cure of the pleurisie , for by such a small wound , there is no danger to the sick . but this operation must not be delay'd , lest the humour collected , get an hurtfull acrimony , and by degrees corrode and corrupt the membrane , and hence the substance of all the parts contain'd , and so make the disease incurable . chap. xiv . of the scurvy , and hypochondriack suffocation , commonly called the fits of the mother . the scurvy being a hypochondriack disease , it will not be amiss to treat of them together . the scurvy is called in latin scorbutus ; it is a complication , or concatenation of diseases , generated by the conjunction of divers causes contributing to a scorbutick deformity . the scurvy is generated , or planted essentially in the vital principles , or digestive offices , and therefore it is not discerned by sense , but the effects are distributed throughout the body , and are augmented more or less , according to the strength and debility of parts , to resist or consent and be depraved . the hypochondriack suffocation is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel quod ad hypochondria pertinet , vel sub cartilagine fita sit . it is called by the latins hypochondriaca melancholia . the ancients thought that this was an uterine disease , in quibus mulieres uteri fuffocatione laborant ; and therefore it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin morbus hystericus , vel hysterica passio ; and in english 't is called fits of the mother ; it being most subject to women , from the suppression of their monthly courses . but because men are also molested with longing , and suffer often both the sense and disease of suffocation , especially when they become cachectick , or of ill habit of body : and also they are cured with the same medicines , that women are cured with , when they are vexed with this distemper , therefore i think this suffocation may be more properly called hypochondriacal . it may be called the mother of the scurvy , because the vital principles ( in this disease ) are seduced to declension and deviation from their rectitude , the digestive offices being all depraved . the causes of these diseases are either external , or internal . the external , are sometimes a sedentary studious , and melancholy life , by which the vital principles do receive much prejudice , decay and fall off from their functions , and become languid and feeble ; also the air being infested with noxious vapours , is a procuring cause of these distempers ; for such air being drawn into the body by inspiration , doth commix with the spirits , and debilitate and deprave the faculties , from whence scorbutick and hypochondriack effects do ensue ; and as the body is perspirable or impervious , these diseases are more or less varied , and remitted in their symptoms ; and therefore the constipation of the pores , prohibiting transpiration , is a partial organical cause of preternatural spots in the scurvy , which appear chiefly upon the thighs and legs ; not from the gravity of the material cause , and ponderous propension of gross matter downwards ; but because those parts are more weak in their assimilation , being remote from supply of vital spirits , therefore they have the first tokens of defection . the internal cause is a vitious quality of all the humours , and also of the animal spirits , which are confus'd with the bloud , and communicate their faultiness to it , by which the bloud is also vitiated , so that the nourishment of the body is deprav'd several ways , according to the variety of the quality peccant ; in which the colour of the native skin , and especially of the face languisheth , and is changed pale . in these diseases , not onely the appetite of food , but its fermentation is also deprav'd ; wherefore anxieties about the midriff and hypochondries , and a pressing pain of the heart will soon follow . for when the food is ill fermented , and driven forward through the small gut , it is confus'd with the juice of the pancreas and choler , which are a like vitious , the pancreatick juice being too sharp and acrid , and the bile over thick and salt ; from whence the separation of usefull and unusefull parts , is not onely corrupted , but also by the vitious effervescency of these humours , are rais'd manifold halituous vapours , which do not onely increase the fore describ'd anxiety , but being carried to the heart do breed a palpitation of it , whence it circulates through the lungs , and causeth a difficulty of breathing , and thence being driven every way , it causeth a weariness in all parts of the body ; and if an acrimony of the humours do concur , then it is manifested internally with pain . the cause of the inordinate effervescency of bloud , in the hypochondriack suffocation , is not onely the unequal flowing of lympha , but also of the liquour rising out of the threefold humours , vitiously effervescing in the small gut , from whence vitious vapours are sent to the right ventricle of the heart , and procure a great confusion , and disturbance in it ; hence followeth a notable palpitation of the heart , by which sometimes the effervescency of bloud seemeth to cease in the right ventricle for a time , with its motion and pulse , and also respiration is taken away to outward sense . the symptoms and signs of these diseases are very many , yet are never seen to concur in one and the same body . the usual signs are pain of the head , palpitation of the heart , puffing up of the stomach , loathing , vomiting , belching , hicket , cough , tumour and putrefaction of the gums , with much spitting ; looseness and blackness of the teeth , and sometimes great pain in them ; the breath stinketh , and is sometimes fetched with much difficulty ; also convulsions , palsie , gout , dropsies , and all other obstructions ; sometimes the colick , and trembling and looseness of the lims , with red purple spots dispersed ; also the pleurisie , pain of the hypochondries , and also of many of the external parts , as the neck , arms , hands , thighs , legs , feet and anckles , with laziness , and often faint sweats ; there is also sometimes malign ulcers , dry hard tubercles , erisipelas and edematous tumours with many others , which to enumerate , were to comprehend an universal genus of atomes , within a very narrow limitation . 1. these diseases ( for the most part ) are of long continuance , and are seldom cured , and therefore may be called the disgrace of physicians . 2. if the patient hath a continual pain and giddiness of the head , it doth threaten an epilepsie , or apoplexy . 3. the more aged the sick are , the more grievous are the symptoms , and the more dangerous and difficult to be cured . 4. vomiting , flux of the belly , and hemorrhoids , if they are moderate , are hopefull signs of recovery . in some regions , these diseases are complicated with most other distempers , or at least do easily degenerate into them , by which they are rendred the more difficult of curation . as for the cure of these stubborn and rebellious diseases , the sick must observe a good diet , without which physical means will profit but little ; and here we may also observe , that no aliments , or medicines ( whether altering or purging ) will be very profitable , unless specifick antiscorbuticks be mixed with them . the best antiscorbutick simples , are the roots of horse-radish , butter-bur , liquorish , dandelion , scorzonera , china , zedoary , angelica , elicampane , polypodium , the five opening roots ; the wood and bark of guiacum and sassaphras , the herbs scordium , scurvigrass , brook-lime , water-cresses , sorrel , rue , fennel , golden-rod and penny-royal ; fruits of oranges , limmons , pomcitrons , pomgranates , apples , &c. seeds of mustard , angelica , radish and juniper-berries , cum-multis aliis ; of which may be prepared diversity of good medicines both chymical and galenical . the volatile salts both of animals , and vegetables , are excellent to open all obstructions , and temper the humours ; also elixir proprietatis , the spirit of salt armoniack , horse-radish and scurvigrass , the spirit of niter and of salt dulcified , salt of steel , wormwood , and tartar , oil of juniper , cloves , and cinamon , are all specifick antiscorbuticks . the hypochondriack suffocation having great affinity with the scurvy , the same medicines are proper for both . the following julep is both diaphoretick , and diuretick , and very profitable for the sick in these diseases , to be taken two or three days in a week . take the waters of penny-royal , scurvigrass , treacle , syrup of the juice of fennel , of each two ounces ; tincture of castor , half an ounce ; oils of amber , mace , and cloves , of each six drops ; spirit of salt armoniack , twenty drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every two or three hours . this electuary may also be prefer'd . take of conserves of scurvigrass , three ounces ; confectio alkermes , half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , two drachms ; flowers of salt armoniack , tarter vitriolated , of each half a drachm ; spirit of castor one drachm ; oil of cloves twenty drops ; mix it , and give two drachms morning and evening . after the frequent use of this electuary , you may purge with this powder . take powder of cream of tartar , half a drachm ; salts of wormwood , amber , scurvigrass , resin of scammony , of each ten grains ; mix it for two doses . if the patient like pills better , these may serve . for example . take extract . catholicon , rudii , of each ten grains ; resin of jallop , agarick , salt armoniack , of each six grains ; oils of amber , cloves , of each two drops ; make it into eight pills , for two doses . a medicinal wine may be prepar'd very effectual in these distempers . take of water-cresses , brook-lime , scurvigrass , rue , of each one handfull ; roots of polypodium , jallop , horse-radish , angelica , cream of tartar , of each half an ounce ; white nettle-seed , one ounce ; orange-peel , cinamon , salt of tartar , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused , in three quarts of white-wine , for two or three days , then strain it , and give four spoonfulls in the morning fasting . in the hypochondriack suffocation , you may often hold to the nostrils , a glass with a narrow mouth , containing the spirit of salt armoniack ; for by its sharp smell , the sick for the most part are wont to be rais'd , both from that suffocation , and from the epilepsie . if the gums are putrified , let the mouth be washed with the following tincture , mixed with some plantain water , and syrup of mulberries . take powder of gum lacca , one ounce ; burnt alome half an ounce ; the small spirit of salt armoniack , one quart ; let them digest together 'till it be of a red colour , then filtrate it through brown paper , and keep it for use . if the sick hath a costive body , you may administer a carminative clyster once or twice a week . in pains of the belly and hypochondries , this linament is effectual . take oils of earth-worms , scurvigrass , chamomel , of each one ounce ; oil of mace by expression half an ounce ; mix it , with which anoint the parts affected . this antiscorbutick water will be very profitable , to be taken two or three spoonfulls at a time , morning and evening . take the barks of ash , and capers , the roots of tamarisk , polypodium , horse-radish , of each three ounces ; water-cresses , scurvigrass , brook-lime , sorrel , centaury the less , harts tongue , of each four handfulls ; berries of bays and juniper , goose-dung , of each one ounce ; the seeds of citrons , mustard , carduus benedictus , cloves , cinamon , nutmegs , ginger , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and digested , in one gallon of white-wine , and two quarts of spirit of wine , being close covered for three days ; then distill them with a glass still according to art , and keep it for your use . frictions , ligatures , ventoses , sternutatories , &c. are all profitable to stir up the sick in the hypochondriack suffocation . chap. xv. of the green-sickness , and suppression of the courses . the green-sickness is called in latin icteris , & febris alba ; in english the virgin 's disease , the white fever , and the white jaundice ; because in this disease the native colour of the face is pale . this disease is caused either from defect of bloud , or it proceedeth from plenty of crude , viscous , phlegmatick humours , obstructing the veins about the womb , by which the courses are supprest ; the veins of the matrix being obstructed , that superfluous bloud which nature hath ordained to be evacuated that way , having not passage , doth return to the greater vessels , and is circulated with the whole mass of bloud and humours , by which they are in time vitiated , and a cachexie or ill habit of body is thence caused ; for the bloud and natural humours , being indued with a vitious quality , the nourishment of all the parts of the body will be deprav'd several ways , according to the variety of the quality peccant ; whence likewise not onely the fermentation of food , but also the appetite of it is deprav'd ; wherefore anxieties and palpitation of the heart , &c. troubleth the sick , as well before as after food taken in . this distemper may be also caused by external coldness of the air , &c. and sometimes great fear , and sudden shame may be the cause of the suppression ; also aliments , and medicaments that are too astringent taken inwardly . in these diseases the urine cometh away crude , thick and less colour'd , because the phlegmatick , watry humours abounding , incorporating with the bloud , do diminish the desired effervescency ; so that the separation , much less excretion of the excrementitious parts , to be voided together with urine , doth not follow . if the hypochondries be afflicted , and the veins of the womb obstructed , there will be great loathing of wholsome food , and a desire after those things which ought not to be eaten , as ashes , salt , coals , &c. which is called pica , and in women with child malacia , of which we have hinted in the chapter of hungar vitiated , page 145 , 146. 1. these distempers are sometimes of long continuance , causing much weakness , and oft times barrenness in them that have been so afflicted : and if they do conceive , they bring forth weak and sickly children , and those that are very melancholy , are in danger of falling into madness , or other grievous affects , as palpitation of the heart , swouning , vertigo , epilepsie , apoplexy , &c. 2. if the obstruction be onely of the vessels of the womb , and have not been o● long continuance , it may be easily cur'd . 3. bleeding at the nose , is sometimes beneficial , but if the bloud doth disburthen it self by the eyes , ears , mouth , or bladder , it is preposterous , from whence may arise other bad symptoms . in the cure of these distempers such medicines are to be selected , which will mildly ( and by degrees ) alter , correct and evacuate , tough and glutinous phlegm , seeing that all prolong'd diseases depend on it , either wholly , or at least in part ; for by the frequent use of such medicines , the bloud and peccant humours will be the easier reduc'd to their natural constitution ; especially by the help of good food , easy of digestion : in the mean while , not neglecting the moderate use of the rest of the nonnatural things . an obstruction of the vessels by viscous phlegm , may be cur'd by the frequent use of such medicines as have power to loosen the peccant humours , and again make them fluid . all fixt metallick and mineral sulphurs , and also volatile salts , prepar'd not onely of several parts of animals , but also of scorbutick plants , ( such as are the juice of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , garden and water-cresses , dandelion , &c. ) conduce before all others , to loosen and dissolve phlegm coagulated , or bloud clotter'd , as having an egregious power of dissolving all things coagulated , and conglutinated in humane bodies , and of reducing the same to their wonted fluidity , and moreover to move sweat , which together being mildly promoted , the desired dissolution of the aforesaid viscous humours , &c. will be obtained much easier , and sooner . an example of such a sudorifick i have here set down for the sake of young practitioners . take the waters of treacle , dandelion , parsley , scurvigrass , fennel , syrups of hedge-mustard , white poppies , of each half an ounce ; spirit of salt armoniack , harts-horn , of each ten drops ; laudanum opiatum , four grains ; mix it . the following is also very effectual . take the waters of fennel , hyssop , of each two ounces ; distill'd vinegar six drachms ; the carminative-water of sylvius half an ounce ; syrup of the five opening roots one ounce and half ; powder of crabs-eyes one drachm ; sperma coeti , mummy , antimony diaphoretick , of each one scruple ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it . let the sick often take two spoonfulls of either of these mixtures , especially in bed , to promote the power of the medicine , and to facilitate a sweat ; by the help whereof the mention'd power of the sudorifick will the better come to the place of obstruction , and will attenuate , loosen , and make fluid the matter obstructing ; the whole mass of bloud will also become more fluid and moveable , being rarefi'd by the volatile salt of the medicine . if the patient be plethorick , let the saphaena vein be opened , for by opening and breathing a vein , the motion and circulation of the bloud will be the better restor'd ; for a larger space being made for the universal bloud , it will circulate more swiftly and potently . the phlegmatick viscous humours must be corrected , and evacuated by phlegmagogues . the following medicines are of great efficacy . take of salts of mugwort , ash , amber , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; powder of cream of tartar , white sugar-candy , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give it in white wine in the morning fasting . the next day you may administer the following pills . take of pil . foetidae , ex duobus , of each half a drachm ; amber , prepar'd steel , borax , mercur. dulcis , of each one scruple ; mirrh , castor , saffron , of each twelve grains ; oil of cloves , spirit of salt armoniack , of each six drops ; make it into ten pills for two doses , which may be taken in the morning fasting . if a medicinal wine be acceptable to the sick , the following or one like it may be used . take the roots of horse-radish , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; savin , vervain , penny-royal , hyssop , calamint , mugwort , of each one handfull ; senna , cinamon , sweet fennel-seeds , juniper-berries , orange-peel , liquorish , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in one gallon of white-wine for three days , then strain it , and keep it for use . you may add more wine to the ingredients so long as there is any aromatick taste . four or five spoonfulls of this wine may be taken two or three times a day , with which you may mix salt of tartar vitriolated ten grains ; elixir proprietatis six drops . if you expect a laudable success , you must persevere awhile in the use of these , or such like medicines . chap. xvi . of the immoderate menstrual flux , and the whites in women . the monthly terms being immoderate , may be called in latin mensium fluxus immodicus . and the whites in women albae mulierum fluxiones . the causes of too many courses are either external , or internal . the external causes may be by an ulcer in the matrix , or some outward violence , and sometimes by too much coition . the internal causes are either a sharp serous humour abounding in the bloud , increasing its fluidity , or else an over great heat in the womb , stirring up a more potent , and therefore a swifter rarefaction of bloud , provoking an expulsion of it , either by breaking , ( or some other preternatural opening ) of the vessels of the womb. the white flux of the womb , is an excrementitious humour flowing from it . this distemper is subject not onely to women , but sometimes to maids also . these humours may be bred in the womb , either by a cold or hot distemper therein . the cold doth render it unable to digest its nourishment . a hot distemper corrupteth it , hence cometh this excrementitious humour . also abortion , contusion , inflammation , imposthume or ulcer in the womb , may weaken and dispose it to breed such humours . the signs that distinguish between this distemper , and an ulcer in the womb , and gonorrhoea , are these . 1. if there be an ulcer there , the womb will not admit of coition , without pain , and the matter which floweth from her is stringy , and more digested , and sometimes bloudy . 2. in the gonorrhoea , the seminal matter cometh in a small quantity , and seldom , except it be gotten by acting with an unclean person , then the urine is sharp , with many other malignant symptoms . all long hemorrhagies of bloud are dangerous , especially those of the womb ; if it be caused by exulceration , and be in elderly women , 't is incurable . the white flux is not very dangerous , but is often difficult of curation , especially in old women , because they abound with phlegm ; and 't is hard to divert the humours from this chanel , it being the sink of the body , through which the superfluous humours of a healthy woman are every month evacuated . if this distemper continue long , it may breed great evils , as barrenness , falling out of the womb , &c. these diseases may be both cured by the same medicines . if the courses have continued too long , the following mixture will soon stop the flux of bloud , and will cure most ruptions of vessels . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of mirtles , quinces , of each one ounce and half ; distill'd vinegar one ounce ; red coral prepar'd one drachm ; dragons bloud one scruple ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every four hours . when the flux of bloud is stopt , you may purge with the following . take of manna one ounce ; powder of rhubarb tosted , cream of tartar , of each half a drachm ; resin of jallop four grains ; mix it , and take it in broth . if the patient like pills , i commend the following . take resins of jallop and scammony , extract of rhubarb , agarick , salt of amber , powder of dragons-bloud , of each ten grains ; oil of mints six drops ; with syrup of rhubarb , let it be made into twelve pills for three doses . after purging , these astringents will be profitable . take of cinamon , the roots of bistort , tormentile , rhubarb , seeds of plantain , dill , flowers of red roses , balaustins , red coral , sealed earth , whitest amber , harts-horn , gum-dragon and arabick , of each two drachms ; saccharum saturni , dragons-bloud , salt prunella , of each two scruples ; laudanum opiat . camphire , of each ten grains ; let them be all finely powder'd and searced , and with honey of red roses , syrups of quinces and comfry , of each equal parts ; let it be made into an electuary according to art. let the sick take the quantity of a nutmeg of this electuary , every morning and evening , either upon the point of a knife , or dissolve it in two or three ounces of red wine , to which you may add a few drops of tincture of red coral , and drink it . this julep is also of great virtue . take the waters of comfry , plantain , oak-buds , knot-grass , red wine , of each four ounces ; in which infuse red rose-buds , balaustins , flowers of comfry , bugloss , of each one handfull , for the space of twenty four hours , then boil it gently for half an hour ; strain it , and add tincture of red coral , syrups of dried roses , comfry and mirtles , of each two ounces ; oil of vitriol twenty drops ; mix it , and take six spoonfulls every three hours . let the region of the womb be anointed with this linament . take vnguent . comitissoe , oil of mirtles , of each one ounce ; saccharum saturni one drachm ; camphire ten grains ; mix it . after the part is anointed , let this plaster be applied . take the plaster against ruptures , diapalma , of each one ounce ; the carminative plaster of sylvius half an ounce ; mix it , and spread it on leather , and apply to the region of the womb. in the whites , let this be used for a fume . take of olibanum , amber , cloves , of each half a drachm ; red rose-buds , balaustins , of each two drachms ; beat them all together into a gross powder ; put a little of it at a time upon a pan of coles , and let the woman sit over it . chap. xvii . of the falling down of the womb and fundament . if the womb falleth down , it may be called in latin procidentia matricis . so likewise if the fundament cometh down , it is called procidentia ani. the causes of these distempers are either external or internal . the external causes may be any violent exercise , with much striving , also falls or blows , on those parts ; also bathing in cold water , &c. the internal causes are serous and phlegmatick humours , a dysentery with a tenasmus , the whites continuing long , a violent drawing the child , or after-birth out of the womb ; also much sneezing or coughing , especially in child-bed ; to conclude , all things that may cause a rupture or relaxation of the ligaments of the womb , or sphincter muscle of the anus , may be the cause of these griefs . in a procidentia ani , there is always a mucous and purulent dejection , from a phlegmatick , viscous , and sometimes also a sharp acid humour adjoining about the seige , which often causeth a troublesome ulcer by fretting . in young people these distempers may be easily cur'd , if they have not continued long , and do not come very far out , and be not ulcerated . but if there be a rupture of the ligaments of the womb , it is incurable ; likewise great pain and inflammation are very difficult ; and if either the matrix or anus be gangrenated it is mortal , without speedy amputation . you must begin the cure with removing the symptoms and discharging the guts of their excrements , either with clysters or lenitives . then anoint the part with some astringent oils , and endeavour to reduce it gently by degrees . the manner of the reduction every ingenious artist knows , and therefore needs not any directions . when the womb is reduc'd it may be kept with a pessary fram'd of cork as thick as necessary , and cover'd with wax mixed with a little castor , and assafoetida , which may there continue . if there be pain and inflammation , let the part be bathed with this . take the flowers of chamomel , elder , of each one handfull ; marsh-mallow-roots one ounce ; seeds of flax and foenugreek , of each half an ounce ; boil it in two quarts of milk till half be consumed , then strain it , and add malaga wine one pint ; mix it . let stuphs be moistned in this and wrung out and applied hot ; after which apply a plaster of ad herniam to the lower part of the belly . before you reduce the anus , anoint it with oil of mirtles and bestrew it with powder of album graecum , or the following . take of red roses , pomgranat-rinds , cypress-nuts , mastick , crocus martis , burnt lead , of each half an ounce ; beat them all into a fine powder . a bag quilted with the following astringents , and applied hot to either griev'd part three times a day , will conduce much to keep it up . take of plantain , sanicle , buds of oak and medlar , red rose-buds , balaustins , of each one handfull ; roots of comfry , tormentil , bistort , cypress-nuts , seeds of anise , sweet fennel , of each one ounce ; beat them all into a gross powder . inwardly may be given astringents and strengthners , but not in time of the courses ; those prescrib'd against the immoderate flowing of the terms are good . chap. xviii . of barrenness . barrenness is called in latin sterilitas . it may be called in english unfruitfullness , it being an impotency of conception . we reade in the scripture that the women of old did think it a reproach to be childless ; and therefore when elizabeth had conceived who before was barren , she said the lord hath taken away my reproach among men ; as you may reade at large in the first chapter of luke's gospel . very few women in a marriage state but desire children , yea some would give all they have in the world for a child , and are very impatient if they do not conceive . rachel said to jacob in gen. 30 ver . 1. give me children , or else i dye . i will now briefly shew you , what may be the cause of sterility . 1. first , want of love between a man and his wife , way hinder conception . 2. any malignant distemper in the womb , may corrupt the seed , and be the cause of barrenness . some are of opinion that witch-craft may be the cause . but to conclude , the whites or any moist distemper of the matrix , may be the cause of barrenness . sometimes the cause is in the man , for if he doth want sperm , or is unable to erect his genital by reason of any weakness or distemper in his secrets ; or if he be effeminate and taketh little or no delight in the act of venery , he is not fit for venus school . there are some rules left by the ancients to try whether a woman be naturally barren or no. hippocrates adviseth to put a clove of garlick or a little galbanum into her womb , and if her breath do smell of it , be sure she is fruitfull . if barrenness be caused by any disease afflicting either the man or the woman , then there may be hopes of conception when health is procured ; but if it be evil shape of of the members in the woman , or the man not fit for venus-school , patientia est optima virtus . in the cure , you must endeavour to remove whatsoever hindreth conception . many things are antipathetical to secundity , as jet , glow-worms , saphires , smaragds , the matrix of a goat or mule , likewise vinegar , mints , watercresses , beans , &c. all which i advise you to avoid , and make use of those things which have a peculiar virtue to help or cause conception , and remove barrenness . the after-birth of a woman dried and powdred , and taken often a drachm at a time ; also the stones and liver of a bore-pig , the juice of sage , the roots of satirion and eringo candied , are all good . there are many medicines prescrib'd in authours to help conception . quercetanus doth commend this infusion . take the matrix of a hare and the stones of a ram prepar'd with whitewine , of cinamon , ginger , mace , cloves , seeds of bishops-weed , of each half an ounce ; saffron two drachms ; kernels of fistick-nuts one ounce ; let them be all bruised and infused in a quart of muskadel-wine for two or three days ; then strain it , and add more wine to the ingredients for a second infusion . the following electuary is also excellent . take the roots of satirion and eringo candied , of each one ounce ; candied ginger and preserv'd nutmegs , of each two drachms ; kernels of hazle-nuts and fistick-nuts , of each half an ounce ; powder of a bull's-pizle , of ivory , seeds of rocket , bishops-weed , of each one drachm ; species diambrae , diamosc . dulcis , of each six drachms ; confectio alkermes one ounce and half ; with syrup of the juice of citrons ; make it into an electuary according to art. let the woman take the quantity of a nutmeg of it every night going to bed , and drink a glass of sack or muskadel , or of the aforementioned infusion after it . if a cold and moist distemper of the body and womb , accompanied with the whites be the cause , look for the cure in its proper chapter . if it be caused by witchcraft , there are some things commended by authours to be worn about the party against fascination , viz. the pizle of a wolf , a diamond , a jacinth-stone , rue , squills , sea-holly , sagapenum , amara dulcis , hypericon , &c. but above all , let fervent and devout prayers be put up to the throne of grace for help ; and reject and despise incantations or charms , and all other diabolical means . chap. xix . of abortion or miscarriage . abortion is called in latin abortus , vel intempestivus foetus . because it is an untimely birth ; the child being brought forth , either dead or alive before its fit time of deliverance . this is the worst symptom , that attends breeding women . it may happen from the first moment of conception , to the end of the sixth month ; but it is most usual in the end of the third , or the beginning of the fourth month. the causes are either external , or internal . the external causes are a great excess in things nonnatural , as too great anger , fear , and other passions , or else it may be through defect ; for if the mother undergo penury or famine , or lose much bloud , the child wanteth nourishment . many times things longed for , and not obtained , kill the child . also strong purging medicines , that provoke the terms , and all fetid smells , falls , blows , lifting , carrying , dancing , running , riding or any other outward violence , may be the cause of abortion . the internal causes may be the depravedness of the humours , by which the mass of bloud becometh vitious ; also acute or chronick diseases , especially of the womb ; and also violent coughing , sneezing , vomiting , convulsions and fluxes of the belly , may loosen the ligaments of the womb , and so cause miscarriage . the signs of abortion at hand , are great pain about the loins , and share-bones , sometimes with shivering ; the breasts growing little and flaggy , the situation of the child changed towards the bottom of the belly , with a bearing down , and evacuation of bloud , &c. 1. women who have moist and slippery wombs are most subject to miscarry , but with little danger , except it be the first child , and that very big . 2. much bleeding , with fainting , raving , or convulsions is for the most part mortal . to prevent abortion ; if there be an evil disposition of the body , or womb , you must endeavour to remove it ; if the woman hath a plethorick body , let a vein be opened in the arme , especially in the first six months . if ill humours abound , purge often with gentle means . this purging infusion may serve . take of cinamon , rhubarb , anise-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised , and infused in four ounces of plantain-water very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , the best manna , of each half an ounce ; mix it , and give it in the morning fasting . also the pills prescrib'd in page 240. may be used in this case . if the woman be troubled with a rheumatick distemper , accompanied with wind ; and if she be pretty strong , you may sweat her gently sometimes with this or such like cordial diaphoretick . take the waters of treacle , carduus , fennel , of each one ounce ; cinamon-water two drachms ; syrups of the juice of carduus , coral , of each half an ounce ; confectio de hyacintho half a drachm ; spirit of niter six drops ; oil of cinamon two drops ; laudanum opiatum three grains ; mix it , and give to provoke sweat . let the womb be strengthned with cordial astringents : those prescrib'd in page 239.240 . are excellent . chap. xx. of hard travel in child-birth . hard labour may be called in latin partus , vel enixus laboriosus ; quod ipse nitendi & pariendi actus . the time of a natural birth ought to be accomplished in the space of twenty four hours ; if the womans travel continue longer time with vehement pains and dangerous symptoms , it may be called hard labour , or difficult travel in child-birth . there are various causes of hard labour , sometimes tender women by reason of pain , are very fearfull , and do endeavour to hinder pains , and consequently the birth also . sometimes the child being weak or dead , and not following the water in due-time , before the passage be too dry may be the cause ; especially if the mother be weak , by reason of any disease afflicting her , or by too much evacuation of bloud , or there be not sufficient motion of the womb , and muscles of the belly . sometimes the child's head may be too big , or the passage too strait . also the child may be turned in the womb , and the hands , shoulders , back , belly , or buttocks , &c. may come forward to the birth , and then the endeavour to bring forth will be painfull and difficult . the signs of hard labour are easily known ; if the child do stir , and there be strong pains , and no water appear , the secundine is strong . if pains be weak , and long before they return , and more in the back than belly , the infant is weak . if the woman be little , and her husband big and full shouldred , then there is a great child , which will cause tough work . 1. hard travel in child-birth is very dangerous , for sometimes the mother , sometimes the child , and many times both do lose their lives . 2. if the woman be in travel above four days , the child can hardly be alive ; and therefore must be drawn away before it be too late ; for if it be neglected , it will cause fevers , faintings , convulsions , sleepiness , &c. which are the forerunners of death . 3. if sneezing cometh of its own accord , it is a good sign of deliverance . first give this cordial to strengthen both the mother and child . take waters of baum , vervain , cinamon , of each two ounces ; syrup of clove-gilliflowers , saffron , of each six drachms ; spirit of saffron , confectio alkermes , of each one drachm ; mix it . if the child be situated on os pubis , it must be removed , and all other unfit postures must be rectified . then such things as hasten the birth may be safely administred . to encrease the pains , and further the womans labour , i commend sneezing , and also the following medicines . take the livers of eels prepar'd with cinamon-water , and dried , one drachm ; powder of borax , whitest amber , mirrh , saffron , dittany of crete , round birth-wort , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give a scruple of it at a time , in three spoonfulls of this julep . take the waters of vervain , mugwort , of each two ounces ; syrup of saffron one ounce ; confectio alkermes one drachm ; extract of saffron six grains ; oils of cinamon ; amber , of each three drops ; mix it . some things have a peculiar property to help the birth ; as the stone aetites , loadstone , storax , the eyes of a hare , &c. held near the privities . the time being come , the woman must be put into a posture , ( which every midwife doth understand ) and let her not labour too much , till strong pains come ; and then let her resolve on patience , and not be disorderly in the time of her travel . if she be faint , you may give her some of the formention'd cordial julep to comfort her . let your hands be anointed with some anodine ointment . after the water is broke , if the head cometh with the face towards anus receive it ; if not endeavour to place it right : then turn your finger round about the child's head gently , to make way for the birth . if the child cometh any other way , you must endeavour to gain the feet , and bring it away with the face towards anus , as before mention'd . the child being born , you must bring away the secundine gently by degrees , after which put a closure to the woman to prevent cold from entring the womb. then prepare her for the bed , and give her some sperma caeti , or irish-slate in a little burnt white-wine with cinamon . if the woman doth flood much , or be troubled with after-pains , give her some of the following cordial opiate . take of small cinamon-water , the waters of red poppies , baum , of each two ounces ; syrups of clove-gilliflowers , white poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; oil of cinamon two drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls of it often . if the child be born alive , after the navel string is secured , give the child ten grains of prepar'd coral in a little breast milk , or black cherry-water dulcifi'd with syrup of peony , to which you may add a little oil of sweet almonds new drawn . if the child be troubled with gripes , you may give it a little powder of anise-seed in the pap. but if the child be dead , and the labour gone ; or if the child's head be very big , and the passage too strait ; so that the midwife cannot doe her office ; you must then speedily implore the help of the man-midwife , as we are called . if a woman in child-bed hath a costive body , give her a suppository of castile-soap , or honey boiled ; and after three or four days , you may administer , an emollient , carminative clyster . if a woman ( after hard travel ) cannot hold her urine , bathe her secret parts and region of the womb with this or the like decoction . take of plantain , comfry , shepherds-purse , tops of brambles , penny-royal , rosemary , sage , stoechas , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a gallon of smiths-water , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and bathe the parts affected very warm with woollen stuphs . afterward anoint the grieved parts with this linament . take the ointment comitissae , oil of mace by expression , of each one ounce ; oils of earth-worms , foxes , lillies , goose-grease , of each half an ounce ; mix it . chap. xxi . of nephritick pains , and of the stone in the reins and bladder . diseases of the reins are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ren. in latin they are called morbus renum , which comprehends not onely any ach in the kidneys , but also the stone and gravel in the reins . nephritick pains may be caused divers ways . 1. first by a sharp salt matter , or a sharp and serous lympha in the kidneys , which doth easily concrete into a stone , especially when the ferment of the reins is much vitiated ; which may be known by those cruel torturing fits , that come by intervals . 2. worms in the kidneys , which for the most part arise from bloud there corrupted , may be the cause of pain . 3. an abcess or tumour in the kidneys , following an inflammation , doth hinder the passage of urine , and is always accompanied with great pain . 4. it may also be caused by glutinous phlegm , obstructing the fleshy parts of the kidneys , and hindring the separation of urine ; so that it is not strein'd into the funnels of the reins as usual , but is deprav'd and vitiated : whence the natural descent of the urine , through the ureters into the urinal bladder is also hindred . the same also may happen sometimes by a stone sticking in the funnel , and stopping the entrance of the ureters . although i think that stones sticking in the ureters themselves , cannot long hinder the passage of urine ; because it hath been found by experience , ( in dissecting of dead bodies ) that stones near the bigness of a doves-egg ; have been sticking in the ureters ; by the sides of which stones , urine descended freely , which was evident , because the ureter was no were distended , unless where the stone did stick : neither was there any urine contain'd in the ureter , above the obstruction ; besides when the party was living , there was no stoppage of urine . those fits which come by intervals , are caused by a debility or vitiousness of the ferment of the kidneys , which generates crude , salt and sharp matter , which causeth those cruel tortures ; and should all the gravel and stone come away , the pain would not be the less , untill the kidneys themselves be reduc'd to their right temper : for many in perfect health have voided much gravel at a time without the least pain , and therefore it is evident that gravel is onely the product , and not the producer or primitive cause of this pain . the symptoms of nephritick pains are so much like that caused by the stone , that they cannot be easily distinguished ; for the signs of both are great pain of the loins , loathing or vomiting , there being a great consent between the reins and stomach . the patient often pisseth bloudy water , and when the reins are ulcerated , the matter is often evacuated with the urine . wherein the force of concreting or growing together of stones ( in divers parts of the body ) consists , is not enough known ; i will freely declare what i conjecture in this obscure matter , whereby i may ( according to my power ) the more help others ( that are ingenious ) to search out this hidden truth . all the stones that are generated in the body , may be dissolved in the sour spirit of salt peter or niter ; whence i conclude that the coagulation of stones cannot be expected from an acid spirit as such , therefore from another somewhat contrary to it in part at least . if any consider the several things , that promote the growing together of natural things , they will find that such force is in tart things ; whence the glutinousness , and toughness of fluid things is wont to be produc'd ; to which if earthy , and volatile salt parts be join'd , something will be produc'd not much unlike stones . i incline therefore to this opinion , that an earthy and salt matter , join'd to that which is glutinous , groweth together into stones by help of a tart humour . also gravel of all kinds ( that is usually seen in the bottom of urine ) testifieth that the conglobated glandules are all affected , by a frequent external cold , or else by sour things taken in , and when the gravel is great it is then near to the nature of stones , yea sometimes groweth together into stones , especially in cold phlegmatick bodies , where ( for the most part ) it giveth stones their first rising , and daily cherisheth their production , and increaseth them ; and the more especially where a glutinous , stone-making faculty doth concur in the body . many histories mention , that stones are produced from a stone-making spirit , or breath out of the earth , which hath turned the bodies of men , beasts and other things into stone . riverius , ( in his last edition ) quoteth aventius annal. bavar . lib. 7. anno 1343. who saith , that above fifty men , with many cattle were turned into stone . ortelius telleth the like story , that whole herds in russia have been turned into stone . and camerarius reporteth , that in the province of chilo in armenia , at the blast of a south-wind ( which happeneth four times in a year ) whole troops of horse have been turned into statues of stone , standing in the same warlike posture , in which they were marching . children are most inclinable to this monster in nature , because they have much moisture , and weak digestions , which generate crudities . stones are generated in many parts of the body , as the gall , reins , bladder , &c. i once opened a woman that had sixty four stones in her gall. i also dissected another whose ureters were stony , and out of her gall i took out a large stone , and a small one ( about the bigness of a hazle-nut ) out of the neck of the gall. 1. these distempers are very dangerous , and bring many sad symptoms to the afflicted patient ; as great pain , inflammations , exulcerations , long watchings , weakness , fevers , suppression of urine , and death it self . 2. pain from acrid lympha , &c. may be cured in those that are young , if the strength be not too much dejected , nor the disease hereditary . that we may now address our selves to the cure of these grievous diseases ; i would advise those who are not very skilfull in the art of physick , to forbear giving of any thing in these distempers , without the advice of an experienc'd physician ; for i believe many stones have been bred in those bodies ( who before were free from it , and were onely troubled with nephritick pains ) by the frequent taking of ill medicines ; for many remedies have been invented to dissolve the stone ; but experience teacheth that they are most of them inimical to the reins and bladder , and debilitate their ferment . the solvent of the stone ought to be homogenious , and so singular , that it submit not to any digestions , or fermental powers , through which it passeth in its way to the parts affected ; for the virtue of all common remedies taken at the mouth , are alter'd and transmuted in passing three digestions : for acid things , ( from which much hath been hoped ) as soon as they are past the stomach , lose their acidity , and are converted into a saline nature , so that the dissolving power of the acid is wholly transmuted before it gets either to the reins or bladder . likewise those medicines which are injected into the bladder with a syringe , ought to be agreeable to its ferment , that it may not be painfull thereto ; for if but a small quantity of any sharp medicine be injected , it stirreth up an intolerable strangury , it being wholly foreign to the ferment of the part . and seeing the stone , and all other distempers of the reins and bladder , are wont to be bred , and increased in length of time ; the remedies which you administer must be long us'd , before you may have experience of their effects . i will here set down some choice medicines , not onely to hinder the increase , but to dissolve small stones in humane bodies , if they be long enough us'd . amongst which we may deservedly attribute the first place to spirit of niter ( seeing stones of any kind are so easily and manifestly broken and dissolved by it ) which may commodiously be mixt in any ordinary drink , or wine and broths , &c. to a light acidity ; whose excellent effects all may admire . if the patient have a costive body , you may give the following lenitive three or four times in a week . take of cassia newly drawn one ounce ; venice turpentine half an ounce ; crystal prepar'd , salt of tartar vitriolated , of each one drachm ; oil of juniper , spirit of salt armoniack , of each four drops ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it for two doses . the following is also very effectual . take of cio-turpentine half an ounce ; powder of rhubarb one drachm ; the yelk of one egg , mix it for two doses ; give it in the morning fasting , and drink four ounces of this julep after it . take the decoction for syrup of marsh-mallows one quart ; the waters of horse-radish , pellitory of the wall , speedwell , winter-cherries , syrups of marsh-mallows and the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; crystal prepar'd , salt prunella , of each half an ounce ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; laudanum ten grains ; mix it and give four or five spoonfulls of it often . this powder is also excellent . take salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; powder of crabs-eyes , salts of pigeons-dung , broom , beanstalks , wormwood , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give twenty grains of it every morning and evening in the foremention'd julep . if the patient be plethorick , phlebotomy may be used with good success . if a stone chance to stick in the ureter , which causeth numbness , by its pressing upon the muscle psoas , and the nerves , in this case , apply a ventose on os ilium , which may bring the stone by degrees into the bladder ; afterward anoint the parts grieved with rabbets fat . if the stone in the bladder be very big , there is little hopes of dissolving of it , wherefore if the patient ( being in continual pain ) be willing to submit to lithotomy ; i advise them to make choice of an experienc'd artist ; lest by precipitancy the operatour neglect to cleanse the bladder , after the extraction of the stone ; by the neglect of which , many have generated the stone again , and have been forced to endure that dreadfull operation the second , and sometimes the third time , under which many have died , and others who recovered , have never held their urine . in other nephritick pains , if the fleshy parts of the kidneys be obstructed , they may be opened by diureticks , that cut , attenuate , and make glutinous phlegm fluid . for example , take of eringo-roots , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; the tops of agrimony , the greater celandine , of each two handfulls ; the berries of juniper and winter-cherries , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half be consumed ; then strain it , and add syrups of marsh-mallows , and the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it every morning and evening . they who like juleps better , may use this or the like . take the waters of fennel , parsley , pellitory of the wall , of each two ounces ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , syrups of marsh-mallows , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; oil of juniper , spirit of salt armoniack , of each ten drops ; spirit of niter twenty drops , laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every three or four hours . the patient may also drink freely of the mineral diuretick-waters of tunbridge , &c. which will conduce much to the cure ; especially if some old diuretick-wine , and a little oily volatile salt ( made of diuretick , vegetables ) be mixed with the water . when the glutinous phlegm is prepar'd , and loosned , it may be educ'd with some convenient phlegmagogue , either in the form of pills or potion , of which there are variety mention'd in page 3. and four , &c. the fixt sulphurs of minerals and metalls , exalted to their highest perfection , do ( before all others ) mildly temper all the humours ; next to which oily volatile salts come , and aromaticks next to these : by the force of which ( prudently us'd ) not onely an effervescency of somewhat contrary humours ( most agreeable to man's nature ) is bred in the small gut , and afterward in the heart ; but the preternatural growing together , and uniting of the more sharp humours ( being first moderated by them ) is again dissolv'd in the bloud . i speak these things by experience , and because it is of great moment in practice , i commend them to the truly studious of physick . if the urine be bloudy , it testifieth the opening of some vessel of bloud in the kidneys , ureters , bladder , or its neck . to heal and consolidate this harm the following is excellent . take the waters of parsley , plantain , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of mirtles , comfry , marsh-mallows , of each half an ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; spirit of niter ten drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every two hours . if there be an ulcer in any of these parts , it may perhaps be more happily cur'd by the daily taking of balsam of sulphur ( made with the oil of amber , juniper , anise-seed , or turpentine ) in any convenient vehicle , than by any other medicine hitherto known . in all suppression of urine , the following is very effectual . take the waters of chamomel , golden-rod , winter-cherries , of each four ounces ; syrups of marsh-mallows , the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; powder of egg-shells calcin'd one ounce ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . chap. xxii . of extraordinary pissing , &c. this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. pertransire , quod urina ureteres , & urethram subito pertransit . it being a quick or plentifull pissing or making of water . the cause is either external , or internal . the external , or primary efficient cause , is an immoderate drinking of stale beer , sider , or acid wines , either french or rhenish ; by which an incurable diabetes hath been ofttimes suddenly contracted . the internal cause of this disease , is sharp , serous humours abounding in the bloud , by which not onely the whole mass of it doth in time become too thin , but the nervous juice is also thereby ill affected , and consequently the reins inflam'd , by the continual flowing of the over acid serous humours : whence the attractive faculty of the kidneys is increas'd , drawing the serosity of the bloud more potently from the emulgent vessels into the funnels , and provoking the expulsive faculty , it is soon sent ( through the ureters ) to the bladder , from whence it is often evacuated by pissing . the signs are a continual pissing , so that much more moisture is voided , than is taken into the body , by eating and drinking . it is always accompanied with an extraordinary thirst ; the sick is also feverish , something like a hectick . if it continue long , it will decay all the radical moisture of the body , which will render it incurable , but if it be taken in the beginning , and the patient be young , it may be easily cured . all things which have power to incrassate the thinness of the bloud , and temper the over acidity of the humours , may be administred in this distemper . in the beginning of the cure , after a stool hath been procured by an emollient clyster , you may open a vein in the arm. the next day a gentle purge of rhubarb may be administred ; but if the stomach be foul , and the sick can vomit easily , you may give an antimonial emetick with good success , because it will potently draw the sharp peccant humours from the emulgent vessels and reins , and evacuate some of them both by vomit and stool . after the operation of the emetick , let the sick take two spoonfulls of this cordial opiate often , which will ease pain , and thicken the humours . take the waters of barley , red poppies , of each four ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of coral , and comfry , penidies , of each one ounce ; gums arabick and dragon , of each half an ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; let the gums be dissolved in the distill'd waters , and strained , then mix all together according to art. you may prescribe this , or such a like decoction , for the patient 's ordinary drink . take the roots of china , sarseparilla , comfry , plantain , red sanders , of each two ounces ; liquorish , red roses , hemp-seed , of each one ounce ; raisins of the sun stoned four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a gallon of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and keep it for use . let the diet be cooling , and thickning broths and jellies made of knuckles of veal , with the roots of china and comfry boiled in it , is excellent . you may also make panado's of the aforesaid broth , with a few crums of white-bread , and the yelk of an egg. also milk ( wherein the aforesaid roots are boiled ) will be very effectual . chap. xxiii . of involuntary pissing , commonly called pissing in bed. when the urine floweth involuntarily ( which in children is vulgarly called pissing in bed ) it may be called in latin urinae incontinentia , pro impotentia sive imbecilitate retinendi . the causes are either external , or internal . the external cause is a large wound in the sphincter muscle of the bladder , which sometimes happens in lithotomy ; for by extracting a great stone , the sphincter muscle may be so much lacerated , that it ceaseth to be contracted , and the orifice of the bladder to be shut , wherefore the urine distilleth of its own accord . it may be caused internally by the palsie , apoplexy , epilepsie , syncope , &c. sometimes ebriety may be the cause of the resolution of the nerves , which from the loins are inserted into the neck of the bladder , and so render the sphincter muscle incapable of contraction ; hence the urine is involuntarily voided . in children , this distemper is curable , if taken in time ; but if it happen to old folks , or if it be caused by a wound in the sphincter muscle of the bladder , it is incurable . that which is caused by the palsie , epilepsie , syncope , &c. look for the cure in their proper chapters . if it be caused by ebriety , sobriety may be commended to cure it , especially by the help of inward means to strengthen the parts affected . many things have been given to children , that have been troubled with this distemper ; the most effectual are these . fried mice , the inner skins of hens-gizzards , cocks-weasands , pudenda suilla , stones of a hare , snails with the shells , all or any of these dried and poudred ; also the powder of agrimony , egg-shells , the burnt ashes of an hedge-hog , &c. any of these may be given in red wine , or in lime-water chalibeated , which may be dulcifi'd with syrup of comfry . if phlegm do abound in the body , you may purge it with phlegmagogues . also sweating with gentle diaphoreticks , is very effectual . those already mention'd are proper , onely consider the age and strength of the patient . chap. xxiv . of the stoppage of vrine , and the strangury . the stoppage of urine is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comprimo , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vrina . 't is called in latin vrinae suppressio . the strangury is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. urinae difficultas , vel urinae per guttas excretionem . ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stilla , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 urina . these differ onely in degree , for when the urine is totally obstructed , it may be called ischuria , but when little is voided , and by drops , it may be called stranguria . these distempers may be caused by viscous phlegm , or coagulated bloud in the ureters , or vrethra , especially if a stone , or some gravel do also stick in the passage , by which the obstruction will be more strengthned . sometimes it is caused by a schirrous tumour , or other excrescency of flesh , as a carbuncle , &c. growing in the vrethra , or chanel of urine . sometimes it is caused by a preposterous holding in of the urine , either , for shame or want of opportunity to evacuate it ; so that the bladder being extremely fill'd and distended , it hath not power to contract it self , hence the voiding of urine is supprest . it may also be caused by sharp humours , fretting and ulcerating the internal superficies of the bladder , by which it is continually stirred up to contract it self , and expell the urine which is in it ; so that the bladder is empty , having little or no urine in it , as i have known by experience . this may be called a bastard ischuria , which may be also caused by some hurt in the attractive or expulsive faculty of the reins . if the aforesaid causes be violent , it causeth an ischuria , but if remiss , then a strangury is stirred up , in which there is a perpetual irritation to extrude the urine , although slowly , and by drops , with exceeding pain and trouble . suppression of urine is dangerous , and if it continue long , it is mortal ; especially if the patient's breath stinck of piss , or hath a hiccough , or tenasmus . if the cause be in the neck of the bladder or vrethra stopt , you may clear it , and draw away the urine with a catheter , as i have often done both from men and women with good success . if the cause be from the reins or ureters , seek the cure in the chapter of nephritick pains , &c. glutinous phlegm , and coagulated bloud , may be cut and attenuated with aromaticks boild in water or wine , and mixed with oily volatile salts , spirit of niter , &c. stone-horse dung is rich in volatile salt , wherefore if you mix the juice of it with rhenish-wine , and drink it often , you will admire its wonderfull effects , in curing not onely stoppage of urine , but most other obstructions . those diureticks prescrib'd in page 266 , 267. are also very effectual here . let the belly and parts affected be anointed with dears-suet , which will conduce much to give ease . when the vrethra is obstructed by a caruncle , &c. you must gently thrust in a hollow instrument made of lead or silver , being first anointed with some consolidating ointment . you may leave the instrument in , till the fear of a new closing of the passage be remov'd . chap. xxv . of the scalding or sharpness of vrine . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aegre , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vrina . the causes are either external , or internal . the external cause may be by the application of cantharides , or some other stronger poison . the internal causes are sharp , salt and acid humours mixed with the urine , which do corrode , and ulcerate the internal superficies of the bladder , and sphincter muscle . sometimes it is caused by sharp stones , occasioning an ulcer . if the bladder , or sphincter muscle , or the vrethra be ulcerated , it is hard to be cured ; especially if the patient be old , and the distemper hath continu'd long , & e contra . if the bladder or urinal passage be ulcerated , it may be effectually cured by the balsam of sulphur , made with the oil of anise-seed , amber , or juniper , taken to two or three drops , twice or thrice daily in any convenient vehicle , especially a vulnerary decoction , which is most effectual . the salt , acid , corroding humours may be corrected with crabs-eyes , perle , &c. and also all volatile oily salts , taken often ( in a small quantity ) in any refrigerating diuretick . this decoction is effectual . take the roots of mallows , marsh-mallows , of each two ounces ; lettice , endive , purslain , violets , of each one handfull ; jujubes , sebestins , of each one ounce ; winter-cherries half an ounce ; the four greater cold-seeds , of each two drachms ; red roses , water-lillies , of each half a handfull , let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrups of red poppies , violets , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of vitriol ten drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every two hours . an emulsion of the cold-seeds , or chamomel-flowers boiled in milk , is also very effectual . if the patient be costive , give emollient clysters , or gentle cholagogues , and hydragogues , to evacuate the peccant humours . or else you may give a gentle emetick for revulsion . if the pain be very great , you may inject an emulsion ( made of the cold-seeds ) into the urinal passage , and anoint the privities with unguentum populion , &c. chap. xxvi . of venereal affects . this scourge of transgressing humanity , being as it were a murrain , or common destruction to venereous persons , may be called in latin lues venerea , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 solvo , vel quod corpus omnino dissolvit , vel quasi luens usque ad nihil . lues enim ista , pestis est species , vel qualiscunque contagio , quae homines inficit , debito supplicio scelus luere . the first knowledge of this pocky intestine enemy ( at least in the european parts of the world ) was at the siege of naples , by the french ; being brought thither ( as some authours affirm ) by the spaniards , that came with christopher columbus from the west indies , and they like plaguy persons that croud to infect others ( contrary to their reserved temper ) being inflam'd with a venereal itching , and being also free of their flesh , they communicated ( as a great rarity ) this new found foul distemper , to the italian women , which among others they had engrost to themselves from the animal indians , in their american tyrannical conquests . many of those poor creatures being deeply infected with the monstrous yaws ( so called by the indians ) from whence this soul distemper had its first original . hence it was first called the neapolitan , and afterward the french disease ; since which time , many of the precipitant youthfull europeans ( to their great costs and pain ) have been punished with this impure venereal affect . this itch in spite of mortals will be catching , ( where there is no fear of god to restrain ) but the beginning natural momentany pleasure , will often urge a smartfull end ; so that this is the product of that sin of uncleanness , for which god hath pronounced , hebrews 13.4 . whore-mongers and adulterers god will judge . to describe this virulent contagious disease , it is an universal sour taint of the spermatick parts ; the seed in the spermatick vessels being first corrupted with a cold indigested putridness , is sometimes conveyed outward to the groins , infecting the obscene parts with a filthy eating crusty scab . but if the poisonous malign quality ( gotten by impure coition ) be transfer'd to the liver , which is the chief subject of its more easie invasion , and its special residence ; it must necessarily suffer egregious corruption , from whence the afflicting taint is dispersed into the whole habit of the body , vitiating and corrupting the nutrition of every part ; by which the sick becomes wholly cachectick , and the filthy pox ( without speedy help ) tyrannizing with many malign symptoms , and afflicting both the body and mind , doth at length hurry the patient into the pit of silence . the cause is chiefly , the carnal use of venereous persons . also children sucking of those nurses that are infected , may receive the pollution from the poisonous malignity of the milk . it may also be hereditary , the seed of venereous parents being polluted . the most apparent signs , are a dulness of the whole body , white face , intolerable pain between the joints , especially in the night , which hindreth sleep ; sometimes buboes in the groins , &c. as is before mention'd , also ulcers , and hard pustules in many parts of the body , as head , chin , &c. there is sometimes a relaxation of the vvula , with hoarsness and corruption of the palate , and tumours of the adjacent glandulous parts , there is also sometimes a cariosity of the skull , and other bones . cum multis aliis . 1. it is difficult of curation , if it hath continu'd long , or the patient be consumptive ; or if it be in a sucking infant . 2. if it be hereditary , 't is incurable ; but if the patient be young , and newly infected , it may be easily cured . as for the cure of this filthy disease , first i advise the patient to repent from the bottom of the heart , for this great sin of uncleanness , &c. then make choice of an honest physician . the cure is easiest effected in the spring , or fall of the leaf ; but if necessity urge , you may begin the cure at any time . first let the body be prepared , the following apozeme may serve for example in most constitutions . take the five opening roots , liquorish , china , of each one ounce ; cinamon , anise-seed , senna , of each half an ounce ; agarick , rhubarb , cream of tartar , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half be consumed ; then strain it , and add syrup of roses solutive four ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give six spoonfulls every two hours . if the patient be plethorick open a vein ; after which you may purge with these or the like pills . take of extractum rudii , one scruple ; mercur. dulcis , salt armoniack , of each half a scruple ; make it into four pills , and take them in the morning . if you perceive by the excrements , that the patient's body be very foul , you may administer another dose of pills after two days intermission . then you may prepare the following decoction , or one like it , to cause sweat , &c. take of guiacum , the roots of china , sarseparilla , of each one pound ; raisins of the sun stoned , hermodactils , polypodium , barks of guiacum and sassaphras , of each four ounces ; juniper-berries , anise-seed , liquorish , elicampane-roots , of each one ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in four gallons of rain-water , very hot for the space of a night ; then boil it gently till a third part be boiled away ; strain it , and keep it for use . let the sick take four spoonfulls of it , with ten grains of antimonium diaphoret . every morning and evening , for four or five days following , and sweat after it in bed , or in a hot-house , or bagnio , so long as can be well endured . then omitting a day or two , you may take another dose of pills ; then sweat seven days more , after which purge as before ; this doe for forty days , or till the cure be perfected . you may make a second decoction of the ingredients , for ordinary drink . but if the sick have extreme pains in the night , ten grains of the following pills may be given to bed-ward instead of the decoction . take gum of guiacum two drachms ; antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , flower of brimstone , diagredium , mercur. dulcis , humane bones calcin'd , of each one drachm ; saffron , laudanum opiatum , of each half a drachm ; with syrup of saffron , make it into a mass for pills . if there be a defluxion of rheum on the lungs , you may give ten or twelve drops of balsam of sulphur , in a little of the decoction every morning , and the like quantity with half a drachm of venice-treacle every night ; after which drink four ounces of the aforesaid decoction , to promote a gentle sweat . you may also make fontinels in the arm and leg with good success . but if the sick be of a hot constitution , and the disease be inveterate , and stubborn ; the shortest and best way of cure will be by salivation . i do not approve of unction with me●●curial ointments , to raise the flux , nor turbith-mineral to be given inwardly ; but the safest way is to administer mercur. dulcis , but let it be well prepared . then you may give twenty grains of it with a little diascordium , or conserves of roses : give it three or four mornings successively , and drink a draught of the diet-drink after it . also the second decoction may be sometimes made use of for ordinary drink , all the time of the cure ; and warm posset-drink at other times , when desired . when the salivation is rais'd , let the sick have a piece of gold between the teeth ; and keep warm , and continue spitting till the spittle become insipid , which is commonly in twenty days . in the mean time , wash the mouth with plantain-water , and syrup of mulberries . when you would abate the spitting , administer a carminative clyster , or a clyster of milk and sugar every night ; and after its operation , give the following bolus . take of diascordium half a drachm ; gascoigns powder fifteen grains ; oil of vitriol two drops ; with syrup of poppies make it into a bolus ; give it at night going to bed . pustules , tumours and ulcers of the mouth , tongue , gums , or any other place , will be all easily cured , when the salivation is over . you may dress the sores with the following ointment , which is very effectual to cure all pocky ulcers . take of verdigreece , and common salt , of each two ounces ; powder them , and calcine them together ; then mix it with eight ounces of vnguentum enulatum . when the filthy enemy , or neapolitan disease , is cast out by salivation , you may sweat the patient with the decoction of china , &c. before mention'd , for sometime , as is there directed . let the diet be drying ; rost meat is better than boil'd . mutton , chickens , partridges , rabbets , &c. are all good food . when strength doth begin to increase , bread and raisins may be eaten . the greater symptoms of this disease , are the running of the reins , nodes , caruncles , &c. the running of the reins is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 semen , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo , it being a flux of natural seed of man or woman unwittingly . if the gonorrhoea be virulent , it is a praeludium to the pox , and must be cur'd the same way ; but if it be newly contracted , it may wholly and most safely be absolved by purgation . the same apozeme , and purging pills , before mention'd , are very proper , which must be continu'd till the running of the reins cease . if the patient be plethorick , let a vein be opened . to strengthen the spermatick parts , the following balsamick pills are effectual . take of mummy , bole armenick , gums dragon and arabick , of each one ounce ; balsam of sulphur two drachms ; with syrup of dried roses , make it into a mass for pills , of which you may give half a drachm every morning and evening . if there be nodes , caruncles or ulcers in the urinary passage , the following medicine may be daily injected . take the water of the spawn of frogs four ounces ; honey of red roses one ounce ; white troches of rhasis one drachm ; powder the troches , and mix all together for an injection . after injection , put in an hollow instrument made of silver or lead , being first anointed with some consolidating ointment , as was directed in the stoppage of urine . i do not approve of astringents in the beginning of the cure of a gonorrhoea , till the patient be well purged , and the running begin to cease ; because all astringent means conduce to prolong the distemper ; but after the cause is eradicated by purging , then they may be safely administred , if the cure be not effected without it . to prevent the return of the distemper , i advise the patient to purge , and bleed every spring and fall. also keep a good diet , be moderate in exercise , and all other of the nonnatural things . when thou art recovered , give god the praise ; and have a care of committing the like sin again , lest a worse thing befall thee ; for it is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living god. hebr. 10.31 . chap. xxvii . of the rachites , or rickets . this disease may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . it may be called in latin morbus spinalis , it being a disease of the spine of the back . this spinal disease is commonly called in english rickets . it is peculiar to children , because they abound with a crude phlegmatick matter ; for if they labour under a cold moist distemper , there is presently a penury and paucity of the animal spirits ; for the brain , cerebellum , and spinalis medulla , being more compact than is wont , is unfit for percolation , so that the most spirituous part of the bloud cannot pierce , or be strein'd through it : hence the separation of the animal spirits is diminisht . for the aforesaid cold , moist , phlegmatick humours , compacting the soft substance of the brain , &c. it is thereby too much thickned and straitned in its porous passages . the coldness of air , water , or snow , vehemently affecting the head , seems to confirm and prove this opinion ; because when the glandules of the brain are affected and thickned by a stuffing of the head with coldness , then a more sparing production of the animal spirits useth to follow . the essence of this disease consists not onely in the animal , and vital , but natural constitution also , all the functions being ( in time ) vitiated : for the spinalis medulla being primarily affected , all the nerves which proceed from it ( in its passage through the spina dorsi ) must of necessity be stupifi'd , and vitiated with a loose feebleness ; hence also all the nervous , membranous , and fibrous parts , through which those nerves are carried , or inserted into , must consequently be vitiated with an inward weak slipperiness ; so that the very ends of the bones , as well as all the faculties of the body , bear a share in this distemper . when the rickets is confirm'd in infants , it seems to have some affinity with divers other diseases , viz. a chronical fever , an extenuation or leanness of the body , and an hydrocephalus , and many more , which are frequently complicated with this affect . and indeed not onely this , but most other diseases ( in process of time ) do unite unto themselves other affects of a different kind , and therefore ( for the most part ) there is a complication of chronical diseases before death . the causes are either external , or internal . the external may be any of the non-naturals exceeding , either in excess or defect . all things cold and moist do powerfully contribute to this disease , especially an over cold and moist air , which is most frequent in the spring ; the air being then cloudy , thick , rainy , and full of vaporous exhalations . hereupon the children of those which inhabit near the banks of the sea , or great rivers , ponds or marshes ; ( that are obnoxious to too much rain , or are fed with a great number of springs ) are more or less subject to this affect ; for by the continuance of such cold and moisture , the bloud and humours becomes too slippery , and therefore ( in their circulation ) they must unavoidably cause a softness and looseness in all the parts . also experience testifieth that those children which are born , and nursed near the lead-mines in derby-shire , &c. are generally affected more or less with a languidness of the limbs . for the air being infected with noxious metalline exhalations , which ( for the most part ) fight against the inherent spirits of the parts , by a kind of venemous malignity ; by which the spirituous pulsificative force of the external parts is extinguished , and the strength of the limbs , and whole body much weakned and diminish'd . hither we may also refer fine soft linen , applied actually cold and moist , ( being not well dried by reason of the moistness of the weather ) to the spine of the back , which is near the original of the nerves ; the use thereof being too long continu'd , it cherisheth the roots of this disease in that tender age. likewise aliments of any kind , which are too moist and cold ; or too thick , viscous and obstructive , do manifestly cherish this distemper . and i am induced to believe that ebriety in english people , especially the gentry ; and eating of much flesh ; and not using frequent labour , or exercise , may be a reason why this disease is more common and natural to children in england , than in other regions , perhaps far exceeding it both in cold and moisture ; as scotland , holland , &c. wherein this affect hath not been observ'd to be very common . and therefore ebriety and eating of much flesh , and defect of motion , and want of exercise doth most frequently , and most effectually concur to the production of it ; because the inherent heat ( in stupid and sluggish people ) is not sufficient to resist and expell the superfluous moisture by a due transpiration : by which means the circulation of the bloud is become slow and lesned , and the production of the vital heat very feeble , and weak ; so that nature is thereby forced to permit all the parts of the body to be affected with a certain softness , looseness , and internal lubricity , more than is meet ; which do sufficiently evince , that this is an efficacious cause , and a part of the essence of this disease . hence we may easily infer that the children of such parents are more inclined to this distemper , than others who drink moderately , and eat less flesh , and are more active and lively . the internal causes , are excrementitious humours luxuriant in the body , especially phlegm and serous humours retained , and vitiated , being naturally cold and moist , and little spirituous , and affected with an internal slipperiness , wherefore upon a superfluous accumulation of these humours , the production of this affect succeedeth ; because thereby a colliquation of the parts , and a dissipation of the inherent spirits will be easily introduced ; whereby all the parts will afterwards be rendred obnoxious to this cold and moist distemper . many diseases preceding this affect , may be the cause of it ; especially those which do extenuate , and much weaken the body , as all fevers , &c. and also all cold and moist , phlegmatick , and cachochymick distempers , which will induce a stupour and dulness in the affected parts , and cause obstructions . also any great pain , inflammation , tumour , fracture , luxation , or any other preternatural affect , that hinders the standing and playing of the child , may be some cause of this disease . presently after the beginning of the disease , a kind of slothfulness and numbness doth invade the joints , and by little and little is increased , so that daily they are more and more averse from motion ; besides in the beginning of this affect , there is usually observ'd , a certain laxity , softness , and flaccidity of all the first affected parts ; after which followeth a great debility , languidness , and enervation of all the parts subservient to motion ; so that ( for the most part ) they speak before they walk , which is vulgarly held to be a bad omen ; and if it vehemently increase , they do not onely totally lose the use of their feet , but can scarce sit with an erected posture , and their weak and feeble neck can hardly sustain the burthen of the head. in the progress of the disease , the head and face increaseth in bigness , but the fleshy parts below the head , are daily more and more worn away . there is also observ'd in this affect , certain swellings , and knotty excrescencies about some of the joints ; these are chiefly conspicuous in the wrists , and somewhat less in the ancles , and in the tops of the ribs ; the bones in the armes and legs , and sometimes the thighs , and shoulder-bones wax crooked ; the teeth come forth slowly , and with greater trouble than usual , and at length the breast becomes narrow , and the abdomen swollen , with an extension of the hypochondriacal parts , which hindreth the free motion of the diaphragma downwards ; and by consequence doth somewhat interrupt the breathing , so that respiration becomes difficult , accompanied with coughing , the pulse being also weak and small ; and in the increase of the disease , all these signs become more intense and evident , and many , and more grievous , are daily accumulated . 1. if this disease be light and gentle , the children affected therewith may be easily restored to health ; sometimes by the sole benefit of age , the vital heat being increased , and summoned forth to the external parts by the force of frequent exercises . but if it so vehemently prevaileth , that the increase thereof cannot be prevented by the best internal means , and also most prudent applications , then there is imminent danger . 2. if it proceed from other diseases , or be complicated with them , it will be the more difficult of curation ; especially if the bones of the armes , and legs be crooked , and there be great bending and tumour of the joints of the wrists , ancles and ribs . but if the symptoms decline , and the child do easily endure agitation , and have often eruptions in the skin , as wheals , pimples , or itch , then there is great hopes of recovery . 3. if they be not cured in five years , they will grow deformed and crooked , and ( for the most part ) will become dwarfs , and live sickly , being either cachectick , or phthisical , till death do put a period to their miserable life . as for the cure of this disease , both the child and nurse must keep a good diet which is easie of concoction . in the mean time you must not neglect the best chyrurgical and pharmaceutical means which will most conduce to the speedy recovery of the weakly infant . universals being premised , the most effectual and approved chyrurgical means in this affect , are incision or scarification of the ears , and little fountains or issues ; although many more may be used , viz. frixions , blisters , ligatures , &c. incision or scarification in the ears , is to be performed on the ridge , in the inside of the ear above the hole ; which must be stopt to hinder the bloud passing into it . this operation must be often repeated , at least once or twice in a month ; which hath proved succesfull when many other remedies have been ineffectual . and here it may be noted , that scarification being made in that place , must needs be of greater efficacy than if it were instituted in any other part of the ear , or elsewhere . 1. first , because the beginning of the fifth pair of nerves is near that place , many of their branches being distributed through the hollow of the ear , and are thence conveyed into the spinalis medulla , from whence it shooteth out little branches which accompany the nerves of the marrow of the back , to the ends of the very legs and feet ; as many ingenious anatomists have accurately observ'd . wherefore scarification being there made , it is probable , that the matter ( which commonly oppresseth the very beginning of that nerve ) is immediately evacuated , by which it is freed from obstruction ; and having also gotten vigour ( being excited by the pain and inflammation ) it driveth out all stupidness from within it ; by which means the branches of the nerves from thence arising , which are communicated to the spinalis medulla , and many other parts may be in some measure excited also . 2. because by this means , there is a particular evacuation of the head , which is wont to be oppressed with fullness in this affect . besides , the bloud being somewhat lesned , the thickness and toughness thereof must thereby be corrected ; and ( by consequence ) an equal distribution of it promoved to a more regular nourishment of the parts . issues in the neck are also much approved in this disease , because they very much conduce to lessen the unusual magnitude of the head , and to evacuate the superfluous watriness thereof , and repress the inordinate increase of the bones ; also it manifestly drieth up the too much humidity of the spinal marrow , exciteth heat , strengthens the nerves , and expelleth the astonishment . as for the pharmaceutical or physical means , you must be sure to cleanse the first passages either by clysters , vomits or lenitive purgations . when the belly is costive and the excrements are hardned , or some flatuous humours afflict the bowels with vehement pain , then clysters are chiefly required ; and they may also be injected before any preparation , vomit or lenitive purgation . i need not prescribe any forms , because a little milk and sugar , with a few anise-seeds boiled in it may serve . also an emollient or carminative clyster ( that is gentle ) may be injectrd when there is occasion . emeticks if well prepared , and prudently administred are very efficacious , and will conduce much to the cure. and here i again commend antimonial vomits before all others . 1. first , because they not onely powerfully evacuate crude or corrupt humours , and all manner of impurities contained in the stomach by vomit ; but by an agitation and commotion , raised in all the parts , especially in the bowels , they loosen the gross and viscous humours adhering to the guts , and convey them through their many involutions and labyrinths , by which they are expelled by stool ; in which respect they are also profitable against torments of the colick , and very conducible to unlock obstructions . 2. they most effectually irritate the expulsive faculty of all the parts of the body , by which they compell forth the hidden and unappearing causes of diseases , especially of intermitting fevers ; for by the very straining to vomit , the guts are also instimulated to cast out by siege ; the liver poureth away the choler by the biliar pore ; the juice of the pancreas is voided into the small guts ; the spleen perhaps doth unburthen its excrement into the stomach ; the kidneys exern through the ureters ; the lungs by a strong cough eject their phlegm through the wind-pipe ; the head emptieth it self of salt waterish rheums by the palate , nostrils and eyes ; finally the whole body ( for the most part ) is rendred more prone to a diaphoresis , either by a manifest sweating , or else by insensible transpiration . if any are afraid of antimonial preparations ( though most safe and potent ) they may administer salt of vitriol , from five to ten grains , either in posset-drink or any other convenient vehicle . also the following may be safely administred . take the clarified juice of asarabacca half a drachm ; syrup of the juice of sorrel two drachms ; mix it , and give it in the morning fasting . but here we may note , that vomiting is not to be provoked in very weak children , unless they are naturally apt to vomit , and the humours tend upwards of their own accord , and they easily indure it ; and then they ought to be gentle and given in a small dose . those that are averse to vomiting may take lenitive catharticks , which must be made pleasant and potable , that the young patient may not loath the taking of them . manna , syrup of cichory with rhubarb , syrup of violets and syrup of roses solutive are all good pleasant medicines ; which you may mix according to your discretion , in any proper distill'd water , or in the decoction of sennae gerconis . the following drink is of excellent virtue , and will conduce much to the cure of this disease . take of anise-seed , the barks of ash , ivie , tamarisk , shavings of harts-horn and ivory , the roots of sassaphras , liquorish , china , sarseparilla , butterbur , of each half an ounce ; mace one drachm ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of small ale for two or three days ; then strain it out very strongly , and bottle it up for the child 's ordinary drink . in the cure you must endeavour to resist all symptoms , as fluxes , worms , venereal affects , breeding teeth with great pain , &c. in any flux , gripes or urgent pain , you may give half a grain of laudanum opiat . dissolved in any convenient vehicle , so often as necessity urgeth . if worms or venereal affects be fear'd , you may sometimes adminster this gentle purging bolus . take of mercur. dulcis six grains ; diagredium , rezin of jallop , of each three grains ; with syrup of roses solutive , make it into a bolus ; give it in the morning fasting . in your broths and panadoes , you may boil harts-tongue , ceterach , liver-wort , maiden-hair , sage , the bark of tamarisk , red sanders , saffron , the roots of china , and sarseparilla , &c. but let all things be made acceptable to the palate . all kinds of exercise unto which children are accustomed , may be usefull in their time and season ; as rocking , going , swinging , playing , &c. also frixions are excellent , in which begin at the spina dorsi , and rub with a course warm linen cloth , and also under the short-ribs , and afterwards all other parts ; let it be done gently , to cherish and incite the natural and vital heat , and attract the nourishment to the affected parts . external medicines may be also applied , to strengthen the weak parts , as emplasters , ointments , &c. these forms may serve for example . take ointments of the opening juices , tobacco , marsh-mallows ; oils of capers , wormwood , elder , earth-worms , bricks , balsam of peru , of each half an ounce ; mix it . with which let the weak parts be anointed with a warm hand , before a fire . take the plasters nervinum , de minio , ad herniam , of each one ounce ; the carminative plaster of sylvius , balsam of peru , of each two drachms ; mix it , and spread it on thin leather . it may be applied to the back , or any other weak part after anointing . if the lungs be affected , anoint the breast with the following ointment . take the pectoral ointment two ounces ; oil of mace by expression , oil of violets , of each half an ounce ; mix it . after which apply a plaster . they that desire more variety of medicines , &c. let them peruse that excellent and learned tract of the rachites written by the famous doctours and fellows of the college of physicians at london . ornari res ipsa negat , contenta doceri . chap. xviii . of the gout , and rheumatism . the gout is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 articulus , quod articulos infestet ; hence it is called in latin articularis morbus , it being a disease of the joints . this is a general name for all gouts , or when all or most of the joints are affected . but when any particular joint is infested with a gouty distemper , it doth from thence take its denomination . for if it invadeth the jaw-bones , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 maxilla , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saevio , quod maxillarum usum impediat . it being ( for the most part ) accompanied with a fierce and cruel pain . and so likewise if it invade any of the rest of the joints . if the vertebrae of the neck , &c. be affected , it may be termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 collum , vel cervix , &c. that which molests the shoulders , may be fitly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 humerus . &c. if it affects the collar-bones , you may call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 clavis , vel clavicula , &c. that in the elbow may be termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cubitus , &c. the gout in the hand is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 manus , &c. that in the hip may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coxa , &c. quod ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lumbus . in latin coxendicum dolor , quod coxendices praecipue infestat . if it be in the knee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genu , &c. if in the foot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pes , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saevio , quod pedum usum impediat , which may be added to every particular . this and all other gouts are most commonly accompanied with a fierce , cruel , tormenting pain ; and thus much , if not too much of the names of the gout . the causes are either external , or internal . the external causes are gluttony , drunkenness , immoderate venery , idleness , external cold , and excess or defect of any of the non-naturals . the internal cause of all arthritick pains , is the juice of the pancreas too acid and sharp , which raiseth a vitious effervescency with choler , &c. whereby a fermental sharpness is increased ; and when it is exorbitant , it is sent forth into the extreme parts , and meeting with that seedy glue , which is between the joints , doth not onely affect it with its fermental acrimony , but is also the grand cause of the virulent tormenting pain and inflammation in the part affected . but seeing the pains are different , not onely in divers people sick of this distemper , but also the pains of the gout are divers in the same sick party , we must therefore , as well by reason as experience , search into the true cause thereof . therefore in as much as the present molesting pains , are not always freed with the same medicines , no not in the same fit ; much less all that are gouty . we may hence consider that divers humours , as choler , phlegm , &c. are diversly mixt and fermented with the juice of the pancreas , which is peccant in a four acrimony , being the primary cause of all gouts . and here we may note , that this over acid humour doth molest the sick ( chiefly in the beginning of the fit ) with a corroding pain ; but after a while , when choler ( by its exceeding heat ) hath gotten the predominancy , it causeth a divers burning pain , according to the diversity of its faultiness . but if viscous phlegm be predominant , the pain is much dull'd , and the motion of the part hinder'd with a phlegmatick tumour , rather than an acute pain ; which ought to be accurately observ'd by every ingenious artist . when the gouty humour hath invaded any joint , there is presently an unusual heat , and more exquisite sense in it , than formerly , so that the least touch of any hard thing doth hurt the part ; and the longer it continues , the more the pain increaseth , with redness and swelling of the part affected , and most commonly attended with a symptomatical fever . 1. the gout is a chronical disease , attended with violent pain , but is seldom mortal , except in very weak bodies that are much decay'd by sickness , or old age. 2. if it continue long , till the joints are knotty , it is incurable , according to ovid , tollere nodosam nescit medicina podagram . but if there be no knots in the joints , and the patient is laborious , and the body is ( for the most part ) soluble , and there be swelling of the veins called varices , then it may be happily cured . 3. if it becomes habitual to the sick , the morbifick idea is implanted in the vital spirit , and transfer'd through the seed , which makes it hereditary . the cure of the gout will consist , 1. first in defending the afflicted joints , as well against future pain , as freeing them from that which doth molest at present . 2. in the universal amendment of the juice of the pancreas . 3. in the correcting and evacuation of the vitious choler . 4. in the altering and diminishing of phlegm any way peccant . to asswage the present pain i commend the following medicaments , which will conduce much to mitigate the sharpness of the acrimonious humours in all gouty people , and ease the part affected . when there is excessive heat , you may bathe the gouty part with this fomentation very hot , with wollen stuphs , which must be often renewed . take the waters of the spawn of frogs , fumitory , elder , of each one quart ; vinegar of mary-golds one pint ; opium , camphire , of each half an ounce ; mix it according to art. but when the pain is more corroding than burning , i commend the following to be used as the former . take of treacle-water half a pint ; the waters of the spawn of frogs , parsley , of each one quart ; opium , camphire , of each half an ounce ; mix it . after bathing with either of these ; apply this cataplasm . take powders of the roots of marsh-mallows , flax-seed , barley-meal , of each four ounces ; new milk three pints ; boil it to the consistence of a pultess , and add oils of flax-seed , earthworms , the ointment martiatum , of each three ounces ; camphire half an ounce ; mix it according to art. where exceeding heat doth concur , and the body abounds with sharp choler ; instead of sweet milk , you may substitute butter-milk . also a pultess made of the crums of white-bread , new goats or cows milk and saffron , with oil of lin-seed , and earth-worms , may be deservedly commended , to asswage any pain . if the sick be very phlegmatick , and impotency of motion doth afflict , more than pain ; then opiats may be omitted , and things more aromatical may be used in all external applications . the following pultess , or one like it , may serve for example . take the powders of orris-roots ; the flowers of chamomel , and elder , cummin-seeds , barley-meal , of each four ounces ; the tops of wormwood , mints , of each four handfulls ; boil them in two quarts of water of the spawn of frogs , to the consistence of a pultess ; when it is almost cold , add treacle-water , oils of chamomel , earth-worms , of each three ounces ; mix it . also the root of briony , and cuckow-pintle bruised , and made into a pultess with cow-dung is excellent . if you add volatile salts of animals , or vegetables to your medicines , whether fomentations , cataplasms , or ointments , they will be the more effectual . you may prepare an excellent volatile salt of earth-worms ( of great virtue ) for the gout , which may be resolved into liquour by fermentation , and putrefaction . if the gouty patient do abound with phlegm , or the juice of the pancreas exceed in an acid acrimony causing a corroding pain ; it may happily be mitigated and remov'd with balsam of sulphur made with oil of amber , with which let the grieved part be embrocated , and it will forthwith raise a very hot effervescency , which will presently cease again , and remove the great pain in a moment , even to admiration . after the pain is over , you may apply one of the former cataplasms , or some anodyne . ointment , to comfort , and ( by degrees ) restore again the membranous parts . the following linament may serve for example . take oils of earth-worms , scurvigrass , saint john's-wort , of each one ounce ; chymical oils of rosemary , rue , of each twenty drops ; mix it . afterwards , you may apply a plaster of de minio cum sapona . in the mean time , inward means ( to take away the cause , and ease the pain ) must not be neglected . if the patient have a plethorick body , after a stool hath been procured , by a carminative clyster , with electuar . caryocostinum , &c. let a vein be opened . bloud drawn from the vena poplitis , or sciatica vein , hath been succesfull in the sciatica . but leeches applied to the hemorrhoidal veins , are effectual in all gouts . two or three days after bleeding , you may administer the following pills . take of pills hermodactils , faetidae , ex duobus , mercur. dulcis , of each one scruple ; mix it for two doses , and give them in the morning fasting . or you may give half a drachm or two scruples of pul . arthriticus in any convenient vehicle . but if the sick be inclining to vomit , administer an antimonial emetick . you may purge and bleed so often as you see occasion . issues near the part affected , and also to raise blisters upon the part , have been found by experience to be very effectual . also bathing and sweating in nitrous or sulphurous baths , either natural or artificial , are much approv'd of . that which is prescrib'd in the chapter of the belly-ach , is very effectual , which may be used , as is there directed . i might fill a volume with receipts against the gout , but i shall onely commend the following water or spirit to be often taken inwardly in any fit vehicle , the quantity of half a spoonfull at a time . take the roots of orris , angelica , sassaphras , of each two ounces ; the tops of ground-pine , penny-royal , sage , mother of time ; the flowers of saint johns-wort , chamomel , prim-roses , rosemary , lavender , of each three handfulls ; the berries of bays and juniper , of each one ounce ; castor two drachms ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and infused in six quarts of spirit of earth-worms compound for the space of twenty four hours , then distill it in an alembick according to art. the rheumatism is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo ; it being a distillation of rheumatick humours , not onely affecting the joints , but the adjacent parts , yea sometimes the whole body ; especially the muscles , membranes , and periostium of the thighs , legs , and hip-bones . the humour is of a very malign nature , and soon causeth a cariosity of the bones , if it be not prevented . the cause is the same with the gout , but sharper . 't is seldom mortal , but may be of long continuance , with great pain , so that the sick cannot endure to be touched . in the cure of this distemper , phlebotomy must be often repeated , and carminative clysters often administred . foment the pained parts with stale urine ( made very hot ) wherein castle-sope is dissolved ; after which anoint with this following . take spirit of salt armoniack , oils of guiacum , bricks , of each two ounces ; in which dissolve opium one ounce ; spanish sope four ounces ; then add oil of roses six ounces , and make it a linament according to art. if you would have it for a plaster , you may add so much empl. de minio to it , as will give it a sufficient consistency . the medicines and directions prescrib'd in the cure of the gout , are also proper here . from these few observations , it will not be very difficult to select other choice medicines out of the writings of practitioners , to cure both the gout and rheumatism . to prevent a relapse , purge and bleed spring and fall , and keep a good diet , and use moderation in all things . i have now finisht this little tract , or manual of physick , which i have written for the common good ; not onely to serve young beginners of the art of physick , but also for the sake of the sick themselves . god grant that it may prove succesfull , and tend to the good of them both . now unto the onely wise god and our saviour jesus christ with the holy ghost our comforter ; three persons , and one god , be ascribed , and given all laud , honour , glory and dominion , from this time forth , and for evermore . amen . postscript . having often prescrib'd the carminative spirit of sylvius , and also his preservative water against the plague , and his carminative plaster , &c. i will here give you the receipts of them in english , that you may make them for your own use , as you see occasion . the carminative spirit of sylvius . take angelica-root two drachms ; the roots of masterwort , and galangal , of each three drachms ; the tops of rosemary , sweet marjoram , garden-rue , centaury the less , basil , of each one handfull ; bay-berries six drachms ; the seed of angelica , lovage , and anise-seed , of each an ounce ; ginger , nutmegs , mace , of each half an ounce ; cinamon one ounce and half ; cloves , orange-peel , of each two drachms . all these things being grosly bruised , pour thereon spirit of malaga or spanish-wine six pints . digest them two days in balneo mariae , and draw off all the spirit . you may pour upon what remains the same quantity of spirit of wine ; and after two days digestion , draw it off as before , which may be kept apart , as weaker than the former , but of much virtue to discuss wind. aq. prophylactica , or the preservative-water against the plague . take the roots of angelica , and zedoary , of each one ounce ; roots of butter-bur two ounces ; the leaves of garden-rue four ounces ; of baum , scabious , marigold-flowers , of each two ounces ; unripe wall-nuts cut two pound ; new pome-citrons cut one pound ; bruise them all together , then pour on twelve pints of the best wine-vinegar , distill'd by it self to three fourth parts in sand in a glass cucurbit , then digest them all night , in the morning distill the water with a slow fire . this gratefull medicine may be mixt with ordinary drink , broth or any decoction or cordial julep , &c. to a gratefull acidity , for any that are sick , to take away thirst , and to promote a mild sweat. the plaster of sylvius discussing wind. take gum galbanum , bdellium and amoniacum , of each half an ounce ; male-frankincense , red mirrh , of each two drachms ; opium of thebes one drachm ; dissolve them in vinegar of squills , and when they are again thickned , add yellow wax , colophony , of each three drachms ; natural balsam , oil of bricks , of each one drachm ; oil of earth-worms half a drachm ; distill'd oil of caraway a scruple ; venice turpentine what sufficeth to make it into a plaster according to art. this egregious plaster may be spread upon soft leather , first form'd according to the shape and greatness of the tumour to be dissolv'd . the cholagogue , electuary , or diaprunum of sylvius . take the pulp of prunes sourish-sweet , ten ounces ; powder of cream of tartar , best scammony , of each two ounces ; powder of rhubarb ten drachms ; cinamon half an ounce ; yellow sanders two drachms ; refin'd sugar a pound ; make it into an electuary according to art. the hydragogue electuary of sylvius . take of juniper-berries boild in water exprest , and reduc'd to the consistency of a pulp ; the pulp of tamarinds , of each four ounces ; powder of jallop-root one ounce and half ; diagredium one ounce ; sharp cinamon , sweet fennel-seeds , of each two drachms ; clarifi'd sugar ten ounces ; make it into an electuary according to art. the dose of either of these electuaries , is from two drachms to half an ounce ; they are gently effectual , and no ungratefull medicines ; they may be dissolv'd in any convenient distill'd water , as parsley , fennel , &c. or it may be taken by it self in the manner of a bolus . finis . advertisements . this is to give notice to all persons , chiefly country physicians and chyrurgeons , that all the medicines prescrib'd in this book , are faithfully prepared by the authour hereof , and may be always had of him at reasonable rates , without adulteration , or any other deceits . all sorts of chymical preparations , are faithfully prepared without the least sophistication or adulteration , and to be sold at reasonable rates , by christopher pack chymist , at the globe and furnaces in the postern , by more-gate , where a catalogue may be had gratis . an interpretation of certain hard words , which you shall meet with unexplained in this treatise . a. abdomen , all that part of the belly , which is between the ribs and the privy members , consisting of skin , fat and muscles . abcess , an impostume , or gathering of ill humours to one part of the body , and there drawn to a head. abstersive , a cleansing medicine . acerbity , sourness . acid , eager , sour , or sharp . acrimony , sharpness . an acute disease is a sharp sickness , which doth quickly either dispatch or deliver the sick. aetites , the stone with child , found in an eagles-nest . affected part , the part grieved , or distempered . alchimy , the art of melting or dissolving metals , &c. and separating the pure from the impure . alexiterion , alexipharmacum , a preservative medicine against poison , and infection . amputation , the cutting off of a member . amulet , any thing hanged about the neck . anatomy , the trunk of a dead body , from whence all the flesh , sinews , &c. is cut off , and nothing remaining but the bare bones . anodyne , appeasing pain . antidote , a preservative against poison and infection . antimonial , made of antimony . anus , the fundament . apertion , an opening . apophlegmatism , a medicine which chewed , draweth phlegm and other humours out of the head , and voideth them at the mouth . apoplexy , a general palsie of the whole body . apozeme , a thin decoction of herbs . aromaticks , medicines made of spice . arteries , hollow vessels , wherein the vital bloud , and spirits are contained , which causeth the pulse , as you may feel at the wrists , & c· arthritick pains , the gout or any other pain of the joints . aspera arteria , the wind-pipe . astrictive , astringent , which hath power to bind . b. balneo , bath . balsamick , healing , of the nature of balsam . bechical , easing the cough . bile , choler . bolus , a lump , a morsel . bronchia , the gristles of the wind-pipe . bubo , a sore about the groin . c. cachexy , ill habit of body . cacochymy , ill juice in the body . calcinate , to burn into ashes . capillary , as small as a hair. carbuncle . a plague-sore . cardiack , cordials . cariosity , rottenness . carminative , that cleanseth the body of wind. cartilage , a gristle . caruncle , a little piece of flesh. catagmatical , medicines to cure broken bones . cataplasm , a pultess . cataract , a disease of the eyes . catarrh , a rheum . cathartick , a purging medicine . catheretick , a medicine to consume superfluous flesh. cauterize , to burn or sear . cephalicks , med. for the head. cerebellum , the little brain . chalybeate , red-hot steel in any thing . chylus , a white juice coming of the meat digested in the stomach . cholagogue , a medicine that purgeth choler . chronical , staying long . coliries , medicines for sore eyes . colliquation , a dissolving . coriza , a snottish rheum . crisis , judgment . cuticula , the scarf-skin . cystick passage , the passage of the choler from the gall. d. defluction , a flowing down of humours , delirium , dotage , light-headed . desiccative , a drying medicine . diaphragma , the midriff . diaphoretick , a sweating cordial . diaphoresis , evaporation by sweat . diarrhea , a flux or lask . diastole , dilatation of the heart , &c. diuretical , causing vrine . dormative , to cause sleep . ducts , little pipes for water , &c. dura mater , the strongest skin encompassing the brain . dysentery , the bloudy-flux . disuria , scalding of vrine . e. effervescency , a working , a fermenting . elixir , a quintessence . embrocate , to bedew . embryon , an imperfect child in the womb , without shape . emetick , a vomit . emplastick , a clammy medicine . emulsion , a medicine like milk . epilepsie , the falling-sickness . epidemical , ill , the plague . epispastick , a medicine to raise blisters . epithems , are certain powders , put in little bags , and wet in wine , &c. and applied to the regions of the heart , liver , &c. errhines , liquid medicines to snuff up the nose . escharotick , a potential cautery . exulcerate , to blister . f. fascinate , to bewitch . fibers , small hairy strings . fistula , a hollow vlcer with callocity . filtration , a straining fire . foetus , the young . fomentation , an asswaging bath . g. gargarism , a liquour to wash the mouth . gargarise , to wash the mouth . gangrene , an inflammation tending to mortification . gonorrhaea , the running of the reins . h. haemorrhage , an excessive or continual flux of bloud . haemorrhoids , the piles , also the veins in the fundament . hepaticks , of or belonging to the liver . hernius , broken bellied . homogeneous , homogeneal of one kind . hydromel , water and honey . hydrocele , a waterish rupture . hydrocephalos , a dropsie in the head. hydragogue , a medicine to purge water . hydropical , that have the dropsie . hypochondries , the fore-part of the belly about the short ribs . hypochondriacal , a windy melancholy . hysterical , of or belonging to the womb. i. icterical , having the jaundice . icchorous , waterish , mattery . jejunum , the hungry gut. ileon , the third small gut. iliack passion , a grievous disease in the gut ileon . impostume , vide abcess . inflammation , an hot angry swelling . ingredients , that which goeth into the making of a thing . intercostal , between the ribs . ischuria , stoppage of vrine . jugular vein , in the throat . l. lacteal veins , milkie veins . lethargy , a slothfull sleepy disease of the head. lientery , a looseness , caused by undigestion . ligament , a bond or binding . linament , a kind of hard ointment . lipothimy , fainting , sounding . lithotomy , cutting out of the stone . lixivial , made of lye. lixivium , a lye made of ashes . lympha , a waterish humour . m. masticatory , a medicine to chew in the mouth . medicinal , of or belonging to physick . membrane , a thin skin . menstruous , a woman having her menses , or monthly terms . mercurial , made of quick-silver . mesentery , the thick fat membrane , that fasteneth the guts , &c. muscle , an instrument of voluntary motion in the body . n. narcotical , stupefactive , that hath power to stupefie , or make the body insensible . neopolitan disease , the pox. nephritick , of the reins . nitrous , made of salt petre. o. opiate , made of opium , to cause sleep , and give ease . ophthalmy , inflammation of the eye . optick nerve , the sinew which bringeth sight to the eye . p. palate , the hollow of the mouth above . panchymagogon , a medicine which purgeth all humours . pancreas , the sweet-bread . paracenthesis , a tapping for the dropsie , &c. pralitical , that have the dropsie . pectoral , of or belonging to the breast . pericardium , the membrane involving the heart . periosteum , a thin skin enwrapping the bones . peripneumony , an impostume of the lungs . peritonaeum , the inner rim of the belly . pest , the plague . pharmacy , medicine . phlegmagogues , medicines that purgeth phlegm . phlebotomy , bloud-letting . phrenetical , that hath the phrensie . pia mater the tender skin enwrapping the brain . pituitous , phlegmatick . pleuretical , that hath the pleurisie . plethorick , fullness of bloud . prohylactick , a preservative against the plague , &c. ptisan , barloy-water . pulsation , a beating . pulverize , pulverate , to beat into powder . puncture , a pricking . purgative , which hath virtue to purge . purulent , full of matter . pustule , a wheal or blister . q. quartan ague , that cometh every fourth day . quintan ague , that cometh every fifth day , but seldom observ'd . quotidian , that cometh every day . r. radical , of or belonging to the root . rarefaction , a making thin of what was thick . rectum , the arse-gut . respiration , fetching of breath . rupture , a breaking . s. saline , saltish . salivation , spitting , or fluxing at the mouth . sanguification , the changing of the nourishment into bloud . saphena , the vein by the inner ancle . scamoniats , medicines made of scammony . scarifie , to cut or lance . sceleton , a dry carcass , of bones onely . sciatica , the hip-gout . scorbutick , that have the scurvy . scrofulae , the kings-evil . secundine , the after-birth . seminal , of the seed . serosity , the wheyish , or waterish part of the bloud . sphincter muscle , the round compassing muscle of the fundament , &c. ordained to prevent untimely excretion . soluble , loose . solvent , that hath power to melt or dissolve . soporiferous , causing sleep . spasm , the cramp , or convulsion . spermatical , of or belonging to the seed . spina dorsi , the back-bone . spinalis medulla , the marrow of the back . spirituous , full of spirit . spissitude , thickness . sternutatory , to cause sneezing . sternon , the breast-bone , where the ribs meet . sterillity , barrenness . strangury , a pissing by drops . sudorifick , that causeth sweat. suffocate , to choak . suffumigate , to smoak underneath . sulphur , brimstone . superfetation , a conceiving the second time . suppuration , a gathering to matter . symptom , any grief following a disease , or sensibly joyned with it , as head-ach with an ague , &c. systole , contraction of the heart , &c. t. tenasmus , a neediness to go to stool . tenuity , smallness . thoracick , of or belonging to the breast . torsions , gripings of the guts . trachea , or aspera arteria , the wind-pipe . transfer , to carry from one place to another . transmute , to change . transpiration , sweaty vapours coming forth of the pores of the skin . tubercles , pimples , wheals . tumour , a swelling . turgid , after a swelling manner . tympany , the windy dropsie . v. vaperous , full of vopours . varices , swelling of the veins in the legs . vegetables , roots or plants . vehicle , any thing that carrieth , &c. ventoses , cupping-glasses . verntricle , the stomach , &c. verminous , full of worms . vertebra , the back-bone . vertigo , giddiness . vesiccatory , a medicine to draw blisters . virulent , deadly , poisonous . viscous , clammy like bird-lime . vitiate , to corrupt . volatile , that flieth . u. ulcerate , to blister , to break out into sores . unguent , an ointment . ureters , the vessels by which the vrine passeth from the reins to the bladder . urethra , the passage of vrine from the bladder , through the yard , &c. uvula , a fleshy substance , hanging down , like a grape , from the roof of the mouth , towards the root of the tongue . advertisement . a new idea of the practice of physick ; written by that famous franciscus de-le-boc sylvius ; late chief professour of physick in the university of leiden . the first book ; of the diseases either constituting , producing , or following the natural functions of man not in health . wherein is contain'd , beside a new method in general , a vindication of the spleen and mother from fits attributed to them . as also a new discovery of intermitting fevers , the yellow-jaundice , and other diseases , never before discover'd . all clear'd by anatomical experiments , and chymical demonstrations ; as also by their cures . faithfully translated by richard gower , formerly student under the authour . printed for brabazon aylmer , at the three pigeons against the royal exchange in cornhill . in octavo . the end . notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a46939-e2530 cephalalgia . cephalaea . hemicrania . signs . progn . cure. clyster . julep . powder . a medicinal wine . apozeme . purging pills . epitheme . for a quilted cap. signs . cure. powder . cordial julep . clyster . vomit . purging potion . troches . purging infusion . electuary . observation . julep . tincture . emulsion . julep . epitheme . ointment . paralysis . apoplexi● . cause . cause internal . signs . progn . cure. cordial to cause sweat . observation . clyster . suppository . purging pills . purging electuary . vomit . cordial julep . medicinal wine . bath . oil. plaister . sneezing powder . spasmus . epilepsia . partes affectae . causes . signs . progn . cure. julep . infusion . cordial to cause sweat. purging pills . infusion . ointment . masticatory . epileptick powder . incubus . cause . vertigo . cause . lethargus . signs . coma. carus . causes . progn . cure. julep . decoction . sneezing powder . vomit . purging pills . purging infusion . fomentation . oil. phrenitis . mania . cause . progn . cure. clyster . julep . opiat . epitheme . li●amen● . dieta . julep . purging pills . cause . progn . cure. julep . purging pills . purging potion . clyster . purging decoction . pills opiat . tussis . sputum sanguinis . decoction . astringent julep . pectoral julep . for a quilted cap. powder to fume the head , &c. masticatory . note . plaster for the head. notes for div a46939-e11710 asthma . cause . progn . cure. pectoral julep . pleuritis . signs . peripneumonia . cause . progn . empiema . cure. cure. sudorifick . fomentation . ointment . plaster . pultis . balsam sulphur . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * compunctio . caution . tabes . causes . signs . progn . febris hecticae . signs . liber 12. de marc . cap. 4. causes . progn . cure. powder . cause . progn . cure. julep . purging pills . purging decoction . cordial julep . syncope . signs . causes . progn . cure. decoction . purging pills . purging pills . cordial julep . difference . symptomes . causes . lipiria febris . cause . hystory . progn . pars affecta . cure. cautio . purging decoction . volatile powder . cordial julep . observation . causes . ●he cause 〈◊〉 the re●●rn of the 〈◊〉 . quotidian . cure. cordial julep . purging pills . powder . difference . calenture . signs . cause of malignity . signs . progn . cure. cordial sudorifick . cause . signs . progn . cure. cordial electuar● ▪ cordial jalep . signs . causes . progn . cure. cordial julep . phlebotomy . water 〈◊〉 the eyes gargaris . nodulas . notes for div a46939-e20210 cause . signs . cure. julep . emulsion . purging infusion· pica . malacia . cause . cause . cause . signs . progn . cure. nausea . cause . progn . cure. cordial opiat . purging decoction . diet-drink . cause . progn . cure. cordial opiat . purging pills . cause . progn . cure. ileos . choler . cholerica passio . hoemoptysis . cause of ileos . causes of the cholerick passion . causes of vomiting bloud . progn . cure. cordial opiate . cure of cholerick passion . vomit . cordial opiate . cure of bloudy vomiting . astringent julep . carminative julep . purging pills . cure of iliaca passio . clyster . emulsion . cholica passio . tenesmus signs . causes . cause of the colick . observation . tympany . progn . cure. julep . emulsion . purging potion . cordial diaphoretick . cordial julep . cure of the cholick . clyster . ointment . empl. carminative julep . purging decoction . purging pills . teretes . taenia . ascarides . vermina . signs of teretes . signs of taenia . signs of ascarides . signs of vermina . progn . cure. purging pills . lienteria . coeliaca . diarrhoea . dysentery . tenasmus . hemorrhoids . causes . causes of lientery . cause of the jaundice-like flux . cause of the chyle-like flux . causes of the divers kinds of diarrhoea . cause of a dysentery . cause of tenasmus . cause of hemorrhoids , &c. signs . progn . cure. purging powder . cordial julep . decoction . powder . astringent julep . clyster . purging bolus . bolus . opiat . decoction . sudorifick . causes . signs . progn . cure. diaphoretick . opiate . bath . ointment . icterus . cause . progn . cure. decoction . sudorifick diuretick decoction . opiate . cachexia . signs . progn . cure. hydrops . ascites . cause . cause . cause of a tympany . signs of ascites . signs of anasarca . signs of a tympany . progn . cure. purging infusion . purging pills . pills . sudorifick . carminative julep . medicinal wine . ointment . pultess . hypochondriacus . causes . progn . cure. julep . electuary . purging powder . medicinal wine . tincture . linament water against the scurvy . cause . signs . progn . cure. cordial to cause sweat. powder . purging pills . medicinal wine . cause . cause of whites . signs . progn . cure. astringent julep . purge . purging pills . astringent electuary . astringent julep . linament plaster . fume . cause . signs . progn . cure. bath . powder . for a quilted bag. progn . ●ure . infusion . 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praxis medicinæ reformata: = or, the practice of physick reformed being an epitome of the whole art: wherein is briefly shewed, the true causes, signs, prognosticks, and cure, of most diseases. published for the benefit of all persons. by robert johnson, med. professor. johnson, robert, b. 1640? 1700 approx. 464 kb of xml-encoded text transcribed from 182 1-bit group-iv tiff page images. text creation partnership, ann arbor, mi ; oxford (uk) : 2004-11 (eebo-tcp phase 1). a46940 wing j817 estc r216577 99828303 99828303 32730 this keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the early english books online text creation partnership. this phase i text is available for reuse, according to the terms of creative commons 0 1.0 universal . the text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. early english books online. (eebo-tcp ; phase 1, no. a46940) transcribed from: (early english books online ; image set 32730) images scanned from microfilm: (early english books, 1641-1700 ; 1950:11) praxis medicinæ reformata: = or, the practice of physick reformed being an epitome of the whole art: wherein is briefly shewed, the true causes, signs, prognosticks, and cure, of most diseases. published for the benefit of all persons. by robert johnson, med. professor. johnson, robert, b. 1640? [6], xxii, [4], 203, [1], 204, [1], 205-317, [7] p. : ill. (port) printed for brabazon aylmer, at the three pigeons, in cornhil, london : 1700. with engraved frontispiece. text is continuous despite pagination. an additional leaf of text numbered 204 on recto appears to be tipped in between leaves o6 and o7. reproduction of the original in the british library. created by converting tcp files to tei p5 using tcp2tei.xsl, tei @ oxford. re-processed by university of nebraska-lincoln and northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. eebo-tcp is a partnership between the universities of michigan and oxford and the publisher proquest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by proquest via their early english books online (eebo) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). the general aim of eebo-tcp is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic english-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in eebo. eebo-tcp aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the text encoding initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). the eebo-tcp project was divided into two phases. the 25,363 texts created during phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 january 2015. anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. users should be aware of the process of creating the tcp texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. text selection was based on the new cambridge bibliography of english literature (ncbel). if an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in ncbel, then their works are eligible for inclusion. selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. in general, first editions of a works in english were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably latin and welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in oxford and michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet qa standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. after proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of tcp data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a tcp editor. the texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the tei in libraries guidelines. copies of the texts have been issued variously as sgml (tcp schema; ascii text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable xml (tcp schema; characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless xml (tei p5, characters represented either as utf-8 unicode or tei g elements). keying and markup guidelines are available at the text creation partnership web site . eng medicine -early works to 1800. diseases -early works to 1800. 2004-06 tcp assigned for keying and markup 2004-06 apex covantage keyed and coded from proquest page images 2004-07 jonathan blaney sampled and proofread 2004-07 jonathan blaney text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs batch review (qc) and xml conversion vera effigies . roberti iohnson praxis medicinae reformata : or , the practice of physick reformed . being an epitome of the whole art : wherein is briefly shewed , the true causes , signs , prognosticks , and cure , of most diseases . published for the benefit of all persons . by robert johnson , med. professor . medicina experientiâ & ratione fundari debet . london : printed for brabazon aylmer , at the three pigeons , in cornhil . 1700. to the reader . in this little tract , i have bestowed some pains , in searching out , and proposing the true causes and cure of diseases : which , i hope , will induce other ingenious-spirited artists to a farther enquiry , that so the art of physick may be the better illustrated , and many things in it that are yet obscure , may be made known . the chief end of physick , is to maintain and recover health ; wherefore i think it would be more for the honour of all learned physicians , to employ themselves in the improvement of the materia medica , ( which have been hitherto too much neglected ) than to content themselves with a formal way of practice : for diseases cannot be cured by scholastick twattle , or fine words , but by good remedies . the great platerus , helmont , and the famous franciscus de la boe sylvius , &c. did endeavour to reform the practice of physick , and excelled many others ( their contemporaries ) in the most difficult cures ; yet because they had recourse to chymical remedies , in the cure of many diseases , the more lazy tribe of physicians made it their business to traduce them . truly there are too many such carping zolius's at this day ( who envy glory to all , except themselves ) from whom i must expect the same fate : i can do no more but pray for them ; lord , forgive them ; for they know not what they do . from the lower-most door , on the right-hand , in norfolk-street , in the strand . the introduction : containing the causes and cure of diseases in general : as also , some choice specificks for the cure of diseases . the causes of diseases depend on lympha any way vitiated , because it will ( in time ) corrupt the whole mass of blood. quicquid enim , sive bilis sit , sive pituita , sive succus pancreaticus , sanguisve menstruus , lympham reddere potens acriorem , dolorem & morbos facile causat , parte affecta male sese habente . this is the hypothesis of most eminent physicians , both ancient and modern . spittle being continually swallowed down , and adhering to the gut , the more fluid part of it is dissolved by the continual conflux of choler , and the juice of the pancreas , or sweet-bread , in the small guts . if choler ( which abounds with a bitter volatile lixivial salt ) be mixt with the juice of the pancreas , which is naturally sourish , ( as hath been sufficiently evinced by the indefatigable industry of the most ingenious anatomist , regnerus de graaf ) they must of necessity stir up an effervescency in their concourse there . as long as the aforesaid humours are well tempered , the effervescency will be mild , and friendly to nature , and therefore cannot be perceived in healthy people . the humours rising from this mild effervescency , pierceth into the lacteal veins , and circulates with the lympha to the heart , and seems to give the natural consistency to the bloud . the more viscous part of these humors , passeth by degrees to the thick guts ; and being there mixed with the excrements , makes them more viscous and yellow , and helps the excretion of them . but if there be an obstruction of the lacteal ducts , or branches of the panereas , or sweet-bread , by reason of viscous flegm , which being separated from the bloud by the glandules of the pancreas , is there collected by degrees ; it is sent from thence ( in too large a quantity ) to the main duct , or pipe thereof , which detaineth the juice of the pancreas contrary to nature , which ought continually to flow into the small guts . the juice of the pancreas being compelled to stagnate , or stand still in its passage , quickly grows acrimonious , because the volatile spirit ( which is naturally conjoin'd to it to temper it ) doth gradually fly away , by which it becometh more acrid , and acquires a putrefactive ferment , whence at length it makes way through the obstructing flegm , and is effused into the small gut , called duodenum ; where meeting with choler ( peccant , in a lixivial salt acrimony ) it stirs up a vitious effervescency , or preternatural ferment , which raiseth acrimonious humors , and halituous or flatulent vapours , which are carried through the lacteal veins , and thoracick passage , and so through the vena cava , ascendens to the right ventricle of the heart ; from whence it circulates with the spirituous blood and lympha , vitiating , and corrupting the whole mass of it with its fermental acrimony : which is the cause of most chronical diseases , as the famous franciscus de le boe sylvius , hath accurately observed . if the acrid humours do affect the head , it may cause most distempers incident to it , as head-ach , convulsions , epilepsie , palsie , apoplexy , &c. if it invades the lungs , it causeth difficulty of breathing , inflamations , ulcers , and phthisis , or consumption . if it penetrates the membrane pleura , it causeth the pleurisie . if it possesseth the joints , it causeth arthritick pains , or the gout ; which hath its name from the part affected . if there be a defluxion of acrid humors on the reins , bladder , or womb , it may cause inflammations , ulcers , or cancers in them . if it be conveyed to the obscene parts , ( especially after too much impure coition ) it may cause malign eruptions , &c. if the lympha becomes very acrid in the conglobated , and conglomerated glandules , and if nature be over-burthened by its plentifulness , it may be the cause of catarrhs , rheumatisms , scrophula , &c. if acrid humors be luxuriant in the blood , and lympha , it may be the cause of all eruptions , as itch , scabs , erisipela's , leprosie , &c. acrimonious and flatulent vapours , may be the cause of all ague-fits , with all their symptoms , as in the beginning , horror , chilness , cold , shaking , &c. then follows reaching , yawning , and vomiting , &c. at length these sharp halituous vapors are carried to the right ventricle of the heart , and by their acrimony alters and troubles its vital effervescency ; and by over-stirring the heart , causeth a more frequent pulse , and many times produceth grievous symptoms , as great heat and thirst , difficulty of breathing , raving , heart-ach , swooning , and all other symptoms that happen in all intermitting fevers . if choler become peccant , not only in a lixivial salt acrimony , but also an inflamable oyliness ; the humours ( that are produced from its vitious effervescency , with the too tart pancreat juice , and over-viscous flegm in the small guts ) will be the more acrid and fervid ; and circulating ( with the spirituous blood and lympha ) to the heart , will cause an effervescency in the right ventricle of it , which will stimulate and incite it to a more forcible motion , whence the pulse is continually produced more frequent against nature ; after which follows great heat and burning , &c. and therefore may be called a fever ; so that this may be the cause of all continual fevers not putrid . if the stomach by dietetick errors , as in eating , or drinking too much sour fruit , or juices , be over-charg'd with acids , it may prove hostile , injurious , and a morbisick cause of that which we call the heart-burning , &c. with sour belchings , and sometimes a nauseousness even to vomiting . in this case , after the operation of a gentle emetick , you may administer half a dram of the pouder of pearl crabs-eyes , or any of the testaceous pouders , ( twice or thrice in a day ) to absorb the peccant acidity ; chalybeates may be also safely administred . likewise in all chronical diseases , caused by the over-sourness of the juice of the pancreas , &c. as aforesaid ; after general evacuations , the finest filings of iron turn'd to rust , may be given to half a dram at a time , in a stued prune , or any other vehicle , twice in a day ; because the stomach by its incisive acidity , ( together with other accidental , or concomitant acids ) doth penetrate the particles of the iron , and rarifie its vitriolick salt , which will not only help digestion , but kill worms , and circulates with the blood and lympha , and will in time purifie the whole mass of it . but if choler be peccant as aforesaid , causing fevers , and other acute diseases ; then after evacuation , by vomiting , or purging , i commend acid liquors , and juices , as lemons , &c. also purified niter may be given in all fevers . but here we may note , that it is the nature of all acids , to coagulate and thicken the blood and its serum ; wherefore we must be cautious , that we do not let blood , nor give too many . acids in the small-pox , and malignant fevers , because in these distempers , the blood is preternaturally viscid , and therefore it abounds with too much acidity ; of which you may read more at large in the ensuing treatise . i come now to mention some choice specificks for the cure of diseases , for the sake and benefit of the poor , who have not money to pay a doctor for his long receipts , nor the apothecary for medicines . salt niter purified , is an efficacious medicine in the cure of most diseases ; it may be poudred with an equal quantity of white sugar , and given to half a dram at a time every six hours , in all fevers , the whole time of sickness , and also before and after ; because it is an acid salt , and contains in it a volatile incorruptible sulphur ; and by reason of its acidity , it refrigerates the inflamed blood , and powerfully checks the preternatural fermentation of it , and preserves its natural consistency : for ( by the subtilty of its spirit ) it insinuates it self into the whole mass of bloud , and penetrates into all parts , and so strengthens and recreates the heart , as to make it resist and overcome all putrefaction , and therefore it is a great antidote against the plague , and all contagious fevers . if it be dissolved in any liquid vehicle , and drank a little often , it will dilute . the lixivial salt of choler , and being mixed with proper catharticks , and balsamick medicines , it will conduce much to the cure of most chronical distempers also ; for it discusseth wind , opens all obstructions , and causes the vitious humours to precipitate , and to be evacuated both by urine and stool . quicksilver boil'd in water , with a few raisons of the sun to sweeteen it , and the liquor drank freely , killeth worms . the quicksilver may be boiled a thousand times , and always have the same weight ; so that the water partakes of mercurial irradiation , by which it becomes destructive to worms . a strong decoction of ground-ivy , or alehoof , sweetned with sugar-candy , and a quarter of a pint of it taken twice or thrice in a day , helps distempers of the breast and lungs ; and a strong infusion of it in aqua vitae , or brandy , cureth the colick . the decoction of herb robert , and patronichia , or whitlow-grass , with leaves like rue , ( given inwardly every day , 'till the mass of blood , and juices of the body be impregnated with the vertues of the herbs ) cureth the king's-evil . the juice of penny-royal clarified ; and a little sweetned with sugar-candy , and given the quantity of a spoonful , three or four times in a day , cureth all sorts of coughs . cows and goats-milk boiled in an equal quantity of water , ( wherein unslak'd lime hath been quenched , and a little cinamon , and the young bark of the oak bruised and boiled in it , 'till a third part be consumed ) cureth all kinds of fluxes . glauber's sal mirabile , is an excellent lenitive cathartick : it may be safely given to men , women , or children , in all diseases where purging is necessary . the dose is from half a dram to an ounce , dissolved in warm whey , or milk and water . a few drops of rectified oyl of vitriol , mixed with a quarter of a pint of fair water , to a light acidity , a little sweetned with white sugar , and drank every day for some time , killeth worms , and quencheth thirst in fevers . if you mix an ounce of rectified oyl of vitriol , with two ounces of oyl of ben , or pure oyl of olives , stirring it 'till it be well incorporated , you have a good balsam to ease pain , and cure an inflammation in any part , by anointing once in a day or two , you may apply a colwort-leaf , ( or a plaister of diachilon , or a poultis of white-bread and milk , with a little butter in it ) to the grieved part , after anointing ; but you must have a care that it does not touch your linnen . a strong tincture of catechu , or japonian earth , ( with half its weight of jesuits bark , both in fine pouder ) in small cinamon-water , cureth catarrhs , and all sorts of fluxes . take a quarter of a spoonful thrice a day , in any vehicle . sweating is good in most diseases , if strength permits . virginia snake-root , and the root of contra yerva , bruised and boiled in fair water , and sweetned with a little sugar ; and given a quarter of a pint every four hours , to any that are bitten with an enraged viper , soon cureth the patient , especially if you bathe the part bitten with the same decoction , ( without sugar ) so hot as can be endured . gambogia finely poudred , and mixed with an equal quantity of pure niter , and given to half a dram at a time , twice or thrice in a week , soon cureth the yellow-jaundice , and dropsies . the best gum arabick , given at least a dram , twice or thrice in a day , either in pouder , or dissolved in small ale , or any other convenient vehicle , doth wonderfully mitigate the sharpness of urine . a strong decoction of woody nightshade , a little sweetned with sugar , and given to a quarter of a pint every morning , will purge gently , and open all obstructions , and cure the yellow-jaundice , dropsies , &c. the decoction of hearts-ease , sweetned with sugar-candy , cureth the pleurisie , and other inflammations . it is an excellent antivenerian , &c. and therefore it may be a chief ingredient in decoctions to cure the french-pox . a decoction of groundsel is an universal medicine for all diseases coming of heat : it purgeth gently ; and if the stomach be nauseous , it may cause vomiting : it is very safe , and may be given in all distempers , where purging is necessary . the fresh herb , boiled in milk 'till it be tender , and then strained out , and the herb bruised and boiled in the same milk , with crumbs of white-bread , or fine oatmeal , into the consistence of a poultis , and a litle oyl , or hog's-fat put to it , and applied to any inflamation , or swelling , it will soon give ease , and either dissolve the tumor , or bring it to suppuration . native cinnaber , finely powdred and washed , ( from its volatile malignant salt ) often in warm water , and rectified spirit of wine burnt over it two or three times , doth wonders in curing most chronical diseases . the dose is from ten grains to twenty , in any vehicle . missleto dried , and finely poudred with double its weight of white sugar , and a few drops of oyl of amber mixed with it ; half a dram of this pouder given twice or thrice in a day , cureth convulsions , and the epilepsie . crude antimony flux'd ( at least an hour ) with decrepitated sea salt , in a strong fire , and afterwards washed from the salt in warm water , is friendly to nature , and cureth fevers . the dose is from five grains to ten , in any vehicle . the jesuit's bark finely poudred , and given from half a dram to two drams , or more at a time , infused in wine , and drank at the going off of the fit , and afterwards every four hours , is such a specifick for the curing of all intermitting fevers , or agues , that it seldom fails , especially if the patient be well purged before he take it . you must continue the use of it for at least ten days , that the particles of the pouder may be continually conveyed into the bloud , by which the febritick ferment may be destroyed . give the sick a little broth of mutton , or chicken , with a few crumbs of white-bread , ( or any other food easie of digestion ) within half an hour after the taking of each dose , which will mix with the chile , and the bloud will be impregnated with the vertue of it . it also cureth all kinds of fluxes . three or four drops of the juice of ivy , or of asarabacca clarified , and dropt into each ear warm , every other night , ( and the ear gently stopt afterwards with cotton , or wool ) will soon cure deafness ; snuff up the juices into each nostril also , to purge the head. two grains of each of the aforesaid herbs dried , and finely poudred , and snuffed up each nostril , at night going to bed , twice in a week , will purge the head of rheum , and cure an inveterate head-ach , tooth-ach , and inflammation of the eyes , &c. the syrup of the juice of buckthorn-berries , or of wild cucumbers , taken an ounce at a time , with two drams of pure nitre , dissolved in ale or whey , twice or thrice in a week , cureth the dropsie . the pouder of olibanum , or mastick , or equal parts of both , mixed with old conserves of roses , and taken the quantity of a nutmeg , twice or thrice in a day , cureth a catarrh , especially if you blow some of the pouder into the throat every night going to bed , to strengthen the salival glands . lapis haematites , or the bloud-stone , being applied to the bleeding part , will stop the hemorrhage . it is likewise an excellent medicine taken inwardly , being repleted with the primum ens auri ; from which ( being finely poudred ) may be drawn a gold-like tincture , with a strong aqua regis , made of the rectified spirit of nitre , and sal armoniack ; to which you may add four times the quantity of rectified spirit of wine . take twenty drops of it in a glass of ale or wine , two or three times in a day : it cureth most chronical diseases . the true lapis nephriticus , cureth the stone , being prepared and taken after the same manner . ens veneris is good to cure the rickets ; three or four grains of it may be given to a child twice a day , in any vehicle . half a dram of the fine pouder of gum of guiacum , mixed with an equal quantity of factitious cinnaber in fine pouder , given every other morning , ( in a spoonful of milk or whey ) for thirty or forty days , cureth the venereal pox , and most other chronical diseases . oyl of walnuts , or linseed-oyl , ( by expression ) ( either exhibited inwardly , or given in clysters to four ounces at a time ) giveth ease in the stone and collick , &c. a dram of oyl of amber unrectified , ( mixed with an ounce of populion ) cureth the piles . purified honey is a universal balsam : it cureth sore-eyes , being spread on a fine rag , and applied ; mix it with gargarisms for sore mouths , and with injections for hollow ulcers , &c. the gross pouder of mastick is excellent ( to smoke in a pipe ) for a defluxion of rheum on the lungs , &c. saccharum saturni , ( dissolved in water ) mortifies sharp humors in the eyes , and all other inflammations ; it is a great anodine , cures burnings , and scaldings in a short time , stops bleeding , and prevents accidents in amputations , for it resisteth putrefaction . if you give half a dram of it twice a day , in any vehicle , it will soon quench the flame of lust. half an ounce of burnt alum , mixed with two ounces of white-wine-vinegar , cureth an inflammation in any part , being spread on a rag , and applied . sulphur of copper , or vitriol ( called sulphur of venus ) is an incomparable anodine , far exceeding any opiate . roman vitriol calcin'd to redness , stoppeth all fluxes of blood in a moment , and cures wounds by the first intention . you may dissolve half a dram of it in three or four spoonfuls of warm water , and dip a pledget of lint in it , and apply it to the wound , keeping the lips of it close : but if the wound be deep , it must be injected with a syringe . any other vitriol is of the same virtue ; but not so potent . half an ounce of quicksilver , mixed with an ounce of pomatum , ( spread on a long linnen rag , two inches broad , and covered with another linnen rag for a girdle ) worn for some time , cureth the itch. but you must purge once or twice in a week , to prevent salivation . the small bone in a black snail's-head , used as an amulet , to hang about the neck ; and rings made of an elk's-hoof , or of the teeth of a true sea-horse , and worn continually , are all of the same virtue , and cureth the cramp . the hand of a dead man or woman , being laid upon a scrophulous tumor , and there kept 'till the patient do feel the coldness of it penetrate to the innermost parts of the swelling , it will dispel and cure it by often doing . it likewise cureth a dropsie of the belly . the roots of contra yerva , or counterpaison , virginia snake-root , and zedoary , all , or either of them , is good against the plague , and all contagious fevers , any way used . here followeth some receipts of choice medicines , which i use in my own practice . pulvis balsamicus noster , our balsamick pouder . take of sarsaparilla grosly poudred four ounces ; let it be infused in two quarts of rectified spirit of wine , for two or three days , then press it out very hard , and add the same quantity of sarsaparilla as before ; do this for eight or ten times , the ostner the better ; add to the spirit , of the best gum of guiacum , in fine pouder half a pound ; the balsam of peru and tolu , of each two cunces , mix them all together in a glass resort , lute a receiver to it , and digest it for ten days , then draw off all the spirit with a gentle heat in balneo mariae when it is cold , break the retort , and take out the pouder , and keep it for use . it is an efficacious medicine against the rheumatism , gout , venereal pox , and all chronical diseases . the dose is half a dram in a spoonful of whey or milk , or any other vehicle , every morning fasting ; or mix it with an equal quantity of factitious cinnaber in fine pouder , and give it every morning and evening for some time . electuarium antiscorbuticum nostrum , our electuary against the scurvy , &c. take of the berries of bays , ivy and juniper , of each four ounces ; the seeds of dwarf-elder , burdock , ash , broom , peony , gromwel , the bark of elder , of each two ounces . let them be all bruised , and boiled in the juices of elder-berries , and wild cucumbers , of each one pound ; the juice of buckthorn-berries , four pound , 'till half of it be boiled away ; then press it out very hard , and boil it to the consistence of a pulp ; to every pound of it , add an equal quantity of white sugar , and boil it again , 'till it be almost as thick as an electuary ; then dissolve in it ( whilst it is very hot ) the same weight of pure nitre , as there is of sugar . to every pound of the electuary , add four ounces of balm of gilead , two ounces of our balsamick pouder before mention'd , one ounce of factitious cinnaber , in fine pouder ; and two drams of oyl of juniper ; mix all together , according to art. it is an excellent cathartick in all diseases which requires purging , for it potently evacuates all vitious humours promiscuously out of the body ; it cureth the king's-evil , rheumatism , gout , dropsie , scurvy , dry belly-ach , and all curable diseases . the dose is from two drams to an ounce . it may be given in the form of a bolus , or dissolved in ale , whey , or any other liquid vehicle , and taken in the morning fasting . sal chalybis noster , our salt of steel , or iron . take the finest filings of iron , or steel , rectified oyl of vitriol , of each one pound , mix them together in a large earthen-pan , well glazed ; let it stand for two or three hours , then pour into it two or three quarts of fair water , and it will presently effervesce , and the salt will stick about the pan ; take it out , and keep it for use . tinctura chalybis , the tincture of iron , or steel . take the finest filings of iron , or steel , four ounces ; rectified spirit of nitre half a pound ; mix them together in an earthen-pan , well glazed , when the effervescency is over , let it cool , and add to it spirit of wine rectified , five pound , mix it well together , then filter it through brown paper , and keep it for use . both of these medicines are great aperitives , opens all obstructions , cures the rickets , green-sickness , stoppage of the terms , yellow-jaundice , &c. they strengthen the stomach , kills worms , and purifies the whole mass of blood. you may give from half a scruple , to half a dram of the salt , in any vehicle , every morning . the tincture may be taken from ten to forty drops at a time , in beer , ale , or wine . aqua styptica nostra , our stiptick water . take of pure white vitriol , roch-alum , of each four ounces , let them be poudred , and calcined in a crucible , 'till it be red-hot , then quench it with wine-vinegar , and calcine it again . take it out of the crucible , and dissolve it in a gallon of spring-water ; add to it two ounces of saccharum saturni ; then strain it , and keep it for use . it cures the itch , and all other eruptions , the grieved parts being wash'd with it three or four times in a day . it likewise cureth hollow ulcers , and fistula's , the gonorrhaea in men , and the whites in women . you may inject it with a syringe warm , twice in a day . an index of the chapters , comprehending all the diseases of this book . the contents of the first book . chap. page i. of the head-ach . 1 ii. of the palsie , and apoplexy . 13 iii. of convulsions , and the epilepsie . 22 iv. of the night-mare , and vertigo . 35 v. of the lethargy , coma , carus , and catalepsie , or catochus . 38 vi. of the phrensie , and madness 44 vii . of catarrhs . 55 the contents of the second book . chap. page i. of shortness of breathing . 69 ii. of the pleurisie , and other instammations . 72 iii. of the consumption , or phtisick and hectick-fever . 83 iv. of the palpitation of the heart . 92 v. of an universal languishing , as also of swouning , and syncope . 96 vi. of fevers in general . 103 vii . of intermitting fevers . 116 viii . of malignant fevers , and the calenture . 124 ix . of the plague , or pestilence . 129 x. of the small-pox , and measles . 136 the contents of the third book . chap. page i. of the thirsty disease . 141 ii. of hunger vitiated , or of a depraved appetite . 144 iii. of want of appetite , or loathing of victuals . 148 iv. of the hiccet , or hiccough . 152 v. of belching . 156 vi. of vomiting , and of the cholerick , and iliack passion . 158 vii . of pain in the stomach , and of various pains of the guts , as colick , &c. 168 viii . of worms . 179 ix . of loosenesses , or fluxes of the belly . 185 x. of the dry belly-ach . 196 xi . of the yellow-iaundice . 202 xii . of a cachexy , or ill habit of body . 207 xiii . of dropsies . 211 xiv . of the scurvy , and hypochondriack suffocation , commonly called fits of the mother . 222 xv. of the green-sickness , and suppression of the courses . 231 xvi . of the immoderate menstrual flux , and the whites in women . 237 xvii . of the falling down of the womb , and fundament . 242 xviii . of barrenness . 245 xix . of abortion , or miscarriage . 249 xx. of hard travel in child-birth . 252 xxi . of nephritick pains , and of the stone in the reins and bladder . 257 xxii . of extraordinary pissing . 269 xxiii . of involuntary pissing , commonly called pissing in bed. 272 xxiv . of the stoppage of urine , and the strangury . 274 xxv . of the scalding or sharpness of urine . 277 xxvi . of venereal affects . 279 xxvii . of the rachites , or rickets . 288 xxviii . of the gout and rheumatism . 303 praxis medicinae reformata : or , the practice of physick reformed . being an epitome of the whole art : wherein is briefly shewed , the true causes , signs , prognosticks , and cure , of most diseases . book i. chap. i. of the head-ach . the head-ach may be divided into three kinds . the first is the momentany head-ach , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , caput , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dolor . the second is an inveterate head-ach , and is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod tegit calvarium . the third is a pain on one part of the head , before , behind , or on one side ; this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cranium , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dimidium . there is little difference between cephalaea and cephalalgia ; only per cephalaeam affectae partes multo redduntur quam in cephalalgia debiliores . these distempers are caused by halituous vapours , and humours , fuming up ( from the stomach and other parts ) to the head. 1. if the pain be external , so that the combing of the head be troublesome , then the pericranium is affected : but if the pain be internal , reaching to the eye-roots , then the dura mater is invaded with the peccant humours . 2. if there be pricking , distending pain with great pulsation , it is from sharp bilious humours , or halitus ; but if the pain be heavy , it is caused from viscous phlegm or melancholy . 1. if a violent head-ach come suddenly on a healthy person , and the party become dumb , and snort , 't is a mortal sign , unless a great fever do immediately happen . 2. if corrupt waterish matter or bloud do issue out of the nostrils , mouth , ears or eyes , ( especially on the fourth day ) the sick will suddenly recover ; but if the pain be very violent , and do suddenly vanish without a crisis , 't is doubtfull . 3. if the pain be without a fever , accompanied with noise in the ears , deafness , or megrim , with numbness of the extreme parts , an apoplexy or epilepsy , is at hand . 4. those that have cholerick stomachs , are most subject to a hemicrania ; and if it continue long , it causeth weakness of the eyes , and sometimes blindness . if the head-ach proceed from phlegmatick viscous humours abounding , first give this clyster . take of vervain , betony , mallows , mercury of each one handfull : let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of posset-drink , 'till half of it be boiled away , then strain it and dissolve in it one ounce of the electuary caryocostinum , oil of chamomel two ounces ; mix it for a clyster . sour things , and all that have a lixivial salt , either fixt , or volatile , and all aromaticks do correct and amend the viscous phlegmatick humours . let these forms serve for example . take the waters of baum , and mint , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , and aqua coelestis , of each half an ounce ; syrup of fennel , and mint , of each six drachms ; spirit of salt , as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , mix it , and give three spoonfulls of it often . take salt of tartar vitriolated half a drachm ; cream of tartar one drachm ; white sugar-candy two drachms ; make it into a fine powder for four doses , which may be taken every morning and evening in white or rhenish wine . for the rich you may prepare a medicinal wine . this may serve for example . take the roots of elicampane , calamus aromaticus , of each one ounce ; of rue , sage , vervain , sweet marjoram , of each three handfulls ; anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , of each an ounce and half ; orange-peel half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine . it may be given to three or four ounces in the morning fasting , with twenty drops of elixir proprietatis , you may also give it by it self , at dinner and supper . when the wine is used , fresh wine may be put to the ingredients , for a second infusion . but farther to correct , and gently evacuate the viscous phlegmatick humours . this opening apozeme is effectual . take of the five opening roots of each two ounces , liquorish an ounce and half ; guiacum half a pound , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , the berries of bays , and juniper , of each half an ounce ; vervain , betony , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised , and infused in two quarts of rain-water very hot , for twenty four hours ; then strain it out very strongly , and add the best manna , syrup of roses solutive with senna , of each four ounces ; tincture of cinamon three ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated half an ounce ; mix it , and give three ounces every morning fasting . if there be need of stronger physick you may administer these purging pills . take of extract . rudii , pil . foetidoe , cochioe , of each half a drachm ; mercurius dulcis twenty grains ; mix it for three doses . if the pain be old and stubborn , apply vesiccatories to the neck , also leeches to the temples , and haemorrhoids ; or open the jugular , or frontal vein , which hath often prov'd effectual . errhines , sternutatories and apophlegmatisms may also be used , and ventoses with scarification if need require . baths of sulphur ( whether natural or artificial with cephalick herbs ) are good to bathe the head and whole body . some approve of the fume of amber , taken into the mouth and nostrils . also spirit of cranium humanum , or spirit of salt armoniack , held to the nose in a narrow-mouth'd vial , giveth present ease in all cold pains of the head. also you may touch the nostrils and temples with oil of amber , or nutmegs , or apply this epitheme to the temples and forehead with linnen-rags . take the waters of vervain and betony , of each one ounce ; vineger of roses , ointment of alabaster , of each half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum one scruple ; mix it . cold distempers of the head , may also be corrected by hot cephalicks quilted in a cap for the head. take of sweet marjoram , stoechas , vervain , betony , sage , flowers of chamomel , of each one handfull ; nutmegs , cloves , wood of alloes , the roots of galangal , cyperus , calamus aromat . of each half an ounce ; let them be all beaten into powder for a quilted cap. before you put it on , let the hair be shaved close , and the head gently rub'd for some time , the better to open the pores . let the sick abstain from fat and viscous food , and let the mind be compos'd to chearfulness . if the juice of the pancreas abounding in the body , be over sour , it causeth a vitious effervescency , being oppos'd by choler and phlegm in the small guts ; from whence sour and ungratefull vapours may be sent to the stomach , and thence to the head. if the humours be over sour , the sense of hunger will be encreased , notwithstanding the pain of the head. this distemper is to be cur'd by giving those things which temper , and amend the acid juice in the body , and do prevent its encrease . those things abounding with either a lixivial or volatile salt , do powerfully destroy this acid juice ; as pearl , crabs-eyes , coral , chalk , amber , bloud-stone , filings of steel , &c. take this as a form of a powder . take of crabs-eyes , pearl , red coral prepar'd , of each half a drachm ; white sugar half an ounce ; let it be made into fine powder for six doses ; which may be taken morning and evening in two or three spoonfulls of the following cordial julep . take waters of baum and mint , of each three ounces ; scurvigrass-water two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrup of worm-wood , of each one ounce and half ; oil of juniper one drachm ; mix them together for a julep , of which you may also give two or three spoonfulls every fourth hour . i prescribe no purgers in this distemper , because i am taught by large experience , that the sour humours in the body may be stirr'd up indeed , but not purg'd , unless with very great gripes , which will doe more hurt , ●●an good . the encre●●e of the acid juice , may be pr●●●nted by abstaining from the use of ac●●● ▪ let the patient's diet be moist , and fatty , as fat broths , jellies aromatiz'd , &c. when the head-ach proceedeth from a hot cause , if the patient be costive , first give this clyster . take of mercury , violets , lettice , mallows , dandelion , of each one handfull ; damask prunes twenty ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two pints of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add electuary lenitive , one ounce and half ; oil of lillies two ounces ; mix them for a clyster . after its operation , you may open a vein and draw eight or nine ounces of bloud . some authours will not consent to phlebotomy in any head-ach , except the pain be intollerable ; but i have had sufficient experience , that it may be done safely in any pain of the head. elixir proprietatis , taken in wormwood-wine , to the quantity of half a drachm at a time , a little before meat , doth wonderfully conduce to amend the vitious quality of choler . choler may be evacuated by vomit , most commodiously by antimonial preparations . take of the infusion of crocus metallorum one ounce ; oximel of squills half an ounce . give it in the morning . but if the patient be averse to vomiting , the choler may be evacuated by stool , by this or the like cathartick . take of baum-water one ounce , cinamon-water two drachms , syrup of roses solutive , the best manna , of each half an ounce ; powder of cream of tartar twenty grains , diagredium ten grains ; mix it for a potion , which may be given in the morning fasting . also these most gratefull tablets of scammony may be prepared , and kept for use . take cristals of tartar two ounces ; scammony one ounce ; white sugar four ounces ; with gum dragon dissolv'd in rose-water as much as is sufficient ; let it be made into troches according to art. half a drachm of these troches may be given to a child with carefull governing ; a man or woman may take two drachms of them . they who are fearfull of scammoniats , though safe and potent , let them take the following infusion . take of choice rhubarb two drachms ; cream of tartar one drachm ; infuse them in four ounces of endive-water for a night ; then strain it and add syrup of roses solutive , syrup of cicory with rhubarb , of each half an ounce , cinamon-water two drachms ; give it in the morning fasting : this electuary is also an excellent cholagogue . take the pulp of damask-prunes ten ounces ; powder of scammony , cream of tartar , of each two ounces , rhubarb ten drachms , cinamon half an ounce ; yellow sanders two drachms ; the best manna , syrup of cicory with rhubarb , of each eight ounces ; mix all together into an electuary according to art. the dose is from two drachms , to half an ounce , taken either in a bolus , or dissolved in a sufficient quantity of endive-water , or any other convenient vehicle . these excellent medicines do not onely purge choler abounding , but purify the bloud and other humours ; and here we may note , that if a purging medicine do not operate according to expectation , it may safely be repeated the same day without any danger . if the head-ach be accompanied with a great fever , and thirst be augmented ; the following medicines will much conduce to asswage it . take of barley-water two pints ; cinamon-water two ounces ; syrup of violets four ounces ; salt prunella half an ounce ; mix it , and give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it often . this tincture is also very effectual take of barley-water two pints ; red-rose-buds one ounce ; spirit of vitriol twenty drops , or as much as is sufficient to make it of a good tincture , let it infuse all night , then strain it , and add syrup of jujubes four ounces ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every three hours . if an emulsion may please better , take this following form . take of sweet almonds one ounce ; the four greater cold-seeds of each half an ounce ; white poppy-seeds two ounces ; let the almonds be blanched , and all well beaten in a stone mortar ; then with four pints of barley-water , make an emulsion ; strain it , and add syrup of the juice of limmons , diacodium , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; of which let the sick drink often , four spoonfulls at a time . you may also have a little fine sugar , and salt prunella equally mixt , which may be kept in the mouth , to deceive the thirst. but where rest is hindred by the choler abounding , and cannot be obtain'd by the emulsion , which gently procureth sleep ; you may dissolve two grains of laudanum opiat . in two or three spoonfulls of it , and give it at night ; or you may order this or the like julep . take the waters of lettice , water-lillies of each two ounces ; syrup of red poppies one ounce ; cinamon-water half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum four grains ; oil of vitriol six drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it to cause sleep . this epitheme may be applied to the temples , and fore-head with linnen-rags . take the oils of violets , and water-lillies of each half an ounce ; the waters of red roses , lettice , and houseleek , of each two ounces ; vineger of roses half an ounce ; mix it . you may also anoint the temples and fore-head with this ointment . take the ointment of alabaster , populion , oil of mandrakes , of each half an ounce ; mix it . let the patient's diet be mutton or veal-broth without salt . when a salt catarrh , or the like spittle is the cause of thirst augmented , you may administer a pill of styrax , or cynoglosson , which will temperate the saltness of the humours ; and if salt serous matter abound in the bloud , you may purge it by stool and urine , for which there are variety of medicines prescrib'd in the chapter of catarrhs . chap. ii. of the palsie , and apoplexy . the palsie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. a solvendo , eo quod nervorum genus resolutum , facultate animi defluere prohibita sensu motuque destituatur . it may be also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. dimidia apoplexia . in latin it is called nervorum resolutio vel relaxatio . it is a privation of sense and motion of one side of the body , or of some particular part . the apoplexy is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutior , attonitum reddo . in latin 't is called stupor corporis , it being an abolition of sense and motion through the whole body . the parts affected are the brain , spinalis medulla and nerves ; the motion of the animal spirits through them being deprav'd . the causes are either external , or internal . the external is much cold and moisture , which doth chill and over moisten the head , and extreme parts ; and this seems to prove that phlegmatick and watry humours abiding about the ventricles of the brain , and nerves , may over moisten , and perhaps so far loosen the tunicles or membranes of them , that it may render them unfit to let the animal spirits pass through them ; hence it is that sometimes one particular member hath been paralytick by too much cold and moisture ; and sometimes more parts have more or less lost sense and motion . it is the opinion of most eminent physicians both ancient and modern ; that the animal spirits being severed from the bloud in the brain , &c. are from thence carried through all the nerves to exercise the external senses and animal motion ; which is continual and equal in healthy persons , but changeable and unequal , according to the divers diseases of the body or mind . wherefore when no animal spirits are carried to the organs of the external senses , or animal motion ; the functions of seeing , smelling , tasting , hearing and touching : and the sense of heat , as also of motion in the palsie and apoplexy , cease all that time . the signs of the palsie are manifest ; to wit , deprivation of sense and motion of the paralytick parts ; the eye , and half the tongue , ( viz. of that side affected ) is much weakned , and deprav'd . the signs of the apoplexy approaching are these , a sudden crying out for help , with an abolition of sense and motion . 1. if the palsie , or apoplexy do invade the sick in the decrease of the moon , and the patient be old , 't is an ill sign . 2. if the sick do snort , and is droughty , and cast spume or froth out of the mouth , and have great sweat with difficult breathing , 't is mortal . but if the person be young , and a strong fever immediately happen , 't is a good sign ; for the fever consumes the superfluous moisture , and makes a dissipation of the gross and phlegmatick matter . 3. a palsie coming after the apoplexy is ill , and many times turns to the apoplexy again . when any of the extreme parts be paralytical , or when the head is ill affected by the external coldness of air , water or snow ; or a stoppage of the head be also bred thereby , or the defect of the animal spirits chiefly urge ; then the sick may be cur'd by driving out whatsoever cold has pierc'd into the head , or any other parts of the body , which may be done by spirituous and volatile sudorificks ; for they do not onely alter and correct the cause of cold , and other evils accompanying it , but do also amend the harm entring into the body , containing , and contained . to this end i commend this following form. take of treacle-water one ounce ; fennel-water , and epidemical-water , of each two ounces ; syrup of red poppies , and syrup of the juice of scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; bezoar-mineral , antimony diaphoretick , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix it , give the sick three or four spoonfulls of it , and expect to sweat , being meanly covered ; and a spoonfull every half hour afterward , till the sweat break forth ; then give them some pure broth , with a little wine in it , whereby strength may be recreated , and the patient enabled to bear a sweat longer ; for nothing so much helps the sick as a sweat continued mildly a while , which experience hath often taught me . for by the help of this spirituous , and volatile , and also aromatick medicine , or one like it , the troublesome cold , and dulness of motion are discust . they who let bloud in this distemper caused by external cold ; or think they can carry out the cause of this evil either by vomit or siege , put the sick into danger of death , or at least of most grievous evils . but when phlegmatick and watry humours stick about the nerves , &c. and too much moistening and loosening their membranes and marrow , be the cause of the palsie and apoplexy , and if the same humours much abound in the body ; then phlegmagogues , and hydragogues may conduce to the cure , after clysters , and internal aromatick sudorificks . wherefore to begin the cure of this ; you may first give this or the like clyster , which must be made strong . take of sweet marjoram , betony , sage , penny-royal , hyssop , rue , mercury , marsh-mallows , the lesser centaury , the flowers of chamomel , and stoechas , of each half a handfull ; anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and dissolve in it the electuary diaphoenicon , benedicta laxativa , of each half an ounce ; pil . cochioe twenty grains ; common salt one drachm ; oil of rue two ounces ; mix it for a clyster . the next day ( if the sick have a plethorick body ) you may draw bloud from either arm , to eight or nine ounces . if phlebotomy cannot be done , apply ventoses with scarification to the shoulders ; afterward sweat the patient with the aforesaid sudorifick . sometimes suppositories may be used in stead of clysters . this may serve for example . take the powders of coloquintida , salt-niter , hiera-picra simple , of each one drachm ; euphorbium half a drachm , honey boiled as much as will make it into a suppository . but if it appear that phlegmatick and viscous humours do abound in the body , purgers may be prescrib'd most conveniently in the form of a pill , because the gums are most apt ( above all other medicines ) to loosen and cut viscous phlegm ; neither can they be easily dissolv'd in any liquour . let this , or such a like form of pills serve . take the gums amoniacum , and galbanum , of each two drachms ; dissolve them in vineger of squills , strain it , and boil it , to a due consistence ; then add powders of troches , alhandal , scammony , mastick , of each one drachm ; oil of anise-seed eight drops ; make it into a mass of pills according to art. let the sick take five or six small pills of this in the morning fasting , and an hour after drink some thin broth . if the humours be more serous , i commend this electuary . take juniper-berries one pound ; boil them in six pints of fennel-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then add the fruit of tamarind eight ounces , and pulp them both through a sieve : to which add powder of jalap , and scammony prepar'd , of each three ounces ; cinamon , sweet fennel-seed , of each half an ounce ; white sugar one pound , make it into an electuary according to art. the dose of this effectual medicine , is to half an ounce , to people of age ; a child may take from half a drachm , to a drachm , either by it self , or dissolv'd in whey , or parsley-water , or in any other convenient vehicle . after universal evacuation hath been made , and the patient's stomach be still nauseous , this vomit may safely be given . take the infusion of crocus metallor . vinegar of squills of each one ounce , give it in the morning with care : after the operation of it , give some of this cordial julep . take the waters of sage , couslips , lillies of the valley , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water one ounce ; syrup of peony-flowers , stoechas , of each six drachms ; spirit of castor two drachms ; spirit of salt as much as will make it of a gratefull taste , of which you may give the sick three or four spoonfulls every fourth hour . to correct a slow ferment , and also to amend phlegmatick viscous humours , a medicinal wine may be prepared for the rich , in this form . take the roots of galangal , elecampane , of each half an ounce ; the tops of wormwood , mint and calamint , of each one handfull ; powder of cinamon , anise-seed , of each half an ounce ; nutmegs two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and insused in six pints of white-wine . the sick may drink of this physick-wine at dinner and supper , adding to every draught , five or six drops of elixir proprietatis . when the wine is almost consum'd , more may be poured on , till it cease to be aromatical . external means for the palsie , and apoplexy are also to be used . bathing is much commended , both natural and artificial ; and how excellent it is daily experience doth manifest . this artificial bath , or one like it , may be prescrib'd , where a natural sulphureous or nitrous bath cannot be had . take sage , penny-royal , betony , organ , sweet marjoram , hyssop , rue , time , ground-pine , of each six handfulls ; flowers of chamomel , melilot , of each four handfulls ; roots of briony , pellitory , of spain , of each four ounces ; bay-berries , juniper-berries of each three ounces ; brimstone six pound ; salt-niter two pound ; let all be bruised and boiled in twenty gallons of spring-water , till the third part be consumed . let the sick be well bathed with this as often as strength will permit . after bathing , anoint the hinder part of the head and neck , and down the vertebra of the back with this oil ; upon which let a fox-skin drest be worn . take chymical-oils , of juniper-berries , turpentine , spike , of each half an ounce ; oils of chamomel , earth-worms , rue , foxes , of each one ounce ; spirit of castor two drachms ; mix it . this plaister may be applyed to the head. take galbanum , opopanax , of each half an ounce ; mustard-seed , white pepper , euphorbium , castor , of each two drachms ; chymical oil of sage and rue , of each twenty drops ; oil of spike and turpentine , of each a drachm ; make it into a plaister which you may spread on leather , and apply it warm to the head. or you may make the quilted cap as is prescrib'd in page 6. to wear constantly ; oil of nutmegs is good to embrocate the ears and nostrils ; also errhines , sternutatories , and apophlegmatisms may be used with good success . take castor , sweet marjoram , betony , root of white hellebor , of each a drachm ; beat them all into a fine powder . blow up some of this powder ( with a quill ) into the nostrils , to cause sneezing . let the patient's diet be such as may not breed phlegm , and let it be thin and spare , as water-gruel , in which boil some mace ; or you may make broth of mutton , &c. in which boil sage , rosemary , time , sweet marjoram , couslips , &c. of this broth you may make panado's with the crums of white bread , and the yelk of an egg. let anise-seed , or sweet fennel-seed be baked with the bread . abstain from all clammy diet , as fish and milk , &c. and eat little or no supper . chap. iii. of convulsions , and the epilepsie . the cramp or convulsion is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin convulsio . it is a very painfull , involuntary contraction of the nerves and muscles towards their original . there are generally two sorts of convulsions . viz. a true convulsion , and a convulsive motion . a true convulsion is either universal or particular . of the universal there are three kinds . the first is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin tentio ad anteriora ; when the body and head is drawn forward . the second is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin tentio ad posteriora when the head and body is drawn backward the third is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in greek , and distentio in latin , in this the whole body is inflexible . the particular convulsions are various . if it be in the eye , it is called strabismus . that of the mouth , is call tortura oris , &c. the falling-sickness or epilepsie , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , invado , quod sensum atque mentem pariter apprehendat . it is called also in latin epilepsia vel invasio ; item morbus hominem ita invadens , ut retineat & sistat sensuum actiones , because the mind and senses in this disease are suddenly surprized . it may be called morbus caducus , a cadendo , or morbus puerilis because it is most subject to children ; or more properly noverca puerorum , quod eos male tractat . it is also called herculeus , & elephantiasis a magnitudine , because it is difficult to cure . some call it morbus lunaticus , because the sick are most subject to the fits at the change of the moon ; but enough of the names . the epilepsie is an universal cramp or convulsion of the whole body , with deprivation of sense and motion in the time of the fit . the parts affected are not onely the brain , cerebellum and spinalis medulla , but all the nerves and museles . the causes are either external or internal . the external , may be by the biting of some venemous creature ; or by a wound or puncture of a nerve or tendon . sometimes it may be caused by surfeiting or drunkenness ; and also by the taking of hellebor , &c. it may be also caused by a mineral gas fuming from the mines of lead , or antimony , &c. which infecteth the air with noxious metalline exhalations of a venemous malignity ; which is many times the cause of convulsions , as they can tell by experience , that live near those mines . the internal causes are acrimonious and flatuous vapours , rising from the small guts , because of over viscous phlegm , and the over acidity and tartness of the juice of the pancreas , which causeth a vitious effervescency of the humours , by which the lympha is also rendred very sharp . these sour flatuous vapours continually ascending to the head , together with the spirituous substance of the bloud , and going forward into the ventricles of the brain , and cerebellum , and so to the first spreading of the nerves ; and corroding them , causeth an inordinate agitation , and very fierce motion of the animal spirits ; and by a continual and grievous irritation , urging about the beginning of the spinalis medulla , is the cause of an universal convulsion , or epileptick-fit , in which all the muscles of the body are most vehemently contracted . the irritation in a particular convulsive motion or the cramp , which may be oft observ'd in the thigh or leg , and other extreme parts , may be also ascrib'd to the same sharp and sour flatuous vapours , carried to the beginning of the nerves and tendons of the said members , fretting and gnawing them sometimes with great pain . the signs of convulsions are manifest . the preceding signs of the epilepsie , are trembling , sadness , fearfulness , vertigo , numness , debility of the senses , troublesome sleep , with great pain of the head. the signs of the epilepsie presently approaching , are a vehement shaking of the whole body , foming at the mouth , and a sudden deprivation of all the animal functions . 1. a convulsion or epilepsie , being hereditary , is incurable . 2. if a pregnant woman be taken with either of them , it is very dangerous ; and also after abortion . 3. children are most subject to these diseases , because they abound with abundance of moisture , and flatulent vapours in the brain ; and because they have nervorum poros angustos , whereby the brain is easily filled with such vapours ; and therefore we see that children are often troubled with them , young people more rarely , and old folks but seldom ; and we find that children better suffer them than either of the other , who frequently die of these fits , especially of the epilepsie , when in their falling there follows snorting , gnashing of the teeth , a ghastly countenance , much some at the mouth , involuntaria seminis effusio , and great cryings out . 4. of all the kind of convulsions , tetanos is the most difficult to cure ; because it is ( as it were ) composed of the other two kinds ; but if a fever happen in this or any other convulsion , the sick will suddenly recover , because a fever dissolveth it ; but if a convulsion should succeed a fever , it is very dangerous , especially from a wound , or proceeding from venemous matter . so likewise it is very dangerous if it be caused by taking of hellebor . when a particular convulsion is caused from a prick of a nerve or tendon ; as it may happen sometimes by the unskilfulness , or precipitancy of the chyrurgeon in opening a vein , then most speedily pour into the wound or puncture , the oil of turpentine , with rectifi'd spirit of wine , both actually hot ; as that famous chyrurgeon mr. ambrose parey adviseth in his ninth book , chap. 11. of which i have had large experience with good success . the like course may be taken with all other wounds of the nervous parts . but if the wound of the nerve or tendon yield not to this medicine , the same is to be cut asunder cross-ways , seeing it is safer to lose the action of one part , than that the sick should be exposed to the danger of a deadly convulsion . when the nerves or tendons of the muscles are prickt by sharp splinters of bones , the grievous pains succeeding , soon cause a particular convulsion of that part , and at length an universal convulsion will attend the patient , if there be not speedy help . wherefore if possible , the sharp fragments of the bone must be cut away ; or if this have been neglected , or could not be done , and an universal convulsion be feared , you must hasten to amputation of the member ; for , necessitas non habet legem . if a particular convulsion be occasion'd by a hot tumour or any other sharp pain , which hath rais'd an inflammation ; let the pain be diminisht as well by internal , as external anodines and narcoticks , to allay the over encreas'd motion of the animal spirits . to this end you may give the sick two or three grains of laudanum opiat . at a time , either in a pill , or dissolve it in a little wine or other convenient vehicle . and if the ingenious and judicious physician , or chyrurgeon , do add a little volatile salt , either of animals or vegetables , to his topical medicaments , whether fomentations , cataplasms , or ointments , he will wonder at the incredible benefit ; for by the help thereof the tumour will be mollified and dissolved , the internal obstruction loosned , and the pain eased . if a convulsion be caused by the taking of hellebor , or any other venemous matter ; administer an antimonial vomit with all speed . but if it be a child , give it ten grains of salt of vitriol , or half an ounce of oxymel of squills , with a drachm of oil of almonds . after the operation of the emetick , ( and also at other times ) you may give some of this julep . take of black-cherry-water , the water of line-flowers of each two ounces ; briony-water compound , syrup of peony , of each one ounce ; tincture of castor half an ounce ; confection of alkermes one drachm , spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every fourth hour . having briefly hinted at the cure of particular convulsions ; i come now to those more universal , as likewise convulsive motions , and the epilepsie . and seeing there is little difference , in the remote causes of them in the body ; these diseases may ( for the most part ) be cured with the same remedies . 1. first then the peccant humours are to be temper'd , and diminisht . 2. the rising of vapours is to be hindred , and their expulsion procur'd by sweat , or insensible transpiration : by which the over motion of the animal spirits will be restrain'd and brought to tranquillity , that is a more quiet motion . all aromaticks , and all things abounding with either a fixt or volatile salt , do not onely correct , and by cutting amend the viscous phlegmatick humours ; but do powerfully temper and destroy the over acidity and tartness of the juice of the pancreas . to temper and diminish these humours , i commend these medicines . take the roots of male-peony , valerian , missletoe of the oak , and peony-seeds , of each two ounces ; castor half an ounce ; let them be all bruised , and infus'd in peony-water compound , the water of line-tree-flowers , of each one pint , for the space of twenty four hours ; then strain it out very strongly , and add syrup of peony and stoechas , of each three ounces ; spirit of castor half an ounce ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls at a time every fourth hour , with which you may mix spirit of salt armoniack , elixir proprietatis , of each six drops . also you may give the patient half a drachm of the following powder in three or four spoonfulls of this infusion , with the aforesaid spirit and elixir . take of crabs-eyes , salt of tartar vitriolated , salt prunella , of each half an ounce ; volatile salt of harts-horn , salt of amber , of man's skull prepar'd , of each two drachms ; make it into a fine powder , which may be taken half a drachm at a time , morning and evening . the peccant humours being temper'd and diminisht , by the frequent use of the abovesaid medicines ; the inordinate , involuntary and impetuous motion of the animal spirits , ( in convulsive and epileptick fits ) will be the better reduc'd to a calm and voluntary motion , by the help of volatile and spirituous sudorificks , mixt with anodines , and narcotick medicines us'd in a small quantity , and at times ; which two will be expedient to be given together , because then they will the better circulate to the animal spirits , and temper and educe the hurtfull flatuous vapours . for which i commend the following form . take of treacle-water , fennel-water , of each one ounce ; syrup of peony , syrup of the juice of scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; antimony diaphoretick , bezoar mineral , crabs-eyes in powder , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; tincture of castor one drachm ; oil of cloves three drops ; spirit of salt armoniack ten drops ; mix it , and let the sick take it , being well cover'd with cloths , whereby the sweat will the easier come forth . if the body be costive , let it be made soluble by a clyster , or suppository ; such as is prescrib'd in the cure of the apoplexy . as often as the stomach is naufeous , or the sick inclines to vomiting ; let the emeticks before mention'd be carefully administred ; and likewise three or four days before the full of the moon . but if the sick be averse to vomiting , and pills or potions are more acceptable , take the following as examples . take of extract . rudij , pil . foetidoe ex duobus , of each a drachm and half ; castor , black hellebor prepar'd , of each half a drachm ; salt of amber twenty grains ; oil of rosemary twenty drops , with syrup of stoechas ; make it into a mass for pills ; of which you may give half a drachm twice a week . also this purging infusion is very effectual . take of the best senna , rhubarb , and cream of tartar , of each an ounce and half ; liquorish , and the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; guiacum , china-roots , of each six ounces ; missletoe of the oak , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , bay-berries , and juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be all bruised , and infused in black-cherry-water , and the water of line-tree-flowers , of each a quart , very hot for the space of a night ; then strain it very hard , and add syrup of roses solutive with senna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated half an ounce ; mix it . let the sick take four ounces of this purging infusion every morning , whereby the viscous humours and flatuous vapours may be both corrected , and also evacuated gently by degrees . if bloud abound , let a vein be opened ; in women open the saphoena in either foot , but in men you may apply leeches to the hemorrhoidal veins . &c. bathing hath been often us'd ( with good success ) in these diseases . a natural sulphureous bath , such as is in the city of bath , is excellent ; but when it is not to be had , an artificial bath may serve . that which is set down in the cure of the palsie and apoplexy , is of excellent virtue , and very effectual in these distempers . after bathing , let the spina dorsi , and other affected parts be anointed with the following ointment . take the oils of euphorbium , rue , castor , petre , spike , turpentine , bricks , dil , chamomel , of each half an ounce ; oils of amber and juniper , of each two drachms ; the ointments martiatum and aregon of each one ounce ; mix them for an ointment . issues are approved of , either in the neck , or arm ; also ventoses with scarification , sternutatories , errhines and masticatories are all commended . this masticatory may serve for example . take the roots of pellitory of spain , ginger , calamus aromaticus , of each one ounce ; mustard-seed ; all sorts of pepper , nutmegs , castor , mastick , of each half an ounce ; beat them all into fine powder , and with fine honey boild into a syrup , make them into troches according to art. when they are drie you may chew them one after another , when you please to draw the rheum out of the mouth . when the fit is coming , or upon the party , blow up some sneezing-powder into the nostrils , or the smoak of tobacco into the mouth . embrocate the temples , fore-head and nostrils with oil of amber ; and hold the spirit of salt armoniack to the nose , in a narrow-mouth'd viol . make a noise in the ears ; and let the sick be kept in a light room , with the head upright . let the teeth be kept open with a stick , or rather with a little viscus quercinus , if it may be had . let the soles of the feet be well rub'd with salt and vineger ; also frictions and ligatures may be used in the parts affected . some commend a pigeon cut asunder , and applied hot to the navel ; for hereby the venemous halituous vapours are partly drawn away . i might add variety of medicines for the cure of these diseases ; but those before mentioned are sufficient to give light to the ingenious artist , who knows how to prepare diversity of them , as well milder for infants and children , as stronger for adults . i will therefore prescribe a powder to preserve children from convulsive and epileptick-fits , and so conclude this chapter . take the roots of peony , valerian , of each half an ounce ; the moss that groweth upon a man's skull , the triangular bone of a man's skull prepar'd , missletoe of the oak , elks-hoof , the seeds of peony , sweet fennel and annise , of each two drachms ; red coral , whitest amber , and emerald prepar'd , of each one drachm ; white sugar the weight of them all , let them be reduc'd into a fine powder . you may give a child twenty grains of this powder with a little oil of sweet almonds , so soon as it is born , which may happily preserve it from convulsions , and epileptick fits . and because obstructions of the belly in children , exposeth them to flatuous vapours , and gripings , and so consequently to convulsive and epileptick-fits ; i advise you to keep the belly open , either with a little manna , or a carminative clyster , so often as you see convenient . let the sick live in a serene air , and abstain from all food that breeds bad nourishment , and flatulent vapours . chap. iv. of the night-mare , and vertigo . i shall treat of these two distempers in one chapter , because if either of them continue long ; they are forerunners of the palsie , or apoplexy , and sometimes convulsions , or epilepsie . the night-mare is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in latin 't is called incubus ab incubando , quod externa vis quoedam aut moles incubare videtur . it is called the night-mare , because it oppresseth the sick in the night , at which time they think that some great weight lieth upon them , by which they seem to be almost suffocated . it happens most commonly after the first sleep , whereby the party oppressed , is deprived of speech and motion , and sometime breathing for a time . when the fit is upon the sick , they do imagine that some witch or hag lieth hard on their breast or stomach , ( from whence it hath also acquired that name ) in which they cannot stir , nor call for help , though they have a great desire , and do strive very much to cry out , but are possessed with a panick fear . the cause of this distemper , is most commonly intemperance in eating and drinking , especially in the night ; whereby crude halituous vapours are bred in such plenty , that nature cannot disperse nor dissolve them before sleep ; and therefore they are raised up to the ventricles of the brain , by which imagination , sense and motion are all depraved . the giddy motion is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. obscuritas oculorum . in latin 't is called vertigo , ex vertendo quod caput vertere videtur . in this disease the animal spirits are wrong mov'd , which makes the sick believe that not onely all things they look on , go in a circuit about , but their head and other parts , seem to turn round ; which many times causeth them to be in danger of falling , or tumbling headlong . the cause of the giddy motion , is either external , or internal . the external are either an intent looking at any object that turns round , or about , especially if very remote ; or a frequent turning about of the body it self . the internal cause , is the ascent of flatuous vapours to the head , together with the spirituous part of the bloud , and carried with the animal spirits , into the passages of the brain , and cerebellum ; by which the motion of wheeling about is communicated to the animal spirits , and anon carried to the cristalline humour of the eyes , by the optick nerves ; and so a giddiness seems to be produc'd . for the cure of these diseases ; seeing they are the forerunners of the apoplexy , and epilepsie ; i refer you to those excellent medicines prescrib'd for the cure of them . let such as are subject to these distempers , be very sparing in their diet ; let them avoid all herbs , roots and fruits , that are windy ; and all viscous and gross diet , such as is of hard concoction . let the external causes be remov'd , and the internal causes corrected . sublata causa tollitur effectus . chap. v. of the lethargy coma , carus , and catalepsie or catocus . the lethargy is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , id est , ab oblivione & inertia . because in this disease , the sick is very forgetfull and slothfull . in this distemper , there is a very great propensity to sleep , accompanied with a symptomatical fever , and sometimes with the hiccough , with difficulty of breathing , dulness of the head , and many times a deprivation of the senses . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sopor altus , is an insatiable inclination to sleep ; the sick being called unto , they open their eyes , and answer , but presently fall a sleep again . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is called in latin crapularis redundantia ; because it is sometimes caused by surfeiting , end drunkenness . it is deep and profound sleep , whereby imagination , sense and motion are all depraved . in these there is no fever , in which they differ from the lethargy . catalepsis , vel detentio , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies a with-holding , or restraining , because in this distemper , the mind , with the senses , and motion are all suddenly surprized , so that the sick remain stiff , and immoveable , in the very same posture in which they were taken , with their eyes open . the causes of these diseases are either external , or internal . the external causes are gross food , idleness , spirituous wine , or any other inebriating liquour taken in excess ; and sometimes by the air inspir'd , which is defil'd by the smoak of coals , or other mineral fumes , by which the air may be infested . the internal cause , is a narcotick force mix'd with the animal spirits , bred by degrees in the body , by the frequent use of opiats , not well corrected , which not onely dulls the mind , but causeth a sluggishness of the whole body ; for the animal motion being deprav'd , the external , as well as internal senses , will be thence soon infected , and defil'd . these diseases are all very dangerous , and except they are speedily cur'd , they will soon hurry the sick into the boats of acheron , or devouring jaws of death . but if a phrensie cometh immediately after any of them , it cureth the patient with little help of medicine . to cure these diseases , let the drowsie animal spirits be stir'd up , and rais'd from sleepiness , and stupidness , by potent external objects , which may sharply move the external senses ; let the sick be kept in a light room , and be often called upon very strongly , and let sharp smells be applied to the nostrils , such as spirit of salt armoniack , harts-horn , &c. also sharp spices or salts should be put into the mouth , and gentle frications us'd ( with warm cloaths ) to those parts that are affected with numness . the animal spirits may be freed from the narcotick force mingled with them , ( and likewise slothfulness , and sleepiness may be ( by little and little ) diminished , ) by the frequent use of sharp volatile salts , and all medicines endued with an aromatick biting ; such as pepper , cloves , castor , garlick , horse-radish , mustard , scurvigrass , &c. of which you may make diversity of medicines , for example . take the waters of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , of each two ounces , syrup of the juice of scurvigrass one ounce ; tincture of castor two drachms ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix it , and give the sick two or three spoonfulls every two hours . this decoction is also very effectual . take the roots of horse-radish , the best china , of each two ounces ; roots of galangal half an ounce ; scurvigrass , hedge-mustard , of each one handfull ; cloves one drachm ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and infused in white-wine , and fountain-water , of each a quart , for the space of a night very hot ; the next morning boil it gently for half an hour , then strain it , and add syrup of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; mix it . let the sick lying in bed , meanly covered take often in a day five or six spoonfulls of this decoction , whereby a light sweat may break forth to ease them . by the frequent use of these medicines , the animal spirits will not onely be freed from their drowsiness , but even the narcotick force bred in the body ( either in the length of time , or received in from without ) may be corrected , and by degrees gently educ'd by insensible transpiration : so that at length , these dangerous distempers may happily be overcome . let clysters , and suppositories be often administred , as need requires . those prescrib'd in page 17 , 18. in the cure of the palsie and apoplexy , are very effectual here . if strength and age permit , let a vein be opened in either arm or foot , as you shall see cause ; for generally authours consent to it , besides experientia docet . let ventoses with ( or without ) scarification be applied to the shoulders and hinder part of the neck . and let sternutatories be often snuft up into the nostrils , to provoke sneezing . take the roots of pellitory of spain , white hellebor , of each half a drachm ; castor , nutmegs , white pepper , of each twenty grains ; flowers of lillies of the valley one drachm ; beat them into a fine powder . if the stomach be foul , and the sick incline to vomit , give this or the like . take the decoction of horse-radish , two ounces ; the infusion of crocus metallorum , oxymel of squills , of each half an ounce ; oil of sweet almonds newly drawn , two drachms ; mix it , and give it in the morning . but if the sick had rather take pills or potions , let the following serve . take extract . rudii , pil . foetidoe , ex duobus of each half a drachm ; powder of castor twenty grains ; oil of cloves six drops , with syrup of stoechas , make it into pills , for three doses . you may give them twice a week in the morning fasting . this purging infusion is also very effectual . take of the best senna , rhubarb , polypodium , of each half an ounce ; mechoacan , agarick , turkey-turbith , of each three drachms ; ginger , anise-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised and infused in eight ounces of ale very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and add the best manna ; syrup of roses solutive of each one ounce ; spirit of castor twenty drops ; mix it for two doses . let the affected parts , as the head , &c. be bathed with this or the like fomentation . take the roots of master-wort , angelica , zedoary , of each three ounces ; bay-berries , juniper-berries , of each four ounces ; sage , marjoram , rue , rose-mary , betony , flowers of lavender , melilot , chamomel , of each two handfulls ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in white-wine-vineger , and fountain-water , of each three quarts , till half of it be boiled away . after bathing anoint the hinder part of the head with this oil. take of oil of rue , marjoram , of each half an ounce ; oil of amber , rose-mary and bricks , of each two drachms ; oil of bays , euphorbium , castor , of each six drachms ; mix them . for revulsion , let the soles of the feet be washed with salt and acet . scillitic . vesiccatories may also be applied to the coronal suture , and behind the ears ; or upon the shoulders , neck , arms , thighs , &c. avoid all vaporous and phlegmatick nourishment . chap. vi. of the phrensie , and madness . the phrensie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mens ; quia mentis morbus . the phrensie is an inflammation of the brain and meninges , both the dura and pia mater ; causing an acute continual fever , which remains from the first moment of its invasion , to the last of its duration , thence a delirium , and raving madness , together with great trouble of mind , afflicts the sick in a superlative manner . madness is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , insanio , 't is called in latin amentia , furor , insania . it is a furious alienation of the mind , or a vehement delirium without a fever ; in which it differs from the phrensie . i know there are not wanting the works of great physicians , who have written very learnedly of these diseases ; but omitting the opinion of others ; i shall in a few words , relate that which seems true to me , to be the cause of these furious distempers . none who are ingenious searchers of truth ; and have weighed accurately ( with an attentive mind ) both the fabrick and ways , or vessels of the containing body , and the natural motion of the bloud , and other humours ; will deny , that almost innumerable diseases do arise from the vitious effervescency of over fat choler , the too tart pancreat juice , and over viscous phlegm , flowing together in the small guts ; for by this vitiated mingling not onely hurtfull humours are produc'd , but often wind , and halituous vapours , causing much harm to humane bodies . wherefore i judge , when phlegm is very viscous , or otherwise vitious , and the juice of the pancreas too tart and harsh ; sharp halituous vapours are thence produc'd , elevated from the small guts , because of a vitious effervescency there rais'd ; and thence continually ascending to the head ; and with the spirituous bloud , circulate into the ventricles of the brain , by which the animal spirits are vitiated , and troublesomely mov'd , and hindred of natural rest and tranquillity ; therefore 't is no wonder that the empty mind of the sick is thereby disturb'd , and at length the sick become distracted and mad . but if choler be predominant , these vapours become very cholerick and acrimonious ; which rarifies the bloud by degrees more and more ; so that at length the heat and burning fever in the heart , ( and thence through the whole body ) is encreased by choler successively over-ruling , which causeth the phrensie . no marvel then if heat , pain , and inflammation , and pulsation of the head do chiefly vex the sick in this grievous distemper ; seeing no part of the body hath so many arteries , and receives so much bloud as the head ; wherefore the pulsation of the temples is felt more troublesome than elsewhere , because of the remarkable windings of the brain , through which great arteries are carried ; from whence great watchings , and at length raving madness do molest the sick . but there still remains something requisite to be set down , as the chief cause of these , and most other distempers , which ought not to be despis'd ( either by jew or gentile ) seeing we have the word of god for it ; and that is the crying sins of mankind continually drawing god's judgments on them . you may reade the 28th . chapter of deuteronomie , where the prophet moses enumerates the many diseases , with which god would smite the children of israel , for the wickedness of their doings , whereby they had forsaken him . and not onely they , but we also shall be subject to these grievous distempers , and eternal destruction also , if we do not turn to the lord by unfeigned repentance , except ye repent , ye shall all likewise perish , saith our blessed saviour jesus christ in luke 13. 3. verse . those poor creatures who have been miserably afflicted with these furious diseases , and happily recovered ; can tell by sad experience , that they have been many times hurried almost to desperation , by the cunning wiles and temptations of satan ; which hath prevail'd on many to lay violent hands on themselves ; from which let us pray , libera nos domine . 1. the phrensie is a most acute and dangerous disease , insomuch that it ends most commonly in seven days ; for in that time it either terminates by the recovery of the sick , or else they go over the threshold of the other world . 2. if the phrenetical party hath a crisis either by sweating , bleeding at the nose , or haemorrhoids , &c. or a tumour appear behind the ears , there is hopes of recovery : but if the sick gnash with his teeth , and his excrement and urine be whitish , and no crisis appear , 't is mortal ; so likewise is it very pernicious , if it turn either to the lethargy , or convulsion . in the mania or madness , if the stomach or appetite decay , and the sick be very fearfull , and hath continued long , it is most difficult to cure : but if the party be merrily conceited , it is not so dangerous . 3. if the swelling of the veins in the legs , called varices , or the haemorrhoids , or menses , or any other flux of bloud should happen to them that are mad or frantick , there may be hopes of recovery . and that we may pass on to the cure of these lamentable diseases : let the following golden precept be speedily observ'd . principiis obsta , sero medicina paratur : cum mala per longas invaluere moras . for unless speedy help be procur'd for the phrensie , it killeth the party in a short time : and likewise mania or madness becomes oft ( by degrees ) so stubborn , and rebellious , that it can be cur'd onely late or never . ttherefore the friends of the sick are to be admonish'd to consult with the honest physician , so soon as the signs begin to be manifest ; for when it hath taken deep root , it is hard to be eradicated , or overcome , unless by an herculean labour . first therefore let a clyster be administered . take of mallows , marsh-mallows , violets , lettice , beets , pellitory of the wall , mercury , centaury , water-lillies , of each one handfull . damask prunes twenty . boil them in a quart of barley-water till half be consumed , then strain it , and add electuary lenitive , syrup of violets , roses solutive , of each one ounce ; oil of violets two ounces ; common salt one drachm . mix it for a clyster . after the operation of it , you may open a vein in the arm. but if menses , or the haemorrhoids be suppressed , then open the saphena , in either foot ; and let the orifice be made pretty large , because thereby sharp and fatty vapours may more plenteously be effus'd together with the bloud : whereby the troublesome heat will be the better temper'd , and not a little diminisht . neither will it suffice to let bloud once , but this evacuation is oft to be iterated , till ( by the diminisht feverish heat ) it appears that the cause is remov'd or overcome . but let phlebotomy be warily done , where choler abounds , because sanguis est fraenum bilis : wherefore i advise the young practitioner to take away but little bloud at a time , which may be done so often as need requires , either by an instrument , or leeches to the haemorrhoids . ventoses with scarification , may be applied to the shoulders , also vesiccatories to the armes , thighs , & inter scapulas , in extremis morbis , extrema sunt adhibenda remedia . choler over plenteous in the body , may be safely diminisht by a mild chologogue ; for example . take of dandelion , succory , sorrel , of each two handfulls ; tamarind-fruit two ounces . boil them in a quart of barley-water till half be consumed ; strain it , and add the waters of cinamon , and fennel of each one ounce ; the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; spirit of niter twenty drops . let the sick take oft a draught of this julep , till the body be made soluble ; but if there be a strong constitution of body , i refer you to those excellent medicines prescribed in page 8. 9. of this book , which evacuates choler more powerfully by stool . but where the stomach is full and nauseous , let a vomit be administred without delay ; and here i prefer antimonials before all o-thers , both because they do most happily empty any humours promiscuously , and because they are most friendly to humane nature , bringing all the humours by degrees ( after a peculiar manner ) to a most laudable state . and because in this distemper , the sick is always attended with a greivous and furious raging ; let those things be given which will not onely promote sleep , but powerfully temper the sharp cholerick humours . to this end i commend any fixt mineral , sulphur of vitriol or antimony , which will temper the acrimony of choler , and free the bloud from such matter perhaps before all others . but where these choice medicines are not to be had , opium well prepared will conduce beyond any commonly known medicine ; which may be used both internally and externally . this cordial opiat is of great virtue . take the waters of sorrel , lettice , penny-royal , fennel , of each two ounces ; cinamon water , syrups of red and white poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum ten grains ; tartar vitriolated half a drachm ; oil of vitriol ten drops ; mixit , and give two spoonfulls of it often , whereby the body may the sooner be reduc'd to sleep , and the mind to tranquillity . the following epitheme , and linament may be used outwardly to give ease , and promote sleep . take the waters of betony , red roses , of each two ounces ; vinegars of roses , and marygolds , of each half an ounce ; opium twenty grains . mix it . let linen cloaths be dipt in it being warm , and applied to the forehead , and region of the temples ; and as often as the cloaths are dry , moisten them with the same , till pain be diminisht , and sleep follow . take populion half an ounce ; opium dissolv'd in oil of poppies half a drachm ; mix it for a linament ; wherewith anoint each region of the temples , and spread some of it on brown paper and apply it . let the diet be very thin and cooling : avoid hot spices , wine , and other strong liqours , and let the common drink be barley-water with syrup of limmons . pigeons cut asunder , and applied to the soles of the feet , do many times avail , by drawing down hot vapours and fumes from the head. by this you may know how to cure not onely phrensies , but all ravings and watchings , which are ingendred by fevers ; for it will not be very hard from what is aforesaid , to frame or join such helps as may conduce to the same . in mania or madness ; when phlegm is over viscous , and the juice of the pancreas too tart and harsh , exceeding , and over-ruling the other humours in the body ; whereby sharp halituous vapours are continually rais'd , disturbing the sick both in body and mind : speedy care must be taken to correct and educe the vitiated humours , to amend and discuss the hurtfull flatuous vapours , and also to compose the immoderate passions of the mind . volatile salts and aromatick oils do not onely correct viscous and acid phlegm , but sour and tart vapours also ; for they have power to cut and dissolve that which is viscous , to temper and correct that which is sour and tart , and to discuss and dissipate what is vaporous and windy . the following julep , whose power is singular and stupendious , may be deservedly preferr'd before many others . take the waters of parsley , fennel , mint , penny-royal , scurvigrass , of each two ounces ; the waters of treacle and cinamon , of each half an ounce ; syrups of fennel , poppies , and the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . twenty grains ; spirits of salt armoniack and niter , of each twenty drops ; oils of annise-seed and cloves , of each ten drops ; mix them . by the frequent use of this julep or such like ; the hurtfull humours and vapours will not onely be corrected , and amended ; but a new production of them will be hindred , and both body and mind reduc'd to a more quiet frame . these pills will be also usefull to correct more , and mildly educe , or expell the vitious humours . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar of squills ; powders of mastick , troches alhandal , rozin of scammony , and jallop , of each one drachm ; powders of castor , mirrh and saffron , of each twenty grains ; oils of cloves , harts-horn , balsom of sulphur with oil of anise-seed , spirit of salt armoniack , of each ten drops ; beat them all into a mass for pills , of which you may give half a drachm at a time , in the morning fasting . it will be convenient to take these pills twice a week , for the better vanquishing the rebellious and redoubl'd humours . also let antimonial vomits ( rightly prepar'd ) be sometimes administred , they being endued with an universal force of cleansing man's body from all harm and impurity . by these forms any judicious practitioner , may easily invent other prescriptions in some things to be varied , as the disease requires . thus having premis'd a rational , and dogmatical cure of these grievous diseases , confirm'd by experience ; i think it my duty ( once for all ) to admonish the honest physician , and others who attend the sick ; to be often seeking the lord for a blessing on the means . and if all refuge fails , to take the advice of the apostle james in the 5th . chapter and 14 , and 15. verses . this was the custome of the primitive christians without doubt , and i wish it were more in use amongst us at this day ; for god is as able to heal the sick now , as he was then , for he is the same yesterday , and to day and for ever . i thank god , i have had some experience of his great goodness and mercy , extended towards some of his poor creatures , by means of this ordinance , when all other help of medicine , &c. have prov'd unsuccessfull , for which uni deo & trino gloria . chap. vii . of catarrhs . the catarrh is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , fluo . it is called in latin distillatio , because it is a defluxion of excrementitious and sharp rheumatick humours from the head , into most parts of the body ; invading not onely all the conglobated , and conglomerated glandules ; by which the circulation of lympha and spittle are deprav'd : but also the nerves , which causeth intense or vehement pains , and inflammations in the parts ill affected , which is most commonly attended with a symptomatical fever , especially if the rheum be thin and sharp , and do flow very violently . and seeing this distemper is not enough explain'd in authours , either ancient or modern ; i therefore ( god prospering my indeavours ) will bestow some pains in searching out , and proposing the true causes and effects of it ; which i hope will induce other liberal and ingenious spirited artists to a farther inquiry after the occult causes , not onely of these , but other obscure diseases daily occurring in practice ; that so by little and little , many things in the art of physick , as yet most obscure and confus'd , may be illustrated , and most commodiously explain'd . experience confirms , that there are many kinds of catarrhs ; some are more thick , others more thin ; some acid and salt , others more sweet ; some rheums are hot and sharp , flowing more violently , other cold and pituitous , flowing but slowly ; hence it is , that some catarrhs are attended with fevers , and some without . the causes of catarrhs are either external , or internal . the external cause is from external sudden cold , shutting the pores of the skin , hindring the discharge of sweaty vapours by insensible transpiration ; for if the usual ports of the skin do deny passage to the sweat , it will in a little time condense , and thence become sour , by which the extreme parts are chilled , which doth manifest it self by a shivering ; as any one may experimentally observe after taking cold. these humours having not vent through the porous skin ( which is absolutely necessary ) by the habit of the body ; they are conveyed to the head ( together with the lympha ) through the lymphatick vessels . the internal cause arises from pituitous humours , gradually collected ( besides nature ) in the conglobated glandules , observeable about the plexus choroides in the side ventricles of the brain , and elsewhere ; perhaps in the tonsils , and all the rest of the small glandules about the trachoea arteria ; hence the lympha becomes sourish salt , as is tasted in a coryza . whence also we may probably conclude , what way soever the conglobated glandules are hurt , that the lympha declines from its natural state and quality : and as its depravation is milder or sharper , more grievous , or lighter pains are thence bred ; of which we have many times an ocular demonstration in the flowing down of the rheum through the nostrils , which is oft so sharp , that it doth corrode the skin , and superficies of the face where it comes . if it be in quantity moderate , it is conveighed to the infinite little salivary ducts or chanels , in the conglomerated glandules , which open into the palate of the mouth , and there pour out the salival liquour which they contain ; which is either swallowed down into the stomach , or else it is evacuated by spitting ; and if nature be overburthened by its plentifulness , it is also sent forth by the nostrils . but if the lympha becomes more sharp , acid and salt in the glandules before mention'd , it produceth first a stoppage , and burthensome pain of the head , which overcomes the retentive , and provokes the expulsive faculties ; so that nature being driven to most violent motions , doth extravasate , and intravasate the rheumatick humours , hic & ubique , a capite ad calcem , through the most abstruse and inconspicuous passages of nature ; so that it is the opinion of many learned physicians , that a catarrh is the original of many diseases incident to humane bodies . 1. catarrhs happening to children , are dangerous , especially if there appear plenty of humours , because they abound with moisture , and are full of excrements : wherefore if a sudden defluxion happens to any of a tender age , desperate accidents may follow . 2. if the rheum flow through the nostrils , it is but gentle ; if to the throat 't is worse , but if to the lungs , worst of all ; and if it becomes inveterate , it is very hardly cured . in the cure of catarrhs , the head is chiefly to be taken care of , because the rheum doth continually flow from it ; therefore the head ought to be corroborated , and the superfluous moisture thereof to be dried up : and likewise the part or parts ( to which the rheum flows ) must be strengthned ; the vitious quality of lympha , and the other humours is to be corrected , and their plenty diminisht . as catarrhs consist of a different matter , and afflict divers parts , so they require diversity of medicines to cure them ; for if the matter be thick and viscous , it must be attenuated and cut with aromaticks , and afterward evacuated with phlegmagogues : so likewise serous and salt catarrhs are to be temper'd with oily things and opiats , and the plenty of humours to be diminisht with hydragogues ; by which means the cure will be the sooner performed . for viscous catarrhs , accompanied with a cough , i commend these following medicines . take the waters of hyssop , mint , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of fennel and red poppies , of each one ounce and half ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it , of which you may give three or four spoonfulls , every three hours . by the frequent use of this aromatick julep , the viscous phlegm will not onely be attenuated , but the over sharp vapours will be discust , and the other humours temper'd . after the phlegmatick humours , &c. are thus prepared ; it will be convenient to evacuate them downwards , by gentle purgation , with powerfull and effectual phlegmagogues ; and such are all mercurials , colocynthis , hermodactils , &c. to be taken chiefly in the form of pills . take extract . rudii , pil . ex duobus , of each one drachm ; mercury dulcis half a drachm ; oil of cloves four drops ; mix them for three doses . if the sick be averse to pills , give this potion . take of rhubarb , agarick , hermodactils , polypodium , of each two drachms ; cinamon , cloves , of each one drachm ; sage , rosemary , of each one handfull ; sweet fennel-seed , juniper-berries , of each three drachms ; bruise them and insuse them in hyssop-water very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and dissolve in it syrup of roses solutive , electuary diaphaenicon , of each one ounce ; mix it for a potion . every night give the patient a pill of styrax , or hounds-tongue , to stay the rheum , and to give ease and rest . if the catarrh be serous and hot , accompanied with a fever , and the sick have a costive body , this clyster will be effectual . take the common decoction for clysters twelve ounces ; diacatholicon , electuary of the juice of roses , of each six drachms ; oil of chamomel two ounces ; common salt one drachm ; mix it for a clyster . after the operation of it , you may open a vein in either arm , and take away eight or nine ounces of bloud . then give this purging decoction . take borage , lettice , purslain , endive , violets , of each one handfull ; the four greater coldeeds , of each one drachm ; damask-prunes ten , anise-seed , sweet fennel-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised , and boiled in eight ounces of the pectoral decoction till half be consum'd ; then strain it , and dissolve in it syrup of roses solutive , electuary of the juice of roses , of each half an ounce ; spirit of niter six drops ; mix it for a potion . you may give this potion twice in a week ; which will both temper and gently evacuate the serous and acid humours ; and flatuous vapours will also thereby be discust , and gently educ'd . to cause rest , and thicken the rheum , let one of these pills be given every night to bed-ward . take of laudanum three grains ; powder of olibanum , extract of saffron , of each four grains , with a little pectoral syrup , make it into four pills . or you may give a pill of styrax every night going to bed . when the rheum flows down from the head , into the trachoea arteria , it stirs up a coughing more or less , according to the sharpness and plenty of the humours , which are many ways vitiated ; wherefore a cough may be diversly cur'd , according to the diversity of its cause . if the humours be over sour , they may be corrected with pearl , coral , crabs-eyes , &c. if the rheum be too serous and salt ; the aforesaid pil . estyrace & cynaglos . &c. is excellent to temper it . becchical troches , both white and black are not onely effectual , but gratefull to the sick in this coughing distemper . if the humours be thick and viscous , they require sourish sweet things , and aromaticks to attenuate and cut them . the fore-mention'd julep may be prescrib'd in this case . when the salt , sharp and serous humours abounding , are corrected and temper'd ; they may be diminisht by hydragogues . the hydragogue electuary prescrib'd in page 18 is an effectual and gratefull medicine , which may be often us'd to the profit of the sick . children may take from one drachm to two , and adults to half an ounce ; of this excellent medicine once or twice a week . as in other distempers always , so let me here admonish you in general , to be very diligent to attend to the medicines that most conduce to every particular body , whereby they may be prefer'd before the rest ; and as long as they profit , continue in the use thereof , that so the health of the sick may be every way promoted . when much bloud is voided by coughing , there is great danger ; wherefore we must hasten the more to its cure ; left the opportunity here ( if any where urgent ) be lost by delay ; for the singular substance of the lungs is easily infected and corrupted , but difficultly restor'd and repair'd ; wherefore bloud carried down from the head into the lungs , and raising a cough , is to be stopt in its efflux . to this end let a vein be opened , especially if a plethora concur , or there be a notable heat of bloud , or a suppression of its wonted emptying . after bleeding , let the over great heat be allay'd with sour and tart medicines ; for example take the following decoction . take of plantane , housleek , wood-sorrel , of each two handfulls ; boil them in barley-water one quart till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of jujubes three ounces ; salt prunella one drachm ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . the flux of bloud may be stopt by conglutinating medicines , which have power to close the vessels , either broken by violent coughing , or corroded by the sharpness of the descending rheum . take the waters of comfry , plantane , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , distil'd vinegar , of each one ounce ; syrup of mirtles , comfry , of each six drachms ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; oil of sulphur per campanam twenty drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every two hours . this choice medicine often taken , will cure the most ruptions of vessels , and will soon stop the flux of bloud , beyond expectation ; but i advise , that a sparing use of it should be continued for some time , after the disease is cur'd to sense , whereby the affected parts may be strengthned against the access of a new evil . the bloud distilling into the sharp artery of the lungs , will soon corrupt and turn into purulent matter , if not prevented by convenient medicines , which hath power to dissolve the coagulated bloud , that it may be the easier expectorated . the following form may be prefer'd . take the waters of hyssop , fennel , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vineger , of each half an ounce ; syrup of hore-houud one ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give two or three spoonfulls every two hours . if the lungs be ulcerated , the cure thereof will be promoted , if you add two or three drops of balsam of sulphur , with oil of annise-seed , to every spoonfull that you give of the aforefaid medicine , or in any pectoral decoction ; it must be given oft in a day ; the better to finish the cure. in all catarrhs if the rheum have been long , you may use a decoction of china , which will wonderfully temper the humours ; or you may add lign . sanctum , sassaphras , sarsaparilla , &c. which will dry up the rheum by degrees . the sharp humours being temper'd , and the matter of rheum partly evacuated by phlegmagogues , and hydragogues , &c. outward means that dry up rheum are likewise to be used ; as caps for the head , perfumes , errhines , sternutatories , masticatories , apophlegmatisms , &c. ventoses with scarification , may be also applied to the neck and shoulders ; and fontinels may be made in the neck and arm , for they have been often profitable in catarrhs . also vesiccatories applied to the coronal future , and inter scapulas will avail much . let the temples and parts adjacent be anointed with oil of amber , oil of nutmegs , &c. and let the fume of amber or mastick be often drawn up into the nostrils . also a sternutatory ( such as is prescrib'd in page 21. in the cure of the palsie ) is very effectual to cause sneezing , twice or thrice in a day . a cap may be also quilted for the head ( of the following things ) with cotton-wool and red sarcenet . take of sweet marjoram , betony , baum , bazil , red-rose buds , of each half a handfull ; the berries of mirtle and juniper , the seeds of peony and white poppy , of each one drachm ; calamus aromaticus , nutmegs , cloves , frankincense , mastick , styrax calamitis , laudanum , of each two drachms ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder , for a quilted cap. also this following powder may be prepar'd , to fumigate the head and cloaths ; morning and evening . take of olibanum , styrax calamitis , amber , of each two drachms ; red roses , coriander-seeds prepar'd , mastick , gum of ivy , cloves , mirtle-berries , white poppy-seeds , of each one drachm ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder . also this masticatory may be often used . take of mustard-seed , roots of pellitory of spain , master-wort , capers , mastick , amber , of each one drachm ; let them be all beaten into a gross powder , and tye up some of it in a linen-rag , and chew it in the mouth every day before dinner and supper . or you may chew either mastick , amber , or the root of pellitory of spain by it self , which will draw the serous humours away by spitting . errhines may also be used ; they are either moist or dry , the dry are made with pepper , betony , rosemary , stavesacre , &c. the liquid are made with the juices of rosemary , ivy , beets , mercury , sweet marjoram , &c. and it may here be noted , that when rheum doth flow down to the throat , lungs , &c. then errhines may be used ; but when the humours flow to the eyes , nose , &c. then use masticatories , for a revulsion ; revulsio enim est humoris fluentis attractio in partem contrariam . the spirit of salt armoniack , held to the nose in a narrow mouth'd glass , doth wonderfully conduce above all others , not onely to dissolve the viscous phlegmatick humours , obstructing the glandules : but also temperates the acid saltness of catarrhs . plaisters may be also applied to the head being first shaved , to dry up the rheum , and strengthen the brain . this may serve for example . take of the plaisters ad herniam , and cephalick , taccamahac , of each half an ounce ; mix it , and spread it on leather , and apply it to the head. let the rheumatick live in a warm and dry air , and use a drying diet with moderation in eating , drinking , sleeping , and all other things . jejunet , vigilet , sitiat : qui rheumata curat . book ii. chap. i. of shortness of breathing . shortness or difficulty of breathing , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. afflo calidum ori . it is a disease in which the bronchia of the lungs are so stuffed with viscous phlegm , that the sick can hardly breathe , but with wheasing , blowing or puffing , and do make a great noise with snorting ; in which the diaphragma , and intercostal muscles are violently moved . if the lungs onely are stuffed , it is without snorting , and is then called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aegre , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro . in this the conduits of the lights are much stopped , causing hardness , or straitness of breath , and pursiness . but if the patient fetcheth breath with much difficulty , with the neck stretched upright ; it may then be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , rectus , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , spiro , i. e. erecta cervice spirare . the cause of this disease , is the juice of the pancreas growing more sour by its obstruction , joined to viscous phlegm in the small gut , by which it becomes more flatulent ; and being stir'd up in its effervescency with choler , it riseth to the thoracick passage , by the lacteal veins , and so to the heart and lungs , and filling the airy conduits thereof , and sticking there , it causeth a breathing with snorting . the same humour is also carried to the stomach , which causeth many sour belchings in this distemper ; and if these flatuous humours become more sharp than viscous ; so often as they come to the lungs , they pierce into the sharp artery , and do so provoke and molest it , that thereby the lungs are compelled to cough , by which the expiration of air is deprav'd . if there be much moisture contain'd in the sharp artery , it will be the easier expelled by the help of coughing , but if the trachea arteria be affected with driness , then nothing is spit out , though with great and much labour , but the universal body is wearied in vain with indeavouring to cough ; whence there is sometimes raised a vehement pain both of the head and hypochondries , and other parts ; yea sometimes a rupture is bred by it , and the urine and excrements are thereby often involuntarily extruded . 2. if this disease be not speedily removed , it will prove chronical and hard to be cur'd , unless the patient be young and of a strong constitution , for otherwise it will end in a cachexie or dropsie . an asthma , or wheasing anxiety may happily be cured ( in the beginning ) by an antimonial vomit , especially in those who do vomit easily , because the phlegmatick humours ( which are contained in the sharp artery , &c. ) are thereby immediately brought up ; but if vomiting hurts the sick , the humours may be evacuated downwards by gentle purgation , with powerfull and effectual phlegmagogues , and hydragogues , such as is prescrib'd in the chapter of catarrhs . page 56. 57. if the patient hath a costive body , let carminative clysters be often administred ; and if the body be plethorick , let a vein be opened , either in the foot , or apply leeches to the haemorrhoid veins , which will much conduce to free the respiration . such medicines as have an expectorating quality , and have power to temper and discuss the over sharp vapours , may be often us'd in a little quantity . the following julep may be commended in this case . take of the pectoral decoction half a pint , cinamon-water , syrups of hore-hound , fennel , of each one ounce and half ; spirits of salt armoniack , niter , of each twenty drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; oil of sulphur per campanam ten drops , mix it . quercetanus his syrup of tobacco , is commended in this distemper . also tobacco taken in a pipe , or chewed in the mouth , draweth abundance of viscous phlegm out of the stomach and lungs . many more medicines might be inserted , but i refer you to the chapter of catarrhs , where you may be throughly furnished . chap. ii. of the pleurisie , and other inflammations . the pleurisie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 latus , quod tunicoe costos succingentis lateris dolor . it is also called in latin pleuritis , & inflammatio ; it being an inflammation of the pleura , and also of the intercostal muscles , and other adjacent parts , as the mediastinum , pericardium , diaphragma , &c. it is attended with many symptomes , as difficulty of breathing , shooting and pricking pain of the sides , which is the more exasperated by coughing , and is common in this distemper ; the patient hath also a continual acute fever , which is most commonly symptomatical . the inflammation of the lungs is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 circum & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pulmo , quod a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiro . it is also called in latin peripneumonia , & peripneumonicus morbus . it is not different in the causes or signs from a pleurisie . the cause of the pleurisie , and peripneumony , and all other inflammations , is an obstruction of the capillary vessels , ( in the inflamed part ) by glutenous phlegm , carried together with the bloud through them , and if a plethora concur , the bloud and humours will soon be stagnated , and become acrid and fervid , which preternaturally distends the vessels , by which circulation of the bloud is hindred , so that at length the vessels break , and the bloud is poured into the part affected ; which there corrupts and increaseth the pain and inflammation , and consequently produceth a tumour , whee the putrid bloud and humours , ( being ●y degrees corrupted , ) are converted into ●urulent matter ; for the bloud being stagnated , or standing still in any part , the s●irituous , and more volatile and s●btle parts , that are wont to temper both the acid and salt parts , do afterward begin to vanish , whence both being made sharper , do more fiercely rise up one against another , and stir up an hot effervescency , because of the oily parts of the bloud present ; yea by degrees do so corrupt the bloud , as it turns it into matter , which is different according to the variousness of the bloud corrupted . 1. the sooner the inflammation and tumour comes to suppuration , the more easie will be the cure. 2. if a pleurisie follow an inflammation of the lungs , there may be hopes of recovery ; but if a peripneumony follow a pleurisie , or quinzy , 't is dangerous , and ( for the most part ) mortal . 3. if much matter be expectorated by coughing , and there still remain difficulty of breathing , 't is an ill sign ; so likewise is it , if in coughing nothing be spit up . 4. if the pleurisie , or peripneumony remain above twelve days , an empiema will inevitably ensue ; for the bloud standing still , is by little and little collected in its vessels , and be●ng peccant in a great excess , it distends them more and more , till at length they burst ; whence there happens an effusion of blo●d into the cavity of the breast , and being there collected , and corrupted into matter , it constitutes a suppuration called empien●a . to ●ure a pleurisie , and any inflammation , and aposteme following , it is required , that 1. the obstruction of the vessels be opened , that the circulation of the bloud stopt , and standing still may be restor'd . 2. that the bloud effus'd out of its vessels ( if possible ) may be discuss'd , before it turns to matter . 3. that if the suppuration cannot be hindred , it must be promoted with all expedition , that the purulent matter collected , might be evacuated . 4. that the cleansing and consolidation of the ulcer be speedily performed . an obstruction of the vessels by viscous phlegm , or bloud coagulated in them , may be cur'd by volatile salts , prepar'd not onely of several parts of animals , but also of scorbutick plants , viz. dandelion , hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , garden and water-cresses , &c. to these may be referred crabs-eyes , the jaws of a pike , the bone of a harts-heart , mummy , sperma coeti , antimony diaphoretick , opium prepar'd , &c. as also all fixt metallick and mineral sulphurs . these volatile medicines have an egregious power of dissolving all things coagulated , and conglutinated in man's body , and of reducing the same to their wonted fluidity , and do mildly promote sweat ; hence it is that often by one such diaphoretick given in season , both a pleurisie , and piripneumony , and also inflammations of other parts have been most happily and safely cured without phlebotomy . but where a plethora concurs ; after a stool hath been procur'd by a carminative clyster , let a vein be opened , for thereby the bloud standing still will be restor'd to its wonted circulation ; for some of the bloud being let out , there will be a larger space made in the veins , for a more brisk and swift motion of the universal mass of it . after a sufficient quantity of bloud is taken away , it will be profitable to give a sudorifick . this may serve for example . take the pectoral decoction four ounces ; the waters of hyssop , fennel , parsley , juice of horse-dung clarified , distilled vineger , of each three ounces ; treacle-water , cinamon-water , syrups of the five opening roots , and of red and white poppies , of each one ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , two drachms ; mummy , sperma coeti , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; volatile salt of harts-horn half a drachm ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take often a spoonfull of this julep , which is rich in volatile salt , and powerfully corrects the acidity of the bloud ; by the help whereof the clottering of it will not onely be hindred , but it s over thick parts incided , and by degrees attenuated ; and it s over thin parts will be discust , and evacuated together with sweat or insensible transpiration : it s over sharp parts will be also temper'd , and the pain asswaged , and at length wholly taken away ; as also the obstruction it self will be loosened and dissolved ; for when the volatile salt of the sudorifick comes to the place of obstruction , it attempts the matter obstructing be it what it will , and cuts , attenuates , loosens , and makes it fluid ; whence it is farther driven forward together with it more easily . the bloud is also thereby more and more rarified , and becomes more fluid , and moveable ; wherefore there needs no farther care for elaborated medicaments , and methods . frustra fit per plura , quod fieri potest per pauciora . as for topical medicaments , or external applications , the following are excellent . take the roots of briony , smallage , fennel , of each four ounces ; the tops of elder , dwarf-elder , hedge-mustard , agrimony , wormwood , mint , vervain , flowers of melilot , chamomel , of each two handfuls ; cummin-seed , the berries of bays and juniper , of each two ounces . let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in two gallons of rain-water till half of it be boiled away , then strain it for a fomentation . let the inflammation or tumor be well bathed with it , as hot as may be suffered , either with woollen cloaths , or soft spunges , fit to cover the part affected ; after which let it be anointed with the following ointment . take ointments of marsh-mallows , martiatum , of each one ounce ; oils of dill , bays , lillies , poppies , henbane , of each half an ounce ; oils of amber , turpentine , bricks , of each one drachm ; camphire two drachms ; mix it . then let this plaister be spread on leather , or linen cloath , and applied . take yellow wax four ounces , sperma caeti , two ounces ; galbanum prepar'd with vinegar , one ounce . make it into a plaster according to art . this egregious plaster doth not onely preserve the bloud from coagulation in any part where it is applied ; but milk also from curdling in the paps . but if it be not to be had , the following dissolving , and mollifying cataplasm may be substituted . take of onions rosted under the ashes two ounces ; dwarf-elder , hedge-mustard , vervain , elder , chervil , water-cresses , of each one handfull ; powders of album graecum , lupines , a swallows nest , barley-meal , of each one ounce ; butter-milk as much as will make it into a pultis . apply it meanly warm to the inflam'd part , for thereby the internal obstruction will be the better opened ; but it must be renewed as often as it begins to dry . when the bloud is effus'd into such places , out of which it cannot be well remov'd , or discust ; suppuration or the generation of matter , must be promoted , and hastned ; which may be done by emollient and ripening medicines , as the roots and leaves of mallows , marsh-mallows , white lillies , onions , squills , the powder of fenugreek , and flax-seed , the meal of barley and beans , the marrow of all bones , and all kind of fats , and almost any oil that is exprest of seeds , or kernels ; as also divers sorts of gums , as galbanum , liquid styrax , bdellium , amoniacum , and also wax and turpentine , &c. of these you may prepare cataplasms , oils , unguents , emplasters , &c. which judicious physicians and chyrurgions may doe as they see occasion . but when there is much heat in the part inflam'd , beware of all unctuous things , and let your fomentations and cataplasms be made with butter-milk , which doth egregiously temper heat , and hinder st. anthonie's fire from being easily join'd with the inflammation . the generation of matter being promoted , and the tumor come to suppuration , let it be opened either with an instrument or potential cauterie , in the softest and lowest part of it ; and let the matter be evacuated by little and little , because otherwise the strength of the sick will not be a little prostrated , especially when there is much matter contained in the aposteme ; wherefore let not the tumor be pressed hard , which is familiar with many chyrurgions , but often proves prejudicial to the patient . if the orifice be too small , you may dilate it with a tent made of spunge dipt in melilot plaster , and afterward pressed ; but it is better to lay it open by incision , if it may conveniently be done ; after which you must forth-with proceed to cleanse and consolidate the ulcer ; to which end several medicines are wont to be applied , all which i neither blame nor carp at . i have often considered ( with admiration ) the laudable effect of balsam of sulphur with oil of turpentine , &c. in this case incredible to many , if a little of it be mixt with a milder balsam , and dropt in or applied to the ulcer ; for shortly after , the generation of new phlegm is so diminisht , that oft by the help of this one balsam , i have in a few days perfectly cur'd notable apostemes after inflammations , bred both in the breasts and elsewhere . by this experiment not a little to be esteem'd i judge the cleansing and consolidation of ulcers following apostemes , to consist in the correction of acid and corroding matter , adhering to the ulcer , and corrupting the bloud , ( at least in part that is apt to nourish it ) and turning it into new matter ; which may be corrected by the mention'd balsam of sulphur which is not onely aromatical , but abounds with a volatile oily salt ; by which the acid spirit ( which corrupts the bloud into matter ) is not onely dull'd , but so amended , that the bloud flowing to it soon repairs the parts before consum'd , and finisheth the last consolidation . what farther may be deduc'd from this experiment , to perfect physick and chyrurgery also in other cures , let both ingenious physicians , and chyrurgeons , weigh and judge . if a pleurisie , or peripneumonie , be not carefully cured , and empiema ( which is a collection of purulent matter in the cavity of the breast ) will unavoidably follow . wherefore if these humors cannot be evacuated by expectoration , nor by sweating , pissing , or purging ; the matter may be drawn out by a * paracenthesis made in the breast . the apertion may be made four or five inches from the sternon ; not so near the upper as the lower rib , because under each rib there is an intercostal vein , arterie and nerve . i do not approve of the old way of performing this operation , viz. after the orifice is made , to put in a perforated pipe of gold , silver , or lead , and there to remain till the matter be all discharged . there is now a safer and surer way wherein is not onely avoided many difficulties and dangers , but 't is also done with less trouble and pain to the patient . the instrument must be made of steel , sharp at the point like a lancet , and hollow like a quill , with holes in several places towards the point , the better to evacuate the matter . when the quantity ( which you intend ) is discharged , draw out the instrument , and put a little pledget of dry lint on the orifice , and upon it a sticking plaster ; the next day ( according to the strength of the sick ) repeat it , either in the first place , or make a new apertion . thus you may doe every day , till the matter be all discharged . by this instrument may a hydrocele be also discharged , and likewise the dropsie of the breast and abdomen . they that desire more directions in this operation , may peruse hieronymus fabricius ab aqua pendente , in libro de operationibus chirurgicis . chap. iii. of the consumption or phthisick , and an hectick fever . the consumption is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , tabesco , because in this disease the sick doth consume or waste away . it is called in latin tabes , which is a general name for all consumptions , whether it be atrophia , cachexia , or phthisis ; but it may most properly be taken for an extenuation of the whole body , caused by an ulcer of the lungs . the purulent matter of the ulcer circulating with the bloud , doth infect , and by degrees corrupt the whole mass of it , which makes it unfit for nourishment ; hence it is that all the parts of the body do waste and consume . the causes are many , sometimes purulent matter may be communicated to the lungs , from the plurisie or empiema , inflaming and corrupting them , which causeth an ulcer . sometimes a salt and sharp rheum flowing down from the head to the trachea arteria , which doth not onely cause a vehement coughing , but doth corrode the lungs being naturally tender ; hence an ulcer will be caused . also many times pustules , or tubercles , are generated in the lungs , and coming to suppuration , they break ; and the matter flowing to the bronchia , it may be spit up , if the patient have strength ; but oft times an ulcer remaineth , which causeth a consumption . these causes depend sometimes on choler , sometimes on the juice of the pancreas , sometimes on spittle , sometimes on chyle , sometimes on lympha any way vitiated , by which the mass of bloud ( in time ) becomes also corrupted . when the lungs decline from their natural consistency , they will soon become hard and tumorous , and so by degrees they will be corrupted , and ulcerated ; and the matter of the ulcer corrupting , and makeing the mass of bloud glutinous , in circulating with it , doth so weaken and corrupt all the parts of the body , that they become unfit to perfect natural nourishment ; and therefore of necessity the universal body must consume and pine away ; sometimes it is caused by an obstruction of the lacteal veins , which hindreth the natural passage of the chylus . authours mention many more causes of consumptions ; as gonorrhoea , nocturnal pollutions , want of nourishment , &c. the signs of a consumption begun , are a great defluxion of rheum into the sharp artery , causing a violent cough , by which the lungs are exasperated , and there follows a hectick fever , sometimes putrid , from the purulent matter flowing into the veins . to know whether the lungs be ulcerated , let the patient spit into water ; if it sinks it is matter , which is an infallible sign of an ulcer ; for phlegm always swims in water . when the ulcer is confirm'd , there is difficult breathing , and wasting of the whole body ; the spittle is thick , and of various colours . if the ulcer of the lungs , and consumption hath not been long , and the strength of the sick remains , there may be hopes of recovery ; & e contra . the hectick fever is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. ab habitu ; quod in habitu corporis , vel in partibus solidis consistat . it is an unnatural heat which hath seized upon the solid parts , and wasteth the moisture of them . the heat in an hectick fever is but little , and therefore rarely troublesome to the sick , except one or two hours after meat ; at which time the heat is a little sharpned and increased , which may be known by an over frequent though weak pulse ; but it soon returns again to its former equality . but here it will not be amiss to shew you that there is a threefold moisture in the body , viz. bloud in the veins and arteries , a dewy substance in every part , and also a glutinous moisture ; which doth not onely nourish , but moistneth it , and keepeth the substance of each part together . in the beginning when the moisture begins to fail , the hectick fever is not easily discerned because there is still sufficient moisture to entertain the natural heat ; but if ( by the long continuance of the hectick fever ) the radical moisture of the solid parts begins to consume , it may then be easily known , for there follows a continual and lingring leanness of the whole body ; which being reduc'd to its extremity , may be call'd in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in english an extenuating fever . the latin authours call it marcor , which signifies corruption or rottenness . it is an immoderate dryness , and consumption of the whole body , by reason of the defect of the substantial humidity . there are two degrees of it according to galen , the one is , when this extenuation of the body is in fieri , in consuming ; the other is when it is in facto esse , or consummate ; in which the body is reduc'd to such leanness , that it seemeth to be nothing else but a walking sceleton . the causes of an hectick fever , are external or internal . the external causes are all that may occasion any of the other fevers , for oft times hectick fevers are observ'd to follow other diseases , and especially fevers of one day , proceeding from a great errour in diet , and also from continual , and intermitting fevers , when they are very vehement ; but most frequently from inflammations of the bowels , especially of the lungs , for when an ulcer follows , then the whole mass of bloud is infected by matter , and gets a singular glutinousness ; which being communicated to the other humours , spoils them with the same fault , and renders them unfit to perform the natural functions rightly . sometimes hectick fevers are observ'd to arise immediately from excess of the nonnatural things , as most vehement anger , too much watchings , immoderate sorrow , continued labour , want of food , &c. the internal cause is , the over viscousness of the bloud and humours , because of which not onely the appetite of all food is diminished , and at length dejected , but the nourishment of all the parts of the body is dayly decreas'd ; for when there is loathing of food , then fermentation , separation of usefull from unusefull parts , sanguification , generation of the animal spirits , &c. is hindred and destroyed ; whence the toughness , and sluggishness of choler , spittle , the juice of the pancreas , and lympha , is dayly augmented , and the evil becomes by degrees greater , and at length incurable . if you perceive that there is so much of the radical moisture remaining , as is able to cherish the natural heat , which you may discern , if the colour of the body be fresh , if the figure be decent , if the proportion of the parts be according to nature , and the sick can ( in some good measure ) perform all actions , you may conceive some hopes of recovery . but if the body be extenuated , almost like a sceleton , viz. when the body seemeth to be nothing else but skin and bone , ( as the vulgar proverb is ) acquaint the sick with the danger , least death seize upon them unprepared . nevertheless , if the sick implore your aid of christian charity , withdraw not what comfort you are able to procure unto them . the cure of a consumption , and hectick fever , will differ not a little , according to the diversity of causes producing them . when an hectick fever comes with , or succeeds fevers with or without fits , then upon their account , the cure may be varied according to the divers harm of the humours , differently peccant . if a consumption , or hectick fever , be caused by purulent matter from an ulcer of the lungs , &c. then you must endeavour to free the bloud and humours from matter , which may be done by any antimonial medicines rightly prepared , perhaps before all others ; whether they be diaphoreticks , purgers , or vomiters , as experience doth manifest ; for it hath been observ'd , ( even in a phthisick , and an inveterate great ulcer of the lungs ) to bring away a good quantity of matter , by stool and urine , so that then for many days , no matter was cast forth by a cough . among common things , all vulnerary plants are good used in decoctions . let this or one like it , be a form of a decoction in this case . take the roots of plantain , comfry , round-birthwort , liquorish , of each two ounces ; fennel , scabious , plantain , of each two handfulls ; figs , raisons of the sun stoned , of each four ounces ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and boiled in three quarts of barley-water till a third part be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrups of hore-hound , and hyssop , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiatum ten grains . mix it . let the sick drink two ounces of this decoction oft in a day ; and if you add one or two drops of balsam of sulphur with oil of annise-seed to every draught , it will be the more effectual . the balsam prepared of the truly sulphureous and inflameable flowers of antimony , is most excellent in this distemper , if it may be had , which may be taken as the balsam of sulphur . also those medicines may be used which mildly amend and correct the viscousness , and glutinousness of all the humours ; for which i commend all mild aromaticks , and oily volatile salts , as that cut and alter every viscous humour , and reduce it into its natural state . those medicines are to be selected as do most conduce to , and agree with the constitution of every sick person . vitriolated tartar is an excellent medicine , which will agree with all constitutions , and may be taken from ten to twenty grains ( every other morning ) in a little warm broth. also the following medicine is very effectual . take the powder of cream of tartar , and tartar vitriolated , of each half a drachm ; volatile salt of harts-horn , salt of amber , of each ten grains . mix it for two doses , which may be taken in chicken broth , in the morning . these choice medicines will conduce much to cleanse the bloud and humours from all purulent matter , if there be any hopes of the patient's recovery . all effusions of bloud , seed and milk , are to be shun'd , except the wonted emptyings , which are natural and serve the individual . let the motions of the mind be moderate , and the exercise of the body be gentle , and let sleep and watchings keep a mediocrity . appoint a moistning and nourishing diet , which is of easie fermentation , as broth , and jellies of young creatures , and milk of goats , sheep and cows , and chiefly of wholsome women . a panado made with the broth of a chicken , the crums of white-bread , and the yelk of a new laid egg , may sometimes be given the sick for a change . let cooling herbs be boiled in the broth , and jellies ; adding other ingredients that are cooling , moistning and cordial , both to strengthen nature , and revive the spirits . let the sick drink barley-water , made pleasant with some pectoral syrup ; and if they have been accustomed to drink wine , let it be well diluted with water . as for fruit , apples are much commended , especially pippins , and permains , which will much refresh the sick . if the patient be costive , you may sometimes administer a clyster of milk and the yelk of an egg. the worst symptome that can attend these diseases , is a loosness ; if it so happen , give goats or cows milk , wherein steel hath been quenched , and rice boiled in it , adding a little powder of cinamon , and let the sick eat commonly of it . chap. iv. of the palpitation of the heart . this disease is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin , palpitatio cordis , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod leviter ac frequenter commovet ; because there is an over frequent pulsation or leaping of bloud in the heart , &c. it is a convulsive motion of the heart , with a vehement systole , and diastole of it ; which sometimes hath been so inordinate , that the pulsation hath not been onely seen , but heard at a notable distance ; yea sometimes it hath been so great , that the adjacent ribs in young and tender people ( who have been afflicted with this distemper ) hath been dislocated , and the aorta or great artery , hath been much dilated . see fernelius lib. 5. cap. 12. pag. 292. this deprav'd motion , or palpitation of the heart , is for the most part caused from sharp , viscous and flatuous humours , frequently arising out of the small guts , and transmitted to the ventricles of the heart , and adhereth to them , by which the heart is provoked to a vehement and unequal contraction of it self , without intermission . these humours are mov'd and driven forward , either by their vitious effervescency ; or else they are stirr'd up by violent motion or exercise of the body , especially in the quick ascending of a steep hill ; and sometimes they are constrain'd , or urg'd by grievous passions of the mind . sometimes there have been observ'd fleshy tumours , and cartilaginous excrescencies in the substance of the heart , when dissected ; and those poor creatures when living were never free from a vehement palpitation . also worms have been found in the pericardium , of some that have been dissected after death ; which without doubt caused a deprav'd motion , or pulsation of the heart when living . that which is caused by fleshy tumours , cartilaginous excrescencies , worms , or any other extraneous thing in the pericardium , or substance of the heart , is incurable . but the palpitation of the heart which is caused by acrimonious , flatuous and viscous humours may be cured . those medicines must be administred , that cut , and discuss , and temper an acid acrimony . the following julep may serve for an example . take the waters of parsley , fennel , of each three ounces ; tincture of cinamon , syrup of mint , of each two ounces ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; mix it , let the sick take a spoonfull of it every quarter of an hour , till they get some ease . if the distemper hath persever'd long ; the peccant humours must be emptied out by purging ; and to educe them , i prefer before all others , pills to be made of gums , seeing they loosen the glutinous humours , and dispose them to be easier carried out . for example . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar half an ounce ; powder of scammony prepar'd , troches alhandal , of each two drachms ; oil of carraway twenty drops ; make it into a mass for pills . take five or six of these pills in the morning fasting , twice a week . they who abhor pills , may use an aromatick and purging decoction . the following though bitter is very efficacious . take the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; roots of angelica , berries of bay and juniper , of each half an ounce ; the best senna , orange-peel , carraway-seed , coloquintida , of each one drachm ; guiacum four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of roses with senna four ounces , cinamon-water two ounces ; mix it . let the sick take four ounces of this bitter decoction , every other morning ; which will by degrees diminish , and mildly educe the hurtfull humours by purging . but seeing not onely the cause ought to be removed , but also the symptomes asswag'd , by refreshing the heart ; you must administer cordial medicines which have power to corroborate the heart , and to cherish and strengthen nature . the following cordial may be preferred in this case . take the waters of baum , mint , borage , cinamon , of each three ounces ; syrups of baum , red poppies , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . amber-greese , of each ten grains , mix it . let the sick take two spoonfulls of this rich cordial every three hours , which will wonderfully refresh , and delight the sensible stomach , from whence the perfumed impressions will soon be communicated to the whole body ; by which all the vital and animal functions will be refreshingly cherished , and strengthned , and the palpitation of the heart eased and abated . if the patient hath a costive body , let a carminative clyster be sometimes administred , and if a plethora concur , let a vein be opened , either with an instrument in the arm , or by leeches applied to the haemorrhoids . chap. v. of an universal languishing , as also of swouning and syncope . an universal languishing of the strength of all the parts and functions , is sometimes observ'd to remain after some disease preceding , not rightly cured ; especially when the infirmity hath been grievous , for then a weariness or defect of the animal motion doth usually concur , together with a weak or little pulse , and dulness and debility of the internal and external senses ; whereby the sick continues weak and more languishing ( by certain intervalls ) than is natural . all the kinds of swounings , may be divided ( for methods sake ) into two , viz. the lighter kind , and the most grievous . the lighter kind of swouning or fainting is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in latin animae defectio , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 anima , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 deficere , because it is an imbecility or feebleness of the heart and courage . the most grievous and singular kind of swouning , is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 concido , to cut away ; quod praeceps virium omnium lapsus . it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. pulsus privatio , because there is no pulse ; neither indeed ( presently in the fit ) is there any animal or voluntary motion or respiration to be observ'd , so that they are more like dead than living creatures . the signs of these fits approaching are yawnings , a cardialgy , anxiety of compression of the heart , griping and distension of the belly , tinkling in the ears , dimness before the eyes , and a giddiness ; and at the approach of a syncope , there are often convulsive motions , with a cold and glutinous sweat , and paleness of all the parts of the body . the causes of these distempers are either external , or internal . the external are many , as extreme weariness of the body , exceeding passions of the mind , prolong'd hunger or thirst , ungratefull smells , the sight of any person or thing that is envied , too great effusion of bloud , seed or milk , over great evacuation of the humours , by vomit , stool , sweat , urine , &c. it may also be caused by the biting or stinging of any venemous creature , and by any other vehement pain . sometimes it is produc'd by a great heat , either of the sun , fire , bath or fever . any of these causes mention'd ( being extreme ) may so change , and diminish the natural effervescency , and rarefaction of the bloud , that the heart it self is not thereby enough expanded , and contracted : so that the vital bloud cannot be sufficiently effus'd into the arteries ; and therefore the pulse is felt less and more languishing , yea sometimes none . the internal cause is glutinousness encreased in the bloud , and the other humours ; and sometimes an encreased acidity in the juice of the pancreas , lympha and spittle ; by which the circulation of the bloud and humours becomes too slow ; hence the ventricles of the heart are not enough dilated , which causeth the pulse to be weaker than is natural , for the effervescency of the bloud and humours being not potent enough , cannot provoke the heart to contract it self , and therefore a swouning or syncope will inevitably ensue . they who are much subject to a swouning or syncope , dye suddenly . those fits which are produc'd from some evident cause , as vehement passions of the mind , immoderate evacuations , &c. are less dangerous than those which come from an internal cause , as glutinousness of the bloud and humours , &c. which in a great measure hindreth its free circulation through the ventricles of the heart , whereby there is a sudden and swift sailing of the vital spirits , and consequently of all strength . to cure an universal languishing , as also a swouning and syncope ; the phlegmatick , glutinous , and acid humours must not onely be corrected , but when they abound , must be diminish'd and educ'd out of the body . therefore to correct and amend the said humours abounding , both in the universal body , and bloud ; i will here set down some forms of select medicines , for the sake of young physicians . the following decoction , is an efficacious medicine . take the roots of elicampane , galangal , angelica , calamus aromaticus , the sive opening roots , of each one ounce ; sage , baum , betony , sweet marjoram , the tops of hore-hound , centaury , wormwood , the flowers of rosemary , staechas , chamomel , clove-gilliflowers , of each one handfull ; the seeds of anise , sweet-fennel , parsley , cardamoms , berries of bays and juniper , of each two drachms ; orange-peel , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; nutmegs one drachm ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of fountain-water for a night ; then boil it gently till a third part be consumed ; strain it , and add syrup of mugwort , staechas , tincture of cinamon , of each two ounces ; mix all together . two or three ounces of this decoction may be taken at any time , twice in a day , either before or after meat , that so the power of the medicine may mildly mix and incorporate it self , not onely with the food , but with spittle in the stomach , and also with the threefold humour flowing together in the small guts ; and thence with the universal bloud and humours in all the veins and arteries ; whereby the desired amendment , and correcting of them will be performed , sooner , easier and more happily . if any like a medicinal wine better , they may infuse the aforesaid ingredients in a sufficient quantity of white-wine , and drink it daily both at dinner and supper time . these choice medicines may be continued for some time ; but when the sick is weary of them , you may use the same ingredients in the form of a powder , or electuary , or make them into troches , with syrup of staechas , mugwort , &c. or you may make use of those compound powders which are to be sold at the shops , viz. spec. diambr . diagalangae , dianthos , &c. all or either of which may be used as aforesaid . if any will be better pleas'd with pills than other forms , you may prescribe these , or some like them . take of galbanum prepar'd with vinegar two scruples ; powder of amber , mastick , of each one scruple ; frankincense , mirrh , castor , of each ten grains ; vitriol of mars prepar'd to whiteness , half a drachm ; chymical oil of mace , eight drops ; beat them into a mass for pills . let the patient take four or five of there pills in the morning fasting , or at night an hour after supper ; whereby the viscous phlegmatick and acid humours will be potently corrected , and temper'd ; which being done , the peccant humours may be effectually educ'd with these hydragogue pills . take gum , sagapenum prepar'd with vinegar half a drachm , rosin of jallap , gambogia , of each one scruple ; oil of juniper four drops ; mix them into pills . four or five of these pills may be administred at a time ; or more or sewer , as the sick is more difficult or easie to be purg'd . when a swouning fit or syncope is near approaching , give those things that will powerfully concentrate the sour flatuous vapours , and discuss the glutinous phlegm . the following volatile , and aromatick cordial will conduce much to this purpose . take the waters of mint , fennel , betony , scurvigrass , cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrups of borage , mint , of each six drachms ; tincture of castor , confection of alkermes , of each two drachms ; salt of amber one drachm ; spirit of salt armoniack twenty drops ; laudanum opiat . amber-greese , of each six grains ; mix it . the sick may take two or three spoonfulls of this cordial in time of the fit , and likewise both before and after , which will much repair both the vital and animal strength , which is wont not a little to languish in these fits . none but they who have try'd , will be easily perswaded of the wonderfull efficacy of the aforesaid medicines ; not onely in preventing , but in diminishing and soon curing swounings and the syncope . when either of these fits urgeth , or is upon the party , you must use those outward things , which may stir up the external senses ; as frictions of the external parts , shoutings in the ears ; also make a smoak with amber , or partridg feathers at the nose , or hold the spirit of salt armoniack , ( in a narrow mouth'd glass ) to the nostrils . you may also wring the fingers , and pull the hair , &c. if you have not a cordial ready , give cinamon , or treacle water , or the apoplectick or antepileptick waters , or for want of them , brandy , aqua vitae or strong wine may serve . chap vi. of fevers in general . a fever is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel a feritate morbi , that is from the fierceness of the disease . it is called febris in latin a fervore , quasi fervens , because it is a hot distemper . a fever is a nonnatural heat , which may be so termed , because it is more than nature requires , for the continual management of her vital functions ; for when nature is grieved , or over-burthned by any distemper , there is a strugling endeavour of nature her self to remove it , which causeth this non-natural heat . it may be called the prince of diseases , because it is the general door , through which most of humane mortals take their exit of this world . the cause of the preternatural frequency of the pulse , is either a permanent and over rarefaction of the bloud , or any sharp , sour , or salt vapour carried to the heart , corroding the internal substance of it ; by which the archaeus or vital airy spirit of the heart is provoked to allarm all the faculties , and powers both vital and natural , that it may the more couragiously resist its invading enemy , so that the spirits are thereby much stirred up and inflamed ; from whence proceedeth a conflagration , or vitious effervescency of the bloud and humours throughout the whole body . fevers are either continual , or intermitting . a continual fever is that which remains from the first moment of its invasion , to the last of its duration . when a continual fever is very mild , and remains but one day ; it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dies , quod diem durans . it is called in latin diaria , & ephemera febris . this fever is often excited by sudden passions of the mind , as vehement anger , &c. and also by our abode too long in the sun , or by vitiously using any other of the six nonnatural things so called ; for which there is no great need to prescribe medicines for a cure , it being not difficult , the very nature of such a fever terminating it self , most commonly by a breathing sweat , especially if you substract the patient from the inflammatory cause . if the fever continues longer , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , continuo . from whence it is called in latin febris continua , quae nullas hujusmodi mutationes habet , quae accessiones videri possint , sed unicam modo accessionem a principio usque ad finem nullis exacerbationibus distinctam . the continual fever is also called homotona , quae fimilem calorem ad finem usque servat . it is also called acmastica , quae continuo crescit & intenditur . a synochus , or continual fever , may be divided into two sorts , viz. that which is not putrid , called in latin synochus non putrida , and that which is putrid , called synochus putrida . in a synochus non putrida , the bloud , and other humours is a little sharper than is natural , and the heat somewhat great and vaporous , declining a little to the nature and manner of those called putrid . continual fevers are oft times mixt or compounded with those intermitting , having some fits , and again remissions , so that they are not intermitting , but still remain continual . these fits come sometimes every day , sometimes the third , and sometimes the fourth day ; whence it may deservedly be nam'd , either a quotidian , tertian , or quartan continual fever . these fevers upon the account of their divers causes , may not unfitly be distinguish'd into cholerick and lymphatick fevers . and because under the general name of lympha , we do not onely comprehend , that lympha which goes from the conglobated glandules , and other parts to the heart ; but also the juice of the pancreas , and spittle it self , proceeding from the conglomerated glandules , and also the liquour that ariseth from the three-fold sway of the guts , all mixt together with lympha , and the bloud in circulating with it . hence may lymphatick fevers be subdivided into glandular , pancreatick and salivary fevers . all these fevers may differ something according to the divers constitution of other humours together being in the body . but i shall wave the nice descriptions and differences of fevers , and let the dextrous , and judicious physician put a difference between them , as their symptoms shall direct and indicate , for though there are many sorts of continual fevers not putrid , yet the cure is almost the same in all ; i shall therefore ( in a few words ) mention some of their differences , taken from the more grievous symptoms oft accompanying them ; after the example of famous practioners , and chiefly great platerus , and the most famous helmont , and judicious sylvius , &c. 1. first , let us take notice of the exceeding heat , and most urgent burning , which attend some fevers . it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which doth signifie burning ; in which the sick is very dry and thirsty , which is hard to be quenched . this heat is not of the essense of the disease , but proceedeth from the inflamed spirits , as is before mention'd in page 98. neither doth the great thirst in fevers , proceed from heat and driness , as in a true and natural thirst , but from some excrementitious matter , which adhereth to the sensitive faculty of the internal membrane of the stomach , which is common to the throat , mouth and lips , as that famous physician , and ingenious anatomist doctour alexander read , did well observe ; which is also the cause , that those parts are always afflicted in this dry and thirsty distemper . in this symptome , choler is peccant , not onely in a salt acrimony , but also an inflamable oiliness ; hence the pulse is very great , and over frequent , &c. 2. raving may be oft observ'd in many fevers , which is grievous to the sick for some time , chiefly when the fever is malign , or epidemical . the cause of this is choler peccant as aforesaid , which so diminisheth the viscousness of the juice of the pancreas , that it causeth a vitious effervescency with it , and being made sharper , it produceth a humour not much unlike black choler , which causeth the head-ach , and watchings , and hence ravings , and at length sometimes convulsions , and death it self . there are many more symptoms belonging to continual or synochal fevers . 1. as first , a speedy wasting of several parts of the body , caused by choler , the cure whereof may be referred to the cure of a hectick fever . 2. a malignity , which suddenly dejecteth the vital strength , without manifest cause ; which for the most part is epidemical . but of this i intend to treat particularly in chap. 8. of this book . 3. the last symptome which i shall here mention , is seldom observ'd ; in which ( all the time of the disease ) the external parts are cold , while the internal parts burn ; and therefore 't is called by the latins lipyria febris , and in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quia destituitur ardore externo . some think this distemper consists of a double fever , cholerick , and pancreatical ; and not without reason , because such like vapours may be continually rais'd in the small guts , by the juices of the pancreas universally over-sour ; which may be confus'd onely with the mass of bloud , and breed a sense of cold in the habit of the body , whilst a burning heat is stir'd up in the internal parts by a fever , caused by choler more oily than sharp . the cause of every continual fever not putrid , is sometimes choler vitiated , sometimes lympha together with the juice of the pancreas and spittle , and many times all these together are ill affected . these vitiated humours flowing always to the heart , cause a continual effervescency in the right ventricle of it ; whence the pulse is continually produc'd more frequent against nature . fevers in children are caused either by the food abounding in quantity , or by some vitious quality of it , or from an ill disposition of the digestive ferment . milk is the general food of children , and there is such a propensity in its own nature to curdle , that if it be not quickly digested , it obeyeth the acid ferment of the stomach , and is soon coagulated like new tough cheese , and if it be not speedily vomited up , it begets a putrefactive ferment , which produceth terrible symptoms , as griping , scouring , vomiting , &c. i know a woman , that had a young child about a month old , which was taken very ill with convulsions , after which followed a thorough thrush , with a fever , accompanied with the aforesaid symptoms , as griping , &c. which continu'd many days , till the whole body was so maciated , that it was in a total atrophia ; and when there was no hopes of recovery , the nurse gave the child a little of the infusion of the antimonial cup , which caused it to vomit up a curd , three or four inches long , very green , and as tough as new cheese : after which the child did wonderfully recover and grow fat . continual acute fevers are oft times accompanied with a secret malignity , and therefore dangerous ; parvoe febres quandoque valde malignoe . the stomach ( in continual fevers ) is most commonly primarily affected through undigestion , or else from excrements , not being separated and orderly evacuated ; which causeth an irregular ferment , or nonnatural heat in the stomach ; which ( though begun else where ) is much aggravated by vitiating juices , found in this first elaboratory of decocting nature . for as in humane frame , the first heat of nature ( preparatory to all her depending motions ) is the digestive heat for chylification in the stomach ; so likewise the corrupting or exasperating of the same , either by the sour ferments , or too much of the overflowing gall , is the cause of most fevers . therefore in the beginning of the cure , evacuation by vomiting never ought to be neglected by the carefull physician ( provided it be duely timed ) because then most commonly it removeth the sole cause of the feverish intemperature , without the help of any other means . and here i commend antimonials well prepared , before all others , seeing that antimony as well rightly prepar'd , as administred , serves no less to purifie man's body than gold. but if the patient's body be costive , and there be eminent signs of a plethora , or great fulness of bloud ; then let a carminative clyster be first administred , and after its operation let a vein be opened , and draw seven or eight ounces of bloud at a time , and if there be occasion let it be reiterated ; for i always prefer it s repeated less diminution , ( as need requires ) sometimes instituted in the same day , before great evacuations made suddenly , which hath brought many evils to the sick . it matters little what vein be opened , unless in women , because of the monthly terms either at hand , or hindred . and seeing it is the duty of every honest physician to be natures helper , he ought to endeavour to remove all impediments , whereby the sick may be cured more quickly , safely and pleasantly , without demurs , to magnifie the cure , and inflame the reckonings . wherefore since the first curative intention of most fevers , is the discharge of the first turgent monitor from the stomach , and adjacent parts by vomiting , as is before said . let the patient ( upon the discovery of the assaulting enemy ) take an antimonial emetick , and if one doth not suffice , let it be reiterated ; by which the morbifick matter will be evacuated , nature calmed , and the contemperating of the incited , or enraged nonnatural heat , will be the easier performed . but here the sex is to be consider'd , the female not so well enduring this evacuation ; because emeticks cause great commotions , and flatuous vapours in them ; which may also prevent or corrupt natures own intentions in her great discharge of turgent humours . wherefore administer no emetick to them , except they vomit very easily ; but rather let the peccant humours be diminisht , or emptied out gradually by the following decoction to be taken twice a day to three or four ounces . take the roots of parsly , fennel , plantain , peony , dandelion , succory , of each two ounces ; the leaves of endive , house-leek , fumitory , damask-roses , of each one handfull . let them be cleansed , bruised and infused ( for a night ) in one quart of fountain-water very hot , then boil it gently till a third part be consumed , strain it and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , the best manna , of each two ounces ; powder of cream of tartar , and tartar vitriolated , of each two drachms ; oil of sulphur twenty drops ; mix it all together . this pleasant medicine will conduce much to correct the salt sharpness of choler , and will also amend its oily inflameableness , and separate it from the bloud , and mildly dispose it , and the rest of the abounding humours to be voided out by stool . after these evacuations , give the sick the following medicine twice a day in a little thin broth , or water-gruel . take salt of amber , volatile salt of harts-horn , tartar vitriolated , of each six grains ; mix it . this excellent volatile medicine is both abstersive , and diuretick , and will cleanse the stomach and intestines of the remaining sordes , and expell them by urine . in the declination of the fever , if sleep be wanting ; this following julep will much avail , both to cause rest , and refresh the spirits . take the waters of carduus benedict . fennel , of each two ounces ; treacle-water , syrup of red poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; salt of wormwood half a drachm ; spirit of salt twenty drops ; mix it , and give the sick three or four spoonfulls every three hours . by the frequent use of this cordial julep , ( or one like it ) all pains will be eased , nature quieted and relieved , and the importunate thirst allayed . but if thirst still urgeth , give the dulcified spirit of salt , or of niter , in posset-drink , and all the liquids they take , from six , to ten or twelve drops at a time . if you fear there be any malignancy in the fever ; give the sick eight or ten grains of bezoardic . mineral . every fourth hour , in a spoonfull or two of the aforesaid julep , or good sound canary-wine , to keep the patient in a breathing sweat . as for the cure of fevers attended with grievous and furious raging , and watchings , &c. i refer you to the chapter of phrensies , which is full to this purpose . i shall now give some directions to young physicians and nurses , and so conclude this chapter of fevers in general . 1. first , give no opiats in the beginning of a fever , because they tye up the archaeus of the stomach , and first passages , thereby hindring it from expelling , the occasional cause of the disease . 2. give the sick neither mithridate , nor diascordium ( as is the common custome ) nor apply it to the wrists , nor stomach , ( nor any thing else that is nauseous ) whilst nature and the disease are strugling ; but if the patient tends to coldness , you may moisten a piece of rose-cake , or a tost of stale bread in sylvius's spirit , or for want thereof in brandy dulcified , and apply it to the stomach twice a day , which will revive nature , and fortifie it against the invading enemy . 3. give no meat whilst the disease is on them , for the stomach is not fit to receive it , neither hath it strength to digest it ; and therefore it will become a recruit or supply to the disease , except it be speedily vomited up again . 4. if it be a child , give it not any milk , and if it suck , wean it ; for milk is the first matter , and foundation of this disease in them ; neither give it beer , nor water , nor any cooling things to correct the heat , because it will weaken nature , and strengthen the disease . but hot posset-drink turn'd with white-wine , or sound beer with a little vinegar , may be drank liberally , after the cause is removed . 5. if the sick be adult , you may give two parts of water , and one of good wine , either french wine or sherry ; but malaga , or any other sweet wine is not so good . 6. when the patient begins to recover , the plainest broths , and gruels , are the best ; till then a little is too much ; and if you did use salt and vinegar , instead of spice and sugar , it would agree better with them . chap. vii . of intermitting fevers . an intermitting fever is that which returns after intervalls , sometimes longer , sometimes shorter in divers fits ; whence according to the divers space of every access or fit ; the same gets also divers names , for if a new fit return daily , answering the precedent in proportion , it is called a quotidian . if it comes every other day , it is called a tertian . if the fit return after two days intermission , it is called a quartan , and so forward , although quintans , sextans , &c. are seldom observ'd . and here you may note , that intermitting fevers do but seldom return in the exact intervall of natural days of twenty four hours ; but return quicker or slower , for the most part ; wherefore then they are said to anticipate the expected time for some hours , which is disliked , or to come later , which is commended by some . although it matters not , whether the fits anticipate , or come later ; if so be that their continuance , and the grievousness of symptoms ( daily accompanying ) be diminish'd . there is great diversity among authours concerning the causes of intermitting fevers , which i shall not insist on ; but in a few words will set down the true causes of them . the causes then , are either external , or internal . the external cause of agues is a stop of the usual necessary discharge of fermenting humours ; the porous skin ( being shut by external sudden cold ) denies passage to the constant discharge of the sweatty humours , which happens most commonly about autumn ; and likewise when any comes suddenly out of a hot climate , into a cold region ; for the sweatty vapours being detain'd by the constipation of the skin , or shutting of the pores , the same condense , and thence become sour , which chills the external parts , and causeth the shaking , or shivering cold fit , at the first invasion of this disturbing foreigner ; after which the inflaming ferment of choler ( being exasperated ) doth act its part , and ( having gain'd dominion ) it doth rarefie the bloud by degrees ; whence the pulse becomes greater and stronger ) which is increas'd by an irritation of the acrimony of choler , and the rarefaction of the bloud at the heart ; for the heat and burning in the heart , and thence in the whole body , is increas'd by choler successively over-ruling . the internal cause of agues or intermitting fevers , is an obstruction of one or more of the lateral ducts or branches of the pancreas or sweet-bread , by reason of viscous phlegm ; which being separated from the bloud by the glandules of the pancreas , is there collected by degrees ; whence it is sent ( in too large a quantity ) to the main duct or pipe thereof , which detaineth the juice of the pancreas contrary to nature , which ought continually to flow into the small gut called duodenum . the juice of the pancreas , which is naturally sourish , being compelled to stand still in its passage , quickly grows more acrimonious , or acid ; because the volatile spirit ( which is naturally conjoin'd to it , to temper it ) doth gradually fly away ; by which this juice ( becoming more sharp and acid ) acquires a putrefactive ferment ; whence at length it makes way through the obstructing phlegm , and is effused into the duodenum , where meeting with choler , it stirs up a vitious effervescency , or preternatural ferment , from whence comes the ague fit , with all its symptoms ; as in the beginning horrour , chilness , cold , shaking , &c. then presently follows reachings , yawning , and vomiting , &c. at length acrimonious and flatulent vapours ( raised by the aforesaid vitious effervescency ) are carried through the lacteal veins , and thoracick passage , and so through the vena cava ascendens , ( in what form soever ) to the right ventricle of the heart ; and by its acrimony , alters and troubles the vital effervescency , and by over stirring the heart , causeth a more frequent pulse ; and many times produceth grievous symptoms , as great heat and thirst , difficulty of breathing , heart-ach , raving , swouning , and all other symptoms , that happen in all intermitting fevers . the nature of viscous phlegm is such , that though it be pierced through by the juice of the pancreas too acid and acrimonious , yet it doth presently run together and unite again , and so repairs and renues the obstruction that was in part opened ; and the juice of the pancreas being stopped as before , grows sour by standing still as aforesaid , so that it forceth through the phlegm that stopped its natural passage , and so produceth , a new fit ; sooner or later , as the phlegm ( obstructing the lateral passage of the pancreas ) is pierced through by the foremention'd juice . for if the obstructing phlegm be not very glutinous , and the juice of the pancreas be plentifull and acid , a new fit of an intermitting fever will return in the space of twenty four hours , and therefore 't is called a quotidian but if the phlegm be very viscous and plentifull , and the juice of the pancreas be little in quantity , and also tart and obtuse ; so much the slower will the new fit of the intermitting fever be produced ; so that it is sometimes three , sometimes four days , before the returning of the fit ; from whence it is called a quartan , or quintan , &c. so likewise as oft as the obstructing phlegm , and the juice of the pancreas are in a medium , viz. the phlegm more glutinous and plentifull , than in the quotidian , but not so much as the quartan ; as likewise the juice of the pancreas is more in quantity , and more acid than in the qutartan , but not so plentifull and acid , as in a quotidian ) so oft new fits of intermitting fevers will return almost every other day , from whence they may be called tertians , which much differ in their symptoms beyond what other intermitting fevers do , although none of them return in the exact intervall of the days or hours before mention'd , but return quicker or slower for the most part . the cure of all intermitting fevers will be perform'd . 1. first , if the glutinous coagulated phlegm , ( which is the cause of the obstruction ) be cut and dissolv'd , and wholly carried out of the body . 2. if the increas'd acidity , and acrimony of the juice of the pancreas , be temper'd and corrected . 3. if its vitious effervescency with choler , &c. in the small gut , behindred and amended . phlegm obstructing will be cut most commodiously with aromaticks , and any volatile salt. this volatile aromatick julep may serve for example . take the waters of carduus , parsley , fennel , fumitery , succory , treacle , cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrup of carduus , the five opening roots , of each an ounce and half ; powder of crabs-eyes , tartar vitriolated , of each one drachm ; salt of amber , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of cloves six drops ; mix it . take a spoonfull of this volatile medicine , often in a day throughout the whole cure , using some exercise , that thereby the whole body may grow warm , and the force of the medicine being disperst over all the body , may come at last to the lateral passages of the pancreas , and dissolve the obstruction . three or four hours before the coming of the fit , you may give three or four spoonfulls of the aforesaid cordial , which will not onely cause a breathing sweat , but will temper and correct the increas'd acidity and acrimony of the juice of the pancreas , and hinder , and amend its vitious effervescency with choler , &c. in the small gut , which will conduce much to a cure. three hours before the return of the next fit , administer an antimonial emetick , which is in this case proper before all others ; for by the help thereof , not onely choler abounding , but also phlegm obstructing , will be expell'd to the small gut , and thence to the stomach , and at length by the mouth ; and the straining to vomit doth many times procure a stool or two , which is very beneficial . but if the sick be a female , or vomiting be prejudicial , or not approv'd of ; then such things as cut and purge phlegm downwards , may be administred , for example . take of pil . faetidae one drachm ; mercur. dulcis , powders of troches alhandal , scammony prepar'd , tartar vitriolated , of each half a scruple , salts of amber and worm-wood , of each one scruple ; spirit of salt armoniack , oil of amber , of each ten drops , with syrup of buckthorn ; make it into a mass for pills . take four or five of these pills , four hours before the coming of the fit ; which will both cut , and purge the viscous phlegm out of the body , and also educe other peccant humours . after purging or vomiting , let the sick often take the following powder in a glass of generous wine , or in two or three spoonfulls of the cordial diaphoretick before mention'd , to provoke sweat as is there directed . take volatile salt of harts-horn , salts of amber , worm-wood and carduus , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; sugar of pearls the weight of them all , mix them for two doses . you may take a dose of it two or three hours before the access of the fit ; which will wonderfully conduce to dissolve the obstruction , and cause a breathing sweat . let these evacuations be as often reiterated as occasion requires . if the intermitting fever hath continu'd long , or the sick hath a plethorick body , let a vein be opened . by these few forms the young practitioner may easily invent other effectual medicines , in some things to be varied as the distemper requires . chap. viii . of malignant fevers . in the chapter of fevers in general i told you , that synochal , or continual fevers , were without any fit , to their last and complete ceasing ; and likewise i did distinguish them into putrid , and not putrid . those that are not putrid , have little or no malignity in them , but the putrid are always accompanied with malignity . a malignant fever differs from others in this , that it draws its putrefaction immediately from its own matter , putrefaction being joined with it ; from whence the vital strength is suddenly , and unexpectedly dejected ; or far more grievous symptoms occur , than are wont to be observ'd in such a like disease . malign fevers are either more acute , ending in few days ; or longer , continuing more days . and they are either contagious , and epidemical raging among many in the same time , having a common cause , as the air or food vitiated , &c. infecting others , or else they are not contagious . among contagious fevers , we may not neglect to speak something of a calenture , because it is a contagious distemper , assaulting not onely those which use the sea ; but also many that live near the sea-shore , in sea-port towns , &c. are subject to it . the signs of this disease are a great pain of the head , sometimes with violent raging fits , and delirium , the rest of the body being in good temper ; the sick do fancy the water to be a green meadow , and will indeavour to get into it . the cause of a calenture is the intemperature of the climate , together with ill diet , causing strong obstructions , and an ill habit of body , by which flatuous vapours are encreas'd in the body , and in time ascend to the head. the cause of the malignity ( in this , and all other putrid fevers ) is a sharp volatile salt in the air , which is drawn into tbe lungs by degrees , and weakens the liquor of the glandules ( which is naturally sourish ) and makes it sluggish , and of little force , whence the natural consistency of the bloud is diminish'd , and the separation of the animal spirits often hindred . the sharp volatile salt aforesaid , may be also swallowed down with food or spittle into the stomach , or it may enter the pores of the body ; by which not onely the liquor of the glandules , but the bloud also may be infected ; hence depends the variety of symptoms which may be observ'd in these diseases . in malign fevers , there oft precedes a light shivering , after which a gentle heat soon follows ; the pulse is frequent and unequal , though little and weak , and sometimes deficient , the sick is often drowsie , and possest with a kind of lethargy ; and when they sleep , they are often vex'd with turbulent dreams ; they are often grip'd in the stomach , and troubled with loathing and vomiting , accompanied with the head-each , raving , giddiness , &c. also there is great thirst , weariness , and unquietness of the whole body ; sometimes there happens cholerick and fetid loosnesses ; and also a haemorrhage at the nose or womb doth often concur . 1. if tumors in the glandules , and spots and little pimples , divers both in colour and greatness , do break forth in many parts of the body , they are signs of great malignity . 2. if the sick get no ease after sweating promoted by art , there is little hopes of recovery ; also if the extreme parts soon wax hot , and again are presently cold , 't is an ill sign . first to preserve and defend the body from all malignity , and infection in time of contagion . i commend the frequent , and moderate use of sour and tart things mixt with all things potable , for the patient's drink , or food ; as barberries , quinces , oranges , pomgranates , limmons , wood-sorrel , verjuice , vinegar , &c. in the beginning of malign fevers , and also the calenture , if a loathing urgeth , part of the acrimonious volatile salt adheres to the tunicles of the stomach ; wherefore in this case , first administer an antimonial emetick , which is well prepared , mild and fixt , because it hath an admirable sulphur in it , whereby any sharpness is wonderfully temper'd , and the malign poison is thereby in part sent out by vomit and stool . after the operation of the emetick , let a cordial sudorifick be presently administred , that the remaining part of the malign poison may be driven forward , and expelled most safely , and commodiously out of the body . the following cordial may serve for example . take of epidemical water , spirit of vinegar , of each one ounce ; the waters of treacle , and cinamon , of each half an ounce ; the waters of carduus , scabious , of each two ounces ; syrups of the juice of carduus , clove-gilliflowers , of each one ounce and half ; antimonie diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , of each one drachm ; venice-treacle , two drachms ; mix it . let the sick take a quarter of this diaphoretick julep , and dispose the body to sweat , and after half an hour , take one or two spoonfulls more , and so go on , till a profitable sweat follow . in the interim if the sick be thirsty , let them drink a little warm broth temper'd to a gratefulness , with juice of oranges , citrons , or verjuice , &c. whereby the breaking forth of the sweat will not onely be promoted , but also the hurtfull acrimony of the peccant salt will be corrected , and asswaged . after this excellent medicine hath been sufficiently and rightly us'd , so that you perceive the malign poison to be carried out of the body ; yet you must persist in the moderate use of it , as likewise in the use of four things , a little harsh , mixt with drink , or broth as beforesaid ; because they much conduce to restore ( by degrees ) the former consistency to the bloud . in calentures , phlebotomy may be safely used . chap. ix . of the plague or pestilence . the plague or pestilence is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , solvo , quod vitam solvat . it is called in latin pestilentia , & pestis , ex depascendo , quod veluti incendium depascat . it is also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , percutio hinc angl. the plague . pestis significat omne malum ; quod tam inanimis quam animatis mortem & exitium repentino adfert . the plague is a contagious disease , suddenly afflicting the heart , and all the vital , animal and natural faculties with many grievous symptoms . the cause is chiefly the sins of mankind , provoking the great god to send this pestiferous distemper as a judgment on them for their impiety . the cause ( next to god's judgment ) is a sharp venemous and contagious volatile salt in the air , very much heightned ( inspired with the air into the lungs , or is swallowed down with the food or spittle into the stomach ; it may also get in through the pores into the body ) by which the acid liquor in all the conglobated glandules is weakned and made sluggish , that it doth not circulate with its wonted force : whence the natural consistency and rarefaction of the bloud is diminsht , and the separation of the animal spirits hindred ; and the vital strength is much opprest , by which the pulse becomes not onely little , but also languishing ; till at length the spirits are extinguisht , and death ( unexpected to many ) carries them speedily ( torrenti similis ) in fiery chariots , god knows where . all the signs in malign fevers are common ( and much heightned ) in the pest ; besides many other grievous symptoms , as diarrhaea , hemorrhage at the nose , ears , eyes , mouth and secrets ; sometimes yellowness of the eyes , buboes in the groins , armpits , and behind the ears , and in some white bladders , and carbuncles , also spots called the tokens , with raving , &c. 1. the pest is deceitfull above all other diseases , therefore no certain prognostick can be drawn of it ; for many have died when there hath been great hopes of recovery , and on the contrary , many have escaped with mortal signs . 2. a bubo is less dangerous than a carbuncle , and it than the spots , ( vulgarly the tokens ) which most commonly portend death wheresoever they are . 3. buboes incompassed with a blue or livid circle , are most commonly a mortal sign , especially if they suddenly disappear , unless the malign humour be sent to some other part ; and if with a bubo behind the ears , there be pain of the throat without inflammation 't is mortal . 4. if a carbuncle rise after a bubo , and look white , with a litle push or tail at the end of it , 't is dangerous , except the fever do very much abate ; and if after cauterizing , or cupping , the carbuncle abate not in twenty four hours , 't is a sign of death approaching , except matter appear ; and if carbuncles seize the stomach , guts , bladder , or other intrails , it portends death . 5. deliriums , drowsiness , heart-ach , trembling , convulsions , great driness of tongue , are all bad signs ; also a dysentery is most commonly mortal ; but a hemorrhage at the nose , or menses are not so dangerous . to preserve from this pestiferous distemper , although transmigration in the fear of god may be lawfull , yet let none think to escape by flying , and so neglect their duties to god , for 't is impossible to run out of his reach , for he filleth heaven and earth with his presence ; wherefore let servent prayers be put up to god , whose compassions fail not ; and then make use of an honest physician . 1. you must endeavour to purifie the infected air , with great fires , wash the house daily , and after sprinkle it with vinegar ; and fume either with pitch , frankincense , mirrh , amber , benjamin , wood , and berries of juniper , &c. 2. avoid all passions , watchings , and immoderate exercise and venery . 3. eat nothing that is hard of concoction , and use a moderate diet though easie of digestion , and drink good sound wine , &c. 4. go not forth with an empty stomach , but always take some preservative against infection . for example , take spirit of vinegar , julep of roses , of each one ounce ; mix it . vinegar , verjuice , oranges , limmons , citrons , pomgranats , barberries , quinces , wood-sorrel , &c. are all very good , used as before directed in malign fevers . this poison must not be sent out by vomiting or purging ; neither is phlebotomy allowed . for it is known by manifold experience , that the cure of the pest is most happily instituted by cordial sudorificks , rightly prepar'd of antimony , because it hath an admirable sulphur in it , whereby not onely sharpness is wonderfully temper'd , but the malign poisonous volatile salt is thereby most safely driven forward , and expelled by sweating out of the body ; to which may be added other cordials , as followeth . take the powders of crabs-eyes , tartar vitriolated , antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , of each one scruple ; bezoar-stone of the east , red coral prepar'd , salts of rhue , scordium , of each half a scruple ; venice-treacle , two drachms ; spirit of salt ten drops ; mix it into an electuary with confectio de hyacintho . let the sick take half a drachm of this cordial electuary every three hours , and drink three or four spoonfulls of this cordial julep after it . take of epidemical-water , the waters of carduus , borage , scordium compound , of each three ounces ; the waters of treacle , cinamon , syrups of the juice of carduus , and limmons , syrup of saffron , of each one ounce ; salt prunella , and salt of wormwood , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; mix it for a cordial . let the sick person take the aforesaid medicines , till sweat is plentifully provoked ; then let the sweat be gently wiped off with warm linen cloaths . in the mean while give the sick a little hot chicken-broth , or other broth of fresh meat , temper'd to a gratefulness with some sour thing , as was directed in malign fevers , as barberries , wood-sorrel , limmons , &c. you must persist in this course till the danger be over , and some time after , ( though the sick think themselves well ) lest the disease deceive you by a sudden surprize again . there are many cordial confections always to be had ready at apothecaries shops , as mithridate , diascordium , venice-treacle , london-treacle , treacle-water , &c. any of which may be used by the rich or poor , for they will not onely cause sweating , but also will temper and moderate the hurtfull acrimony of the volatile salt before mentioned . you may dip a hot toast in aq . prophylactica , and apply it to the region of the stomach , and also tye some of it in a rag , and smell to it . if there be great drowsiness , avoid opiates , and take the cordial julep without the laudanum ; but if there be great watching , vomiting , flux of the belly , or hicket , you may give it with the laudanum prescrib'd , for it will much conduce to ease the sick of all these symptoms . if there be a bubo , apply a strong vesiccatory , and when the blister is well raised , open it , and dress it with mustard , and basilicon , of each equal parts ; after cure it according to art. if there be a carbuncle , apply leeches , or ventoses , with scarification , or the actual or potential cautery , after which often apply mithridate , 'till the eschar be separated ; then dress it with unguent . basilicon , and aegyptiacum , or else you may use butter of antimony 'till the ulcer be well cleansed and fitted for the last consolidation which may be performed by any desiccative medicine . chap. x. of the small-pox , and measles . the small-pox , and measles are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin morbilli , quasi parvi morbi , vel parvorum morbi . they are also called variolae , & pustulae , ex vario , vel varium facio , quod cutis fit varia . because the skin is of various forms . these distempers are most commonly attended with a malign fever , which oft proves epidemical , contagious and mortal , and therefore may justly be termed pestilential . the small-pox is a cutaneous eruption , or large pustules , something like to warts on the skin , with inflammation , which in few days comes to suppuration , if the sick recover . the measles are little pustules in the skin , with a deep redness , and may be best perceived by feeling ; they are usually discussed in five or six days without suppuration . there is an other sort of pustules , or tubercles , like little bladders , incident to men , women and children ; which are without inflammation or redness ; and also without a fever . some call them cristals , others blisters , but country people call them swine-pox , hen or chicken-pox , &c. to these also may be referred , those red fiery spots which break out about the fourth or fifth day ( in malign fevers ) all over the body ; and if the sick recover , they vanish about the eighth day , after which the cuticula cometh away in flakes ; this is commonly called the scarlet fever . the signs of the small-pox approaching , are pains of the head , shining before the eyes , with redness and swelling of the face , and sometimes bleeding at the nose ; also a grievous pain of the back , which reacheth to the neck , with great heat and pricking all over the body ; there is often loathing of the stomach , and vomiting , with trembling of the heart , great terrour in sleep , difficulty of breathing , and sometimes raving and convulsion . the cause of the small-pox and measles , is an ill quality or impurity of the mothers bloud , with which the child was nourish'd in the womb , which doth communicate pollution , and defile the mass of bloud ; and after the child is born , when there is an ill disposition of the air proportionable to the disease , there followeth a peculiar effervescency or ebullition of the bloud and other humours , by which nature is inraged and provoked to cast forth the impurity . the excrementitious matter is either thin or thick ; if it be thin , the measles follow , if thick , the small-pox are produced . and if there be a malignant constitution of the air , it causeth not onely a purging forth of the corrupt matter of the bloud , &c. but corrupteth the whole mass of bloud , and so produceth a dangerous and epidemical small-pox . if they come out red , and soon ripen or turn white , being round pointed , and outward in the skin ; if the voice and breathing be free , without any grievous symptoms , there is no danger , but if there be a great fever ( which is not abated after their eruption ) with great thirst , and difficulty of breathing , also black or bloudy urine , or stool , hemorrhage at the nose , mouth , &c. doth signifie a great acrimony , and malignancy of the bloud , that nature is compelled to evacuate it by such preposterous ways ; and are most commonly mortal signs . so likewise if it be long e'er they come out , and they be green , blewish , or black , and sink in again , the sick is in great danger of death . as for the cure of these distempers , if they be malignant , or epidemical , let the same means be used as is prescrib'd in malignant fevers , but if there be little or no sign of malignancy , you may first administer an antimonial emetick , and after its operation , give this or the like cordial . take the waters of carduus , dragons , treacle , scordium compound , of each two ounces ; venice-treacle two drachms ; syrups of the juice of limmons , carduus , saffron , of each one ounce ; confection of hyacinth one drachm ; mix it for a cordial . let the sick take two or three spoonfulls of this every half hour till a sweat be promoted ; after sweating , keep the patient in a warm room , till the danger be over . before the eruption , ( if there be eminent signs of a plethora , and the sick be adult ) phlebotomy may be used with good success . bezoar and gascoign's powder , and diascordium are commonly used in these diseases . you must endeavour to defend the inward parts with the pectoral decoction , to which you may add a little saffron . also a saffron stay , in which is put a few sows ( called millepedes ) bruised , is excellent to defend the throat . for the eyes , this water is good . take the waters of plantain , white roses , of each three ounces ; of camphire , saffron , of each ten grains ; mix it . or you may use womens milk , and saffron . if the throat and mouth are inflamed , make a gargarism with plantain-water and syrup of mulberries . to defend the nose , put up this with a rag or feather . take of red rose-water , vinegar of red roses , of each one ounce ; powder of red saunders , camphire , of each one drachm ; mix it . when the small-pox begins to dry , anoint them often with oil of sweet almonds , and oil of the yelks of eggs , which will prevent their pitting . of diseases of the belly . book iii. chap. i. of the thirsty disease . this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sitio , to be thirsty . in latin 't is called sitis morbosa . thirst is the first natural passion of mankind , and also of beasts ; as is manifest by their first sucking milk out of the breast to asswage it . the causes of thirst augmented , are either external or internal . the external are the air over heated by the sun , over salt food , too much exercise of body , vehement passions of the mind , as much anger , &c. prolong'd watches , the body either too costive , or too loose , much sweating , urine voided too plentifully , any notable evacuation of bloud , milk or seed , &c. the internal cause is deduced ( for the most part ) from too sharp choler , carried down into the small gut ; where it raiseth such an effervescency with the juice of the pancreas flowing thither , that thence are elevated salt vapours to the stomach and gullet , and there produceth a sense of drought . it may also pierce through the lacteal vessels , and so to the heart , and infect the bloud too much with its saltness , whence the spittle , and the other humours also become too salt , by which a great thirst is stirred up and augmented . the signs are manifest , for the patient's complaint for want of drink , will inform you . this distemper may be cured by such acid liquours , and oily emulsions , which will dilute the lixivial salt of choler , and potently change its acrimony , and asswage its sharpness , and deduce it to the bladder . the following julep may serve for example . take tincture of red-roses , barley-water , of each twelve ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces , syrup of violets three ounces , salt prunella two drachms ; mix it , and give the sick three spoonfulls every two hours . this emulsion is also of great virtue , not onely to restrain thirst , but mildly to procure rest also . take of french-barly boiled four ounces ; sweet almonds blanched ; white poppy-seeds , of each two ounces ; let them be well beaten in a stone mortar ; then with two quarts of barley-water , the waters of cinamon and fennel , of each two ounces ; make an emulsion ; to which add julep of roses four ounces , syrups of violets , and the juice of limmons , of each two ounces ; mix it . let the party thirsting , drink a moderate draught of this emulsion , often in a day , which will be very acceptable . you may also make gratefull troches , or pellets of sugar , and salt prunella , to be kept in the mouth , to deceive the thirst. if salt serous matter abound in the body , purge it by stool or urine . this gratefull medicine may serve for both intentions . take the roots of flower-de-luce , parsley , china , of each two ounces ; dandelion , agrimony , of each one handfull ; senna one ounce ; rhubarb half an ounce ; agarick , turky , turbith , jallap , of each three drachms ; cinamon , cloves , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine , for the space of twenty four hours , then strain it , and add syrup of the five opening . roots four ounces ; of which you may give the sick four ounces every third day in the morning fasting . if there be a salt catarrh , it may be temper'd with pills of styrax , you may administer a pill every night going to bed . let the patient's diet be mutton or veal-broth , without salt. chap. ii. of hunger vitiated . hunger may be called the appetite of meats , as thirst is of drinks . it may be many ways deprav'd , viz. when it is augmented , diminish'd , or abolish'd . hunger augmented may be deprav'd two ways , either in quantity or quality ; if it be in quantity , there is more nourishment desired than the stomach can digest . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fames ; quod affatim edatur . it is called by the latines fames canina , and in english dog's appetite ; because in this distemper the sick do feed insatiably ; after which some do purge and vomit like dogs ; and are presently hungry again , and sick if they do not eat . if hunger be deprav'd in quality , then vitious things , which are not food , ( as coals , ashes , clay , turfs , leather , and i know not what ) are desired . this is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and pica also in latin ; ab ave pica , vel quod varia appetant , ut pica varii est coloris , vel ex eo quod & pica terram mandet . if this distemper be in women with child , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin also gravidarum malacia , which is an inordinate longing in them , of which i shall treat more at large in the chapter of the hypochondriack suffocation . hunger diminish'd is caused of too fat and viscous spittle , swallowed down ( by little and little ) into the stomach ; and being unfit to promote the fermentation of food , it passeth into the small guts , and there generates viscous phlegm like to it self , which doth not onely dull the moderate acidity of the juice of the pancreas , but thereby at length all the acidity in the body becomes less sharp and dull . choler also being too fat , arising from the small gut , to the stomach , doth there corrupt both the remainders of food and spittle , and prostrates their gratefull acidity by which means the appetite becomes dull . these causes being complicated , if they be most grievous ; will at length quite take away and abolish hunger . the cause of hunger augmented is sometimes worms in the stomach , which devour the chylus ; but most commonly it is caused by the over-sourness of the juice of the pancreas abounding in the body , and chiefly in the small gut ; whence it sendeth sour vapours to the stomach , which do potently urge and increase the sense of hunger . the cause of hunger deprav'd in quality , ( as pica , &c. in women ) is the suppression of their monthly courses , which is more or less corrupted about the womb , and having not its natural evacuation , it returneth , and ( in circulation ) is mixed with the whole mass of bloud , by which it is all vitiated , and deprav'd ; and so produceth a cachexy , or ill habit of body , which in time corrupteth all the other humours ; from whence not onely hunger , but all the functions are deprav'd . hunger augmented needs no other sign , than the devouring of food . the signs of hunger deprav'd in quality are also manifest , as the longing desire for those things which are not food , as coals , &c. before mention'd . if these distempers continue long , they are difficult of curation , because the sick will easily fall into a cachexy , dropsie , consumption , vomiting , fluxes , &c. hunger increas'd , may be cur'd by giving those things which destroy , and do temperate and amend the over acidity of the juice of the pancreas , and do prevent its increase . there are variety of medicines ( proper for these intentions ) prescrib'd in the 6th . and 7th . pages of the first book . if hunger be diminish'd , or abolish'd , it may be cur'd by medicines that correct and educe the viscous phlegmatick humours , of which you may be throughly furnish'd in the 3d. and 4th . pages . if hunger be suddenly diminish'd by choler , either over fat , or abounding in plenty ; it may commodiously be evacuated by an antimonial emetick . many other proper medicines are set down in the 8th . and 9th . pages . chap. iii. of want of appetite , or loathing of victuals . want of appetite is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sine , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 appetitus . in latin 't is called inappetentia , because in this distemper the sick hath no desire after food , but their minds are averse to , yea they loath most kind of meat and drink , which sometimes riseth to that height , that it takes away their strength . this differs from vomiting onely in degrees , it being a desire to vomit up whatsoever troubles the stomach , but cannot , either by reason of weakness , or toughness of the matter . loathing is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 navis , quod navigantibus proecipue contingit . all loathing is either natural , or adventitious . the natural ( for the most part ) is common to women with child ; wherein 't is thought by some , that the mind of the child in the womb is affected , as well in this distemper , as in the disease called malacia , or longing ; wherein if the woman have not presently what the longs for , wheresoever she first puts her hand on any part of her body , in that part the child is mark'd , as we may see often by experience . the adventitious loathing , or that which cometh by accident , is stir'd up in healthy people by prejudice , they esteeming some sorts of food ungratefull , or prejudicial to their health , and therefore their stomachs loath them . sometimes nauseousness , and loathing even to vomiting , immediately follows intemperance in eating and drinking , which is dangerous . that we may the better judge of the causes of this distemper , let us first consider what is the natural cause of hunger , by which we may the easier discover it . i judge the chief cause of natural hunger to be the remainders of food fermented in the stomach , and the longer it stays there , it is still more and more fermented by the spittle ; which is continually swallowed down , and intermix'd with it ; and at length it raiseth a somewhat sour and gratefull vapour , which pleasingly affects the upper orifice of the stomach , and so natural hunger seems to be produc'd . and if food be with-held somewhat longer than ordinary , then this hunger is increas'd even in healthy people ; which i think is promoted and augmented by the juice of the pancreas , having a friendly effervescency with choler and phlegm in the small guts , from whence sour and gratefull vapours are sent to the stomach , which increaseth hunger ; and if food be seldom taken , it may proceed to fainting fits . hence we may gather , that if there be a vitious effervescency of the aforesaid humours in the small guts , then vitious vapours are thence produc'd , which rising up to the stomach , and other parts adjacent , not onely diminish hunger , but more or less deprave thirst , as also the senses of tasting and smelling ; hence it is that the sick do loath all sorts of food , as soon as they smell , taste or see it . 1. want of appetite or loathing is a digression from the natural state , and is therefore dangerous ; and is worse in children than adults , because they require more nourishment . 2. in all diseases this is an evil symptome , and if the sick recover and want appetite , or loath their food , there is danger of a relapse . this distemper ( either in healthy people , or those that are sick ) may be cur'd , 1. first by freeing the mind from every prejudice . 2. by correcting or purging out the vitious and peccant humours . if the humours incline upward , they may be safely carried out by an antimonial vomit ; and after the operation , at night going to bed , let the sick take this cordial opiate . take the waters of damask-roses , baum and cinamon , of each one ounce ; syrup of clove-gilliflowers , red poppies , of each half an ounce ; confectio alkermes half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; oil of vitriol six drops ; mix it . but if the humours be very viscous , ( and the stomach be not nauseous ) let them be purged out by stool , with such medicines as have power to alter , amend and evacuate the vitious humours . for example . take of the decoction of senna gereonis four ounces ; the best manna , syrups of epithymum , roses solutive with senna , of each half an ounce ; mix it for two doses , to be taken in the morning fasting . after purging , the stomach must be strengthned ; which may be done by this excellent diet-drink . take the roots of china , sarzeparilla , of each eight ounces ; guiacum two pound ; cinamon , mace , nutmegs , of each one ounce ; raisins of the sun stoned one pound ; anise-seed , liquorish , of each one ounce and half ; let them be bruised and infused in two gallons of fountain-water very hot , for the space of twenty four hours , then boil it to the consumption of the third part ; strain it , and add syrups of cinamon , and of the juice of rasberries , of each four ounces ; mix it , and let it be put into bottles . the sick may drink four ounces of it three times in a day . also candied ginger , and nutmegs preserv'd are good to corroborate the stomach ; a little of either of them may be eaten before the taking of the diet-drink . you may anoint the stomach with oil of mace by expression ; after which apply a plaster stomachicum magistr . to the region of the stomach . chap. iv. of the hicket , or hiccough . the hicket is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin singultus , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cum , & gula , quod fere gula fiat ; vel a sono gulae . it is called in english a sobbing or yexing , being something like the clocking of hens with chickens . this disease was thought by the ancients to be a deprav'd motion of the stomach onely , by which it striveth to expell something which is hurtfull ; but experience doth manifest , that it is a convulsive motion of the midriff , and not of the stomach , because in this distemper , expiration is deprav'd ; and this is chiefly perfected by the muscles of the belly , both by drawing down the breast , and compressing all that is contain'd in the belly , and driving them forward towards the midriff , and so compelling it upward ( its proper motion together concurring ) by which a greater straitness is made in the breast , which causeth the lungs also to be straitned , and consequently the air contain'd in them to be suddenly expir'd . 't is true , in this distemper , the stomach is primarily affected by sharp vapours , wind , or humours whencesoever proceeding , which piercing to the membranous centre of the midriff , provoke it by pricking , or corroding , to perform that convulsive motion ; in which the diaphragma is contracted with a great force towards the region of the stomach , which suddenly and violently driveth it forward and outward , the convulsive motion soon ceasing , and again often repeating . the causes of the hicket are either external , or internal . the external are hurtfull , sharp and poisonous food , or medicines , taken into the stomach , by which the midriff is soon affected , and compelled to this violent , and presently interrupted convulsive motion . the internal cause riseth up out of the small gut , by the vitious effervescency of the humours there meeting ; from whence sharp , halituous or windy vapours are rais'd to the upper orifice of the stomach , by which it is soon corroded ; and thence the sharp flatuous humours , or vapours , are presently carried through the vessels of the diaphragma , and sticking in its substance , do corrode its sensible parts , and compell it to that convulsive repeating contraction of it self . when the hicket is the symptome of any other grievous disease , as an acute fever , inflammation , &c. it is dangerous , and sometimes mortal . in most ordinary hickets , the party is easily restor'd , either by stopping the breath , or by suddenly surprising them with fear . but as often as sharp poisonous food or medicines , or any flatuous humours be in the stomach ; &c. causing the hicket ; they must be presently expelled by an antimonial emetick , which will not onely empty the peccant humours upward and downward , but will correct and amend the hurtfull humours in the body . after the operation of the emetick , the following cordial opiate will conduce to dissipate the molesting vapours , which remain about the mouth of the stomach ; and will stay the hicket , and mildly procure sleep . take the waters of treacle , cinamon , syrup of mint , of each one ounce ; the waters of baum and mint , of each two ounces ; coufectio alkermes two drachms ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirits of harts-horn , niter dulcified , of each twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick often take two spoonfulls of this opiate , till they be dispos'd to rest . if this distemper be obstinate , and yields not to the aforesaid medicine , it shews that over-viscous humours are conjoin'd to its cause . therefore in an obstinate hicket , it is better that the peccant humours be emptied downwards , with such medicines as will both cut , and educe them . for which i commend these pills . take pil . foetidae , ex duobus , of each fifteen grains ; oil of harts-horn four drops ; make it into pills ; take them in the morning fasting . let these or the like aromatick pills with gums be taken at least twice a week ; which will not onely educe the hurtfull humours , but discuss vapours , and wind. in the interim , let not the frequent use of the aforesaid cordial opiate be neglected , for it will wonderfully conduce to the cure. sometimes it is good for the patient to sneez , for it hath often prov'd succesfull . drinking of warm milk from the cow is also much commended , because it will asswage the hurtfull humours which remain about the stomach , &c. chap. v. of belching . belching is called in latin ructatio & ructuatio esculenta , quae fit ab homine saturo , because it comes most commonly after a full stomach . any thing which breaks up from the stomach in the kind of a rift , or windy vapour , and is expell'd by the mouth with noise , may properly be called belching . the cause of this distemper , is either outward , or inward . the outward is from windy food , or other flatuous things taken , as beans , pease , radishes , &c. the internal cause is either from a phlegmatick viscous humour adhering to the stomach , where it is rarefied into wind by aromaticks taken ; or from the same viscous humour in the small guts , turned into wind by choler over fat , and volatile ; and thence it is driven forward to the stomach , whereby the fermentation of food is deprav'd into a noisome crudity ; whence belches like rotten eggs , &c. are rais'd , which doth distend and gnaw the stomach . if the phlegmatick matter , which cleaveth to the ventricle , or small guts , be very tough , the belching is more hardly excluded ; whence often a swelling , and troublesome distension of the stomach follows ; & e contra . the cure may be safely and happily perform'd , onely by correcting , and educing the phlegmatick viscous humours abounding ; for which there are variety of medicines prescrib'd in the third and fourth pages in the cure of the head-ach . chap. vi. of vomiting , and of the cholerick and iliack passion . vomiting is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 vomo . it is a deprav'd motion of the stomach , and a certain sign of health weakned ; for in perfect health nothing is wont to be expell'd out of the stomach by the mouth . in vomiting , sometimes food , ( either crude , or more or less fermented ) is cast out by the gullet and mouth ; sometimes bloud , sometimes choler , and other times manifold humours and matter of divers colours , taste and consistency ; and sometimes the excrements returning to the stomach ( as in iliaca passio ) is expell'd by that preposterous way of vomiting , wherein , omnia naturae praepostera legibus ibant . all the differences occurring in several sick people , are very difficult to be numbred , or reduc'd into a certain order ; and much more to make an exact examination of all the symptoms , and thence to give a solid judgment of every one . in this distemper the stomach is either primarily , or secondarily affected . the stomach is primarily affected to vomit , when the cause is in it self . as by taking a vomit , or when there is an inflammation , or exulceration of it ; for then it is easily stir'd up ( by food , or any other thing swallowed ) to a violent and preternatural contraction , and turning of its motion , whereby it is compell'd to cast out whatsoever is contain'd in it . the stomach is secondarily affected , when it is drawn by consent of other parts first distemper'd ; as by the contracting motion of the guts , either in part or wholly , in that most grievous disease called ileos , or iliaca passio ; or by the vehement shaking of the midriff , together with a potent contraction of the muscles of the belly , caused sometimes in a grievous cough : by which all the bowels contain'd in the belly are compressed upward , toward the breast , and urge the stomach to change its natural motion . as often as cholerick humours are plentifully voided out , as well upward , as downward with great force , accompanied with troublesome anxieties of the midriff ; it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bilis . and in latin cholerica passio . when there is a forcible pouring out of bloud by vomiting , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin vomitio sanguinis . the cause of ileos , or iliaca passio , is an excrementitious viscous matter that doth adhere unto the gut called ileo ; which in time is coagulated into a very hard substance , almost in the form of bullets ; ( of which i have had large experience ) whence all passage through for the excrements by siege is stopt , and anon their regress and ascent to the stomach follows , with a miserable vomiting of them . the rupture of the peritonaeum may be also the cause of this grievous disease , especially if it be so great , that not onely the small guts , but the great ones also fall through the lacerated hole , either by reason of their weight , or else by the perpetual approaching of what is contain'd in them , which renders them uncapable to be reduc'd , or put back through the same hole ; whence the excrements , ( having not passage downwards ) are more and more hardned to that degree , that they can hardly be dissolv'd , so that a hard and unsupperable tumour doth soon follow , which hinders the reflux of bloud , and causeth an inflammation , and consequently a gangrene of the guts , attended with a violent vomiting of the excrements , 'till death do put a period to the patient's misery . these evils are often encreas'd by fomentations too hot apply'd , as also by a preposterous and strong rubbing of the swell'd part , and violence us'd to repell the guts . the immediate causes of the cholerick passion , are sharp , putrid , cholerick humours collected in the stomach and bowels , because of external errours commited in diet , or by the taking of poison uncorrected , which doth immediately disturb and corrupt all the humours . the cause of vomiting bloud , is to be deduced ( most commonly ) from the pancreas , by reason of some vessel open'd by its over sharp juice , caused by a vitious effervescency with choler , from whence most of it is driven up to the stomach to be vomited out ; whilst some of it may descend downward to be voided by stool . this distemper may also be caused by bloud flowing out of the vessels of the stomach or guts , either broken by vehement coughing , or corroded by sharp humours . 1. if vomiting be from repletion , or be critical , 't is a good benefit of nature , and therefore must not be stopped : but if it be symptomatical , 't is an ill sign , especially if it be caused by inflammation of the stomach , or adjacent parts , or by poison taken . 2. if the cause of ileos , be from excrements indurated in the gut ileon , it may be cur'd , if taken in time ; but if it be from a rupture of the peritonaeum , 't is dangerous , and for the most part mortal , especially if there be inflammation and tumour of the guts , &c. 3. if the sick vomit bloud , 't is dangerous : neither is the cholerick passion without danger . the cure of this manifold vomiting , may be performed diversly , according to the variety of each cause . if vomiting be rais'd too much by an emetick , or any other nauseous thing taken , it may be represt by this aromatick opiate , or one like it . take of mint-water , four ounces ; tincture of cinamon , half an ounce ; syrups of mint , erratick poppies , of each six drachms : laudanum opiatum six grains ; spirit of nitre twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take a spoonfull of this every quarter of an hour , till the vomiting ceaseth . if a catarrh be the cause of vomiting look for the cure in its proper chapter . if the cholerick passion be caused by poison , or plentifulness of cholerick humours in the stomach , &c. then nothing hinders but that a gentle antimonial emetick may be given , to which may be added those things which will temper the too great effervescency of the aforesaid humours . for example . take of the infusion of crocus metallorum , mint-water , of each six drachms ; cinamon-water , two drachms ; syrup of erratick poppies , half an ounce ; laudanum opiatum , two grains ; mix it . after the evacuation of the peccant humours upward , and downward , an opiate may be profitably used ; because it will not onely temper the acrimony of choler , but asswage the acid juice , and stupefie the outward sense , and procure rest , which will be very gratefull to the sick . take the waters of fennel , plantain , mint , purslain , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of myrtles , purslain , white poppies , of each one ounce ; confect . de hyacintho , diascordium , venice-treacle , of each two drachms ; laudanum opiat . eight grains ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick take two spoonfulls of it often , which will conduce to amend the faultiness of any humours , whether acrimonious , salt or sour ; for in the disease of cholera , it will powerfully asswage the too much effervescency that is raised in the small gut , staying the fierce motion of the troubled humours . a bloudy vomiting requireth speedy help , whence soever the bloud cometh . the following astringent medicine will wonderfully conduce to the cure . take the waters of plantain , comfrey , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vinegar , of each an ounce and half ; syrups of mirtles , quinces , of each one ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud half a drachm ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; mix it . the sick may take two or three spoonfulls of this astringent julep every hour , with good success , for it will cure the most ruptions of vessels , and stop the flux of bloud beyond expectation . after vomiting is supprest , if the patient be troubled with belching of wind , &c. in this case , the following exemplary mixture may bear the praise ; for it doth not onely conduce to curb and discuss wind , remaining as well in the stomach , as guts ; but it doth temper and correct both phlegm and choler , and hinder wind in its rise , and will dissipate it , when it is bred . take the waters of mint , fennel , of each four ounces ; the carminative water of sylvius , syrup of mint , of each two ounces ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; mix it . let this be taken by spoonfulls , often or more slowly , as pains or stretchings do more or less urge . if bloud be thought or feared to be clotter'd in the cavity of the guts ; to dissolve it , you may add to the above mentioned carminative julep , pul . ocul . cancror . antimon . diaphoret . sperma coeti , of each one drachm . the voiding of matter by vomiting and stool , is not to be staid , but mildly promoted , seeing it is wholly unnatural , and hurtfull to the body : but its new rise is to be hindred as much as may be , seeing it is bred of bloud , which is the fuel of our vital fire , and the sustenance of all parts of the body . among all the medicines that move or promote the voiding of matter , and hinder the continual breeding of it , out of corrupt bloud ; i prefer and commend antimonials , rightly prepar'd ; as well emeticks , as other preparations of it , as antimonium diaphoretic . and above all , a balsam made artificially of its flowers , which will powerfully conduce to alter and correct the harms befalling the body by matter , and hinder the new producing of it . also balsam of sulphur with oil of anise-seed is excellent to cleanse and consolidate any inward ulcer ; if two or three drops of it be taken often in a day in any pleasant healing vehicle . in all preternatural vomitings keep the belly open , so that the sick may have ( at least ) every day a stool , either by nature or art ; and let the peccant humours remaining be emptied out by siege , with these or the like pills . take extract . rudii half a drachm ; resin of jallop , salt of wormwood , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; oil of cinamon three drops ; mix it for two doses , to be taken in the morning . the cure of ileos , or iliaca passio , may ( for the most part ) be performed by the aforesaid medicines . but for the sake of young practitioners , i shall add some few directions for the cure of this lamentable contracted motion . wherefore to appease the troublesome irritation of the guts , let fat broths be often taken in at the mouth , and also injected into the fundament as a clyster ; but if an emollient clyster can conveniently be made , let the following be prepared and often used , the decoction of which may be also taken at the mouth , with a few drops of oil of anise-seed . take the roots of marsh-mallows two ounces ; of mallows , marsh-mallows , mullein , of each two handfulls ; the seeds of anise , sweet-fennel , coriander , flax , faenugreek , of each two ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a quart of spring-water till half be consumed , then strain it , and add oil of white lillies , the fat of a hen , of each one ounce ; mix it for a clyster . of which ingredients you may also make fomentations and cataplasms to be applied to the region of the navel , moderately hot , adding swines or goats dung to the pultess . the following emulsion will conduce not onely to allay the irritation , and temper the sharp humours , but will make the passages slippery , and ( by degrees ) moisten the hard excrements contained in the small gut , and in the mean time , will mildly procure rest , and stop vomiting . take of sweet almonds blanched , white poppy-seeds , of each two ounces ; french-barley boiled four ounces ; the waters of fennel , plantain , roses , of each half a pint ; barley-water a pint , let it be made an emulsion ; to which add syrup of violets three ounces ; confectio alkermes de hyacintho , of each two drachms ; laudanum twenty grains ; spirit of niter forty drops ; mix it . let the sick take three spoonfulls of it often . in this grievous disease , nothing is to be neglected , either outward , or inward , that may procure ease to the patient . the intrails of animals , as sheep , &c. applied very warm in hot cloaths , and often repeated , are very effectual . also ventoses applied to the navel have prov'd succesfull ; after which let a little civet wrapt in cotten be put to the navel , and upon it apply a plaster e cymino , or sylvius's carminative plaster ; or else let the aforemention'd pultess be applied warm . golden bullets swallowed are excellent , but for want of them , leaden bullets may serve . some give great pills of antimony ; and crude mercury or quick-silver well depurated is also highly commended , to be given to three pound at a time , and walk or ride after it , to agitate the body ; but before you give either of them let the sick take an ounce of oil of sweet almonds or sallet oil , and likewise after it : and be sure that no acid thing be given after the quick-silver till it be evacuated , lest it coagulate the mercury , and hurry the patient to the grave . chap. vii . of pain in the stomach , and of various pains of the guts , as cholick , &c. the pains of the stomach may be distinguish'd or divided into two sorts , viz. of the upper and lower orifice . if the upper orifice of the stomach , ( which is of exquisite sense , by reason of the intertexture of nerves with which it is wonderfully furnish'd from the vaga sexta , whereof branches are also communicated to the heart ) be affected , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cor. it is also called in latin cardiacus dolor , cui os ventriculi dolet , & per consensum cordis , ergo vocatur affectio cordis , seu oris ventriculi . for the mouth , or upper orifice of the stomach being primarily affected , the heart suffers by consent . if the lower orifice , called pilorus , be affected , it is called dolor seu colica ventriculi ; especially if it come of wind . the pains of the guts may also be distinguish'd , because one while the small guts , and other whiles the thick guts are griev'd . as often as the upper part of the small gut , ( nearest the stomach , ) is pain'd , because that part of the gut is over the right region of the lions , it maketh the patient ( and sometimes the physician ) think that the pain is in them . but if that part of the small gut which riseth up from the loins and mesenterie , ( towards the left hypochondrium ) be afflicted with rendings and distensions , with a notable hardness , this is attributed to the spleen , even by some physicians , although without any solid reason ; when indeed this distending pain is altogether hypochondriacal . if the pain be in the gut ileon , it is thence called iliaca passio , which hath been already treated of . whatsoever pain is rais'd in the gut colon , may be called colica passio . these may be distinguish'd from one another , chiefly from the situation of either gut. for the gut ileon is for the most part contorted hither and thither , up and down about the region of the navel , and from thence a little upward ; but the colon from the navel downward , the pain of the cholick generally pressing to the bottom of the belly , as well as to each side , and the back , &c. according as the gut is writhed which is almost in the manner of a roman s. being roll'd to the navel , and from thence with a remarkable winding through the middle of the belly , it is writh'd to the left kidney , and groin , and so down to the os sacrum , and bladder , and ends in the right gut , whence the pain rising in the circuit and circumference of the belly below the navel may truly be called cholical . sometimes there is a hot distending pain with pulsation and inflammation in the latter part of the thick guts called rectum ; and this is either with a troublesome rending , as in the internal or blind hemorrhoids ; or else it is a corroding pain , accompani'd with more or less itching , perpetually provoking to siege as in the tenesmus , which oft times follow a dysentery or bloudy flux . in these various pains of the guts , there is one while a hot burning with pulsation , and other whiles a cold chilness seemeth to be fixt ; pricking , and ( as it were ) boring the bowels ; sometimes there is a distension of the bowels , pressing them with a sense of weight , wonderfully writhing and contorting them with such a tearing corroding pain , that the sick cannot give an explanation of the grief , and misery which they endure . the causes are either external , or internal . the external are wounds or contusions , caused by external violence . the internal causes are divers ; sometimes worms may be the cause . but a burning pain is produced either by an obstruction of the capillary veins of the stomach or guts , by which the bloud is forc'd to stand still in the vessels till at length ( after a great distension ) the vessels burst , and the bloud is effus'd , which breedeth an inflammation , and a manifest pulsation about the part affected , by which it may be distinguish'd from any other kind . but for the most part , a burning and corroding pain riseth from choler too fat , powerfully and vitiously raising an effervescency with the juice of the pancreas too acid ; as experience teacheth in outward things ; for if you pour spirit of vitriol to oil of turpentine , it will presently raise an effervescency join'd with a notable heat and burning . this burning pain is chiefly felt in the region of the loins , because there is the conflux of choler , and the juice of the pancreas ; and from thence ariseth vitious sharp vapours , which produce griping pains of the stomach , and pricking pains in the guts , as also other wandring pains therein . if the pain be chill and cold , it is caus'd from the juice of the pancreas very acid and sharp ; which raiseth a vitious effervescency with choler ( not oily ) and phlegm together , as we may observe , if we mix spirit of vitriol with any volatile salt not oily , how it will raise an effervescency , coupled with a notable chilness , and coldness onely sensible ; hence we may conclude , that the operation of the acid spirit in producing cold , is much promoted by phlegm . the cause of the colick is over viscous phlegm , mixed with choler , peccant both in its saltish acrimony , and volatile oiliness ; by which the viscous phlegm is rarifi'd into wind ; and if the excrements are contain'd beyond their course , they harden , and adhere to the gut , whereby the natural ferment is vitiated , and the windy blasts are more and more rarifi'd , and being shut up and remaining in the cavity of the gut colon , it causeth a violent distension and contraction of it . but if the aforesaid humours be mixt with the juice of the pancreas over sharp , acid and harsh ; then there is a wonderfull sense of contortion in the part affected , urging and writhing from place to place , according to the winding or rolling of the gut. if this wind pierceth through the guts , into the cavity of the belly , it expandeth the peritonoeum , and so inflateth the whole abdomen , and causeth a tympany . these distempers are all dangerous , and sometimes mortal , especially if a violent fever be complicated with them . we must vary the cure according to the diversity of the causes . a burning corroding pain may be cur'd , by tempering too fat choler with acids , as spirit of niter , &c. being mixt with opiates . for example . take the waters of fennel , fumitory , sorrel , succory , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , distill'd vinegar , syrups of violets and white poppies , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it . let the sick often take a spoonfull of this julep , till the heat and pain be diminished , and sleep be procured . the following emulsion is also profitable , and therefore may sometimes be given for a change . take the four greater cold seeds , white poppy-seeds , of each one ounce ; french barley boiled four ounces ; with two quarts of barley water ; let it be made an emulsion ; and add to it syrups of violets , and white poppies , of each two ounces ; salt prunella half an ounce , spirit of niter thirty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every two or three hours . if choler be two plentifull , let it be educ'd with this or the like mild cholagogue . take damask-rose water two ounces ; manna , diaphaenicon , electuary of the juice of roses , of each two drachms ; tartar vitriolated ten grains ; mix it , and take it in the morning . the cholagogue electuary of sylvius is also excellent , of which you shall have the receipt at the latter end of the book . chilness and cold pains may be cur'd by tempering the over sharp acidity of the juice of the pancreas . lixivial salts both fixt and volatile are excellent in this case , as also any aromatick spirit of wine , treacle water , &c. with which may be mix'd coral , pearl , crabs-eyes , antimon . diaphoret . &c. and let the body be compos'd to sweat . the following forms may serve for example . take the waters of treacle , fennel , syrup of the juice of carduus , of each half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , salt of wormwood , of each ten grains ; mix it , and give it the sick to cause sweat . you may also give some of this cordial julep , to uphold the spirits when they sweat . take of tincture of cinamon , the carminative spirit of sylvius , of each half an ounce ; the waters of mint , baum , of each two ounces ; syrups of the juice of oranges , clove-gilliflowers of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; oil of cloves six drops ; mix it , and give two or three spoonfulls of it often . let sylvius's carminative plaster be spread on leather , and applied to the region of the stomach and navel . as for the cure of the cholick , let an emollient clyster ( which discusseth wind ) be given often , at least twice in a day . take the roots of marsh-mallows one ounce ; pellitory of the wall , mallows , marsh-mallows , the flowers of melilot ; chamomel , of each two handfulls ; the seeds of anise , sweet fennel , dill , the berries of bays and juniper , of each one ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of whey till half of it be consumed ; then strain it , and add electuary diaprunum , cariocostinum , benedicta laxativa , of each half an ounce ; oils of dill , chamomel , roses , of each six drachms ; oil of harts-horn ten drops ; mix it for two clysters . the smoak of tobacco may be blown into the clyster-bladder , and given with it , with good success . besides , a clyster may be made of canary wine , or warm cows milk , and a little honey , or malossus , and given sometimes to soften the hard excrements , and to dissolve those that are too viscous , whereby they may be the easier evacuated , and also wind invited to an easie outlet . to drink the decoction before prescrib'd , will much conduce to ease the sick ; also of the same ingredients , you may make fomentations and cataplasms , but if the patient do not care for the trouble of such medicines ; you may anoint the belly with this ointment . take ointments of marsh-mallows , martiatum , oils of capers , white lillies , of each one ounce ; oil of bricks half an ounce ; mix it . after which apply a large plaster of sylvius's carminative empl. to the belly . the following julep taken often by spoonfulls will much conduce to ease the pain , and discuss the wind . take the waters of mint , scurvigrass , fennel , lovage , penny-royal , of each one ounce ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , tinctures of cinamon and castor , of each half an ounce ; syrups of mint , fennel and mirtles , of each six drachms ; oil of mace distill'd ten drops ; spirits of harts-horn and niter , of each twenty drops ; laudanum opiatum ten grains ; mix it for a julep . the oil of harts-horn is a very potent , though ungratefull remedy in this disease . also the balsam of sulphur made with oil of anise-seed , amber , or juniper is excellent in vanquishing this rebellious distemper . after the violence of pain is abated , you may purge the body with this following decoction . take of guiacum four ounces ; roots of china , sassafras , lovage , of each one ounce ; seeds of anise , sweet fennel , berries of bays and juniper , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water till half be consumed , strain it , and add of the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each four ounces ; cinamon-water two ounces ; spirit of niter two drachms ; mix it , and take two ounces of it every morning and evening . the following pills with gums will be also very usefull , and potent to educe the viscous phlegm , &c. take galbanum prepar'd with vinegar of squills two drachms ; resins of jallop and scammony , powders of castor , mastick , mirrh , vitriol of mars calcin'd to whiteness , of each half a drachm ; saffron ten grains ; powder of troches , alhandal two scruples ; oils of harts-horn , cloves , of each ten drops ; beat them all into a mass for pills . let the sick take three or four of these pills in the morning fasting , which will kindly expell the vitious humours . after which let them take some of the aforesaid julep to procure rest and ease . oily volatile salts , and spirit of niter are excellent , not onely to correct choler , and other peccant humours , but do potently discuss wind . chap. viii . of the worms . worms may be generated in all parts of the body ; those which are bred in ulcers , may more fitly be called maggots , in latin termetes ; but i shall onely treat of those which are bred in the internal parts of the body . every man living in all places , and climes , doth more or less suffer by the frequent generation of these little intestine enemies ; especially the weaker state of man , as infants and the female sex ; whose ferment , or digestive heat being not sufficiently master of their great moisture ; part of it is turned into putrefaction , which corrupteth the humours . wherefore it is no wonder that active nature ( being never at rest ) by the quickning animating heat , which causeth concoction , doth frequently generate worms either in the stomach or guts , according to the various occurrences of matter , and seminal dispositions . there are three or four kinds of these inbred disturbers , which we may take notice of . the first are called in latin teretes , a terendo , quod quasi terendo rotundum sit , vel ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. terebrando . they are long and round like earth-worms but whiter ; they are more common than the rest , and are bred in the guts , but do sometimes get up into the stomach . the second are called lumbrici lati & longi , because they are broad and long . they are also called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , tendo . i. e. fascia extensa . because they are something like a womans head-band . this worm is full of joints , and is a native of the jejunum , which is a fit place to nourish these milk-suckers , or craving vermine ; there being the most supply of milky juice , by reason of the numerous lacteal vessels . some of these worms have been of an incredible length . pliny lib 11. nat . hist. cap. 33. affirmeth that some have been thirty foot in length . if you peruse schenckiu's his observations , lib. 3. pag. 411. you may reade variety of such histories . the third are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , salio . in latin they are called vermes exigui intestinorum , quod ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , è sordibus nascantur . they are little and slender ; some call them arse-worms , because they commonly lye in the intestinum rectum , near the sphincter muscle . there is another kind of worms ( though seldom seen ) in the colon , like the botts in horses ; they may be called in latin vermina , ex vertendo , quod rependo torqueant sese , & vertant cum quodam minuto motu . ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 serpo . the material cause of all worms is ( most commonly ) the inconcocted part of the chylus which is produc'd of such nourishment as easily putrifieth in the stomach ; as green fruit , &c. which gives sufficient matter to these intruding vermine . this part of the chylus being crude , and unfit for sanguification , is left ( undrawn by the lacteal veins ) in the intestines , where it is mixed with pituitous humours , and elaborated by the temperate heat of the guts , which is the efficient cause of such like generations . the form which lay hid in this matter before , is afterward generated by the temperate heat of the bowels , and according to the diversity of the latent forms , sundry sorts of worms are bred . in the aforemention'd title of schenckius , you may reade of the stupendious figures of worms , set down by learned and famous men in their monuments . the signs of worms are many . if they be round , there is a pinching or gnawing pain in the belly , especially being hungry ; also a stinking breath , a frequent dry cough , loathing , and sometimes vomiting and looseness , with distention of the belly , and a symptomatical fever ; the sleep is often disturb'd with horrible dreams , and starting and gnashing of the teeth ; the face is pale the nose itcheth ; wherefore children that have them , do often rub and pick their nose . if the long broad worm be in the small guts , the party hath an insatiable appetite , the body consumeth , having quick stools after eating , in which there is often a substance like to the seeds of cucumbers . if the small worms called ascarides , be bred in the intestinum rectum , there is a painfull itching in anus with provocation to stool , in which they often come away . if the short thick worms like botts be bred in the colon , there is a wringing troublesome pain , and they often come from the patient night and day , without any excrements , or motion to stool . these last mention'd , are of all others the worst , and most difficult to destroy , especially if they continue long , and grow numerous , because they enclose themselves in a cystis or bladder for shelter , which they run out and in to , as a coney into her burrough , whereby they defend themselves from the power of those things which are given to kill them . the broad long worms are also hard to destroy ; and if the round ones continue long , and are many , they cause convulsions , and sometime epilepsie ; and if they come out alive in acute fevers , it betokeneth great malignity of the morbifick matter , which they labour to shun . the ascarides are not dangerous , for they may be easily killed with clysters . as for the curation , it is perform'd by two indications ; the first is by killing of them , the second by expelling of them when killed and here the place or residence of the offending vermine is to be considered , viz. whether it be the stomach or bowels ; if the bowels , whether the most external , as the rectum , or more internal , as the colon , ileon , or jejunum ; and according to the different seat of such internal offensives of life , we must differently level our remedies , and manner of cure. if the stomach be the residence of these notorious offenders ; they may then be killed , and pumped upwards by an antimonial vomit . but large worms , which are not natives of the stomach , but ( as is said before ) of the jejunum , or other next productive guts , may be most properly conveyed downwards by the force of aloetick and mercurial medicaments . and for as much as the passage is tedious for such slow marchers as worms are ; which being but sick it may be with one dose , and loath to be dislodged ; therefore they must be often stimulated to their exit ( at least five or six days together ) by protruding medicaments , till they be all destroy'd , and evacuated . the following pill is excellent . take extract . rudii , pil . ruffi , of each one scruple ; mercur. dulcis sixteen grains ; oil of juniper three drops ; make them into eight pills . a young child may take a small pill of this every day , and those that are adult , three or four of them , for five or six days , till all the vermine are kill'd and ejected . and to render the whole region of the bowels an uneasie residence to such unwelcome guests , an aloetick plaster applied to the navel is never to be omitted ; and farther to specificate the same , and all other medicines , either internally exhibited , or externally applied ; i advise you to mix some of the powder of the ejected worms ( of what kind soever ) with them , which you will find most effectual to destroy the living vermine . also all medicaments which partake of mercurial irradiation are destructive to worms where-e'er they are . our common quicksilver , if boiled an hour or two in fair water , renders the whole ( without communication of taste or scent , and also without any loss of weight ) a certain destroyer of worms in humane bodies ; which may be either given at the mouth , or sweetned with sugar , and given as a clyster ; after which give two or three doses of the aforesaid pills to expell the dead vermine , and verminous matter . chap. ix . of a looseness , or flux of the belly . as often as the expulsion of what is contain'd in the guts , happens quicker , oftener , and more plentifully than is natural , it may be called a looseness ; of which there are divers sorts , which may be distinguisht according to the different things voided . 1. if food be evacuated crude and undigested , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin also lienteria , i. e. levitas intestinorum . 2. if the food be fermented in the stomach , and the chyle passeth into the guts , and the nutriment of the chyle be not there separated from the excrement , but is voided whitish like a pultess , much like the excrements of those that have the jaundice , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin coeliaca , i. e. alvinus , vel ventralis dispositio ; of which there is another kind , which for distinction sake may be named the chyle-like looseness ; wherein the food is both fermented , and severed into chyle and excrements , and yet are voided confusedly together . 3. if not onely food , but waterish and cholerick humours are often and plentifully voided , it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo . it may be called in english a cholerick looseness . there are divers other kinds of looseness , which may be called diarrhoea ; for if thick and viscous phlegmatick humours are frequently and plentifully voided , it may thence be call'd a phlegmatick diarrhoea ; if the humours be serous , it is a serous diarrhoea ; if fat and oily excrements are frequently evacuated , it may thence be nam'd an unctuous diarrhoea , &c. 4. if the dejection be purulent , corrupted , excrementitious matter , together with pure bloud , it may then be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod hic non tam difficultatem quam detrimentum notat , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intestinum , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intus . it may be called in latin tormina quod dolore torquentur intestina ; in english 't is vulgarly called the bloudy-flux . if there be a perpetual endeavour to go to stool , and nothing but a little mucous purulent matter voided with great pain and straining , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tendo . in english it may be called a neediness , there being a continual need and desire to go to stool . this distemper properly belongeth to a dysentery , because it doth most commonly follow it , and sometimes with a procidentia ani. to a bloudy-flux may also be referred the immoderate flux of the hemorrhoids , which may be known from a dysentery , both from the place affected , and the great quantity of the bloudy purging . it is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sanguis , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , profluvium . also the flux of the liver ( if there be any such disease ) may be referred hither , in which the excrementitious liquour ejected , is like the washing of bloudy flesh . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , qui ex hepate laborant . in latin 't is called hepaticus affectus , vel fluxus est serosi et sanguinei humoris per alvum excretio , propter hepatis imbecilitatem . the causes of all fluxes of the belly , are either external , or internal . the external , are any of the six non-natural things immoderately used , which weakens the stomach , also the taking of any venemous thing , as arsnick , mercury sublimate , &c. which presently destroys the ferment of the stomach and guts . the internal cause of the lientery , is weakness of the stomach , that it cannot retain any food received into it , but striveth to expell it . the jaundice-like flux is caused by the sluggishness of choler , so that it is not carri'd down to the guts , to promote the separation of the usefull , from the unusefull parts of the chyle . the chyle-like flux is also caused by the same , so that the straining of chyle through the spongy crust of the guts into the lacteal veins is hindred ; the orifices or pores tending to the lacteal veins , being obstructed by over thick and viscous phlegmatick humours . a cholerick diarrhoea is caused by over-salt , sharp and serous choler ; together with phlegm , and the juice of the pancreas too watry and fluid . a phlegmatick diarrhoea is caused by such things as do breed much viscous phlegm . a serous diarrhoea ariseth most frequently from spittle , and the juice of the pancreas too serous . a fat , oily , or unctuous looseness , doth follow the over much use of too fat food . a dysentery doth proceed either from the thickness of the bloud , by reason of over viscous phlegm , being mixed with lympha , or the juice of the pancreas too acid , accompani'd with sorrow of mind ; whereby the bloud doth become too gross for its wonted circulation through the capillary vessels of the guts ; wherefore it causeth a great distension of them , till at length they burst , and pour out the bloud into the cavity of the guts . or else it may be caused from choler too salt , sharp and plenteous in the bloud , whereby it doth become extravagantly serous , and eager , through extraordinary fermentation , extremely agitating the humours to a colliquation , especially where fierceness of anger or great heat of mind do concur ; by which the bloud is the more rarifi'd to pierce through the tender restraint of the vessels , and doth flow out by indirect ways , sometimes by great loss , to the endangering of life . a tenasmus is caused by a phlegmatick viscous humour , joyned with a sharp acid humour , which doth fret the gut about the siege , stirring up a troublesome ulcer there . the flux of the hemorrhoids , and of the liver , is to be deduc'd from much serous matter mixt with the bloud , and also relaxing the vessels . the hemorrhoids are either critical , which useth to ease the sick ; or symptomatical , and much weakneth them . the signs of fluxes are manifest , from what hath been said . 1. if any looseness continue long , with loathing , 't is an ill sign , especially if it be with a fever . 2. if the small guts are affected , the pain is sharper than when it is in the thick guts . 3. in the dysentery , if the dejections be very bloudy , or black and fetid , with great thirst , hicket , &c. for the most part they are mortal signs ; but if the erosion be onely in the internal membrane of the gut , and there be no great pain , nor other bad symptome , there is great hopes of recovery . if the bloud and humours be too thin and serous , they must be corrected , and evacuated . chalk , and harts-horn , ( or any other burnt bone ) reduc'd to powder , and given often in a small quantity , doth imbibe and correct watry moisture , and also over much fatness , which may be the cause of a looseness . after which the peccant humours may be evacuated by stool with hydragogues , and by sweat and urine , with sudorificks and diureticks . toasted rhubarb will satisfie to many indications , seeing that it doth not onely evacuate water together with choler abounding , but will soon correct the over-loose body , by its mild tartness . wherefore when the bloud doth abound with much serous liquour , let the sick take this powder in a little broth. take the powder of jallop , cinamon , of each fifteen grains ; powder of rhubarb tosted half a drachm ; mix it after the operation of it , you may give the following cordial by spoonfulls . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water half an ounce ; syrup of mirtles one ounce ; confectio de hyacintho , diascordium , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it . it will be also convenient sometimes to educe the humours by urine and sweat ; for which i commend the following decoction of china , &c. take the roots of burdock , the five opening roots , sarzeparilla , contra yerva , of each one ounce ; china four ounces ; gromwell-seeds , juniper-berries , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain water , 'till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrup of the five opening roots six ounces ; spirit of niter one drachm ; mix it . l●t the sick take a quarter of a pint of this warm , twice or thrice a day , and especially in the morning fasting , which will the easier procure a breathing sweat , or else urine more plentifull , by which the serosity of the bloud will be consum'd by little and little , so that the bloud and humours will thereby become more pure . if a dysentery , or bloudy-flux arise from a sharp humour corroding the vessels ; it may be cur'd by correcting , and tempering the sharp acid humours , and consolidating the vessels fretted . the following powder is excellent to correct and amend the aforesaid acid humours , and stop all fluxes of bloud . take the powders of red coral , pearles prepared , white chalk , dragons bloud , of each half a drachm ; mix it for six doses , which may be taken in three spoonfulls of the following julep , every two or three hours . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each two ounces ; tincture of cinamon , syrups of quinces , mirtles , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of juniper ten drops ; mix it . if there be an ulcer in the thick guts , and clysters can come to the part affected , let the following be often injected , and instruct the sick to retain them so long as they can . take new milk wherein steel hath been quenched one pint ; honey of roses one ounce ; venice turpentine half an ounce ; the yelk of one egg ; balsam of sulphur four drops ; mix it . the following bolus may be sometimes given in the morning fasting . take the powder of rhubarb tosted two scruples ; nutmeg one scruple ; make it into a bolus with conserves of red roses . and this bolus may be given at night going to bed . take diascordium , conserves of red roses , of each half a drachm ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; mix it . by the frequent use of these choice medicines , the ulcer will be cleans'd , the gripes asswag'd , and the consolidation of the ulcerated gut ( both in the tenasmus and dysentery , &c. ) will be wonderfully promoted . but if the ulcer be in the small guts , the following vulnerary decoction will more conduce to the cure. take the roots of comfry , plantain , knot-grass , of each two ounces ; the tops of saint john's wort , sanicle , germander , red roses , of each one handfull ; shavings of harts-horn , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in three quarts of fountain-water wherein steel hath been quenched , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and add syrup of dried roses , tincture of cinamon , distill'd vinegar , syrup of marsh-mallows , of each two ounces ; mix it , and give the sick four spoonfulls every two or three hours . if you add two or three drops of balsam of sulphur , made with oil of anise-seed to every dose of the decoction , &c. it will be the more effectual both to cleanse and consolidate the ulcer . the flux of the hemorrhoids , if it be symptomatical , and weaken the sick , is then to be hindred , which may be effectually done by the afore-mention'd medicines . if much serous liquour can so dilute the bloud , and relax the vessels , that part of it may be carried out of them into the guts , and produce a flux like the washing of flesh , commonly called a flux of the liver ; it may be cur'd by driving forward the serous liquour out of the body , by sudorificks , and diureticks ; and also by tart strengthning things that repair the hurt of the loosened vessels . the diuretick decoction of china , before mention'd , is excellent in this case , to be taken as is there directed . also the following diaphoretick may be sometimes used with good success . take the waters of treacle , cinamon , of each half an ounce ; plantain-water two ounces ; distill'd vinegar three drachms ; confectio de hyacintho , diascordium , of each one drachm ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , of each half a drachm ; syrups of mirtles , dried roses , of each six drachms ; mix it for two doses . also the powder and astringent julep prescrib'd in page 192 , 193. is excellent to corroborate the loosened vessels , &c. anoint the belly with the oil of quinces , mirtles , roses , wormwood , &c. mixed with unguent . comitissae ; which is also good in all fluxes of the belly . chap. x. of the dry belly-ach . this cruciating disease may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin spasmus abdominis , quod sub umbelico est ad pubem ; and because of the additional torments , it may be also named tormen abdominis , quod dolore torquetur abdomen . this disease doth also need as well the name , as the invocation of miserere mei deus ; the sick being in such extreme misery , that 't is incredible to all but them that have endur'd it . the most urgent and exquisite pain under this affect , being in that most tender and sensible part , viz. the belly , may seem to have some alliance with the iliack or colick passion ; and indeed they are sometimes its concomitants , but much different from it . the causes of this lamentable distemper , are either external , or internal . the external general occasional cause is contracting cold in the region of the belly , &c. which doth cramp not onely the muscles of the abdomen , but also the tender fibres of the intestines , cruciating all the affected parts with obdurate contractions ; which is more aggravated when the moon doth come to opposition with the sun. which may be also observ'd in all spasms and convulsive motions , that about the full of the moon , the tide of such nervous diseases doth rise highest : especially in those places where the direct aspects of the nocturnal luminary have the most power ; which demonstration will evince to be between the tropicks , which many of our mariners , ( who have sailed that way ) can tell by wofull experience . another external procuring cause of this grievous disease is a mineral gas ascending from the caverns of the earth , infesting the air with its poisonous fumes , whereby not onely the tender fibrous , and nervous parts of the belly are oft times crampt with convulsive spasms ; but the mineral fumes being inspired with the air into the body , produce most eminent apparent evils , as the corruption of the chyle into porraceous and adust choler , from whence followeth irritating vomitings , and the constipation of the belly , with obdurateness of the excrements , which inflames the bowels , and entails a symptomatical fever , with a heavy and slow pulse ; and as the pain doth aggravate more and more , there is want of sleep and rest , with other uneasiness , and commotions of body and mind ; as the operatours in chymistry have sometimes experience of ( to their cost and trouble ) in mineral preparations ; for if a vessel chance to break , the sharp and acid vapours , or gas of the mineral , immediately seiseth the animal spirits of all that are in the elaboratory ; by which they are mov'd unequally ( against the will ) through the nerves to the musculous parts , which causeth convulsive motions , with trembling and shaking of the limbs , and other accumulated evils . the like grievous symptoms ( though not so violent ) happen to many people that inhabit near the mineral mines in hungaria , and also in some places of england as derbyshire , &c. where there are lead-works , from whence mineral fumes continually ascend from the separating oar , which infesteth the air , and is a great producer of such convulsive effects . at the first seisure of this evil , the muscles of the abdomen , and sometimes those of the breast and back , ( through contractions ) prove hard and painfull , as in our ordinary cramps ; which symptoms will evince , that these vapours are peccant in an acid acrimony . the internal cause , is also sour vapours arising most commonly out of the small guts ; which the concurring symptoms ( consider'd and weighed with an attentive mind ) will confirm ; for these vapours being sharp , are driven forward into the nerves , and gnawing them with great pain , aggravate and produce this convulsive spasm . 1. if this miserable and afflictive distemper hath continu'd to a long durance , it causeth such obstructions in the fibrous and nervous passages of the muscles , that thereby lameness and an atrophy soon succeeds , increasing the weakness of all the members of the body , till at length it ends in a paralitical resolution of them . 2. if a pregnant woman , or a woman after abortion , be afflicted with this grievous evil ; it is very dangerous , and many times mortal . as for the cure , we must endeavour to ease the pain , and strengthen the weak parts with all expedition , the pain may be eased , and diminish'd as well by internal , as external anodynes and narcoticks ; to allay the violent motion of the animal spirits , and abate the grievous spasms succeeding . the following cordial diaphoretick opiate is excellent in this case . take the waters of fennel , peony , treacle , of each one ounce ; syrups of stoechas , peony , scurvigrass , of each half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , salt of tartar vitriolated , salt of amber , volatile salt of harts-horn , of each one scruple ; tincture of castor two drachms , spirit of salt armoniack , oil of cloves , of each four drops ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . by the frequent taking of this volatile and anodyne sudorifick , the peccant humours will be temper'd and diminisht , and the inordinate , involuntary , and impetuous motion of the animal spirits will be reduc'd , and brought to tranquillity , by which the binding constrictions of the belly-ach will be the easier remov'd . bathing in this distemper , hath been often us'd with admirable success ; for by the frequent use thereof , the cutaneous and muscular fibres will not onely be relax'd from contracted spasms ; but the pores will be also kept open for the constant discharge of transpiring particles . a natural bath , such as is in the city of bathe , is excellent ; but when it is not to be had , an artificial bath may be very usefull for the ends propos'd . for example . take of elder , dwarf-elder , vervain , betony , chamomel , bays , rhue , time , hyssop , ground-pine , organ , penny-royal , sage , sweet marjoram , of each six handfulls ; flowers of stoechas , chamomel , melilot , of each four handfulls ; roots of pellitory of spain , briony , master-wort , virginia snake-root , of each four ounces ; spicknard , berries of juniper and bays , of each two ounces ; brimstone six pound ; salt niter two pound ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in twenty gallons of fountain-water , till a third part be boiled away . let the sick be well bathed in it , as often as strength will permit ; and let them sit therein , as long as they may well bear the same . then let them be rub'd dry , and remov'd into a bed ; and let the affected parts be well anointed with this ( or the like ) fragrant ointment . take oil of earth-worms , ointment of orange-flowers , jessamy , of each three ounces ; oil of mace by expression one ounce ; oil of juniper , bricks , of each two drachms ; mix it . as often as the body is costive , let a suppository , or carminative clyster be administred to make it soluble . let the weakned parts be fortifi'd with the aforesaid unguent ; upon which apply a plaster of sylvius's carminative emplaster spread on leather , which you may remove once in twenty four hours , using warm frictions to the pained parts , and apply the plaster again ; and over it you may apply a fox-skin drest , which will keep the parts warm , and conduce to the cure , which course may be continu'd 'till strength be restor'd to the grieved limbs . chap. xi . of the yellow iaundice . the yellow jaundice is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab avicula quoe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dicitur , quod ea oculos flavi vel aurei coloris habet . it is also called icterus in latin ; it being a spreading of a yellowish colour over the whole body . it was the common received opinion of the ancients , that the chief cause of this disease , is an obstruction of the cystick passage to the small gut , so that choler is thereby wholly hindred in its natural descent ; wherefore it doth ascend to the liver , and so to the bloud , with which it is transfer'd to the habit and superficies of the body , where it doth shew it self in its colours . but it may be manifested from many observations , and experiments , both anatomical , and practical ; that the jaundice may be produc'd without an obstruction of the passage of choler . although i suppose that the jaundice may probably be raised by an obstruction of the meatus hepaticus : for if there should be a great stoppage in this vessel , by any glutinous or lapidescent matter , the choler that is generated in it may possibly regurgitate ( there being no valves to hinder it ) and thereby become mixed with the blood , by which means it may ( in a short time ) be conveyed over the whole body . but if the meatus cisticus should be stopped by a small stone , &c. as i have sometimes seen in dissecting icterical patients , where i observed that the excrements were not dyed so yellow as usual : yet it is impossible that there should be any regurgitation of choler to the liver out of the gall , by reason of the three valves looking from without inwards , which do potently hinder the recourse of it : and although the meatus hepaticus is without valves , yet seldom in a jaundice , is either that passage , or the ductus communis obstructed , but many times wider , as the most ingenious salmon hath accurately observed . wherefore that we may the better judge of the true cause of this disease , let us first consider that man's body abounds with an animal salt , which doth circulate with the blood through the whole body , so that not onely the internal , but superficial parts are replenished therewith . 2. secondly , it is the nature of volatile and animal salts to sublime , and upon their mixture with other fit bodies to excite or stir up new appearances of colours according to the nature of the salt ; for if a solution of salt of tartar be mixt with a solution of sublimate in fair water , it gives in a moment a reddish , yellowish or orange tawny colour , although both the solutions be as clear as cristal , and with armoniack salts in proper liquors , may be made many colours to appear . from whence we may judge , that if the animal salt of man's body become too volatile , or be too much sublimed : which may be done , either by the biting of an enraged viper , or by the power of poyson , or from the over heating of the body by violent exercise , or by exceeding sorrow of mind , or great passion , or by excessive drinking of hot liquors , or from burning feavers ; whereby the universal body comes to be inflamed , the spirits vehemently agitated , and thereby the volatile saline principle to be violently moved out of its place or domicil , to the circumference of the body ; but meeting with the viscous juice of the cutis is there hindred from flying away ; and being dissolved and mixt with the cutaneous humidity it excites the jaundice , whether yellow , black or greenish , according to the colour of the poyson which the patient hath casually taken , or predisposition of the body to so notable a mutation . hence it is that many ( who have been in perfect health ) have been suddenly invaded with this disease : some by the biting of an enraged viper , others by running a race , &c. who immediately after were all over as yellow as if they were dipt into the juice of saffron ; and yet notwithstanding it could not be judged that the gall-juice was either affected or disaffected in the least measure : for it cannot in reason be supposed , that the venome or poyson of the viper should be so particularly directed to the gall , to work such an effect in so short a time , as to distribute that viscous heavy juice so universally over the whole body : much less can any one imagine , that either the drinking of strong liquours , or any violent exercise , &c. should any ways so operate upon the cholerick humour , as to volatize it , and so immediately disperse it universally over the whole humane frame ; for it is impossible that the glutinous substance of choler should be dispersed in so short a time to all the superficial parts of the body . therefore it is more probable , that the volatile animal salt of the body , being moved , and carried out of its domicil , by the extream heat of the internal parts , and violent motion of the spirits , and being mixt and dissolved with the cutaneous juice ( as is before mentioned ) doth not onely excite the jaundice , but may possibly be the cause of purple spots in the spotted feaver : as also of many other sudden and great changes in the bodies of humane kind . the jaundice invading a patient in a fever ( before the seventh , viz. the critical day ) is dangerous : if it comes upon an inflamation of the liver , or a schirrus and the cure be not hastned , a dropsie , cachexy , or deadly pining will in a short time succeed . if it be critical upon acute feavers nature effects the cure : if it be symptomatical , the cure depends upon the cure of the disease by which it comes . if it be essential from the obstruction of the meatus hepaticus , the obstruction must be opened . if sorrow of mind or great passion be the cause , it ought to be prevented as much as may be , both by philosophical and theological reasons about any troublesome matters , and by confirming the mind , whereby the sick may be the better enabled to bear and suffer stoutly any adversity . this ought to be observed also in all other diseases . if ebriety be the cause i commend sobriety to cure it . sublata causa tollitur effectus . if the humours be over viscous or glutinous , the following decoction will not onely alter and correct , but mildly educe the peccant humours , by which the jaundice may in a short time be cured . take of rhubarb , the roots of madder , smallage , the greater celandine , of each one ounce ; the flowers of broom one handfull ; hemp-seed two ounces ; the seeds of anise , parsley and columbines , of each half an ounce ; saffron two drachms ; white tartar three drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in white-wine , and fountain water , of each three pints , till the third part be boiled away , then strain it , and add the best manna , syrup of succory with rhubarb , of each three ounces ; mix it . let the sick take four spoonfulls of this three times a day , till the viscous phlegm and choler be sufficiently evacuated , and the natural colour of the body restored . as oft as the jaundice is caused by the poison of a viper , or any other venemous thing whatsoever , you must administer ( as soon as possible ) a volatile sudorifick to correct and expell the venome . the following will serve to both indications . take the waters of carduus , fennel , fumitory , of each two ounces ; treacle-water , syrups of the juice of carduus , red poppies , of each one ounce ; tincture of saffron two drachms ; venice-treacle half a drachm ; bezoar-mineral , antimony diaphoretick , salt of harts-horn , of each one scruple ; spirit of salt-armoniack six drops ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls to provoke sweat , and after it breaks forth , give a spoonfull or two , now and then , to promote it . also this decoction , or one like it may be prescrib'd for the icterick patient , it being both sudorifick , and diuretick . take the roots of scorzonera , juniper , of each two ounces ; roots of master-wort , sassaphras , of each half an ounce ; berries of juniper and bays , of each one ounce and half ; seeds of nettles , hemp and columbines of each one ounce ; shavings of harts-horn three drachms ; the tops of carduus , scordium , scabious , the lesser centaury , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrup of the juice of carduus four ounces ; treacle-water two ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every two or three hours . soap of any sort , conduceth to the cure of the jaundice , upon a twofold account , both by reason of its fixt lixivial salt , and also by reason of its fatness or oil ; for the lixivial salt doth correct and diminish the over volatileness and spirituousness of the vitiated choler , and the oil doth blunt the sharpness of the volatile and spirituous salt ruling in choler . the following mixture is very effectual . take of hemp-seed two ounces ; soap two drachms ; bruise the seed , and boil it in half a pint of new milk , till half of it be consumed ; then strain it , and add syrup of saffron half an ounce ; tincture of saffron two drachms ; laudanum opiatum four grains ; mix it , and give half of it in the morning fasting , and the remainder at night , going to bed . chap. xii . of a cachexy . an ill habit of body is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , malus , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , habitus . it may be called in latin mala corporis habitudo . there are many causes of this distemper , which may be distinguisht according to the diversity of the conjoin'd symptoms . it doth accompany all chronical diseases , as dropsies of all kinds , hypochondriack suffocation , scurvy , pox and gout , &c. for it doth spare none , neither peer nor peasant , of any age or sex ; but it most frequently seizeth on women when their monthly terms are supprest . the cause is either external or internal . the external cause is either bad diet , a long time receiv'd , or for want of good refreshing food after sickness , for the stomach being weak cannot digest course diet , by which the nutriment of the body doth by degrees become peccant in quality , vitiating the humours , and bloud it self , so that an ill nourishment of the body doth follow . the internal cause may be the suppression of the terms in women , which is more or less corrupted about the womb , having not its natural evacuation , from whence the whole mass of bloud is indued with a vitious quality , by which the nourishment of all parts of the body is deprav'd . also choler , and the juice of the pancreas ( which are always confus'd with the bloud ) being alike vitious or peccant in quality , do not onely corrupt the separation of usefull and unusefull parts , but by the vitious effervescency of these humours manifold flatuous vapours are rais'd , which do not onely increase anxieties about the midriff , but being carried to the heart , there follows a pressing pain and palpitation thereof ; and in circulating through the lungs , it causeth a dyspnoea , or difficult breathing ; and being thence transferr'd every way throughout the body , it doth breed a general weariness in all parts . but when the vitious humours abound together in plenty , then several kinds of the dropsie at length succeed ; if not the universal body groweth lean by degrees . from what hath been said , the production of every cachexie may easily be deduced by a judicious physician . the signs are paleness of the face , shortness of breath , palpitation of the heart , and often apressing pain of it , accompanied ( for the most part ) with a lingring fever , either continual , or intermitting , or compounded of both , in which the urine is crude or watry ; at length there is a weariness of the universal body , which in some doth pine and become lean , but in others the body doth swell , and is turgid . if this disease be not helpt in time , it will become by degrees so stubborn and rebellious , that it will puzzle the wisest and most experienced physicians to cure it ; for by the long continuance thereof , phlegm becometh very tough and glutinous , on which all chronical , or prolong'd diseases depend ; besides , all the other humours are by degrees vitiated , which incorporate with the bloud , and diminish its effervescency , so that the separation and excretion of the excrementitious parts ( to be voided together with urine ) do not follow , from whence many grievous symptoms succeed , which oft proves mortal . the cure of every cachexie will consist in the correction and amendment of the bloud any way vitiated . if flegm be tough and glutinous , it must be corrected and evacuated , for which there are variety of choice medicines prescrib'd in the fourth page , of the cure of diseases of the head ; in the use whereof you must persevere for some time , or else the laudable success , and happy wisht for cure will be expected in vain . any other humours that are peccant in quality ( by which the bloud is vitiated ) must be alter'd and reduc'd to their natural constitution by selected medicines , which will amend and empty them out by degrees . in the interim good food ( which is easie of digestion , and wholsome nourishment ) must not be neglected , whereby nature may be cherished , and health by degrees procured . those medicines which are prescrib'd for the cure of the dropsie and scurvy , are proper for this disease , wherefore i shall forbear prescriptions here . chap. xiii . of dropsies . the dropsie is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aqua , quod nomen sumpsit ab aquoso humore cutis . the ancients have assigned three sorts of dropsies . 1. the first is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 uter , pellis . 't is called in latin aqua intercus , ex inter & cutis , because the water is between the skin and the flesh. this is the most proper dropsie , in which the abdomen , secrets , thighs and legs are affected . 2. the second is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , quod tumor est ad similitudinem tympani , vel tympani sonum referens . as this is the most rare , so 't is the most cruel and afflictive . 3. the third is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 per , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 caro , quod hydrops toto corpore diffusus ; it is also called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 album , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , phlegma vel pit uita ; because it is caused of white phlegm gathered in all parts of the body . some authours make a difference between anasarca , and leucophlegmatia ; that anasarca is caused by a serous humour , and leucophlegmatia by a phlegmatick and more viscous humour ; but all dropsies except tympanies seem to me , to be little less than a distinction of degrees of one and the same disease . the ancients did take the liver to be the chief part male-affected in these distempers ; but helmont ( who was happy in a remedy to cure it ) doth severely reprove them , and is so bold to tax the whole schools with the ignorance of anatomical dissections ; he having inspected many carcases of dropsical persons ( of whom he makes distinct mention ) doth assert the livers of them all no-way vitiated , and therefore he concludes the liver faultless in dropsical affects ; and he derives the cause of dropsie to be an obstruction of the kidneys with the stone or gravel ; and so the water which should be transferr'd through the kidneys , to the bladder , ( to be evacuated by pissing ) is forced into the cavity of the abdomen . but experience teacheth that dropsies may be caused many ways ; wherefore i shall betake my self to a more evident description thereof . the causes of dropsies are either external , or internal . the external cause is the constipation of the porous skin , impeding transpiration , whereby the discharge of sweaty vapours through the habit of the body is lessned and interrupted ; hence what moisture is usually carried off by sweating , doth rebound inwards , and condense into an ichorous water , and is there ( by degrees ) aggravated and increased , through the hindrance of the necessary transpiration ; till at length a great quantity of water is accumulated , and stagnating in the affected parts , in time may work farther alterations on the subjected bowels . matter of fact hath evinced this to me , having cured several hydropical patients onely by sweating , and external applications . the internal cause of the dropsie , may be over viscous chyle , or phlegm of the guts , coagulated in the lacteal veins , and causing an obstruction in more or fewer of their branches , so that the liquour rising either from the continual conflux of choler , the juice of the pancreas , and the phlegm of spittle ; or else from chyle , or from drink plentifully drunk , being stopt and intercepted in its motion , it doth by degrees more and more distend the vessels , that at length they burst ; and the moisture receiv'd into them , is poured out between the membranes of the mesentery , and presently after into the cavity of the abdomen . this disease is sometimes suddenly produc'd by much drinking in a burning fever , join'd with an urgent and permanent thirst. after the same manner ( though difficult to be known ) may a dropsie of the breast be caused , viz. by an obstruction of the lateral lymphatick vessels , by glutinous phlegm carried together with lympha into the said vessels , and there coagulated , by which the motion of lympha is hindred , so that the lymphatick vessels being much distended , by the great quantity of lympha gathered in them , at length they burst , and the lympha piercing ( through the pleura ) into the cavity of the breast , procureth a dropsie in it . the cause of a tympany is wind , together with a serous humour piercing through the guts into the cavity of the belly , and being there detained , it is more and more rarified , by which the peritonoeum is not onely expanded , but the whole abdomen inflated , and violently distended . the signs of ascites , are swelling and fluctuation of the belly , difficult breathing , a dry cough accompanied sometimes with a symptomatical fever , and great thirst. the signs of anasarca are weakness , faintness , and swelling of the whole body , which being pressed with the finger , it doth pit , and leave an impression , breathing is also difficult , with a continual fever . in a tympany the belly is distended , and being struck upon , there is a noise like a little drum. 1. every dropsie is difficult of curation , especially if it hath been of long continuance . 2. if the hydropical persons have a good digestion , and void more moisture both by stool and urine , than they either eat or drink , it is a hopefull sign of recovery , & e contra . dropsies may be cured by strong hydragogues , sudorificks , and bathing , and sometimes by a paracenthesis or boring the belly . the best hydragogues are prepared of elder , dwarf-elder , jallop-roots , elaterium , gum-gutty , crystals of silver , &c. of which you may prepare purging infusions , pills , &c. for example . take the roots of flower-de-luce , dwarf-elder , madder , liquorish , the five opening roots , of each one ounce . the tops of saint john's wort , centaury the less , agrimony , the best senna , of each one handfull ; the barks of capers , ash , tamarisk , cinamon , of each six drachms ; flowers of beans , elder , dwarf-elder , broom , of each half a handfull ; seeds of sweet fennel , parsley , gromwell , juniper-berries , of each one ounce and half ; cloves , salt of tartar , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of white-wine , for two or three days ; then strain it , and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , six ounces ; mix it , and give four ounces of it in the morning fasting . if any like pills better , i commend the following . take the resins of jallop , and scammony , tartar vitriolated , mercur. dulcis , of each half a drachm ; oil of juniper one scruple ; make it into pills with venice-turpentine , of which you may give twenty grains at a time , in the morning fasting . the following pills are also very effectual . take of elaterium , gambogia , resin of jallop , of each ten grains ; oil of nutmegs six drops ; make it into pills with venice-turpentine for two doses . the obstructions in the lacteal veins , or lymphatick vessels , may be cur'd by medicines that do powerfully cut , and happily open the said obstructions . this aromatick sudorifick may be commended for these intentions . take the waters of treacle , scurvigrass , fennel , of each one ounce ; waters of parsley , fumitory , of each two ounces ; distill'd vinegar half an ounce ; syrups of the juice of carduus , and the five opening roots , of each six drachms ; powder of crabs-eyes , antimony diaphoretick , salt of amber , beans , worm-wood , of each one scruple ; spirits of salt armoniack , niter , of each twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it every two or three hours . after the vessels are freed from the noted obstruction by the medicines before-mention'd , or such like ; they will be easily consolidated again by conglutinating food , in which you may boyle the roots of comfry , plantain , and solomon's seal , for the more quick and easie cure . in a tympany , the dulcifi'd spirit of niter is excellent , being taken in broth or sack , three or four times in a day , from six to twelve drops at a time , for it doth correct both phlegm and choler , and hinder wind in its rise , and dissipate it when it is bred . also the following exemplary julep doth curb and discuss wind , remaining as well in the stomach as guts . take the waters of mint , fennel , of each four ounces ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , syrup of the juice of mints , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . eight grains ; spirit of niter one drachm ; salt of amber half a drachm ; chymical oil of mace ten drops ; mix it , and take three or four spoonfulls every three hours . you may prepare a medicinal wine for the rich , very beneficial in dropsies . take the seeds of anise , fennel , caraway . coriander , berries of bays , and juniper , of each two ounces : salt of tartar half an ounce ; let them be bruised , and infused in three pints of white-wine , for three days , then strain it , and add spirit of niter half an ounce ; salt of amber two drachms ; syrup of mint three ounces ; mix it , and take four or five spoonfulls of it often . sweating is very profitable in all dropsies , either in bed , with the forementioned sudorifick , or in a bagnio , or hot-house , by which the water standing beside nature in any part of the body , will ( by degrees ) be emptied through the pores of the skin . also it may be necessary , especially in persons more elderly , to use warm baths . that which is prescrib'd for the cure of the belly-ach in page 201 , 202. is also very profitable in dropsies ; into the which it may be agreeable to descend at evening , before bed-time , and there to continue so long as the patient can well endure without fainting ; after which frications may have their proper use , and great benefit . and to strengthen the cutaneous fibres , and restore their true tone , for their better service of the offices of nature : let the affected parts be anointed with the following fragrant balsamick ointment . take of flanders oil of bays , nerve-oil , oil of earth-worms , of each two ounces ; oil of mace by expression , half an ounce ; mix it . galen commendeth a cataplasm of snails bruised with their shells , and laid upon the navel . but a pultess prepar'd of the ingredients of the bath , and applied to the affected parts , will be more effectual to discharge the ichorous water . or you may make a cataplasm after this manner . take the tops of elder , dwarf-elder , vervain , worm-wood , chamomel , of each two handfulls ; horse-radish-roots four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of the juice of wild-cucumbers , till they are very tender , then strain it , and beat them very well , and add barley-meal , one pound ; and with the same liquor boil it into the consistence of a pultess . let the patients diet be drying , and let them drink moderately ; you may infuse juniper-berries , tamarisk and elicampane-roots in their ordinary drink . and for the benefit of those physicians and chirurgeons , that live in the west-indies ; there groweth ( almost every where in moist places ) a large cane , much like the sugar-cane ; the planters generally call it the dumb cane , because they that taste it , are presently dumb , and unable to speak for two or three hours ; after which the tongue returns to its former use and volubility without any prejudice . the reason why this remarkeable plant doth so affect the tongue upon the touch of it , is its power of attracting such plenty of moisture into it , as doth distend all the vessels thereof , and render it immoveable , till the crouded moisture be gradually discharged . hence we may conjecture , and indeed experience teacheth , that of this plant may be prepared diversity of medicines as cataplasms , oils , ointments , &c. which will be effectual to attract , and easily and kindly discharge the swollen part of the ichorous water ; which may be used for some time after the evacuation of it , the better to prevent a farther accumulation , or return of the disease . likewise may medicines be prepared , ( by a skilfull artist ) of this plant , very effectual to be taken inwardly , not onely against dropsies , but the scurvy , gout , &c. if these choice medicines are not to be had , and nothing be effected by other means ; a harmless paracenthesis may be instituted in the dropsie of the breast , or abdomen ; provided the apertion be made by such a little hollow instrument as is describ'd in page 81 , 82. of the cure of the pleurisie , for by such a small wound , there is no danger to the sick . but this operation must not be delay'd , lest the humour collected , get an hurtfull acrimony , and by degrees corrode and corrupt the membrane , and hence the substance of all the parts contain'd , and so make the disease incurable . chap. xiv . of the scurvy , and hypochondriack suffocation , commonly called the fits of the mother . the scurvy being a hypochondriack disease , it will not be amiss to treat of them together . the scurvy is called in latin scorbutus ; it is a complication , or concatenation of diseases , generated by the conjunction of divers causes contributing to a scorbutick deformity . the scurvy is generated , or planted essentially in the vital principles , or digestive offices , and therefore it is not discerned by sense , but the effects are distributed throughout the body , and are augmented more or less , according to the strength and debility of parts , to resist or consent and be depraved . the hypochondriack suffocation is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , vel quod ad hypochondria pertinet , vel sub cartilagine fita fit . it is called by the latins hypochondriaca melancholia . the ancients thought that this was an uterine disease , in quibus mulieres uteri fuffocatione laborant ; and therefore it was called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and in latin morbus hystericus , vel hysterica passio ; and in english 't is called fits of the mother ; it being most subject to women , from the suppression of their monthly courses . but because men are also molested with longing , and suffer often both the sense and disease of suffocation , especially when they become cachectick , or of ill habit of body : and also they are cured with the same medicines , that women are cured with , when they are vexed with this distemper , therefore i think this suffocation may be more properly called hypochondriacal . it may be called the mother of the scurvy , because the vital principles ( in this disease ) are seduced to declension and deviation from their rectitude , the digestive offices being all depraved . the causes of these diseases are either external , or internal . the external , are sometimes a sedentary studious , and melancholy life , by which the vital principles do receive much prejudice , decay and fall off from their functions , and become languid and feeble ; also the air being infested with noxious vapours , is a procuring cause of these distempers ; for such air being drawn into the body by inspiration , doth commix with the spirits , and debilitate and deprave the faculties , from whence scorbutick and hypochondriack effects do ensue ; and as the body is perspirable or impervious , these diseases are more or less varied , and remitted in their symptoms ; and therefore the constipation of the pores , prohibiting transpiration , is a partial organical cause of preternatural spots in the scurvy , which appear chiefly upon the thighs and legs ; not from the gravity of the material cause , and ponderous propension of gross matter downwards ; but because those parts are more weak in their assimilation , being remote from supply of vital spirits , therefore they have the first tokens of defection . the internal cause is a vitious quality of all the humours , and also of the animal spirits , which are confus'd with the bloud , and communicate their faultiness to it , by which the bloud is also vitiated , so that the nourishment of the body is deprav'd several ways , according to the variety of the quality peccant ; in which the colour of the native skin , and especially of the face languisheth , and is changed pale . in these diseases , not onely the appetite of food , but its fermentation is also deprav'd ; wherefore anxieties about the midriff and hypochondries , and a pressing pain of the heart will soon follow . for when the food is ill fermented , and driven forward through the small gut , it is confus'd with the juice of the pancreas and choler , which are a like vitious , the pancreatick juice being too sharp and acrid , and the bile over thick and salt ; from whence the separation of usefull and unusefull parts , is not onely corrupted , but also by the vitious effervescency of these humours , are rais'd manifold halituous vapours , which do not onely increase the fore describ'd anxiety , but being carried to the heart do breed a palpitation of it , whence it circulates through the lungs , and causeth a difficulty of breathing , and thence being driven every way , it causeth a weariness in all parts of the body ; and if an acrimony of the humours do concur , then it is manifested internally with pain . the cause of the inordinate effervescency of bloud , in the hypochondriack suffocation , is not onely the unequal flowing of lympha , but also of the liquour rising out of the threefold humours , vitiously effervescing in the small gut , from whence vitious vapours are sent to the right ventricle of the heart , and procure a great confusion , and disturbance in it ; hence followeth a notable palpitation of the heart , by which sometimes the effervescency of bloud seemeth to cease in the right ventricle for a time , with its motion and pulse , and also respiration is taken away to outward sense . the symptoms and signs of these diseases are very many , yet are never seen to concur in one and the same body . the usual signs are pain of the head , palpitation of the heart , puffing up of the stomach , loathing , vomiting , belching , hicket , cough , tumour and putrefaction of the gums , with much spitting ; looseness and blackness of the teeth , and sometimes great pain in them ; the breath stinketh , and is sometimes fetched with much difficulty ; also convulsions , palsie , gout , dropsies , and all other obstructions ; sometimes the colick , and trembling and looseness of the lims , with red purple spots dispersed ; also the pleurisie , pain of the hypochondries , and also of many of the external parts , as the neck , arms , hands , thighs , legs , feet and anckles , with laziness , and often faint sweats ; there is also sometimes malign ulcers , dry hard tubercles , erisipelas and edematous tumours with many others , which to enumerate , were to comprehend an universal genus of atomes , within a very narrow limitation . 1. these diseases ( for the most part ) are of long continuance , and are seldom cured , and therefore may be called the disgrace of physicians . 2. if the patient hath a continual pain and giddiness of the head , it doth threaten an epilepsie , or apoplexy . 3. the more aged the sick are , the more grievous are the symptoms , and the more dangerous and difficult to be cured . 4. vomiting , flux of the belly , and hemorrhoids , if they are moderate , are hopefull signs of recovery . in some regions , these diseases are complicated with most other distempers , or at least do easily degenerate into them , by which they are rendred the more difficult of curation . as for the cure of these stubborn and rebellious diseases , the sick must observe a good diet , without which physical means will profit but little ; and here we may also observe , that no aliments , or medicines ( whether altering or purging ) will be very profitable , unless specifick antiscorbuticks be mixed with them . the best antiscorbutick simples , are the roots of horse-radish , butter-bur , liquorish , dandelion , scorzonera , china , zedoary , angelica , elicampane , polypodium , the five opening roots ; the wood and bark of guiacum and sassaphras , the herbs scordium , scurvigrass , brook-lime , water-cresses , sorrel , rue , fennel , golden-rod and penny-royal ; fruits of oranges , limmons , pomcitrons , pomgranates , apples , &c. seeds of mustard , angelica , radish and juniper-berries , cum multis aliis ; of which may be prepared diversity of good medicines both chymical and galenical . the volatile salts both of animals , and vegetables , are excellent to open all obstructions , and temper the humours ; also elixir proprietatis , the spirit of salt armoniack , horse-radish and scurvigrass , the spirit of niter and of salt dulcified , salt of steel , wormwood , and tartar , oil of juniper , cloves , and cinamon , are all specifick antiscorbuticks . the hypochondriack suffocation having great affinity with the scurvy , the same medicines are proper for both . the following julep is both diaphoretick , and diuretick , and very profitable for the sick in these diseases , to be taken two or three days in a week . take the waters of penny-royal , scurvigrass , treacle , syrup of the juice of fennel , of each two ounces ; tincture of castor , half an ounce ; oils of amber , mace , and cloves , of each six drops ; spirit of salt armoniack , twenty drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every two or three hours . this electuary may also be prefer'd . take of conserves of scurvigrass , three ounces ; confectio alkermes , half an ounce ; powder of crabs-eyes , two drachms ; flowers of salt armoniack , tarter vitriolated , of each half a drachm ; spirit of castor one drachm ; oil of cloves twenty drops ; mix it , and give two drachms morning and evening . after the frequent use of this electuary , you may purge with this powder . take powder of cream of tartar , half a drachm ; salts of wormwood , amber , scurvigrass , resin of scammony , of each ten grains ; mix it for two doses . if the patient like pills better , these may serve . for example . take extract . catholicon , rudii , of each ten grains ; resin of jallop , agarick , salt armoniack , of each six grains ; oils of amber , cloves , of each two drops ; make it into eight pills , for two doses . a medicinal wine may be prepar'd very effectual in these distempers . take of water-cresses , brook-lime , scurvigrass , rue , of each one handfull ; roots of polypodium , jallop , horse-radish , angelica , cream of tartar , of each half an ounce ; white nettle-seed , one ounce ; orange-peel , cinamon , salt of tartar , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused , in three quarts of white-wine , for two or three days , then strain it , and give four spoonfulls in the morning fasting . in the hypochondriack suffocation , you may often hold to the nostrils , a glass with a narrow mouth , containing the spirit of salt armoniack ; for by its sharp smell , the sick for the most part are wont to be rais'd , both from that suffocation , and from the epilepsie . if the gums are putrified , let the mouth be washed with the following tincture , mixed with some plantain water , and syrup of mulberries . take powder of gum lacca , one ounce ; burnt alome half an ounce ; the small spirit of salt armoniack , one quart ; let them digest together 'till it be of a red colour , then filtrate it through brown paper , and keep it for use . if the sick hath a costive body , you may administer a carminative clyster once or twice a week . in pains of the belly and hypochondries , this linament is effectual . take oils of earth-worms , scurvigrass , chamomel , of each one ounce ; oil of mace by expression half an ounce ; mix it , with which anoint the parts affected . this antiscorbutick water will be very profitable , to be taken two or three spoonfulls at a time , morning and evening . take the barks of ash , and capers , the roots of tamarisk , polypodium , horse-radish , of each three ounces ; water-cresses , scurvigrass , brook-lime , sorrel , centaury the less , harts tongue , of each four handfulls ; berries of bays and juniper , goose-dung , of each one ounce ; the seeds of citrons , mustard , carduus benedictus , cloves , cinamon , nutmegs , ginger , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and digested , in one gallon of white-wine , and two quarts of spirit of wine , being close covered for three days ; then distill them with a glass still according to art , and keep it for your use . frictions , ligatures , ventoses , sternutatories , &c. are all profitable to stir up the sick in the hypochondriack suffocation . chap. xv. of the green-sickness , and suppression of the courses . the green-sickness is called in latin icteris , & febris alba ; in english the virgin 's disease , the white fever , and the white jaundice ; because in this disease the native colour of the face is pale . this disease is caused either from defect of bloud , or it proceedeth from plenty of crude , viscous , phlegmatick humours , obstructing the veins about the womb , by which the courses are supprest ; the veins of the matrix being obstructed , that superfluous bloud which nature hath ordained to be evacuated that way , having not passage , doth return to the greater vessels , and is circulated with the whole mass of bloud and humours , by which they are in time vitiated , and a cachexie or ill habit of body is thence caused ; for the bloud and natural humours , being indued with a vitious quality , the nourishment of all the parts of the body will be deprav'd several ways , according to the variety of the quality peccant ; whence likewise not onely the fermentation of food , but also the appetite of it is deprav'd ; wherefore anxieties and palpitation of the heart , &c. troubleth the sick , as well before as after food taken in . this distemper may be also caused by external coldness of the air , &c. and sometimes great fear , and sudden shame may be the cause of the suppression ; also aliments , and medicaments that are too astringent taken inwardly . in these diseases the urine cometh away crude , thick and less colour'd , because the phlegmatick , watry humours abounding , incorporating with the bloud , do diminish the desired effervescency ; so that the separation , much less excretion of the excrementitious parts , to be voided together with urine , doth not follow . if the hypochondries be afflicted , and the veins of the womb obstructed , there will be great loathing of wholsome food , and a desire after those things which ought not to be eaten , as ashes , salt , coals , &c. which is called pica , and in women with child malacia , of which we have hinted in the chapter of hungar vitiated , page 145 , 146. 1. these distempers are sometimes of long continuance , causing much weakness , and oft times barrenness in them that have been so afflicted : and if they do conceive , they bring forth weak and sickly children , and those that are very melancholy , are in danger of falling into madness , or other grievous affects , as palpitation of the heart , swouning , vertigo , epilepsie , apoplexy , &c. 2. if the obstruction be onely of the vessels of the womb , and have not been of long continuance , it may be easily cur'd . 3. bleeding at the nose , is sometimes beneficial , but if the bloud doth disburthen it self by the eyes , ears , mouth , or bladder , it is preposterous , from whence may arise other bad symptoms . in the cure of these distempers such medicines are to be selected , which will mildly ( and by degrees ) alter , correct and evacuate , tough and glutinous phlegm , seeing that all prolong'd diseases depend on it , either wholly , or at least in part ; for by the frequent use of such medicines , the bloud and peccant humours will be the easier reduc'd to their natural constitution ; especially by the help of good food , easy of digestion : in the mean while , not neglecting the moderate use of the rest of the nannatural things . an obstruction of the vessels by viscous phlegm , may be cur'd by the frequent use of such medicines as have power to loosen the peccant humours , and again make them fluid . all fixt metallick and mineral sulphurs , and also volatile salts , prepar'd not onely of several parts of animals , but also of scorbutick plants , ( such as are the juice of hedge-mustard , scurvigrass , garden and water-cresses , dandelion , &c. ) conduce before all others , to loosen and dissolve phlegm coagulated , or bloud clotter'd , as having an egregious power of dissolving all things coagulated , and conglutinated in humane bodies , and of reducing the same to their wonted fluidity , and moreover to move sweat , which together being mildly promoted , the desired dissolution of the aforesaid viscous humours , &c. will be obtained much easier , and sooner . an example of such a sudorifick i have here set down for the sake of young practitioners . take the waters of treacle , dandelion , parsley , scurvigrass , fennel , syrups of hedge-mustard , white poppies , of each half an ounce ; spirit of salt armoniack , harts-horn , of each ten drops ; laudanum opiatum , four grains ; mix it . the following is also very effectual . take the waters of fennel , hyssop , of each two ounces ; distill'd vinegar six drachms ; the carminative-water of sylvius half an ounce ; syrup of the five opening roots one ounce and half ; powder of crabs-eyes one drachm ; sperma coeti , mummy , antimony diaphoretick , of each one scruple ; laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it . let the sick often take two spoonfulls of either of these mixtures , especially in bed , to promote the power of the medicine , and to facilitate a sweat ; by the help whereof the mention'd power of the sudorifick will the better come to the place of obstruction , and will attenuate , loosen , and make fluid the matter obstructing ; the whole mass of bloud will also become more fluid and moveable , being rarefi'd by the volatile salt of the medicine . if the patient be plethorick , let the saphoena vein be opened , for by opening and breathing a vein , the motion and circulation of the bloud will be the better restor'd ; for a larger space being made for the universal bloud , it will circulate more swiftly and potently . the phlegmatick viscous humours must be corrected , and evacuated by phlegmagogues . the following medicines are of great efficacy . take of salts of mugwort , ash , amber , tartar vitriolated , of each ten grains ; powder of cream of tartar , white sugar-candy , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give it in white wine in the morning fasting . the next day you may administer the following pills . take of pil . foetidoe , ex duobus , of each half a drachm ; amber , prepar'd steel , borax , mercur. dulcis , of each one scruple ; mirrh , castor , saffron , of each twelve grains ; oil of cloves , spirit of salt armoniack , of each six drops ; make it into ten pills for two doses , which may be taken in the morning fasting . if a medicinal wine be acceptable to the sick , the following or one like it may be used . take the roots of horse-radish , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; savin , vervain , penny-royal , hyssop , calamint , mugwort , of each one handfull ; senna , cinamon , sweet fennel-seeds , juniper-berries , orange-peel , liquorish , of each half an ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in one gallon of white-wine for three days , then strain it , and keep it for use . you may add more wine to the ingredients so long as there is any aromatick taste . four or five spoonfulls of this wine may be taken two or three times a day , with which you may mix salt of tartar vitriolated ten grains ; elixir proprietatis six drops . if you expect a laudable success , you must persevere awhile in the use of these , or such like medicines . chap. xvi . of the immoderate menstrual flux , and the whites in women . the monthly terms being immoderate , may be called in latin mensium fluxus immodicus . and the whites in women alboe mulierum fluxiones . the causes of too many courses are either external , or internal . the external causes may be by an ulcer in the matrix , or some outward violence , and sometimes by too much coition . the internal causes are either a sharp serous humour abounding in the bloud , increasing its fluidity , or else an over great heat in the womb , stirring up a more potent , and therefore a swifter rarefaction of bloud , provoking an expulsion of it , either by breaking , ( or some other preternatural opening ) of the vessels of the womb. the white flux of the womb , is an excrementitious humour flowing from it . this distemper is subject not onely to women , but sometimes to maids also . these humours may be bred in the womb , either by a cold or hot distemper therein . the cold doth render it unable to digest its nourishment . a hot distemper corrupteth it , hence cometh this excrementitious humour . also abortion , contusion , inflammation , imposthume or ulcer in the womb , may weaken and dispose it to breed such humours . the signs that distinguish between this distemper , and an ulcer in the womb , and gonorrhoea , are these . 1. if there be an ulcer there , the womb will not admit of coition , without pain , and the matter which floweth from her is stringy , and more digested , and sometimes bloudy . 2. in the gonorrhoea , the seminal matter cometh in a small quantity , and seldom , except it be gotten by acting with an unclean person , then the urine is sharp , with many other malignant symptoms . all long hemorrhagies of bloud are dangerous , especially those of the womb ; if it be caused by exulceration , and be in elderly women , 't is incurable . the white flux is not very dangerous , but is often difficult of curation , especially in old women , because they abound with phlegm ; and 't is hard to divert the humours from this chanel , it being the sink of the body , through which the superfluous humours of a healthy woman are every month evacuated . if this distemper continue long , it may breed great evils , as barrenness , falling out of the womb , &c. these diseases may be both cured by the same medicines . if the courses have continued too long , the following mixture will soon stop the flux of bloud , and will cure most ruptions of vessels . take the waters of plantain , comfry , of each three ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of mirtles , quinces , of each one ounce and half ; distill'd vinegar one ounce ; red coral prepar'd one drachm ; dragons bloud one scruple ; laudanum opiat . six grains ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every four hours . when the flux of bloud is stopt , you may purge with the following . take of manna one ounce ; powder of rhubarb tosted , cream of tartar , of each half a drachm ; resin of jallop four grains ; mix it , and take it in broth . if the patient like pills , i commend the following . take resins of jallop and scammony , extract of rhubarb , agarick , salt of amber , powder of dragons-bloud , of each ten grains ; oil of mints six drops ; with syrup of rhubarb , let it be made into twelve pills for three doses . after purging , these astringents will be profitable . take of cinamon , the roots of bistort , tormentile , rhubarb , seeds of plantain , dill , flowers of red roses , balaustins , red coral , sealed earth , whitest amber , harts-horn , gum-dragon and arabick , of each two drachms ; saccharum saturni , dragons-bloud , salt prunella , of each two scruples ; laudanum opiat . camphire , of each ten grains ; let them be all finely powder'd and searced , and with honey of red roses , syrups of quinces and comfry , of each equal parts ; let it be made into an electuary according to art. let the sick take the quantity of a nutmeg of this electuary , every morning and evening , either upon the point of a knife , or dissolve it in two or three ounces of red wine , to which you may add a few drops of tincture of red coral , and drink it . this julep is also of great virtue . take the waters of comfry , plantain , oak-buds , knot-grass , red wine , of each four ounces ; in which infuse red rose-buds , balaustins , flowers of comfry , bugloss , of each one handfull , for the space of twenty four hours , then boil it gently for half an hour ; strain it , and add tincture of red coral , syrups of dried roses , comfry and mirtles , of each two ounces ; oil of vitriol twenty drops ; mix it , and take six spoonfulls every three hours . let the region of the womb be anointed with this linament . take unguent . comitissoe , oil of mirtles , of each one ounce ; saccharum saturni one drachm ; camphire ten grains ; mix it . after the part is anointed , let this plaster be applied . take the plaster against ruptures , diapalma , of each one ounce ; the carminative plaster of sylvius half an ounce ; mix it , and spread it on leather , and apply to the region of the womb. in the whites , let this be used for a fume . take of olibanum , amber , cloves , of each half a drachm ; red rose-buds , balaustins , of each two drachms ; beat them all together into a gross powder ; put a little of it at a time upon a pan of coles , and let the woman sit over it . chap. xvii . of the falling down of the womb and fundament . if the womb falleth down , it may be called in latin procidentia matricis . so likewise if the fundament cometh down , it is called procidentia ani. the causes of these distempers are either external or internal . the external causes may be any violent exercise , with much striving , also falls or blows , on those parts ; also bathing in cold water , &c. the internal causes are serous and phlegmatick humours , a dysentery with a tenasmus , the whites continuing long , a violent drawing the child , or after-birth out of the womb ; also much sneezing or coughing , especially in child-bed ; to conclude , all things that may cause a rupture or relaxation of the ligaments of the womb , or sphincter muscle of the anus , may be the cause of these griefs . in a procidentia ani , there is always a mucous and purulent dejection , from a phlegmatick , viscous , and sometimes also a sharp acid humour adjoining about the seige , which often causeth a troublesome ulcer by fretting . in young people these distempers may be easily cur'd , if they have not continued long , and do not come very far out , and be not ulcerated . but if there be a rupture of the ligaments of the womb , it is incurable ; likewise great pain and inflammation are very difficult ; and if either the matrix or anus be gangrenated it is mortal , without speedy amputation . you must begin the cure with removing the symptoms and discharging the guts of their excrements , either with clysters or lenitives . then anoint the part with some astringent oils , and endeavour to reduce it gently by degrees . the manner of the reduction every ingenious artist knows , and therefore needs not any directions . when the womb is reduc'd it may be kept with a pessary fram'd of cork as thick as necessary , and cover'd with wax mixed with a little castor , and assafoetida , which may there continue . if there be pain and inflammation , let the part be bathed with this . take the flowers of chamomel , elder , of each one handfull ; marsh-mallow-roots one ounce ; seeds of flax and foenugreek , of each half an ounce ; boil it in two quarts of milk till half be consumed , then strain it , and add malaga wine one pint ; mix it . let stuphs be moistned in this and wrung out and applied hot ; after which apply a plaster of ad herniam to the lower part of the belly . before you reduce the anus , anoint it with oil of mirtles and bestrew it with powder of album groecum , or the following . take of red roses , pomgranat-rinds , cypress-nuts , mastick , crocus martis , burnt lead , of each half an ounce ; beat them all into a fine powder . a bag quilted with the following astringents , and applied hot to either griev'd part three times a day , will conduce much to keep it up . take of plantain , sanicle , buds of oak and medlar , red rose-buds , balaustins , of each one handfull ; roots of comfry , tormentil , bistort , cypress-nuts , seeds of anise , sweet fennel , of each one ounce ; beat them all into a gross powder . inwardly may be given astringents and strengthners , but not in time of the courses ; those prescrib'd against the immoderate flowing of the terms are good . chap. xviii . of barrenness . barrenness is called in latin sterilitas . it may be called in english unfruitfullness , it being an impotency of conception . we reade in the scripture that the women of old did think it a reproach to be childless ; and therefore when elizabeth had conceived who before was barren , she said the lord hath taken away my reproach among men ; as you may reade at large in the first chapter of luke's gospel . very few women in a marriage state but desire children , yea some would give all they have in the world for a child , and are very impatient if they do not conceive . rachel said to jacob in gen. 30 ver . 1. give me children , or else i dye . i will now briefly shew you , what may be the cause of sterility . 1. first , want of love between a man and his wife , way hinder conception . 2. any malignant distemper in the womb , may corrupt the seed , and be the cause of barrenness . some are of opinion that witch-craft may be the cause . but to conclude , the whites or any moist distemper of the matrix , may be the cause of barrenness . sometimes the cause is in the man , for if he doth want sperm , or is unable to erect his genital by reason of any weakness or distemper in his secrets ; or if he be effeminate and taketh little or no delight in the act of venery , he is not fit for venus school . there are some rules left by the ancients to try whether a woman be naturally barren or no. hippocrates adviseth to put a clove of garlick or a little galbanum into her womb , and if her breath do smell of it , be sure she is fruitfull . if barrenness be caused by any disease afflicting either the man or the woman , then there may be hopes of conception when health is procured ; but if it be evil shape of of the members in the woman , or the man not fit for venus-school , patientia est optima virtus . in the cure , you must endeavour to remove whatsoever hindreth conception . many things are antipathetical to fecundity , as jet , glow-worms , saphires , smaragds , the matrix of a goat or mule , likewise vinegar , mints , watercresses , beans , &c. all which i advise you to avoid , and make use of those things which have a peculiar virtue to help or cause conception , and remove barrenness . the after-birth of a woman dried and powdred , and taken often a drachm at a time ; also the stones and liver of a bore-pig , the juice of sage , the roots of satirion and eringo candied , are all good . there are many medicines prescrib'd in authours to help conception . quercetanus doth commend this infusion . take the matrix of a hare and the stones of a ram prepar'd with whitewine , of cinamon , ginger , mace , cloves , seeds of bishops-weed , of each half an ounce ; saffron two drachms ; kernels of fistick-nuts one ounce ; let them be all bruised and infused in a quart of muskadel-wine for two or three days ; then strain it , and add more wine to the ingredients for a second infusion . the following electuary is also excellent . take the roots of satirion and eringo candied , of each one ounce ; candied ginger and preserv'd nutmegs , of each two drachms ; kernels of hazle-nuts and fistick-nuts , of each half an ounce ; powder of a bull's-pizle , of ivory , seeds of rocket , bishops-weed , of each one drachm ; species diambroe , diamosc . dulcis , of each six drachms ; confectio alkermes one ounce and half ; with syrup of the juice of citrons ; make it into an electuary according to art. let the woman take the quantity of a nutmeg of it every night going to bed , and drink a glass of sack or muskadel , or of the aforementioned infusion after it . if a cold and moist distemper of the body and womb , accompanied with the whites be the cause , look for the cure in its proper chapter . if it be caused by witchcraft , there are some things commended by authours to be worn about the party against fascination , viz. the pizle of a wolf , a diamond , a jacinth-stone , rue , squills , sea-holly , sagapenum , amara dulcis , hypericon , &c. but above all , let fervent and devout prayers be put up to the throne of grace for help ; and reject and despise incantations or charms , and all other diabolical means . chap. xix . of abortion or miscarriage . abortion is called in latin abortus , vel intempestivus foetus . because it is an untimely birth ; the child being brought forth , either dead or alive before its fit time of deliverance . this is the worst symptom , that attends breeding women . it may happen from the first moment of conception , to the end of the sixth month ; but it is most usual in the end of the third , or the beginning of the fourth month. the causes are either external , or internal . the external causes are a great excess in things nonnatural , as too great anger , fear , and other passions , or else it may be through defect ; for if the mother undergo penury or famine , or lose much bloud , the child wanteth nourishment . many times things longed for , and not obtained , kill the child . also strong purging medicines , that provoke the terms , and all fetid smells , falls , blows , lifting , carrying , dancing , running , riding or any other outward violence , may be the cause of abortion . the internal causes may be the depravedness of the humours , by which the mass of bloud becometh vitious ; also acute or chronick diseases , especially of the womb ; and also violent coughing , sneezing , vomiting , convulsions and fluxes of the belly , may loosen the ligaments of the womb , and so cause miscarriage . the signs of abortion at hand , are great pain about the loins , and share-bones , sometimes with shivering ; the breasts growing little and flaggy , the situation of the child changed towards the bottom of the belly , with a bearing down , and evacuation of bloud , &c. 1. women who have moist and slippery wombs are most subject to miscarry , but with little danger , except it be the first child , and that very big . 2. much bleeding , with fainting , raving , or convulsions is for the most part mortal . to prevent abortion ; if there be an evil disposition of the body , or womb , you must endeavour to remove it ; if the woman hath a plethorick body , let a vein be opened in the arme , especially in the first six months . if ill humours abound , purge often with gentle means . this purging infusion may serve . take of cinamon , rhubarb , anise-seed , of each two drachms ; let them be bruised , and infused in four ounces of plantain-water very hot , for the space of a night , then strain it , and add syrup of succory with rhubarb , the best manna , of each half an ounce ; mix it , and give it in the morning fasting . also the pills prescrib'd in page 240. may be used in this case . if the woman be troubled with a rheumatick distemper , accompanied with wind ; and if she be pretty strong , you may sweat her gently sometimes with this or such like cordial diaphoretick . take the waters of treacle , carduus , fennel , of each one ounce ; cinamon-water two drachms ; syrups of the juice of carduus , coral , of each half an ounce ; confectio de hyacintho half a drachm ; spirit of niter six drops ; oil of cinamon two drops ; laudanum opiatum three grains ; mix it , and give to provoke sweat . let the womb be strengthned with cordial astringents : those prescrib'd in page 239. 240. are excellent . chap. xx. of hard travel in child-birth . hard labour may be called in latin partus , vel enixus laboriosus ; quod ipse nitendi & pariendi actus . the time of a natural birth ought to be accomplished in the space of twenty four hours ; if the womans travel continue longer time with vehement pains and dangerous symptoms , it may be called hard labour , or difficult travel in child-birth . there are various causes of hard labour , sometimes tender women by reason of pain , are very fearfull , and do endeavour to hinder pains , and consequently the birth also . sometimes the child being weak or dead , and not following the water in due-time , before the passage be too dry may be the cause ; especially if the mother be weak , by reason of any disease afflicting her , or by too much evacuation of bloud , or there be not sufficient motion of the womb , and muscles of the belly . sometimes the child's head may be too big , or the passage too strait . also the child may be turned in the womb , and the hands , shoulders , back , belly , or buttocks , &c. may come forward to the birth , and then the endeavour to bring forth will be painfull and difficult . the signs of hard labour are easily known ; if the child do stir , and there be strong pains , and no water appear , the secundine is strong . if pains be weak , and long before they return , and more in the back than belly , the infant is weak . if the woman be little , and her husband big and full shouldred , then there is a great child , which will cause tough work . 1. hard travel in child-birth is very dangerous , for sometimes the mother , sometimes the child , and many times both do lose their lives . 2. if the woman be in travel above four days , the child can hardly be alive ; and therefore must be drawn away before it be too late ; for if it be neglected , it will cause fevers , faintings , convulsions , sleepiness , &c. which are the forerunners of death . 3. if sneezing cometh of its own accord , it is a good sign of deliverance . first give this cordial to strengthen both the mother and child . take waters of baum , vervain , cinamon , of each two ounces ; syrup of clove-gilliflowers , saffron , of each six drachms ; spirit of saffron , confectio alkermes , of each one drachm ; mix it . if the child be situated on os pubis , it must be removed , and all other unfit postures must be rectified . then such things as hasten the birth may be safely administred . to encrease the pains , and further the womans labour , i commend sneezing , and also the following medicines . take the livers of eels prepar'd with cinamon-water , and dried , one drachm ; powder of borax , whitest amber , mirrh , saffron , dittany of crete , round birth-wort , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give a scruple of it at a time , in three spoonfulls of this julep . take the waters of vervain , mugwort , of each two ounces ; syrup of saffron one ounce ; confectio alkermes one drachm ; extract of saffron six grains ; oils of cinamon , amber , of each three drops ; mix it . some things have a peculiar property to help the birth ; as the stone aetites , loadstone , storax , the eyes of a hare , &c. held near the privities . the time being come , the woman must be put into a posture , ( which every midwife doth understand ) and let her not labour too much , till strong pains come ; and then let her resolve on patience , and not be disorderly in the time of her travel . if she be faint , you may give her some of the formention'd cordial julep to comfort her . let your hands be anointed with some anodine ointment . after the water is broke , if the head cometh with the face towards anus receive it ; if not endeavour to place it right : then turn your finger round about the child's head gently , to make way for the birth . if the child cometh any other way , you must endeavour to gain the feet , and bring it away with the face towards anus , as before mention'd . the child being born , you must bring away the secundine gently by degrees , after which put a closure to the woman to prevent cold from entring the womb. then prepare her for the bed , and give her some sperma coeti , or irish-slate in a little burnt white-wine with cinamon . if the woman doth flood much , or be troubled with after-pains , give her some of the following cordial opiate . take of small cinamon-water , the waters of red poppies , baum , of each two ounces ; syrups of clove-gilliflowers , white poppies , of each one ounce ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; oil of cinamon two drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls of it often . if the child be born alive , after the navel string is secured , give the child ten grains of prepar'd coral in a little breast milk , or black cherry-water dulcifi'd with syrup of peony , to which you may add a little oil of sweet almonds new drawn . if the child be troubled with gripes , you may give it a little powder of anise-seed in the pap. but if the child be dead , and the labour gone ; or if the child's head be very big , and the passage too strait ; so that the midwife cannot doe her office ; you must then speedily implore the help of the man-midwife , as we are called . if a woman in child-bed hath a costive body , give her a suppository of castile-soap , or honey boiled ; and after three or four days , you may administer , an emollient , carminative clyster . if a woman ( after hard travel ) cannot hold her urine , bathe her secret parts and region of the womb with this or the like decoction . take of plantain , comfry , shepherds-purse , tops of brambles , penny-royal , rosemary , sage , stoechas , of each one handfull ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a gallon of smiths-water , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and bathe the parts affected very warm with woollen stuphs . afterward anoint the grieved parts with this linament . take the ointment comitissoe , oil of mace by expression , of each one ounce ; oils of earth-worms , foxes , lillies , goose-grease , of each half an ounce ; mix it . chap. xxi . of nephritick pains , and of the stone in the reins and bladder . diseases of the reins are called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ren. in latin they are called morbus renum , which comprehends not onely any ach in the kidneys , but also the stone and gravel in the reins . nephritick pains may be caused divers ways . 1. first by a sharp salt matter , or a sharp and serous lympha in the kidneys , which doth easily concrete into a stone , especially when the ferment of the reins is much vitiated ; which may be known by those cruel torturing fits , that come by intervals . 2. worms in the kidneys , which for the most part arise from bloud there corrupted , may be the cause of pain . 3. an abcess or tumour in the kidneys , following an inflammation , doth hinder the passage of urine , and is always accompanied with great pain . 4. it may also be caused by glutinous phlegm , obstructing the fleshy parts of the kidneys , and hindring the separation of urine ; so that it is not strein'd into the funnels of the reins as usual , but is deprav'd and vitiated : whence the natural descent of the urine , through the ureters into the urinal bladder is also hindred . the same also may happen sometimes by a stone sticking in the funnel , and stopping the entrance of the ureters . although i think that stones sticking in the ureters themselves , cannot long hinder the passage of urine ; because it hath been found by experience , ( in dissecting of dead bodies ) that stones near the bigness of a doves-egg ; have been sticking in the ureters ; by the sides of which stones , urine descended freely , which was evident , because the ureter was no were distended , unless where the stone did stick : neither was there any urine contain'd in the ureter , above the obstruction ; besides when the party was living , there was no stoppage of urine . those fits which come by intervals , are caused by a debility or vitiousness of the ferment of the kidneys , which generates crude , salt and sharp matter , which causeth those cruel tortures ; and should all the gravel and stone come away , the pain would not be the less , untill the kidneys themselves be reduc'd to their right temper : for many in perfect health have voided much gravel at a time without the least pain , and therefore it is evident that gravel is onely the product , and not the producer or primitive cause of this pain . the symptoms of nephritick pains are so much like that caused by the stone , that they cannot be easily distinguished ; for the signs of both are great pain of the loins , loathing or vomiting , there being a great consent between the reins and stomach . the patient often pisseth bloudy water , and when the reins are ulcerated , the matter is often evacuated with the urine . wherein the force of concreting or growing together of stones ( in divers parts of the body ) consists , is not enough known ; i will freely declare what i conjecture in this obscure matter , whereby i may ( according to my power ) the more help others ( that are ingenious ) to search out this hidden truth . all the stones that are generated in the body , may be dissolved in the sour spirit of salt peter or niter ; whence i conclude that the coagulation of stones cannot be expected from an acid spirit as such , therefore from another somewhat contrary to it in part at least . if any consider the several things , that promote the growing together of natural things , they will find that such force is in tart things ; whence the glutinousness , and toughness of fluid things is wont to be produc'd ; to which if earthy , and volatile salt parts be join'd , something will be produc'd not much unlike stones . i incline therefore to this opinion , that an earthy and salt matter , join'd to that which is glutinous , groweth together into stones by help of a tart humour . also gravel of all kinds ( that is usually seen in the bottom of urine ) testifieth that the conglobated glandules are all affected , by a frequent external cold , or else by sour things taken in , and when the gravel is great it is then near to the nature of stones , yea sometimes groweth together into stones , especially in cold phlegmatick bodies , where ( for the most part ) it giveth stones their first rising , and daily cherisheth their production , and increaseth them ; and the more especially where a glutinous , stone-making faculty doth concur in the body . many histories mention , that stones are produced from a stone-making spirit , or breath out of the earth , which hath turned the bodies of men , beasts and other things into stone . riverius , ( in his last edition ) quoteth aventius annal. bavar . lib. 7. anno 1343. who saith , that above fifty men , with many cattle were turned into stone . ortelius telleth the like story , that whole herds in russia have been turned into stone . and camerarius reporteth , that in the province of chilo in armenia , at the blast of a south-wind ( which happeneth four times in a year ) whole troops of horse have been turned into statues of stone , standing in the same warlike posture , in which they were marching . children are most inclinable to this monster in nature , because they have much moisture , and weak digestions , which generate crudities . stones are generated in many parts of the body , as the gall , reins , bladder , &c. i once opened a woman that had sixty four stones in her gall. i also dissected another whose ureters were stony ; and out of her gall i took out a large stone , and a small one ( about the bigness of a hazle-nut ) out of the neck of the gall. 1. these distempers are very dangerous , and bring many sad symptoms to the afflicted patient ; as great pain , inflammations , exulcerations , long watchings , weakness , fevers , suppression of urine , and death it self . 2. pain from acrid lympha , &c. may be cured in those that are young , if the strength be not too much dejected , nor the disease hereditary . that we may now address our selves to the cure of these grievous diseases ; i would advise those who are not very skilfull in the art of physick , to forbear giving of any thing in these distempers , without the advice of an experienc'd physician ; for i believe many stones have been bred in those bodies ( who before were free from it , and were onely troubled with nephritick pains ) by the frequent taking of ill medicines ; for many remedies have been invented to dissolve the stone ; but experience teacheth that they are most of them inimical to the reins and bladder , and debilitate their ferment . the solvent of the stone ought to be homogenious , and so singular , that it submit not to any digestions , or fermental powers , through which it passeth in its way to the parts affected ; for the virtue of all common remedies taken at the mouth , are alter'd and transmuted in passing three digestions : for acid things , ( from which much hath been hoped ) as soon as they are past the stomach , lose their acidity , and are converted into a saline nature , so that the dissolving power of the acid is wholly transmuted before it gets either to the reins or bladder . likewise those medicines which are injected into the bladder with a syringe , ought to be agreeable to its ferment , that it may not be painfull thereto ; for if but a small quantity of any sharp medicine be injected , it stirreth up an intolerable strangury , it being wholly foreign to the ferment of the part . and seeing the stone , and all other distempers of the reins and bladder , are wont to be bred , and increased in length of time ; the remedies which you administer must be long us'd , before you may have experience of their effects . i will here set down some choice medicines , not onely to hinder the increase , but to dissolve small stones in humane bodies , if they be long enough us'd . amongst which we may deservedly attribute the first place to spirit of niter ( seeing stones of any kind are so easily and manifestly broken and dissolved by it ) which may commodiously be mixt in any ordinary drink , or wine and broths , &c. to a light acidity ; whose excellent effects all may admire . if the patient have a costive body , you may give the following lenitive three or four times in a week . take of cassia newly drawn one ounce ; venice turpentine half an ounce ; crystal prepar'd , salt of tartar vitriolated , of each one drachm ; oil of juniper , spirit of salt armoniack , of each four drops ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it for two doses . the following is also very effectual . take of cio-turpentine half an ounce ; powder of rhubarb one drachm ; the yelk of one egg , mix it for two doses ; give it in the morning fasting , and drink four ounces of this julep after it . take the decoction for syrup of marsh-mallows one quart ; the waters of horse-radish , pellitory of the wall , speedwell , winter-cherries , syrups of marsh-mallows and the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; crystal prepar'd , salt prunella , of each half an ounce ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; laudanum ten grains ; mix it and give four or five spoonfulls of it often . this powder is also excellent . take salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; powder of crabs-eyes , salts of pigeons-dung , broom , beanstalks , wormwood , of each half a drachm ; mix it , and give twenty grains of it every morning and evening in the foremention'd julep . if the patient be plethorick , phlebotomy may be used with good success . if a stone chance to stick in the ureter , which causeth numbness , by its pressing upon the muscle psoas , and the nerves , in this case , apply a ventose on os ilium , which may bring the stone by degrees into the bladder ; afterward anoint the parts grieved with rabbets fat . if the stone in the bladder be very big , there is little hopes of dissolving of it , wherefore if the patient ( being in continual pain ) be willing to submit to lithotomy ; i advise them to make choice of an experienc'd artist ; lest by precipitancy the operatour neglect to cleanse the bladder , after the extraction of the stone ; by the neglect of which , many have generated the stone again , and have been forced to endure that dreadfull operation the second , and sometimes the third time , under which many have died , and others who recovered , have never held their urine . in other nephritick pains , if the fleshy parts of the kidneys be obstructed , they may be opened by diureticks , that cut , attenuate , and make glutinous phlegm fluid . for example , take of eringo-roots , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; the tops of agrimony , the greater celandine , of each two handfulls ; the berries of juniper and winter-cherries , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half be confumed ; then strain it , and add syrups of marsh-mallows , and the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls of it every morning and evening . they who like juleps better , may use this or the like . take the waters of fennel , parsley , pellitory of the wall , of each two ounces ; the carminative spirit of sylvius , syrups of marsh-mallows , the five opening roots , of each one ounce ; oil of juniper , spirit of salt armoniack , of each ten drops ; spirit of niter twenty drops , laudanum opiat . four grains ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every three or four hours . the patient may also drink freely of the mineral diuretick-waters of tunbridge , &c. which will conduce much to the cure ; especially if some old diuretick-wine , and a little oily volatile salt ( made of diuretick , vegetables ) be mixed with the water . when the glutinous phlegm is prepar'd , and loosned , it may be educ'd with some convenient phlegmagogue , either in the form of pills or potion , of which there are variety mention'd in page 3. and four , &c. the fixt sulphurs of minerals and metalls , exalted to their highest perfection , do ( before all others ) mildly temper all the humours ; next to which oily volatile salts come , and aromaticks next to these : by the force of which ( prudently us'd ) not onely an effervescency of somewhat contrary humours ( most agreeable to man's nature ) is bred in the small gut , and afterward in the heart ; but the preternatural growing together , and uniting of the more sharp humours ( being first moderated by them ) is again dissolv'd in the bloud . i speak these things by experience , and because it is of great moment in practice , i commend them to the truly studious of physick . if the urine be bloudy , it testifieth the opening of some vessel of bloud in the kidneys , ureters , bladder , or its neck . to heal and consolidate this harm the following is excellent . take the waters of parsley , plantain , of each two ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of mirtles , comfry , marsh-mallows , of each half an ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each ten grains ; laudanum opiat . three grains ; spirit of niter ten drops ; mix it , and give three or four spoonfulls every two hours . if there be an ulcer in any of these parts , it may perhaps be more happily cur'd by the daily taking of balsam of sulphur ( made with the oil of amber , juniper , anise-seed , or turpentine ) in any convenient vehicle , than by any other medicine hitherto known . in all suppression of urine , the following is very effectual . take the waters of chamomel , golden-rod , winter-cherries , of each four ounces ; syrups of marsh-mallows , the five opening roots , of each two ounces ; powder of egg-shells calcin'd one ounce ; tincture of salt of tartar two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give four spoonfulls every three hours . chap. xxii . of extraordinary pissing , &c. this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. pertransire , quod urina ureteres , & urethram subito pertransit . it being a quick or plentifull pissing or making of water . the cause is either external , or internal . the external , or primary efficient cause , is an immoderate drinking of stale beer , sider , or acid wines , either french or rhenish ; by which an incurable diabetes hath been ofttimes suddenly contracted . the internal cause of this disease , is sharp , serous humours abounding in the bloud , by which not onely the whole mass of it doth in time become too thin , but the nervous juice is also thereby ill affected , and consequently the reins inflam'd , by the continual flowing of the over acid serous humours : whence the attractive faculty of the kidneys is increas'd , drawing the serosity of the bloud more potently from the emulgent vessels into the funnels , and provoking the expulsive faculty , it is soon sent ( through the ureters ) to the bladder , from whence it is often evacuated by pissing . the signs are a continual pissing , so that much more moisture is voided , than is taken into the body , by eating and drinking . it is always accompanied with an extraordinary thirst ; the sick is also feverish , something like a hectick . if it continue long , it will decay all the radical moisture of the body , which will render it incurable , but if it be taken in the beginning , and the patient be young , it may be easily cured . all things which have power to incrassate the thinness of the bloud , and temper the over acidity of the humours , may be administred in this distemper . in the beginning of the cure , after a stool hath been procured by an emollient clyster , you may open a vein in the arm. the next day a gentle purge of rhubarb may be administred ; but if the stomach be foul , and the sick can vomit easily , you may give an antimonial emetick with good success , because it will potently draw the sharp peccant humours from the emulgent vessels and reins , and evacuate some of them both by vomit and stool . after the operation of the emetick , let the sick take two spoonfulls of this cordial opiate often , which will ease pain , and thicken the humours . take the waters of barley , red poppies , of each four ounces ; cinamon-water , syrups of coral , and comfry , penidies , of each one ounce ; gums arabick and dragon , of each half an ounce ; powder of dragons-bloud , red coral prepar'd , of each one drachm ; laudanum opiatum six grains ; let the gums be dissolved in the distill'd waters , and strained , then mix all together according to art. you may prescribe this , or such a like decoction , for the patient 's ordinary drink . take the roots of china , sarseparilla , comfry , plantain , red sanders , of each two ounces ; liquorish , red roses , hemp-seed , of each one ounce ; raisins of the sun stoned four ounces ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in a gallon of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away , then strain it , and keep it for use . let the diet be cooling , and thickning broths and jellies made of knuckles of veal , with the roots of china and comfry boiled in it , is excellent . you may also make panado's of the aforesaid broth , with a few crums of whitebread , and the yelk of an egg. also milk ( wherein the aforesaid roots are boiled ) will be very effectual . chap. xxiii . of involuntary pissing , commonly called pissing in bed. when the urine floweth involuntarily ( which in children is vulgarly called pissing in bed ) it may be called in latin urinae incontinentia , pro impotentia sive imbecilitate retinendi . the causes are either external , or internal . the external cause is a large wound in the sphincter muscle of the bladder , which sometimes happens in lithotomy ; for by extracting a great stone , the sphincter muscle may be so much lacerated , that it ceaseth to be contracted , and the orifice of the bladder to be shut , wherefore the urine distilleth of its own accord . it may be caused internally by the palsie , apoplexy , epilepsie , syncope , &c. sometimes ebriety may be the cause of the resolution of the nerves , which from the loins are inserted into the neck of the bladder , and so render the sphincter muscle incapable of contraction ; hence the urine is involuntarily voided . in children , this distemper is curable , if taken in time ; but if it happen to old folks , or if it be caused by a wound in the sphincter muscle of the bladder , it is incurable . that which is caused by the palsie , epilepsie , syncope , &c. look for the cure in their proper chapters . if it be caused by ebriety , sobriety may be commended to cure it , especially by the help of inward means to strengthen the parts affected . many things have been given to children , that have been troubled with this distemper ; the most effectual are these . fried mice , the inner skins of hens-gizzards , cocks-weasands , pudenda suilla , stones of a hare , snails with the shells , all or any of these dried and poudred ; also the powder of agrimony , egg-shells , the burnt ashes of an hedge-hog , &c. any of these may be given in red wine , or in lime-water chalibeated , which may be dulcifi'd with syrup of comfry . if phlegm do abound in the body , you may purge it with phlegmagogues . also sweating with gentle diaphoreticks , is very effectual . those already mention'd are proper , onely consider the age and strength of the patient . chap. xxiv . of the stoppage of urine , and the strangury . the stoppage of urine is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comprimo , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 urina . 't is called in latin urinoe suppressio . the strangury is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , i. e. urinoe difficultas , vel urinoe per guttas excretionem . ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 stilla , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 urina . these differ onely in degree , for when the urine is totally obstructed , it may be called ischuria , but when little is voided , and by drops , it may be called stranguria . these distempers may be caused by viscous phlegm , or coagulated bloud in the ureters , or urethra , especially if a stone , or some gravel do also stick in the passage , by which the obstruction will be more strengthned . sometimes it is caused by a schirrous tumour , or other excrescency of flesh , as a carbuncle , &c. growing in the urethra , or chanel of urine . sometimes it is caused by a preposterous holding in of the urine , either , for shame or want of opportunity to evacuate it ; so that the bladder being extremely fill'd and distended , it hath not power to contract it self , hence the voiding of urine is supprest . it may also be caused by sharp humours , fretting and ulcerating the internal superficies of the bladder , by which it is continually stirred up to contract it self , and expell the urine which is in it ; so that the bladder is empty , having little or no urine in it , as i have known by experience . this may be called a bastard ischuria , which may be also caused by some hurt in the attractive or expulsive faculty of the reins . if the aforesaid causes be violent , it causeth an ischuria , but if remiss , then a strangury is stirred up , in which there is a perpetual irritation to extrude the urine , although slowly ; and by drops , with exceeding pain and trouble . suppression of urine is dangerous , and if it continue long , it is mortal ; especially if the patient's breath stinck of piss , or hath a hiccough , or tenasmus . if the cause be in the neck of the bladder or urethra stopt , you may clear it , and draw away the urine with a catheter , as i have often done both from men and women with good success . if the cause be from the reins or ureters , seek the cure in the chapter of nephritick pains , &c. glutinous phlegm , and coagulated bloud , may be cut and attenuated with aromaticks boild in water or wine , and mixed with oily volatile salts , spirit of niter , &c. stone-horse dung is rich in volatile salt , wherefore if you mix the juice of it with rhenish-wine , and drink it often , you will admire its wonderfull effects , in curing not onely stoppage of urine , but most other obstructions . those diureticks prescrib'd in page 266 , 267. are also very effectual here . let the belly and parts affected be anointed with dears-suet , which will conduce much to give ease . when the urethra is obstructed by a caruncle , &c. you must gently thrust in a hollow instrument made of lead or silver , being first anointed with some consolidating ointment . you may leave the instrument in , till the fear of a new closing of the passage be remov'd . chap. xxv . of the scalding or sharpness of urine . this distemper is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 urina . the causes are either external , or internal . the external cause may be by the application of cantharides , or some other stronger poison . the internal causes are sharp , salt and acid humours mixed with the urine , which do corrode , and ulcerate the internal superficies of the bladder , and sphincter muscle . sometimes it is caused by sharp stones , occasioning an ulcer . if the bladder , or sphincter muscle , or the urethra be ulcerated , it is hard to be cured ; especially if the patient be old , and the distemper hath continu'd long , & e contra . if the bladder or urinal passage be ulcerated , it may be effectually cured by the balsam of sulphur , made with the oil of anise-seed , amber , or juniper , taken to two or three drops , twice or thrice daily in any convenient vehicle , especially a vulnerary decoction , which is most effectual . the salt , acid , corroding humours may be corrected with crabs-eyes , perle , &c. and also all volatile oily salts , taken often ( in a small quantity ) in any refrigerating diuretick . this decoction is effectual . take the roots of mallows , marsh-mallows , of each two ounces ; lettice , endive , purslain , violets , of each one handfull ; jujubes , sebestins , of each one ounce ; winter-cherries half an ounce ; the four greater cold-seeds , of each two drachms ; red roses , water-lillies , of each half a handfull , let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half of it be boiled away ; then strain it , and add syrups of red poppies , violets , of each two ounces ; laudanum opiat . ten grains ; oil of vitriol ten drops ; mix it , and give three spoonfulls every two hours . an emulsion of the cold-seeds , or chamomel-flowers boiled in milk , is also very effectual . if the patient be costive , give emollient clysters , or gentle cholagogues , and hydragogues , to evacuate the peccant humours . or else you may give a gentle emetick for revulsion . if the pain be very great , you may inject an emulsion ( made of the cold-seeds ) into the urinal passage , and anoint the privities with unguentum populion , &c. chap. xxvi . of venereal affects . this scourge of transgressing humanity , being as it were a murrain , or common destruction to venereous persons , may be called in latin lues venerea , a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 solvo , vel quod corpus omnino dissolvit , vel quasi luens usque ad nihil . lues enim ista , pestis est species , vel qualiscunque contagio , quoe homines inficit , debito supplicio scelus luere . the first knowledge of this pocky intestine enemy ( at least in the european parts of the world ) was at the siege of naples , by the french ; being brought thither ( as some authours affirm ) by the spaniards , that came with christopher columbus from the west indies , and they like plaguy persons that croud to infect others ( contrary to their reserved temper ) being inflam'd with a venereal itching , and being also free of their flesh , they communicated ( as a great rarity ) this new found foul distemper , to the italian women , which among others they had engrost to themselves from the animal indians , in their american tyrannical conquests . many of those poor creatures being deeply infected with the monstrous yaws ( so called by the indians ) from whence this foul distemper had its first original . hence it was first called the neapolitan , and afterward the french disease ; since which time , many of the precipitant youthfull europeans ( to their great costs and pain ) have been punished with this impure venereal affect . this itch in spite of mortals will be catching , ( where there is no fear of god to restrain ) but the beginning natural momentany pleasure , will often urge a smartfull end ; so that this is the product of that sin of uncleanness , for which god hath pronounced , hebrews 13. 4. whore-mongers and adulterers god will judge . to describe this virulent contagious disease , it is an universal sour taint of the spermatick parts ; the seed in the spermatick vessels being first corrupted with a cold indigested putridness , is sometimes conveyed outward to the groins , infecting the obscene parts with a filthy eating crusty scab . but if the poisonous malign quality ( gotten by impure coition ) be transfer'd to the liver , which is the chief subject of its more easie invasion , and its special residence ; it must necessarily suffer egregious corruption , from whence the afflicting taint is dispersed into the whole habit of the body , vitiating and corrupting the nutrition of every part ; by which the sick becomes wholly cachectick , and the filthy pox ( without speedy help ) tyrannizing with many malign symptoms , and afflicting both the body and mind , doth at length hurry the patient into the pit of silence . the cause is chiefly , the carnal use of venereous persons . also children sucking of those nurses that are infected , may receive the pollution from the poisonous malignity of the milk . it may also be hereditary , the seed of venereous parents being polluted . the most apparent signs , are a dulness of the whole body , white face , intolerable pain between the joints , especially in the night , which hindreth sleep ; sometimes buboes in the groins , &c. as is before mention'd , also ulcers , and hard pustules in many parts of the body , as head , chin , &c. there is sometimes a relaxation of the uvula , with hoarsness and corruption of the palate , and tumours of the adjacent glandulous parts , there is also sometimes a cariosity of the skull , and other bones . cum multis aliis . 1. it is difficult of curation , if it hath continu'd long , or the patient be consumptive ; or if it be in a sucking infant . 2. if it be hereditary , 't is incurable ; but if the patient be young , and newly infected , it may be easily cured . as for the cure of this filthy disease , first i advise the patient to repent from the bottom of the heart , for this great sin of uncleanness , &c. then make choice of an honest physician . the cure is easiest effected in the spring , or fall of the leaf ; but if necessity urge , you may begin the cure at any time . first let the body be prepared , the following apozeme may serve for example in most constitutions . take the five opening roots , liquorish , china , of each one ounce ; cinamon , anise-seed , senna , of each half an ounce ; agarick , rhubarb , cream of tartar , of each two drachms ; let them be cleansed , bruised and boiled in two quarts of fountain-water , till half be consumed ; then strain it , and add syrup of roses solutive four ounces ; salt of tartar vitriolated two drachms ; spirit of niter twenty drops ; mix it , and give six spoonfulls every two hours . if the patient be plethorick open a vein ; after which you may purge with these or the like pills . take of extractum rudii , one scruple ; mercur. dulcis , salt armoniack , of each half a scruple ; make it into four pills , and take them in the morning . if you perceive by the excrements , that the patient's body be very foul , you may administer another dose of pills after two days intermission . then you may prepare the following decoction , or one like it , to cause sweat , &c. take of guiacum , the roots of china , sarseparilla , of each one pound ; raisins of the sun stoned , hermodactils , polypodium , barks of guiacum and sassaphras , of each four ounces ; juniper-berries , anise-seed , liquorish , elicampane-roots , of each one ounce ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in four gallons of rain-water , very hot for the space of a night ; then boil it gently till a third part be boiled away ; strain it , and keep it for use . let the sick take four spoonfulls of it , with ten grains of antimonium diaphoret . every morning and evening , for four or five days following , and sweat after it in bed , or in a hot-house , or bagnio , so long as can be well endured . then omitting a day or two , you may take another dose of pills ; then sweat seven days more , after which purge as before ; this doe for forty days , or till the cure be perfected . you may make a second decoction of the ingredients , for ordinary drink . but if the sick have extreme pains in the night , ten grains of the following pills may be given to bed-ward instead of the decoction . take gum of guiacum two drachms ; antimony diaphoretick , bezoar-mineral , flower of brimstone , diagredium , mercur. dulcis , humane bones calcin'd , of each one drachm ; saffron , laudanum opiatum , of each half a drachm ; with syrup of saffron , make it into a mass for pills . if there be a defluxion of rheum on the lungs , you may give ten or twelve drops of balsam of sulphur , in a little of the decoction every morning , and the like quantity with half a drachm of venice-treacle every night ; after which drink four ounces of the aforesaid decoction , to promote a gentle sweat . you may also make fontinels in the arm and leg with good success . but if the sick be of a hot constitution , and the disease be inveterate , and stubborn ; the shortest and best way of cure will be by salivation . i do not approve of unction with mercurial ointments , to raise the flux , nor turbith-mineral to be given inwardly ; but the safest way is to administer mercur. dulcis , but let it be well prepared . then you may give twenty grains of it with a little diascordium , or conserves of roses : give it three or four mornings successively , and drink a draught of the diet-drink after it . also the second decoction may be sometimes made use of for ordinary drink , all the time of the cure ; and warm posset-drink at other times , when desired . when the salivation is rais'd , let the sick have a piece of gold between the teeth ; and keep warm , and continue spitting till the spittle become insipid , which is commonly in twenty days . in the mean time , wash the mouth with plantain-water , and syrup of mulberries . when you would abate the spitting , administer a carminative clyster , or a clyster of milk and sugar every night ; and after its operation , give the following bolus . take of diascordium half a drachm ; gascoigns powder fifteen grains ; oil of vitriol two drops ; with syrup of poppies make it into a bolus ; give it at night going to bed . pustules , tumours and ulcers of the mouth , tongue , gums , or any other place , will be all easily cured , when the salivation is over . you may dress the sores with the following ointment , which is very effectual to cure all pocky ulcers . take of verdigreece , and common salt , of each two ounces ; powder them , and calcine them together ; then mix it with eight ounces of unguentum enulatum . when the filthy enemy , or neapolitan disease , is cast out by salivation , you may sweat the patient with the decoction of china , &c. before mention'd , for sometime , as is there directed . let the diet be drying ; rost meat is better than boil'd . mutton , chickens , partridges , rabbets , &c. are all good food . when strength doth begin to increase , bread and raisins may be eaten . the greater symptoms of this disease , are the running of the reins , nodes , caruncles , &c. the running of the reins is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 semen , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo , it being a flux of natural seed of man or woman unwittingly . if the gonorrhoea be virulent , it is a praeludium to the pox , and must be cur'd the same way ; but if it be newly contracted , it may wholly and most safely be absolved by purgation . the same apozeme , and purging pills , before mention'd , are very proper , which must be continu'd till the running of the reins cease . if the patient be plethorick , let a vein be opened . to strengthen the spermatick parts , the following balsamick pills are effectual . take of mummy , bole armenick , gums dragon and arabick , of each one ounce ; balsam of sulphur two drachms ; with syrup of dried roses , make it into a mass for pills , of which you may give half a drachm every morning and evening . if there be nodes , caruncles or ulcers in the urinary passage , the following medicine may be daily injected . take the water of the spawn of frogs four ounces ; honey of red roses one ounce ; white troches of rhasis one drachm ; powder the troches , and mix all together for an injection . after injection , put in an hollow instrument made of silver or lead , being first anointed with some consolidating ointment , as was directed in the stoppage of urine . i do not approve of astringents in the beginning of the cure of a gonorrhoea , till the patient be well purged , and the running begin to cease ; because all astringent means conduce to prolong the distemper ; but after the cause is eradicated by purging , then they may be safely administred , if the cure be not effected without it . to prevent the return of the distemper , i advise the patient to purge , and bleed every spring and fall. also keep a good diet , be moderate in exercise , and all other of the nonnatural things . when thou art recovered , give god the praise ; and have a care of committing the like sin again , lest a worse thing befall thee ; for it is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of the living god. hebr. 10. 31. chap. xxvii . of the rachites , or rickets . this disease may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . it may be called in latin morbus spinalis , it being a disease of the spine of the back . this spinal disease is commonly called in english rickets . it is peculiar to children , because they abound with a crude phlegmatick matter ; for if they labour under a cold moist distemper , there is presently a penury and paucity of the animal spirits ; for the brain , cerebellum , and spinalis medulla , being more compact than is wont , is unfit for percolation , so that the most spirituous part of the bloud cannot pierce , or be strein'd through it : hence the separation of the animal spirits is diminisht . for the aforesaid cold , moist , phlegmatick humours , compacting the soft substance of the brain , &c. it is thereby too much thickned and straitned in its porous passages . the coldness of air , water , or snow , vehemently affecting the head , seems to confirm and prove this opinion ; because when the glandules of the brain are affected and thickned by a stuffing of the head with coldness , then a more sparing production of the animal spirits useth to follow . the essence of this disease consists not onely in the animal , and vital , but natural constitution also , all the functions being ( in time ) vitiated : for the spinalis medulla being primarily affected , all the nerves which proceed from it ( in its passage through the spina dorsi ) must of necessity be stupifi'd , and vitiated with a loose feebleness ; hence also all the nervous , membranous , and fibrous parts , through which those nerves are carried , or inserted into , must consequently be vitiated with an inward weak slipperiness ; so that the very ends of the bones , as well as all the faculties of the body , bear a share in this distemper . when the rickets is confirm'd in infants , it seems to have some affinity with divers other diseases , viz. a chronical fever , an extenuation or leanness of the body , and an hydrocephalus , and many more , which are frequently complicated with this affect . and indeed not onely this , but most other diseases ( in process of time ) do unite unto themselves other affects of a different kind , and therefore ( for the most part ) there is a complication of chronical diseases before death . the causes are either external , or internal . the external may be any of the non-naturals exceeding , either in excess or defect . all things cold and moist do powerfully contribute to this disease , especially an over cold and moist air , which is most frequent in the spring ; the air being then cloudy , thick , rainy , and full of vaporous exhalations . hereupon the children of those which inhabit near the banks of the sea , or great rivers , ponds or marshes ; ( that are obnoxious to too much rain , or are fed with a great number of springs ) are more or less subject to this affect ; for by the continuance of such cold and moisture , the bloud and humours becomes too slippery , and therefore ( in their circulation ) they must unavoidably cause a softness and looseness in all the parts . also experience testifieth that those children which are born , and nursed near the lead-mines in derby-shire , &c. are generally affected more or less with a languidness of the limbs . for the air being infected with noxiousmetalline exhalations , which ( for the most part ) fight against the inherent spirits of the parts , by a kind of venemous malignity ; by which the spirituous pulsificative force of the external parts is extinguished , and the strength of the limbs , and whole body much weakned and diminish'd . hither we may also refer fine soft linen , applied actually cold and moist , ( being not well dried by reason of the moistness of the weather ) to the spine of the back , which is near the original of the nerves ; the use thereof being too long continu'd , it cherisheth the roots of this disease in that tender age. likewise aliments of any kind , which are too moist and cold ; or too thick , viscous and obstructive , do manifestly cherish this distemper . and i am induced to believe that ebriety in english people , especially the gentry ; and eating of much flesh ; and not using frequent labour , or exercise , may be a reason why this disease is more common and natural to children in england , than in other regions , perhaps far exceeding it both in cold and moisture ; as scotland , holland , &c. wherein this affect hath not been observ'd to be very common . and therefore ebriety and eating of much flesh , and defect of motion , and want of exercise doth most frequently , and most effectually concur to the production of it ; because the inherent heat ( in stupid and sluggish people ) is not sufficient to resist and expell the superfluous moisture by a due transpiration : by which means the circulation of the bloud is become slow and lesned , and the production of the vital heat very feeble , and weak ; so that nature is thereby forced to permit all the parts of the body to be affected with a certain softness , looseness , and internal lubricity , more than is meet ; which do sufficiently evince , that this is an efficacious cause , and a part of the essence of this disease . hence we may easily infer that the children of such parents are more inclined to this distemper , than others who drink moderately , and eat less flesh , and are more active and lively . the internal causes , are excrementitious humours luxuriant in the body , especially phlegm and serous humours retained , and vitiated , being naturally cold and moist , and little spirituous , and affected with an internal slipperiness , wherefore upon a superfluous accumulation of these humours , the production of this affect succeedeth ; because thereby a colliquation of the parts , and a dissipation of the inherent spirits will be easily introduced ; whereby all the parts will afterwards be rendred obnoxious to this cold and moist distemper . many diseases preceding this affect , may be the cause of it ; especially those which do extenuate , and much weaken the body , as all fevers , &c. and also all cold and moist , phlegmatick , and cachochymick distempers , which will induce a stupour and dulness in the affected parts , and cause obstructions . also any great pain , inflammation , tumour , fracture , luxation , or any other preternatural affect , that hinders the standing and playing of the child , may be some cause of this disease . presently after the beginning of the disease , a kind of slothfulness and numbness doth invade the joints , and by little and little is increased , so that daily they are more and more averse from motion ; besides in the beginning of this affect , there is usually observ'd , a certain laxity , softness , and flaccidity of all the first affected parts ; after which followeth a great debility , languidness , and enervation of all the parts subservient to motion ; so that ( for the most part ) they speak before they walk , which is vulgarly held to be a bad omen ; and if it vehemently increase , they do not onely totally lose the use of their feet , but can scarce sit with an erected posture , and their weak and feeble neck can hardly sustain the burthen of the head. in the progress of the disease , the head and face increaseth in bigness , but the fleshy parts below the head , are daily more and more worn away . there is also observ'd in this affect , certain swellings , and knotty excrescencies about some of the joints ; these are chiefly conspicuous in the wrists , and somewhat less in the ancles , and in the tops of the ribs ; the bones in the armes and legs , and sometimes the thighs , and shoulder-bones wax crooked ; the teeth come forth slowly , and with greater trouble than usual , and at length the breast becomes narrow , and the abdomen swollen , with an extension of the hypochondriacal parts , which hindreth the free motion of the diaphragma downwards ; and by consequence doth somewhat interrupt the breathing , so that respiration becomes difficult , accompanied with coughing , the pulse being also weak and small ; and in the increase of the disease , all these signs become more intense and evident , and many , and more grievous , are daily accumulated . 1. if this disease be light and gentle , the children affected therewith may be easily restored to health ; sometimes by the sole benefit of age , the vital heat being increased , and summoned forth to the external parts by the force of frequent exercises . but if it so vehemently prevaileth , that the increase thereof cannot be prevented by the best internal means , and also most prudent applications , then there is imminent danger . 2. if it proceed from other diseases , or be complicated with them , it will be the more difficult of curation ; especially if the bones of the armes , and legs be crooked , and there be great bending and tumour of the joints of the wrists , ancles and ribs . but if the symptoms decline , and the child do easily endure agitation , and have often eruptions in the skin , as wheals , pimples , or itch , then there is great hopes of recovery . 3. if they be not cured in five years , they will grow deformed and crooked , and ( for the most part ) will become dwarfs , and live sickly , being either cachectick , or phthisical , till death do put a period to their miserable life . as for the cure of this disease , both the child and nurse must keep a good diet which is easie of concoction . in the mean time you must not neglect the best chyrurgical and pharmaceutical means which will most conduce to the speedy recovery of the weakly infant . universals being premised , the most effectual and approved chyrurgical means in this affect , are incision or scarification of the ears , and little fountains or issues ; although many more may be used , viz. frixions , blisters , ligatures , &c. incision or scarification in the ears , is to be performed on the ridge , in the inside of the ear above the hole ; which must be stopt to hinder the bloud passing into it . this operation must be often repeated , at least once or twice in a month ; which hath proved successull when many other remedies have been ineffectual . and here it may be noted , that scarification being made in that place , must needs be of greater efficacy than if it were instituted in any other part of the ear , or elsewhere . 1. first , because the beginning of the fifth pair of nerves is near that place , many of their branches being distributed through the hollow of the ear , and are thence conveyed into the spinalis medulla , from whence it shooteth out little branches which accompany the nerves of the marrow of the back , to the ends of the very legs and feet ; as many ingenious anatomists have accurately observ'd . wherefore scarification being there made , it is probable , that the matter ( which commonly oppresseth the very beginning of that nerve ) is immediately evacuated , by which it is freed from obstruction ; and having also gotten vigour ( being excited by the pain and inflammation ) it driveth out all stupidness from within it ; by which means the branches of the nerves from thence arising , which are communicated to the spinalis medulla , and many other parts may be in some measure excited also . 2. because by this means , there is a particular evacuation of the head , which is wont to be oppressed with fullness in this affect . besides , the bloud being somewhat lesned , the thickness and toughness thereof must thereby be corrected ; and ( by consequence ) an equal distribution of it promoved to a more regular nourishment of the parts . issues in the neck are also much approved in this disease , because they very much conduce to lessen the unusual magnitude of the head , and to evacuate the superfluous watriness thereof , and repress the inordinate increase of the bones ; also it manifestly drieth up the too much humidity of the spinal marrow , exciteth heat , strengthens the nerves , and expelleth the astonishment . as for the pharmaceutical or physical means , you must be sure to cleanse the first passages either by clysters , vomits or lenitive purgations . when the belly is costive and the excrements are hardned , or some flatuous humours afflict the bowels with vehement pain , then clysters are chiefly required ; and they may also be injected before any preparation , vomit or lenitive purgation . i need not prescribe any forms , because a little milk and sugar , with a few anise-seeds boiled in it may serve . also an emollient or carminative clyster ( that is gentle ) may be injectrd when there is occasion . emeticks if well prepared , and prudently administred are very efficacious , and will conduce much to the cure. and here i again commend antimonial vomits before all others . 1. first , because they not onely powerfully evacuate crude or corrupt humours , and all manner of impurities contained in the stomach by vomit ; but by an agitation and commotion , raised in all the parts , especially in the bowels , they loosen the gross and viscous humours adhering to the guts , and convey them through their many involutions and labyrinths , by which they are expelled by stool ; in which respect they are also profitable against torments of the colick , and very conducible to unlock obstructions . 2. they most effectually irritate the expulsive faculty of all the parts of the body , by which they compell forth the hidden and unappearing causes of diseases , especially of intermitting fevers ; for by the very straining to vomit , the guts are also instimulated to cast out by siege ; the liver poureth away the choler by the biliar pore ; the juice of the pancreas is voided into the small guts ; the spleen perhaps doth unburthen its excrement into the stomach ; the kidneys exern through the ureters ; the lungs by a strong cough eject their phlegm through the wind-pipe ; the head emptieth it self of salt waterish rheums by the palate , nostrils and eyes ; finally the whole body ( for the most part ) is rendred more prone to a diaphoresis , either by a manifest sweating , or else by insensible transpiration . if any are afraid of antimonial preparations ( though most safe and potent ) they may administer salt of vitriol , from five to ten grains , either in posset-drink or any other convenient vehicle . also the following may be safely administred . take the clarified juice of asarabacca half a drachm ; syrup of the juice of sorrel two drachms ; mix it , and give it in the morning fasting . but here we may note , that vomiting is not to be provoked in very weak children , unless they are naturally apt to vomit , and the humours tend upwards of their own accord , and they easily indure it ; and then they ought to be gentle and given in a small dose . those that are averse to vomiting may take lenitive catharticks , which must be made pleasant and potable , that the young patient may not loath the taking of them . manna , syrup of cichory with rhubarb , syrup of violets and syrup of roses solutive are all good pleasant medicines ; which you may mix according to your discretion , in any proper distill'd water , or in the decoction of sennoe gereonis . the following drink is of excellent virtue , and will conduce much to the cure of this disease . take of anise-seed , the barks of ash , ivie , tamarisk , shavings of harts-horn and ivory , the roots of sassaphras , liquorish , china , sarseparilla , butterbur , of each half an ounce ; mace one drachm ; let them be cleansed , bruised and infused in two quarts of small ale for two or three days ; then strain it out very strongly , and bottle it up for the child 's ordinary drink . in the cure you must endeavour to resist all symptoms , as fluxes , worms , venereal affects , breeding teeth with great pain , &c. in any flux , gripes or urgent pain , you may give half a grain of laudanum opiat . dissolved in any convenient vehicle , so often as necessity urgeth . if worms or venereal affects be fear'd , you may sometimes adminster this gentle purging bolus . take of mercur. dulcis six grains ; diagredium , rezin of jallop , of each three grains ; with syrup of roses solutive , make it into a bolus ; give it in the morning fasting . in your broths and panadoes , you may boil harts-tongue , ceterach , liver-wort , maiden-hair , sage , the bark of tamarisk , red sanders , saffron , the roots of china , and sarseparilla , &c. but let all things be made acceptable to the palate . all kinds of exercise unto which children are accustomed , may be usefull in their time and season ; as rocking , going , swinging , playing , &c. also frixions are excellent , in which begin at the spina dorsi , and rub with a course warm linen cloth , and also under the short-ribs , and afterwards all other parts ; let it be done gently , to cherish and incite the natural and vital heat , and attract the nourishment to the affected parts . external medicines may be also applied , to strengthen the weak parts , as emplasters , ointments , &c. these forms may serve for example . take ointments of the opening juices , tobacco , marsh-mallows ; oils of capers , wormwood , elder , earth-worms , bricks , balsam of peru , of each half an ounce ; mix it . with which let the weak parts be anointed with a warm hand , before a fire . take the plasters nervinum , de minio , ad herniam , of each one ounce ; the carminative plaster of sylvius , balsam of peru , of each two drachms ; mix it , and spread it on thin leather . it may be applied to the back , or any other weak part after anointing . if the lungs be affected , anoint the breast with the following ointment . take the pectoral ointment two ounces ; oil of mace by expression , oil of violets , of each half an ounce ; mix it . after which apply a plaster . they that desire more variety of medicines , &c. let them peruse that excellent and learned tract of the rachites written by the famous doctours and fellows of the college of physicians at london . ornari res ipsa negat , contenta doceri . chap. xviii . of the gout , and rheumatism . the gout is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 articulus , quod articulos infestet ; hence it is called in latin articularis morbus , it being a disease of the joints . this is a general name for all gouts , or when all or most of the joints are affected . but when any particular joint is infested with a gouty distemper , it doth from thence take its denomination . for if it invadeth the jaw-bones , it may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 maxilla , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soevio , quod maxillarum usum impediat . it being ( for the most part ) accompanied with a fierce and cruel pain . and so likewise if it invade any of the rest of the joints . if the vertebroe of the neck , &c. be affected , it may be termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 collum , vel cervix , &c. that which molests the shoulders , may be fitly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 humerus . &c. if it affects the collar-bones , you may call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 clavis , vel clavicula , &c. that in the elbow may be termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 cubitus , &c. the gout in the hand is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 manus , &c. that in the hip may be called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 coxa , &c. quod ab 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lumbus . in latin coxendicum dolor , quod coxendices proecipue infestat . if it be in the knee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 genu , &c. if in the foot 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pes , & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 soevio , quod pedum usum impediat , which may be added to every particular . this and all other gouts are most commonly accompanied with a fierce , cruel , tormenting pain ; and thus much , if not too much of the names of the gout . the causes are either external , or internal . the external causes are gluttony , drunkenness , immoderate venery , idleness , external cold , and excess or defect of any of the non-naturals . the internal cause of all arthritick pains , is the juice of the pancreas too acid and sharp , which raiseth a vitious effervescency with choler , &c. whereby a fermental sharpness is increased ; and when it is exorbitant , it is sent forth into the extreme parts , and meeting with that seedy glue , which is between the joints , doth not onely affect it with its fermental acrimony , but is also the grand cause of the virulent tormenting pain and inflammation in the part affected . but seeing the pains are different , not onely in divers people sick of this distemper , but also the pains of the gout are divers in the same sick party , we must therefore , as well by reason as experience , search into the true cause thereof . therefore in as much as the present molesting pains , are not always freed with the same medicines , no not in the same fit ; much less all that are gouty . we may hence consider that divers humours , as choler , phlegm , &c. are diversly mixt and fermented with the juice of the pancreas , which is peccant in a sour acrimony , being the primary cause of all gouts . and here we may note , that this over acid humour doth molest the sick ( chiefly in the beginning of the fit ) with a corroding pain ; but after a while , when choler ( by its exceeding heat ) hath gotten the predominancy , it causeth a divers burning pain , according to the diversity of its faultiness . but if viscous phlegm be predominant , the pain is much dull'd , and the motion of the part hinder'd with a phlegmatick tumour , rather than an acute pain ; which ought to be accurately observ'd by every ingenious artist . when the gouty humour hath invaded any joint , there is presently an unusual heat , and more exquisite sense in it , than formerly , so that the least touch of any hard thing doth hurt the part ; and the longer it continues , the more the pain increaseth , with redness and swelling of the part affected , and most commonly attended with a symptomatical fever . 1. the gout is a chronical disease , attended with violent pain , but is seldom mortal , except in very weak bodies that are much decay'd by sickness , or old age. 2. if it continue long , till the joints are knotty , it is incurable , according to ovid , tollere nodosam nescit medicina podagram . but if there be no knots in the joints , and the patient is laborious , and the body is ( for the most part ) soluble , and there be swelling of the veins called varices , then it may be happily cured . 3. if it becomes habitual to the sick , the morbifick idea is implanted in the vital spirit , and transfer'd through the seed , which makes it hereditary . the cure of the gout will consist , 1. first in defending the afflicted joints , as well against future pain , as freeing them from that which doth molest at present . 2. in the universal amendment of the juice of the pancreas . 3. in the correcting and evacuation of the vitious choler . 4. in the altering and diminishing of phlegm any way peccant . to asswage the present pain i commend the following medicaments , which will conduce much to mitigate the sharpness of the acrimonious humours in all gouty people , and ease the part affected . when there is excessive heat , you may bathe the gouty part with this fomentation very hot , with wollen stuphs , which must be often renewed . take the waters of the spawn of frogs , fumitory , elder , of each one quart ; vinegar of mary-golds one pint ; opium , camphire , of each half an ounce ; mix it according to art. but when the pain is more corroding than burning , i commend the following to be used as the former . take of treacle-water half a pint ; the waters of the spawn of frogs , parsley , of each one quart ; opium , camphire , of each half an ounce ; mix it . after bathing with either of these ; apply this cataplasm . take powders of the roots of marsh-mallows , flax-seed , barley-meal , of each four ounces ; new milk three pints ; boil it to the consistence of a pultess , and add oils of flax-seed , earthworms , the ointment martiatum , of each three ounces : camphire half an ounce ; mix it according to art. where exceeding heat doth concur , and the body abounds with sharp choler ; instead of sweet milk , you may substitute butter-milk . also a pultess made of the crums of white-bread , new goats or cows milk and saffron , with oil of lin-seed , and earth-worms , may be deservedly commended , to asswage any pain . if the sick be very phlegmatick , and impotency of motion doth afflict , more than pain ; then opiats may be omitted , and things more aromatical may be used in all external applications . the following pultess , or one like it , may serve for example . take the powders of orris-roots ; the flowers of chamomel , and elder , cummin-seeds , barley-meal , of each four ounces ; the tops of wormwood , mints , of each four handfulls ; boil them in two quarts of water of the spawn of frogs , to the consistence of a pultess ; when it is almost cold , add treacle-water , oils of chamomel , earth-worms , of each three ounces ; mix it . also the root of briony , and cuckow-pintle bruised , and made into a pultess with cow-dung is excellent . if you add volatile salts of animals , or vegetables to your medicines , whether fomentations , cataplasms , or ointments , they will be the more effectual . you may prepare an excellent volatile salt of earth-worms ( of great virtue ) for the gout , which may be resolved into liquour by fermentation , and putrefaction . if the gouty patient do abound with phlegm , or the juice of the pancreas exceed in an acid acrimony causing a corroding pain ; it may happily be mitigated and remov'd with balsam of sulphur made with oil of amber , with which let the grieved part be embrocated , and it will forthwith raise a very hot effervescency , which will presently cease again , and remove the great pain in a moment , even to admiration . after the pain is over , you may apply one of the former cataplasms , or some anodyne ointment , to comfort , and ( by degrees ) restore again the membranous parts . the following linament may serve for example . take oils of earth-worms , scurvigrass , saint john's-wort , of each one ounce ; chymical oils of rosemary , rue , of each twenty drops ; mix it . afterwards , you may apply a plaster of de minio cum sapona . in the mean time , inward means ( to take away the cause , and ease the pain ) must not be neglected . if the patient have a plethorick body , after a stool hath been procured , by a carminative clyster , with electuar . caryocostinum , &c. let a vein be opened . bloud drawn from the vena poplitis , or sciatica vein , hath been succesfull in the sciatica . but leeches applied to the hemorrhoidal veins , are effectual in all gouts . two or three days after bleeding , you may administer the following pills . take of pills hermodactils , faetidae , ex duobus , mercur. dulcis , of each one scruple ; mix it for two doses , and give them in the morning fasting . or you may give half a drachm or two scruples of pul . arthriticus in any convenient vehicle . but if the sick be inclining to vomit , administer an antimonial emetick . you may purge and bleed so often as you see occasion . issues near the part affected , and also to raise blisters upon the part , have been found by experience to be very effectual . also bathing and sweating in nitrous or sulphurous baths , either natural or artificial , are much approv'd of . that which is prescrib'd in the chapter of the belly-ach , is very effectual , which may be used , as is there directed . i might fill a volume with receipts against the gout , but i shall onely commend the following water or spirit to be often taken inwardly in any fit vehicle , the quantity of half a spoonfull at a time . take the roots of orris , angelica , saffaphras , of each two ounces ; the tops of ground-pine , penny-royal , sage , mother of time ; the flowers of saint johns-wort , chamomel , prim-roses , rosemary , lavender , of each three handfulls ; the berries of bays and juniper , of each one ounce ; castor two drachms ; let them be all cleansed , bruised and infused in six quarts of spirit of earth-worms compound for the space of twenty four hours , then distill it in an alembick according to art. the rheumatism is called in greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fluo ; it being a distillation of rheumatick humours , not onely affecting the joints , but the adjacent parts , yea sometimes the whole body ; especially the muscles , membranes , and periostium of the thighs , legs , and hip-bones . the humour is of a very malign nature , and soon causeth a cariosity of the bones , if it be not prevented . the cause is the same with the gout , but sharper . 't is seldom mortal , but may be of long continuance , with great pain , so that the sick cannot endure to be touched . in the cure of this distemper , phlebotomy must be often repeated , and carminative clysters often administred . foment the pained parts with stale urine ( made very hot ) wherein castle-sope is dissolved ; after which anoint with this following . take spirit of salt armoniack , oils of guiacum , bricks , of each two ounces ; in which dissolve opium one ounce ; spanish sope four ounces ; then add oil of roses six ounces , and make it a linament according to art. if you would have it for a plaster , you may add so much empl. de minio to it , as will give it a sufficient consistency . the medicines and directions prescrib'd in the cure of the gout , are also proper here . from these few observations , it will not be very difficult to select other choice medicines out of the writings of practitioners , to cure both the gout and rheumatism . to prevent a relapse , purge and bleed spring and fall , and keep a good diet , and use moderation in all things . i have now finisht this little tract , or manual of physick , which i have written for the common good ; not onely to serve young beginners of the art of physick , but also for the sake of the sick themselves . god grant that it may prove succesfull , and tend to the good of them both . now unto the onely wise god and our saviour jesus christ with the holy ghost our comforter ; three persons , and one god , be ascribed , and given all laud , honour , glory and dominion , from this time forth , and for evermore . amen . postscript . having often prescrib'd the carminative spirit of sylvius , and also his preservative water against the plague , and his carminative plaster , &c. i will here give you the receipts of them in english , that you may make them for your own use , as you see occasion . the carminative spirit of sylvius . take angelica-root two drachms ; the roots of masterwort , and galangal , of each three drachms ; the tops of rosemary , sweet marjoram , garden-rue , centaury the less , basil , of each one handfull ; bay-berries six drachms ; the seed of angelica , lovage , and anise-seed , of each an ounce ; ginger , nutmegs , mace , of each half an ounce ; cinamon one ounce and half ; cloves , orange-peel , of each two drachms . all these things being grosly bruised , pour thereon spirit of malaga or spanish-wine six pints . digest them two days in balneo marioe , and draw off all the spirit . you may pour upon what remains the same quantity of spirit of wine ; and after two days digestion , draw it off as before , which may be kept apart , as weaker than the former , but of much virtue to discuss wind. aq. prophylactica , or the preservative-water against the plague . take the roots of angelica , and zedoary , of each one ounce ; roots of butter-bur two ounces ; the leaves of garden-rue four ounces ; of baum , scabious , marigold-flowers , of each two ounces ; unripe wall-nuts cut two pound ; new pome-citrons cut one pound ; bruise them all together , then pour on twelve pints of the best wine-vinegar , distill'd by it self to three fourth parts in sand in a glass cucurbit , then digest them all night , in the morning distill the water with a slow fire . this gratefull medicine may be mixt with ordinary drink , broth or any decoction or cordial julep , &c. to a gratefull acidity , for any that are sick , to take away thirst , and to promote a mild sweat. the plaster of sylvius discussing wind. take gum galbanum , bdellium and amoniacum , of each half an ounce ; male-frankincense , red mirrh , of each two drachms ; opium of thebes one drachm ; dissolve them in vinegar of squills , and when they are again thickned , add yellow wax , coloph●ny , of each three drachms ; natural balsam , oil of bricks , of each one drachm ; oil of earth-worms half a drachm ; distill'd oil of caraway a scruple ; venice turpentine what sufficeth to make it into a plaster according to art. this egregious plaster may be spread upon soft leather , first form'd according to the shape and greatness of the tumour to be dissolv'd . the cholagogue , electuary , or diaprunum of sylvius . take the pulp of prunes sourish-sweet , ten ounces ; powder of cream of tartar , best scammony , of each two ounces ; powder of rhubarb ten drachms ; cinamon half an ounce ; yellow sanders two drachms ; refin'd sugar a pound ; make it into an electuary according to art. the hydragogue electuary of sylvius . take of juniper-berries boild in water exprest , and reduc'd to the consistency of a pulp ; the pulp of tamarinds , of each four ounces ; powder of jallop-root one ounce and half ; diagredium one ounce ; sharp cinamon , sweet fennel-seeds , of each two drachms ; clarifi'd sugar ten ounces ; make it into an electuary according to art. the dose of either of these electuaries , is from two drachms to half an ounce ; they are gently effectual , and no ungratefull medicines ; they may be dissolv'd in any convenient distill'd water , as parsley , fennel , &c. or it may be taken by it self in the manner of a bolus . finis . advertisements . this is to give notice to all persons , chiefly country physicians and chyrurgeons , that all the medicines prescrib'd in this book , are faithfully prepared by the authour hereof , and may be always had of him at reasonable rates , without adulteration , or any other deceits . all sorts of chymical preparations , are faithfully prepared without the least sophistication or adulteration , and to be sold at reasonable rates , by christopher pack chymist , at the globe and furnaces in the postern , by more-gate , where a catalogue may be had gratis . an interpretation of certain hard words , which you shall meet with unexplained in this treatise . a. abdomen , all that part of the belly , which is between the ribs and the privy members , consisting of skin , fat and muscles . abcess , an impostume , or gathering of ill humours to one part of the body , and there drawn to a head. abstersive , a cleansing medicine . acerbity , sourness . acid , eager , sour , or sharp . acrimony , sharpness . an acute disease is a sharp sickness , which doth quickly either dispatch or deliver the sick. aetites , the stone with child , found in an eagles-nest . affected part , the part grieved , or distempered . alchimy , the art of melting or dissolving metals , &c. and separating the pure from the impure . alexiterion , alexipharmacum , a preservative medicine against poison , and infection . amputation , the cutting off of a member . amulet , any thing hanged about the neck . anatomy , the trunk of a dead body , from whence all the flesh , sinews , &c. is cut off , and nothing remaining but the bare bones . anodyne , appeasing pain . antidote , a preservative against poison and infection . antimonial , made of antimony . anus , the fundament . apertion , an opening . apophlegmatism , a medicine which chewed , draweth phlegm and other humours out of the head , and voideth them at the mouth . apoplexy , a general palsie of the whole body . apozeme , a thin decoction of herbs . aromaticks , medicines made of spice . arteries , hollow vessels , wherein the vital bloud , and spirits are contained , which causeth the pulse , as you may feel at the wrists , &c. arthritick pains , the gout or any other pain of the ioints . aspera arteria , the wind-pipe . astrictive , astringent , which hath power to bind . b. balneo , bath . balsamick , healing , of the nature of balsam . bechical , easing the cough . bile , choler . bolus , a lump , a morsel . bronchia , the gristles of the wind-pipe . bubo , a sore about the groin . c. cachexy , ill habit of body . cacochymy , ill iuice in the body . calcinate , to burn into ashes . capillary , as small as a hair. carbuncle . a plague-sore . cardiack , cordials . cariosity , rottenness . carminative , that cleanseth the body of wind. cartilage , a gristle . caruncle , a little piece of flesh. catagmatical , medicines to cure broken bones . cataplasm , a pultess . cataract , a disease of the eyes . catarrh , a rheum . cathartick , a purging medicine . catheretick , a medicine to consume supersluous flesh. cauterize , to burn or sear . cephalicks , med. for the head. cerebellum , the little brain . chalybeate , red-hot steel in any thing . chylus , a white iuice coming of the meat digested in the stomach . cholagogue , a medicine that purgeth choler . chronical , staying long . coliries , medicines for sore eyes . colliquation , a dissolving . coriza , a snottish rheum . crisis , iudgment . cuticula , the scarf-skin . cystick passage , the passage of the choler from the gall. d. defluction , a flowing down of humours , delirium , dotage , light-headed . desiccative , a drying medicine . diaphragma , the midriff . diaphoretick , a sweating cordial . diaphoresis , evaporation by sweat . diarrhea , a flux or lask . diastole , dilatation of the heart , &c. diuretical , causing urine . dormative , to cause sleep . ducts , little pipes for water , &c. dura mater , the strongest skin encompassing the brain . dysentery , the bloudy-flux . disuria , scalding of urine . e. effervescency , a working , a fermenting . elixir , a quintessence . embrocate , to bedew . embryon , an imperfect child in the womb , without shape . emetick , a vomit . emplastick , a clammy medicine . emulsion , a medicine like milk . epilepsie , the falling-sickness . epidemical , ill , the plague . epispatick , a medicine to raise blisters . epithems , are certain powders , put in little bags , and wet in wine , &c. and applied to the regions of the heart , liver , &c. errhines , liquid medicines to snuff up the nose . escharotick , a potential cautery . exulcerate , to blister . f. fascinate , to bewitch . fibers , small hairy strings . fistula , a hollow ulcer with callocity . filtration , a straining fire . foetus , the young . fomentation , an asswaging bath . g. gargarism , a liquour to wash the mouth . gargarise , to wash the mouth . gangrene , an inflammation tending to mortification . gonorrhaea , the running of the reins . h. haemorrhage , an excessive or continual flux of bloud . haemorrhoids , the piles , also the veins in the fundament . hepaticks , of or belonging to the liver . hernius , broken bellied . homogeneous , homogeneal of one kind . hydromel , water and honey . hydrocele , a waterish rupture . hydrocephalos , a dropsie in the head. hydragogue , a medicine to purge water . hydropical , that have the dropsie . hypochondries , the fore-part of the belly about the short ribs . hypochondriacal , a windy melancholy . hysterical , of or belonging to the womb. i. icterical , having the iaundice . icchorous , waterish , mattery . jejunum , the hungry gut. ileon , the third small gut. iliack passion , a grievous disease in the gut ileon . impostume , vide abcess . inflammation , an hot angry swelling . ingredients , that which goeth into the making of a thing . intercostal , between the ribs . ischuria , stoppage of urine . jugular vein , in the throat . l. lacteal veins , milkie veins . lethargy , a slothfull sleepy disease of the head. lientery , a looseness , caused by undigestion . ligament , a bond or binding . linament , a kind of hard ointment . lipothimy , fainting , sounding . lithotomy , cutting out of the stone . lixivial , made of lye. lixivium , a lye made of ashes . lympha , a waterish humour . m. masticatory , a medicine to chew in the mouth . medicinal , of or belonging to physick . membrane , a thin skin . menstruous , a woman having her menses , or monthly terms . mercurial , made of quick-silver . mesentery , the thick fat membrane , that fasteneth the guts , &c. muscle , an instrument of voluntary motion in the body . n. narcotical , stupefactive , that hath power to stupefie , or make the body insensible . neopolitan disease , the pox. nephritick , of the reins . nitrous , made of salt petre. o. opiate , made of opium , to cause sleep , and give ease . ophthalmy , inflammation of the eye . optick nerve , the sinew which bringeth sight to the eye . p. palate , the hollow of the mouth above . panchymagogon , a medicine which purgeth all humours . pancreas , the sweet-bread . paracenthesis , a tapping for the dropsie , &c. pralitical , that have the dropsie . pectoral , of or belonging to the breast . pericardium , the membrane involving the heart . periosteum , a thin skin enwrapping the bones . peripneumony , an impostume of the lungs . peritonaeum , the inner rim of the belly . pest , the plague . pharmacy , medicine . phlegmagogues , medicines that purgeth phlegm . phlebotomy , bloud-letting . phrenetical , that hath the phrensie . pia mater the tender skin enwrapping the brain . pituitous , phlegmatick . pleuretical , that hath the pleurisie . plethorick , fullness of bloud . prohylactick , a preservative against the plague , &c. p●isan , barley-water . pulsation , a beating . pulverize , pulverate , to beat into powder . puncture , a pricking . purgative , which hath virtue to purge . purulent , full of matter . pustule , a wheal or blister . q. quartan ague , that cometh every fourth day . quintan ague , that cometh every fifth day , but seldom observ'd . quotidian , that cometh every day . r. radical , of or belonging to the root . rarefaction , a making thin of what was thick . rectum , the arse-gut . respiration , fetching of breath . rupture , a breaking . s. saline , saltish . salivation , spitting , or fluxing at the mouth . sanguification , the changing of the nourishment into bloud . saphena , the vein by the inner ancle . scamoniats , medicines made of scammony . scarifie , to cut or lance . sceleton , a dry carcass , of bones onely . sciatica , the hip-gout . scorbutick , that have the scurvy . scrofulae , the kings-evil . secundine , the after-birth . seminal , of the seed . serosity , the wheyish , or waterish part of the bloud . sphincter muscle , the round compassing muscle of the fundament , &c. ordained to prevent untimely excretion . soluble , loose . solvent , that hath power to melt or dissolve . soporiferous , causing sleep . spasm , the cramp , or convulsion . spermatical , of or belonging to the seed . spina dorsi , the back-bone . spinalis medulla , the marrow of the back . spirituous , full of spirit . spissitude , thickness . sternutatory , to cause sneezing . sternon , the breast-bone , where the ribs meet . sterillity , barrenness . strangury , a pissing by drops . sudorifick , that causeth sweat. suffocate , to choak . suffumigate , to smoak underneath . sulphur , brimstone . superfetation , a conceiving the second time . suppuration , a gathering to matter . symptom , any grief following a disease , or sensibly joyned with it , as head-ach with an ague , &c. systole , contraction of the heart , &c. t. tenasmus , a neediness to go to stool . tenuity , smallness . thoracick , of or belonging to the breast . torsions , gripings of the guts . trachea , or aspera arteria , the wind-pipe . transfer , to carry from one place to another . transmute , to change . transpiration , sweaty vapours coming forth of the pores of the skin . tubercles , pimples , wheals . tumour , a swelling . turgid , after a swelling manner . tympany , the windy dropsie . v. vaperous , full of vopours . varices , swelling of the veins in the legs . vegetables , roots or plants . vehicle , any thing that carrieth , &c. ventoses , cupping-glasses . verntricle , the stomach , &c. verminous , full of worms . vertebra , the back-bone . vertigo , giddiness . vesiccatory , a medicine to draw blisters . virulent , deadly , poisonous . viscous , clammy like bird-lime . vitiate , to corrupt . volatile , that flieth . u. ulcerate , to blister , to break out into sores . unguent , an ointment . ureters , the vessels by which the urine passeth from the reins to the bladder . urethra , the passage of urine from the bladder , through the yard , &c. uvula , a fleshy substance , hanging down , like a grape , from the roof of the mouth , towards the root of the tongue . advertisement . a new idea of the practice of physick ; written by that famous franciscus de-le-boe sylvius ; late chief professour of physick in the university of leiden . the first book ; of the diseases either constituting , producing , or following the natural functions of man not in health . wherein is contain'd , beside a new method in general , a vindication of the spleen and mother from fits attributed to them . as also a new discovery of intermitting fevers , the yellow-jaundice , and other diseases , never before discover'd . all clear'd by anatomical experiments , and chymical demonstrations ; as also by their cures . faithfully translated by richard gower , formerly student under the authour . printed for brabazon aylmer , at the three pigeons against the royal exchange in cornhill . in octavo . the end notes, typically marginal, from the original text notes for div a46940-e3060 cephalalgia . hemicrania . signs . progn . cure. clyster . iulep . powder . a medicinal wine . apozeme . purging pills . epitheme . for a'quilted cap. signs . cure. powder . cordial iulep . clyster . vomit . purging potion . troches . purging infusion . electuary . observation . iulep . tincture . emulsion . iulep . epitheme . ointment . paralysis . apoplexia . cause . cause internal . signs . progn . cure. cordial to cause sweat . observation . clyster . suppository . purging pills . purging electuary . vomit . cordial iulep . medicinal wine . bath . oil. plaister . sneezing powder . spasmus . epilepsia . partes affecte . causes . signs . progn . cure. iulep . infusion . cordial to cause sweat. purging pills . infusion . ointment . masticatory . epileptick powder . incubus . cause . vertigo . cause . lethargus . signs . coma. carus . causes . progn . cure. iulep . decoction . sneezing powder . vomit . purging pills . purging infusion . fomentation . oil. phrenitis . mania . cause . progn . cure. clyster . iulep . opiat . epitheme . linament . dieta . iulep . purging pills . cause . progn . cure. iulep . purging pills . purging potion . clyster . purging decoction . pills opiat . tussis . sputum sanguinis . decoction . astringent julep . pectoral iulep . for a quilted cap. powder to fume the head , &c. masticatory . note . plaster for the head. notes for div a46940-e11100 asthma . cause . progn . cure. . pectoral iulep . pleuritis . signs . peripnmonia . caus progn empiena . cure. cure. sudorifick . fomentation . ointment . plaster . pultis . balsam sulphur . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * compunctio . caution . tabes . causes . signs . progn . febris hectica . signs . liber 12. de marc . cap. 4. causes . progn . cure. powder . cause . progn . cure. iulep . purging pills . purging decoction . cordial iulep . syncope . signs . causes . progn . cure. decoction . purging pills . purging pills . cordial iulep . difference . symptomes . causes . lipiria febris . cause . hystory . progn . pars affecta . cure. cautio . purging decoction . volatile powder . cordial iulep . observation . causes . the cause of the return of the fit . quotidian . cure. cordial iulep . purging pills . powder . difference . calenture . signs . cause of malignity . signs . prog● cure. cordial sudorifick . cause . signs . progn . cure. cordial electuary . cordial iulep . signs . causes . progn . cure. cordial iulep . phlebotomy . water for the eyes . gargaris . nodulas . notes for div a46940-e18800 cause . signs . cure. iulep . emulsion . purging infusion . pica . malacia . cause . cause . cause . signs . progn . cure. nausea . cause . progn . cure. cordial opiat . purging decoction . diet-drink . cause . progn . cure. cordial opiat . purging pills . cause . progn . cure. ileos . choler . cholerica passio . hoemoptysis . cause of ileos . causes of the cholerick passion . causes of vomiting bloud . progn . cure. cordial opiate . cure of cholerick passion . vomit . cordial opiate . cure of bloudy vomiting . astringent iulep . carminative iulep . purging pills . cure of iliaca passio . clyster . emulsion . cholica passio . tenesmus signs . causes . cause of the colick . observation . tympany . progn . cure. iulep . emulsion . purging potion . cordial diaphoretick . cordial iulep . cure of the cholick . clyster . ointment . empl. carminative iulep . purging decoction . purging pills . teretes . taenia . ascarides . vermina . signs of teretes . signs of taenia . signs of ascarides . signs of vermina . progn . cure. purging pills . lienteria . coeliaca . diarrhoea . dysentery . tenasmus . hemorrhoids . causes . causes of lientery . cause of the iaundice-like flux . cause of the chyle-like flux . causes of the divers kinds of diarrhoea . cause of a dysentery . cause of tenasmus . cause of hemorrhoids , &c. signs . progn . cure. purging powder . cordial iulep . decoction . powder . astringent iulep . clyster 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