men only with this troublesom sense Hither also is refer'd the Sense of vehement and intollerable heat with which we have seen a Man troubled in his Jawes and Cheeks and a Woman also on the sides of her Tongue without any appearance even to the last very long for many years Which Sensation we may refer to the depraved sense of Feeling or if this happen the member being half stupid and nevertheless perceiving this trouble whence Archigenes called it a stupid pain not so unhansomly as he is reprehended for it by Galen we may at least refer it to the sense of Feeling impaired or hold it an Affect compounded of these Whither also we refer that troublesome sense which somtimes is wont to besall the Teeth in chewing which they call Haemodia Haemodia and count it a stupidity of the Teeth To which also seems due to be ascribed that sense of the highest pain which the Fingers being cooled even to a stupidity and suddenly again Heated reaching even to the roots of the Nails by reason of the praeceding stupidity yet because here happens a high and lasting Pain by reason of the sudden change and alteration we shal refer it to pains and there explain it The Causes The Cause almost of every true Stupidity lies in a Nerve which may be in every Nerve seeing every Nerve is endued with the sense of feeling and doth communicate the same to the part into which it is inserted with an influx of the animal spirit and communication of its own substance as we have taught in our Anatomical work the which being thus affected that communication is intercepted or wholly or in part impeded if this come to pass in a Nerve which being inserted into a Muscle together with the sense of feeling doth give it motion too it must needs be that both a Resolution and Stupidity do happen together as shall be said in a Palsey which when it comes to pass in a general Nerve affected and communicated to many parts there must needs follow also a more general hurt common to many Muscles An affect of the motary Nerve is the Cause of a stupidty hapning with a Palsie Resolution or without it and yet not only to them but also to the Skin and Membranes seeing from the Nerves of the Muscles branches carried to these parts also do bestow on them the sense of feeling but if it happen in some private Nerve carried to one part only then it must needs be that that only is hurt as this shal be more fully explained in the Resolution of Voluntary motion or a Palsey seeing this Function which is abolisht is the more excellent But from the forementioned affect of the same Nerve whether it be a general or particular one it may come to pass that Motion may languish or cease the sense of feeling remaining nevertheless either entire or at leastwise obtusely seeing for the exercise of motion there is required a greater firength of spirits than to feeling as also shal be explained in a Palsey Yet it may also come to pass that a Nerve being affected An affect of the sensitive Nerve is the Cause of stupidity without a resesolution there may only be a Stupidity motion still remaining in the part viz. if only a sensitive Nerve be affected which ends not in the Muscles but in the Skin or a Membrane or only in their other immovable bowels which eminent cutaneous Nerves we have shewed in the divisions of the great Nerves are only implicated in the Skin and Membranes and carried to the natural parts Nerves of the fixth and seventh conjugation do only communicate the sense of feeling to many of those parts which are not moved and other sensitive Nerves are carried from the motary Nerves inserted in the Muscles to those parts also which are not moved which sensitive Nerves or motary Nerves also being hurt but carried out of the Muscle then it happens that that part only becomes stupid into which they are inserted either altogether or in part according to the greatness of the hurt yet the cause of all which may be the same as that of a Resolution only differing in the diverse seat Also that Depraved sense of Formication so called The affects both of the motary and sensitive Nerves cause Formication with trouble in the parts may happen by reason of any Nerve whatsoever both Sensitive and Motary to wit then when the Animal spirit being retained a while in the stupid or palsied Member doth run back again into it with a certain force and violence the impediment being taken away for then about the extremity of the Member especially as about the Fingers whether the spirit is carried at the first violence or elsewhere also where it reacheth an itching and sense of pricking doth trouble them up and down the spirit every where pricking as it were and tickling the member so long til they being sufficiently flowed to it the part return to its ancient absolute sense of feeling the which also somtimes happens upon the strong percussion or smting of some sensible Nerve as on that which wound about the gibbous part of the elbow runs forth to the little and ring-finger which being violently forced by a fall these two fingers suffer that sense of Formication for a while til the Nerve which was comprest by the blow be dilated again and the spirit being sufficiently transmitted the which also may happen in other places in cutaneous Nerves As also a Nerve being filled with the Afflux of a cold humor The affect of a Nerve both motary and sensitive induceth a depraved sense of heat or cold the members which are affected do perceive a Sense of that Air or of Cold Water as we find with our Tongue the like cold air comes forth out of a hollow Tooth that is troubled with a cold defluxion The which hot Air or Water from the plenty and violence of a hot spirit which cannot pass a Nerve obstructed being there plentifully gathered together by its heat giving such a sense in like manner as was said of the Cold molests the member which it affects which as it may happen in all the Nerves that bring resolution also or stupidity so also it happens in them which from the sixth and seventh conjugation give motion and sense to the vital and natural parts it produceth about the Stomach and Gullet that heat we meet with as hath been said the Causes of which we shal more rightly explain in a Palsey seeing that doth either go before or accompany or follow these affects That the Cause of Stupidity may be in the Instrument of the sense of feeling An affect of the membranes skin producing stupidity without palsying to wit in the skin and Membranes seems very likely seeing their substance is made up of a Nerve dilated not when the native heat being wholly extinguished these parts die by a Gangrene but when they are stupid only so that
themselves and after they come to themselves they remember none of those things they have sufferd neither do they know that they have sufferd this evil unless they be told of it or suspect it by taking some signal from the marke of some hurt left behind as a Wound or Contusion All Motion also both voluntary which wholly depends on our power and that which is performed by help of Nature as breathing and evacuating and that of the Pulses which Nature alone performs continuing in all these Species distinguisheth the Epileptical from the Apoplectick and Syncopal in whom these motions do fail the Pulse only remaining in the Apoplectick The which notwithstanding being deprived in the Convulsive doth cause that they fal and use inordinate motions But they fall not by reason of a privation of the senses but because their whol Body at once and of a suddain is convelled so that unless they be forewarned by a Vertigo which is wont somtimes to go before it or being taught by Custome of the fit at a day or hour if it be wont to come at set times they have a care of themselves being seazed with it whiles they are upright they presently fall down like to the Apoplectick and those that fall into Swonings and as t is commonly said are free neither from Water nor fire but are in the greatest jeopardy by danger of the fall and if upon this account t is less danger for those who lying in their Bed by reason of some sickness cannot fall when the Convulsions come upon them yet they are more hazarded by the cruelty of the Disease So that every Epilepsie is horrible and abominable which the ancients therefore called the sacred Disease as sent by the Gods by way of punishment and others have Superstitiously imposed the Names of the Gods on it They also so stir their Body with inordinate motions That oftentimes t is all of a fire and the pulse becomes more swift and somtimes sweats break forth Wreathing and distorting their Back Neck Head Arms Feet into divers Figures and with them beating and shaking every thing in the way as the Bed Walls Ground bruising and wounding their own Limbs gnashing with their Teeth set and bitterly biting their Tongues if they be out rowling their Eyes about which being opened and very much drawn asunder as also the bending of the Face towards the hinder parts do usually give the first sign of the fit assailing which at length in the end of the fit lying as men wearied and astonisht they keep fixt and sterne til they come to themselves again Their breathing also is very unequal whenas somtimes they hold it for a while so that from the stopping of their breath and vehement striving they somtimes cast forth their ordure and Urine and seed to especiif it abound But at other times they fetch their Breath with difficulty and noise both when an Epilepsie of the Womb hath the said strangulation its companion and cause and when Flegm falling upon the Jawes and Nostrils hinders it and they bring forth a froth at the Mouth and Nose arising from Flegm confused and stirred there with the Air which happens not to the Apolectick and Strangulated unless they die saith Hippocrates and oftentimes they make a noise with crying out But these accidents which we have related as they come on a suddain so the fit ceasing they presently remit Yet somtimes certain relicks of them do remaine and the senses being yet weakned they cannot rightly understand Reason or remember any thing or an alienation of Minde coming upon it they do all things amiss and blaspheme or they break forth into a great Laughter perhaps that which Cicero calls Sardonian and that till a new fit return which is wont to attend these foretelling signs but before and after these fits some particular convulsions somtimes either went before or remain as a distortion of the Mouth a difficulty of swallowing or a spasme of some other parts as shall be explained in its place or that Spasme which they call Flatulent which somtimes also threatens Convulsions if it be by reason of the Nerves as shall be said as also that convulsive Palpitation which also caused from an affect of the Nerves doth oftentimes along while forego an Epilepsie and remain still in the Members after it and exercise it self or other Symptomes of motions do somtimes trouble them as with Gesticulations somtimes Dancings or some other disturbance of the Limbs and tremblings of them A Stupidity with Rigidness of Body is a rare and wonderful affect A Stupidity with rigidness is a Catalepsis which is called a Catoche or Catalepsis that is a laying hold off which they cal also a Congelation whenas they are as stiff as if they were frozen in which all the internal senses and external are suddainly abolisht but only the motion of the Body is depraved whenas they keep that form which the Body had before it was seazed on with this evil whether Lying Sitting or Going and being taken like a statue they cannot change it neither of their own accord nor by compulsion and with their Eyes open whence they have called it the watchful Stupidity yet blâ—hd and altogether speechless breathing in the interim not taken away or very much hindred nor the Pulse But it happens also in some A Stupidity with hearing remaining that though they lie rigid like a stock without motion and speech yet nevertheless they perceive those things which the standers by do speak off and can afterwards relate them which they have called Ecstatick But others remaining in the same state like to dead Men although they heard nothing A Stupidity with motion remaining nor saw not now being prickt fet nothing yet if any thing were put into their Mourh they swallowed it and being lift up do stand being forced do walk and keep their Members fixt in that posture as they are bent for them In a certain Woman thus taken only the Belly and Breast were very much moved all the rest of the Body being stupid The Causes In all the foremention'd kinds of Sleep and Stupidity with Languishing Convulsion or Rigor it must needs be that the Brain is affected whenas all motion and sense proceed from that Neither here as they would have it are the Functions diversely weakend as the former middle or hinder Ventricles of the Brain are hurt nor as the Brain is affected before or behind whenas the substance of the Brain doth on every part perform its Functions but as it is more or less hurt it looseth more or fewer Functions For if the hurt be great so affecting the Brain that all the senses be abolisht then it must needs be that motion also doth cease other Functions in the interim remaining which the Brain is not the cause of as the Pulse which the Heart yeids and whenas the motion of breathing is partly Natural partly Voluntary and therefore doth proceed from the Or-Organs
of both motions both the Midrif and Lungs t is no wonder that that also if the Brain be very much hurt so that all Voluntary motion do cease as it comes to pass in the Apoplectical the Midrif or Muscles of the Breast then contributing nothing to Motion but the Lungs only after a sort moving themselves stil and whils they are dilated and filled with Air which they do by their prover Natural motion a little lifting up the Breast do a little while Persevere but very much hinderd and difficult so that unless that hurt of the Brain do speedily cease the Patient must needs be choaked breathing being wholly taken away but when voluntary motion is not wholly taken away with the senses that then respiration doth remain still more free But if the Brain be affected with a less affect compared to the former by which the senses are only opprest as in a sleepiness or gentle Stupidity then motion though it do rest a little by reason of Sleep and Consternation yet nevertheless it doth persevere or if this come to pass only by reason of the spirits of the Brain only extravagant as shall be said in a Convulsion and Catalepsis that motion doth also continue and they sooner return to themselves as shall be explained how this comes to pass in the Particular causes from which these proceed But the causes of all Consternation of Minde that happen are either some offect so hurting the Brain which gives Sense and Motion by it self or by consent that these its Functions do more or less fail as are Distemper Repletion from a flegmatick or sanguine Humor some eminent hurt a Tumor a distemper of the Brain proceeding from a Vapor or Malignant quality or a defect of the Animal spirits of the Brain of all which causes and their effects we will now treat in Particular A cold Distemper only without matter altering the Brain A cold Distemper the Cause of Stupidity a Moist of immoderate Sleep because it is wont to hurt the Functions may make it Stupid And if it be Moist too which is seldom without matter it may also cause Immoderate Sleep as somtimes by Reason of Age or the continuance of a Disease a distemper left in the Brain doth make men perpetually Prone to Sleep or as it was said in the Weakness of the Minde more dul which we have taught doth happen rather by reason of Weakness then Coldness Or induced by other causes especially from the cold external Air the North Wind blowing outwardly cooling the Head or by the Pores percing to the Brain it may cause a great Stupidity They write also that a watchful Stupidity or Catalepsis may arise from a Cold and dry distemper congealing the Spirits but whenas the Spirits cannot be congealed or if they could be then a greater Stupidity would follow we cannot at all allow of this That Convulsions are somtimes caused from Dryness which they call Inanition is a common opinion which doth not happen in this Convulsion but in a Particular one as we shall there explaine Flegm is very often the cause of Sleep and Supidity under which Name we comprehend all the Watery Cold and Moist Excrements of the Brain which immoderately heaped up within the Skul as the Brain doth ever and a non heap up such things from Flegmatick blood varried up to it and the weakness of the part if it be supprest and flow not forth through the passages appointed for it then if it perfuse the substance of the Brain with a large humor and cool it it causeth a Carus Or if by its long impulse it so moisten the same that that great bulk of the Brain becoming more soft and lax do suddainly flow abroad and sink and press the original of the Nerves at the basis of the Skul proceeding from the Brain and stop the passage of the Animal spirit it procures a grievous Apoplexy As when Flegm doth suddainly fill the Ventricles or Cavities of the Brain not by obstructing whenas the Animal Spirit is not seated in them but every where in the substance of the Brain and Nerves neither doth it pass through the Ventricles but after the same manner by oppressing the basis of the Brain it may also induce an Apoplexy the which notwithstanding if the humor descending from them do follow the course of the Nerves may end in a Palsie That all these things are thus in a Carus and Apoplexy we have learnt from the dead because this humor hath somtimes flown from their mouths in a plentiful manner And we have observed also by diligent dissection that the thick Membrane of the Brain open'd in some abundance of Humor hath presently lept forth by the Region of the Head and descended even to the Breast and the very substance of the Brain in a certain old Woman which died of an Apoplexy dissolved like to Cream after the same manner hath run all over her Face But we know that these affects proceeded from the Cause by the precedent constitution of the Body especially in old Age which is Obnoxious to this evil and from a cold constitution of the season and Air and because they have first complained of a heaviness in the Head and a weight with slaggishness darkness of the sight and also of a want of that accustomary voiding of Flegm by the Nose and Mouth and because in the dead of an Apoplexy especially oft times a great quantity of Flegm flows forth by the said passages From the same Flegmatick Humor obstructing the passages of the Brain many have written that as an Apoplexy so also an Epilepsie may be caused and therefore as in that so in this that all the senses are abolisht but do presently return again because the Brain by concussion doth speedily shake it of and then that motion with the senses doth no way cease here as is an Apoplexy because the Ventricles are not altogether but only in part obstructed or as others will have it the former only are obstructed the hindermost being unhurt so that a portion of the Spirits may nevertheless pass by to the Nerves Which though it may be condemned for many things yet let it suffice to have brought this especially to destroy this opinion viz. that if a sufficient quantity of the Animal Spirits did not descend the Functions of the Brain would rather follow to be impared in sense and motion then partly abolisht partly depraved and that if Flegm were the cause and that suddainly shaken of from the Brain did flow down it would induce that Palsie which is wont to follow an Apoplexy for the same Reason They teach that Flegm putrifying in the Brain doth Cause a Lethargie and a Feaver its companion is kindled from thence but whenas we have shewed in Feavers that from the Putrefaction of Flegm especially in the Head that a Feaver can in no wise be kindled and we find no reason how the same Flegmatick Humor being putrified by its coldness
stumors doth cause rather a Phrensie and Convulsions than a Lethargy A Vapor carried up to the Brain A Vapor the cause of fleep or heaped up there may be the cause of immoderate sleep caused by consent if it be carried thither plentiful and steeming do oppress the spirits or being crude it do so moisten the brasn that it becomes languid to perform its actions Such a one is raised from plenty of Meat or drink or from that which is vaporous or more moist which if they be more moderate procure that sleep which is wontâ—o molest men after dinner or supper especially if they drink Wine as 't is usually the custom which we shal by and by shew hath certain narcotick vertue and the constitution of the brain be moist as it is in old folks which propension to sleep is customary after meat the rest of the body also doth very much further which after labour whiles they take their repast is compleated by sitting stil and so much the more also inviting the mind to rest by sleep by how much they are longer at dinner or supper and if the heat of a South Sun be joyned or of the Country or place as of a hot-house it helps somwhat both because heat cals the vapors upwards and because recreating the wearied bodies and more aptly disposing them to quiet it causeth that the mind also is inclined to rest But immoderate Sleep also may be caused from the immoderate use of meat and drink or certain nourishments not dulling the brain by a stupefactive quality but filling of it with many vapors which is known by this if after carrousing though not to drunkenness of which hereafter or after the use of certain meats they suffer thus and afterwards come to themselves Vapors raised up and and down the body from humors and vaporus and moist excrements are somtimes wont to beget sleep A Vapor the cause of deep sleep If they be gathered together in the Stomach or Womb whence many other diseases of the brain caused by consent do proceed and somtimes also they induce immoderate sleep if the brain be troubled with those vapors which is easily known by the affects of those parts that it proceeds from thence from Worms putrifying in the Guts such evaporations sent to the head do often cause sleep especially in Infants and by the signs of Worms 't is shewn from whence it proceeds although this sleep is commonly promoted by reason of a Fever accompanying The matter intermitting Feavers putrifyfying in the mesaraick Veins as the most capacious receptacle of humors corrupting for a light cause by reason of the neerness of the Guts A Vapor the cause of a Carus and Lethargie in Fevers and the most dangerous fuel of many diseases being attenuated by heat and carried plentifully up to the head cespecially at the first invasion breeds this Sleep hapning in some Tertians and Quartans at the beginning of the fit while coldness yet possesseth them and the body is not yet through hot and somtimes it lasteth to the end of the fit And also in continual Fevers I have often observed that the Brain weaken'd with a long continued and grievous pain foregoing in the vigor or after it being struck with a Carus following hath brought the Patient into a great deal of danger The which also if it happen in the beginning of continual Fevers and by and by by reason of too much evaporation this principal part the brain especially by some means disposed to a Carus be so weakened that a heavy sleep do follow it wil be that Lethargie which is coupled with a continual Fever and presently after invades with it no otherwise differing from that other Carus which happens in the declination of Fevers which is also dangerous but in this that it presently begins with the Fever Many assert that from evaporations from the Stomach Womb and the rest of the body assailing the brain an Epilepsy by consent is caused as also some have written that some species of a Catalepsis doth proceed from Melancholly vapors and how it is done they variously assign whenas some of them think it is done by filling up the Ventricles of the brain or affecting it some other way or by irritation the which notwithstanding how it comes to pass by reason of the nervous kind affected we shal by and by explain Somtimes an occult quality by an unknown propriety is wont to be the cause of Sleep and Stupidity of which kind is the narcotick vertue which acts not by coldness as hath hitherto been beleeved but by that propriety by which it lulls asleep the senses and by such medicines taken and entring into the body although by their smell also they may offend somwhat A Narcotick vertue is the cause of sleep and stupidity but being only applied they scarce work so far as to induce a Stupidity if they be gentler they cause a sleep not natural but as it were artificialâ— but if it work more powerfully stronger things being given it makes them so stupid that like to the Apoplectical they lie without sense and motion and unless they come to themselves they are choaked for want of breath as we have often found hath hapen'd from the juyce of Poppy and other things upon which account their use is very dangerous and also from the immoderate use of Wine not by reason of the evaporations as some have thought but by reason of its narcotick vertue immederate sleep and stupidity also do follow in Drunkards which makes them no less astonisht than if they had taken Opium and often kils them as it happens also from the Liquor extracted from Wine which they call the Spirit of Wine and by so much the more powerful as its force is reduced and collected into a narrower compass by the drinking of which we have seen killed some Infants that drink of it by chance and some of riper age lying astonisht Some venemous things do cause the same effects by a hidden vertue A poysenous quality is the cause of sleep and stupidity being outwardly infer'd by a stroke of certain Beasts as from the biting of the Asp a deadly sleep follows as Plutarch writes in the death of Cleopatra which kind of malignant vertue may be raised also in the body from the humors degenerating into a poysonous quality in malignant and pestilent Fevers by whose evaporations the brain infected may be opprest with a heavy sleep and Lethargie which happens also in an Epilepsie proceeding from thence towards the end of the fit that they are longer opprest than with sleep or stupidness not so much by reason of the brain tired by too much stirring as because these malignant vapors which before did cause those Epileptical motions by affecting the nervous parts as shal be said by and by afterwards weakning the brain do induce a sleep or stupidness for a while til these vapors are discust and the fit be ended which also may
remit as also in other hurts of this principal part we see there succeeds long continued and lasting symptoms as you see in an Apoplexy and those affects which hapning to the Nerves do cause Convulsions as a Puncture Inflamation if they were in the Brain would not cause them but an Apoplexy and Phrensie although the Brain thus molested by consent also if the cause offending be great and follow continually not only irritating the Brain it self but also by its vehemency and frequency so hurting it that it contract also its proper disease then the contention of Convulsions lasts almost continually neither do the sick exactly come any more to themselves or the fit wholly cease till the Patient be quite dead Yet it may be also that from the same Cause as we shall by and by speak of that which is Poysenous both the Nervous kind and the Brain hurt together Convulsions may happen coupled together with other hurts of the Minde But that we may find out this part which is first affected and with which the Brain condoles if we consider the Symptoms viz. the inordinate motion and privation of senses that must be it which hath so great consent with the Muscles exercising voluntary motion and with the Brain communicating senses that that being hurt the Muscles are forced and the Brain ceaseth a while from its Function which we say is that Nervous kind because it proceeds from the Brain and ends in the Muscles under which Name we understand all the Nerves of the whol Body both within and without the Skul especially those endued with the sense of feeling and the Nervous parts which are compounded of them which are of most exquisite sense the which being so hurt that the Functions of the Brain are abolisht by sympathy and those of the Muscles augmented it must needs be that Convulsions follow which how it comes to pass we will Explain The offence of the Nervous kind not that which weakens its Functions but that which by bringing trouble to it doth rather stir up its faculty if it be caused either in one place or more a Nerve or Nervous part is affected and if the offense be great then the whol nervous kind rising up whiles it endeavors to shake off that with which t is offended doth together exagitate the Brain from whence it proceeds and draws it into consent so that that also feeling these affects of the Nerves whiles it endeavors to help them to expell the trouble driving the animall Spirits from it self into the beginning of the Nerves t is a while left destitute of its Functions no otherwise then we observe somtimes in a Syncope that the Heart without any proper affect of its own the Spirits wandring for some other cause doth cease from its Function til they return again In which effusion of the Spirits into the Nerves it happens that the motive Power doth continue in them not only as was declared formerly by also by reason of the plenty of Spirits of the Nerves the Muscles also are stirred up to exercise Motion but cheifly that inordinate and violent Motion in the beginning of Epileptical Fits is performed for this cause that whiles the nervous kind doth endeavour to expell this Offense it is contracted into it self and then again dilated and it forceth the Muscles of the whol Body into whose beginnings the Nerves are inserted by consecution to commit those inordinate Motions by pulling or drawing and then remitting them and that so long till the hurtfull Matter is expel'd from them or by reason of dejection of strength and as it were weariness when they can no longer exercise Motion yet notwithstanding they retain their Limbes convulsed or artracted stiff and fixt for a while till at last they come wholly to themselves The which happens in a Catalepsie presently at the beginning no agitation of the Body foregoing perhaps because in that there is not so great an effusion of spirits into the nerves whenas in that somtimes some senses do yet remain and there is a less irritation of the Nerves whence it may be accounted a certain lighter sort of Epilepsie yet very seldom happning otherwise proceeding from the same cause which breeds an Epilepsie but which either doth less affect the nervous kind by irritation or else hath that propriety that it produces that stupidity or rigidness of the Members rather then Convulsions But that these causes of offense to the Nervous kind from whence an Epilepsie often proceds a Catalepsis more seldom are diverse and frequent it is no wonder whenas the Nerves by reason of their most exquisite sense are not only unable to endure great troubles or pains but also are so easily offended by the slightest that they cannot suffer the touch of a Body on which account whiles they are carried in the body Nature hath provided for them that they touch not the bones neither are they joyned to any other parts besides those into which they are inserted from which notwithstanding they are not exasperated by divers incursions unless they be great and violent so that they be convulsed of which sort are those which may happen to them from a wound irritation or infection either acting singly or more of them together That a Convulsion may be caused from a Wound made either in a Nerve or nervous part such cases frequently hapning do sufficiently declare yet not from every wound of a Nerve but only from that almost by which a Nerve is hurt by pricking Convulsions are wont to follow its function being there stirred up by reason of the offence which if the Nerve be wholly cut in two is rather abolisht for which reason also if we cut off a Nerve convulsed we cure the Convulsion caused in it but this molestation of the Nerve proceeding from the solution of its continuity is yet more increased by an Inflammation or putrefaction from the corruption retained in the narrow hole of the Puncture of the Nerve and by the great pain from thence which for the most part do attend this affect or if the Wound happen from Iron of its own Nature an enemy to the Nerves commonly by reason of its Rust or because t is infected or a bite or blow of a poysenous Beast But also a nervous part being wounded especially in that place where the Nerves go under it and constitute the greater part of it as the Bladder being hurt at the Neck the Muscles about their beginnings either by chance or whiles the Chirurgion and lithotomist attempt a Section of the Body most commonly dangerous Convulsions succeed which a difficulty of swallowing going before which the Chirurgions so greatly fear calling of it as was said before a spasme of the Stomach is wont most commonly to foretell An irritation of the nervous Kind if it be vehement may also cause Convulsions the which proceeds either from the cause which because it torments the Nerves with grievous pain maketh Convulsions by accident or the
the throat with our finger a feather to vomiting of all which whenas they do at once revel and derive the cause we have already spoken formerly The weakness is not so urgent that there is due to this any other restauration of strength then to other Diseases by course of Diet or Cordial Medicines amongst which notwithstanding External things which are wont to be applied to the Region of the Heart and Pulses challenge the first place when as before they come to themselves they scarcely take any thing and if the Disease be of long continuance they must be restored with an efficacious course of Diet and other means Chap. 3. Of an Alienation of the Mind The Kinds AN Alienation or error of the Minde is called a Paraphrosyne when they feigne judg and remember those things which are not as if they were or those things which are unlikly and besides reason and that either together or a part whether this be done only by Cogitation or they express the same by words and deeds This for the most part coming from inbred Causes is a certain innate foolishness otherwise proceeding from external causes if from things taken t is called Temulency if it arise from some vehement affect it shall be called a commotion of the Mind but somtimes depending upon internal causes it is desipiency which happening either without a Feaver accompanying it is Melancholly or with fury is Mania or Madness or coupled with a Feaver t is called a Phrensie all whose accidents we shall explain singly Foolishness although it be not ascribed to children only when they are yet destitute of Judgment Foolishness and old Folks who are said to be twice Children the which notwithstanding is rather a weakness of Minde in them then a depravation but also to every Age and all men upon that account that all their humane actions seem to be foolish as Erasmus in his Moria Brandus in navi Stultorum have elegantly shewed it in all states of men yet t is properly said of them who being borne truly Fools and Silly do presently even in their very infancy give signs of folly by gesticulations besides the custome of other Infants and do not easily obey are blockish so that oftentimes they learne not to speak much less to performe other Duties in which any industry is required which in some Countries is a common evil as they write of Egypt and at Bremis a Village off Valesia as I my self have seen and in the Valley of Carinthia it is wont to befal many Infants which besides an inbred foolishness somtimes with an unshapen head a great and swel'd Tongue being dumb oftentimes with a strumous Throat do shew a deformed sight and setting in the waies and looking upon the Sun and putting little sticks between the spaces of their Fingers and variously wreathing their Bodies with an open Mouth they move Laughter and admiration to those that pass by But others on whom some mark of folly was first imprinted from their birth or afterwards although they rightly perform all other actions of their life and in some things are able to do singularly well beyond others and are strong in wit and excel in some Art as of Painting Engraving Building Musick and others yet betray their Folly by these things that they willingly hear themselves praised that they tell and act ridiculous things for which thing great men are delighted with their company whom also by reason of the divers Phantasms that present themselves to them they call Phantastical But others yet more fools with divers Trifles gestures and jests as 't is said do thrust forth their Asses Ears some of which have in them vices not acceptable to all and those oftentimes grievous ones which according to the variety of their natures they bring forth somtimes in Anger somtimes in Fury somtimes in Sadness somtimes in other things all which it were superfluous to express Temulenlency or Drunkenness proceeding from Wine and certain other things Temulency as shall be said in the Causes and not yet going so far as to cause sleepiness and stupidity of which we have already spoken but going beyond the bounds of Mirth in which Wine moderately doth cheer the heart of man making them mad according to the diversity of natures as afore was said also of fools doth discover divers effects of Temulency and Drunkenness whenas some Drunkards are rather like to fools in their profuse and immoderate laughter laying open their folly by their laughing and cackling whence is the Proverb By much laughing you may know a Fool also by prating Singing laughing kissing loving but others do rather express the manners of mad folks by Clamors Anger Blows Biting Others are sad like melancholly men Weep talk much of Religion and Death which desipiency of theirs for the most part sleep or stupidity following as was explained there it doth so far alay it til rouzed up they return to themselves again being oftentimes forgetful of the madness that went before and some time after being troubled with a pain and heaviness in the Head they do pennance for their Folly A vehement or lasting commotion of the mind The Commotion of the mind arising from som affect of it as shal be said in the Causes is likewise a species of alination of mind so much depraving it that that it either acts or thinks many things estranged from reason as is that foolish too much Joy with which being puft up they speak many and strange things childishly and undertake them vaporing and in laughing do cry for joy as the Comaedian saith Also that short madness in which the Anger-strucken do swear and are carried headlong fearing no dangers that they may be able to revenge themselves and then that melancholy conceived out of sadness and fear which oftentimes is wont to degenerate into a true and lasting one as shal appear in the Causes and hitherto also ought to be refer'd the pertinacious Phansio of them who are opprest with great Love springing from a corrupt judgment imagination Love is a Species of commotion of mind which doth so change men that as he saith you cannot know them to be the same which doth not only make men mad but women also young men and old folks which sort of madness they call by the name of Heroical because 't is wont to happen to Heroes or rich men but very inconsiderately whenas the poorest cannot scape Cupids darts this conturbation of the mind is a certatn affection compounded of all the other passions of the mind whenas somtimes the effects of joy shine forth in it somtimes of Sadness somtimes of Anger and nothing is more unconstant than Lovers who that they may enjoy their love become so thoughtfull that they neglect things necessary for the body as to take meat to sleep or other duties who omitting weighty and serious businesses or following them slowly spend their time rather in Neatness Musick and other things which may
the Symptoms also of a continual Feaver do concur more vehement or gentler also as the feaverish heat offers it self greater or more pleasing as are by Reason of the heat of the heart a swift pulse quick breathing and somtimes drawn with sighs by long intervals faintings away and by reason of the Natural parts enflamed thirst driness of the Tongue but especially by reason of the Brain over heated besides a Delirium Watchings Dreams Suffusions Vertigoes which if the Brain be more vehemently inflamed do present themselves more and more grievous as shall be said in the Causes The Causes The Cause of every Alienation of Mind is one Preternatural proceeding from an evil Spirit the other Natural a certain affect so affecting the Brain the seat of Reason by it self if the Cause lie hid in that or by consent if it be else where that the Functions of the Mind are rather depraved then impaired but there is somtimes aquality working by an occult propriety which doth it the which seeing we are not able to explain from the effect we will call one the drunken vertue the other the poysonous but otherwise it will be some Disease to wit a certain distemper of the Brain of which sort is that abstruse and unknown one whose high efficacy is sufficiently known by this that it vehemently disturbs the Mind but seeing that makes an evil of long continuance and yet in the interim the sick do no waies lie by it when nevertheless other manifest distempers of the Brain if they continue long are very dangerous for hurting the Brain certainly it is very difficult to be explained which we do certainly find that this comes to pass by reason of the Spirits of the Bain which are every where implanted in it and connate and bound up to the substance of it do call a to great Agitation and Confusion of the Spirits of the Brain and the other Species we would rather call a perturbation of them or a mixture of them with a strange matter then feigne such a distemper which cannot cause that as they write of the cold one but a manifest distemper of the Brain also inducing a dangerous Disease may likewise cause it of which sort is a vehement hot one especially if it be joyned with a Tumor and also a fault in conformation also some speck or putrefaction found in the Brain all which how they do Alienate the Mind we shall express in order An Evil Spirit the Devil because he is the enemy of mankind An Evil Spirit the Cause of those possessed doth not only continually infest the Mind the most ezcellent and as it were the divine Function of Man and so trouble them that acting many things evilly against the divine Law he leads them into sin but also exagitating bewitching with his Arts doth oftentimes induce a grievous Melancholy or a Diabolical Madness or altogether entring the Body makes them called the possessed and Daemeniacal the which to dispute or enquire how it is done is not our intent although Matthiolus that he might refer all these kind of Madnesses to black Choler affirms that the Cacodaemons do this by Mediation of that Humor in which he saith they have their residence this surely is certain that there were such also in old time as divers Histories Sacred and Prophane do testifie as also we can no waies deny but that they may be found in our Age too The Drunken Disposition so called because it assailes the Head The Temulent quality caused by Drunkenness arising from the propriety of certain things produceth an Alienation of the Mind which they call Drunkenness or Temulency this proceeds from those things which according to the diversity of Natures and as they are used can induce Sleep and Stupidity and for that reason also are called Narcoticks Some of which taken inward do it as Wine more commonly then the rest because it is ordinary Drink which causeth this species of Temulency called Drunkenness if it be drank too immoderate or strongly yet not so far as to cause a perfect stupidity and that for this cause because by its propriety it lightly obscuring the Senses whence is the beginning of Stupidity amongst which the memory for the most part is wont first to fail by producing a certain oblivion of griefes and labours it brings a foolish joy and that effusion which happens with reason from Wine yet moderately taken its heat moreover helping by which at once heating and inflaming the spirits it doth to much exagitate the actions which happens more powerfully from distilled Wine because its concenterd Vertue and heat is greater upon which account Country Fellows are wont to drink it in the morning that afterwards they may be more chearful to perform their services This also the Juyces of some other Plants will do if those Plants be eaten or their Juyce prest forth be given or extracted by Decoction as are Hops from which Beer takes its Vertue of foxing and flies if they drink of it do dye taken with stupidity Hemp also whose Pouder if it be given with Wine doth fox the sooner the seed of Darnel and Gith perhaps the false Nigella in Bread which faults of Corn if they abound the Bread made of these makes Men sleepy and by continual use hurts many every where the which notwithstanding they do not observe and such is that Plant or rather the seed of it a sort of Millet called Avate of which the Indians make an intoxicating Drink called Caou-in but also other Narcoticks may do it especially if they be used mixt with things very hot both Vertues then acting as was said even now of Wine as if Henbane seed be boiled in Beer as some are wont to do it foxeth sooner and vehemently if the Bark of Mandrake be boiled in Wine till it look red if Opium be drank with the strongest wine as Bellonius relates Turks do drink without any harm Opium half a dram with Wine when they go forth to battel that being more bold and furious they may less fear danger as also Dioscorides writes that Hemlock taken with Wine doth work more effectual and kill the sooner yet all which as we have said formerly of wine do more or less make mad according to the variety of Temperaments as also I have observed that a weakness of the Brain may be the cause that they are sooner affected in him who by reason of a fall had a peice of his Skull taken out and therefore was quickly drunk Some things applied to the Head can do the same as Rondeletius witnesseth bringing an Example of him who whenas he had applied Henbane leaves to his Head to procure sleep became mad By Inspiration also drawing in the fume of Henbane of Peru which they cal Petum or Tobacco sucking it through their mouthand Nose or as the English call it drinking it who for the voiding of Flegm and also to induce Mirth do highly esteem the accustomary use of it that men
these instruments of sense either feel nothing or obtusely the which Fernelius hath writ hath somtimes hapned in the skin of the whol body as hath bin already said from Drunkenness in which case if Wine did not do this by its Narcotick vertue because it caused a general stupidity as hath been said in a Consternation of mind certainly it s Narctick faculty did manifest it self only in abolishing the sense of the Skin the which notwithstanding could scarce be done by Wine or other Narcoticks but also the vertue of the brain and Nerves must be dulied too and therefore after the Drunkenness was over perhaps by reason of the external coldness of the Air in which Drunkards oftentimes lie astonisht it might befall this Drunkard also his skin being thus stupified seeing the cold from without being a long while received perhaps may sometimes cause such a stupidity in some part of the skin which endured this cold for otherwise this can scarce happen from an internal cause bur how it hath hitherto been beleeved that the insensible and stupid skin of the Elephantiacal is rendred so from some internal cause and Disease of the skin that being prickt it feels not and upon what account that is true we shal declare in the Elephantiasis Neither could I ever find that by an external Narcotick applied to the skin that could be rendred stupid or free from pain that I might know somwhat certain I have applied a Mass of Opium mollified to a Gouty part full of pain but without any profit but what they write for truth that this may be done from the touch of a Torpedo not only taken in the hand but also if it be toucht with a Fishers Rod it wil stupifie his hand I seeing I observed no such thing at Moâ—tpelior where they handle and eat Torpedoes dare not affirm it for truth wherefore we say this disease is rare and which can scarce happen that the skin only became insensible the member which it covers not being stupid too by reason of the Nerve affected unless perhaps occasion be given when by reason of an impediment that the Skin being more thick and hard then that it can perceive the true feeling of any thing exactly we would call it the cause of that Stupidity the which notwithstanding is no waies a true Stupidity The Membranes also being Intrinsecally affected and Nerves not hurt too a Stupidity can scarce happen for their sake only And neither is that Stupidity which befals the Teeth or rather that trouble when the teeth are an edge from the Teeth alone An affect of the Nerves about the Teeth causeth a Haemodia because they are distitute of the sense of feeling as other Bones but that the Teeth are too much exasperated and refrigerated by the eating of acid and cold things which both by their thinness and coldness are enemies to the Teeth and Nerves that happens from the continuation of the Nerves and the sensible Membrane with their roots by which it comes to pass that the Tooth it self seems to feel The like Distemper may be imprest by contact on that part where the Teeth touch and so their feeling being changed as when the Teeth being prest in chewing they press them as swelling up thence ariseth that trouble some sense which they call the Teeth an edge The Cure The Cure of a Stupidity because it hath joyned with it other The Cure of a Stupidity from what cause soever and for the most part grievous Symptomes which proceed from the same cause it shall rather be explained in them that we need not repeat the same cure twice as if it be by fault of the Nerves as we have said that all Stupidity happens by reason of them and there be a resolution also the same cure is due to them both as shall be explained in a Palsie or though that be not yet present but only a Stupidity possesseth the part yet because it proceeds from the same cause as a Palsie doth whence they call Stupidity a Diminute or imperfect Palsey with the same labor the Cure of it also will be described there The sum of which Cure is this That if it be from a Humor it be emptied if from blood by the taking away of Blood by Revulsion and Derivation if from flegm or other Excrementitious Hnmors by purging it out with general and particular Purgers if from any other external cause by removing of that in the first place also by refreshing and strengthning the Nerves with things that alter Then that we Allure and Attract the Animal Spirit to the stupid part which is destitute of it by things that do it actually and potentially the which shall be explained in a Palsie and Atrophy because they attract the blood also amongst which these are chiesly used in the Cure of a Stupid Member By Friction of the Stupid part with the Hand applying also warm clothes by Application of Cupping-glasses with much Flame by Pication also often repeated and by other things that cause pain we allure the Spirits Also rubefying Sinapismes are used applyed to the â—ffected part anointings with divers hot Oyls amongst which that is chiefly commended in which Nettle-seed hath been boyled also Time Rue and other things appropriate to the Nerves are commended and other Oyntments which we are wont to use in an Atrophy we use here also Fomentations and Baths of warm water first a little warm by and by hotter are convenient increasing the heat by degrees to which we add somtimes Wine and Lie and oftentimes we boyle in it Time Rue Sage Chamomel and hot Seeds A Cataplasm of Pigeons dung Goose dung adding Bay-berries is approved of also with Oyls and Fat 's and hot Herbs The treading of Grapes if the Feet be stupid or if the stupid Member be thrust into a heap of fresh Grapes whiles they are hot or be dipt in new Wine are accounted for singular remedies in turning away the Stupidity Also the which forementioned Topick Remedies applied to the whol Body may do good if the Stupidity come from a too great refrigeration of the Skin and the Nerves lying under it And if a depraved or impaired sense of feeling arise in the said Formication or with a sense of that Air or Water The Cure of Formication and the false sense of heat and cold because here also is some Stupidity it shall be cured after the same manner But if in the same sense depraved the pain doth exceed the Stupidity as in the Stupidity of the Teeth The Cure of a Haemodia Tobe explained in the pain of the Teeth as also of the pain about the Nailes which they call Haemodia or in the pain of the fingers reaching unto the Nailes as hath been said the Cure shall be more rightly explained in the pains of those parts which are afflicted CHAP. VI. Of the hurt of Tasting The Kinds THe Tasting faileth because the Gustatory instrument doth not perceive at all
to be explained in the exiccation of the Muscles A vehement and lasting pression of a Member The Compression of a Nerve is the cause of a Palsie caused by a heavy burden or some other force especially in that place where the Nerves are greater or lie bare under the skin first of all the spirits being repulsed hindred and running up and down induceth the sense of Tingling in a stupidity by and by an abolition of motion and at length a perfect stupidity in the part into which the compressed Nerve is inserted this often comes to pass when at rest especially in the time of sleep one part lying long upon another as the body on the Arm one Foot on the other and pressing the same it renders the part immoveable and insensible and as they call it asleep but if that this compression be suddenly caused with a strong blow of a Nerve then there is only felt some stupidity yet mixt with pain and a sense of Tingling as this is often wont to fall out by chance in the stricking of the Elbow there where the Nerve lies almost bare and in the Ring-finger and little finger In vehement Ligatures of the Members chiefly if a Nerve be contained in the bandage the motion and sense of Feeling of the part do cease as also the recurrent Nerves being bound we shal shew that the Voice doth perish by and by in the defect of Speech The Vertebraes being luxated and the Bones of other Joynts if the neighboring Nerves be there prest a Palsie followeth the which yet can scarce be done because they easily give way as also other discommodities do ensue as in the luxations of the Vertebrae of the Neck Impediments of Breathing and Swallowing as we shal explain in their hurts but in the other Vertebrae of the back unless there be so great a luxation as doth vehemently press the spinal Marrow there is no Palsie caused as we see some Gibbus in whom many Vertebrae luxated do cause a crookedness of the Back which the marrow that is within it doth follow without a compression that they are yet no waies Palsied unless by chance one or two Vertebrae being vehemently forced forth making an acute Angle in the Back do press it the which scarce can be by reason of the firmness of the Back A Nerve being cut off by a Wound The hurt of a Nerve is the cause of a Palsie because then this continuation with the part is wholly taken away the Member becomes Palsied and Insensible also unless it receive sense from other Nerves that are yet unhurt the which also a Contusion of it doth often cause the Nerve being so hurt and filled with blood that it becomes unprofitable whence the spinal Marrow being so affected by a fall there oftentimes follows a general Palsie but at other times the Nerves being Contused elswhere a particular Resolution oftentimes also after a Contusion a Callus being left being left behind it that happens as hath been said Also from the Nerves affected Convulsions The cause of a particular Spasm is in the Nerves or particular Crampings of the Members may be caused not being filled with flegm as they would have it and have written that from the same humor sliding into the Nerves divers Diseases may be produced and that both a Palsie and Spasm may be caused but being irritated and molested from the same causes as hath been explained in an Epilepsie yet not being so grievosly hurt as to draw the Brain into consent for a general Convulsion or Epilepsie would be caused as this somtimes follows this particular Spasm especially if the greater Nerves be affected and the hurt be grievous in which particular Spasm also as in a Palsie according as more general or private Nerves are affected as there happens a Palsie so here a Convulsion of more or fewer parts and the parts of the Back being affected it manifests its self here in the inordinate Motions of the Back Arms and Hands which doth either very much Convel and Attract these Members in that called a true Spasm of them or only lightly draweth the Fingers Hands Armes or other Members and relaxeth them again in a Convulsive Palpitation therefore so called because it threatens true Convulsions Also the Conjugations or pares of Nerves being molested it often causeth that diseased crookedness and distorsion of the Mouth which they call a Dog-like Spasm or also that light Species of a Spasm which happens unvoluntarily to those that Cry and Laugh and that from a too great affection of the Mind the Spirits being poured forth thither with the Tears and forcing the Nerves as how this comes to pass and that from this cause only more grievous Convulsions do arise hath been explained in the causes of an Epilepsie and Catalepsie although these also generated from other things do produce not only that Spasm raised in the Mouth by the affections of the Mind and ceasing by and by as they remit but also a lasting and dangerous one such as that Sardonius Laughter was described by Cicero that killed folkes the which also being Supervenient in a general Convulsion together with other things is accounted for the worst sign and oftentimes when the Paroxysm is off it remaines stil by reason of an Alienation of the Mind as was said in an Epilepsie and also this Particular Convulsion presents it self not only in the foremention'd hurts of Motions but also in others and in the Motions of Breathing and Excrements if the Nerves destined for them be affected amongst which that difficulty of swallowing which the Chyrurgions cal the Stomach Spasm and which they so much fear in wounded People is wont to be very frequent as these shal be explained more rightly in their proper places A Muscle seeing it is the instrument of voluntary Motion In the Muscles or their Tendons is the cause of a Palsie a windy Spasm and other Species of Immobility which moves the Member if it be so affected that it can no more attract the Member then there is a resolution or Palsie or if its Disease be such that the Member be drawn against our will then there follows not a Convulsion of it properly called which we have said was only caused by reason of the Nerves but either a Convulsion improperly called viz. a Flatulent Cramp or that called by us a lasting and strong contraction of the Member which certainly a Nerve so smal a chord if it be compared with so heavy a Member cannot effect but so may a Tendon of a Muscle that is so strong But after this manner the Muscles almost proper to every part are hurt whence also only Particular resolutions or contractions of those parts do ensue or of one part only if its Particular Muscle be hurt or of more if one Muscle send Tendons to many parts yet somtimes also many Muscles being affected together also these more general hurts of the parts which they move do follow the
only an impaired one manifesting it self depravedly and with trembling and that because whiles the Muscle doth endeavor to lift up the Member and it cannot keep it so long by reason of its weakness that sliding back indeed by a natural Motion by reason of gravity but the Muscle drawing it back again upwards by a voluntary Motion by this intercourse and as it were contention of Motion amongst themselves the Member stirred upward and downwards ariseth that called a trembling which will be so much the greater if the Member which it ought to move be heavy or do not follow and the Muscle also be in some sort involuntarily stirred up to move where we observe in some although their Member rest yet they tremble But this their weakness happens somtimes by reason of the defect of the Animal spirit The defect of the Animal spirit is the cause of trembling not absolute as in a Palsie but only such a one by which the sense of Feeling is yet indeed communicated but there is not sufficient force ministred to the Muscles to move because a greater portion of it is required to Motion then to the sense of Feeling which somtimes happens when they are spent whence ariseth a lasting trembling and that either by reason of Age whence old Folks become Tremulous or by reason of a grievous and long continued Disease after which they oftentimes tremble a long while or of immoderate Evacuation especially by Venery shedding of blood purging and great labors but otherwise the spirits being only dissipated they tremble til they return as by a vehement affect of the Mind or suddain in Fear Anger Joy they tremble for a while and in strong or swift Motion as when they carry heavy burthens or do somwhat else which is above strength they tremble and when having sufferd grievous labors they rest the Members being too much wearied do tremble for a time also the Spirits being hinderd yet not wholly intercepted as in a Palsie whence a perfect resolution of the Muscle follows but only in part the weakness which ariseth in the Muscle causing a trembling which even then is as it were a certain Diminute Palsie sprung from the same causes affecting the Nerve as in a Palsie yet not so powerfully and especially proceeding from Excrementitious humors possessing the Nerves but other affects of the Nerves also do induce a trembling A hurt of the Nerve is the cause of trembling not by intercepting the spirits but by weakning or hurting the Nerves another way as if from Excrementitious humors as hath been said this weakness in the Muscle doth cause a trembling not only by intercepting the Spirits but also by irritating the Nerve doth somtimes force it to the motion which is made in trembling whence also the cause being increased or lasting the trembling ofttimes ends in a convulsion And if the Nerves also by Narcoticks too much or often taken do at length contract that weakness from that Stupidity that also the Muscles by reason of them be weakend a trembling also is bred from this affect of them as it hath befallen some not only by the use of Opium or of other strong ones but from a Suffumigation of Henbane and we observe that by the Narcotick vertue of Wine they who are given to drunkenness do at length become Tremulous the which notwithstanding they perswade themselves doth proceed from the drinking of cold Water which drunkards drink in the morning to quench their thirst caused by Wine that they may not be compelled to abstain from Wine Which suspition of theirs is augmented also by this that whiles they are yet fasting and sober they tremble and after they are heated again with Wine the trembling ceaseth or at least waies shews it self less the which yet doth not happen as if Wine were not the cause of this trembling but because whiles the Wine increasing the heat of the Body renders its actions lively that as long as it is hot with Wine and as it were refresht it doth less feel the weakness which otherwise alwaies remains for that reason as those refresht with meat and Wine being made stronger is the cause that they tremble less After the same manner trembling is somtimes bread from other Poysonous things being taken and applied chiefly besetting the Nerves as it is somtimes wont to happen from the Suffumigation of quick-silver not from the touch as some would have it to Gold-smiths in gilding their Vessels if they have not a care of themselves but draw it in for which cause also in the French Pox those suffumigated with Cinnabar especially if then also they drink Wine by which the Nerves being already made feeble are easily hurt do oftentimes fall into a trembling the which also ofttimes befals them who in the same Disease being anointed with quick-silver do thence get a trembling which hurts of the Nerves proceeding from quick-silver either proceed frrom its Antipathy with the Nerves or from some other propriety of it almost proper to it by which it moving the Humors driving them to the Jawes it moves plentiful spitting and driving them to the superficies and extremities of the Body it also affects the Nerves and so much the worse if the Humors which are moved be evil and be not decently purged by sweats by which also if the Nerves suffer more vehemently after tremblings they suffer Convulsions which often follow these cures made by the use of quick-silver There may be some fault in the Nerves from the Birth whence some are born trembling as hath been formerly shewed by the example of one but what trembling that was can hardly be explained because though trembling he nevertheless performed his Duties for a long course of life and married a Wife The Cure We will divide the Cure according to the diversity of the Kinds and we will explain in every one what is to be done What must be done both in a general and particular Convulsion The Cure of a Convulsion hath been taught in Convulsions in that also called a Convulsive Palpitation in as much as this threatens true Convulsions we must study to prevent it by Application of the same Remedies but by reason of its motion seeing it is not very urgent nothing peculiar is applied to the members In Restlessness The Cure of restlessness from trouble of mind if that spring from a perturbation of the mind what then must be done in respect of the Disease and also of this Symptom by reason of which how it ought to be quieted with Dormitives and be restrained by using of force hath been explained in an Alienation of the Mind If they be restless by reason of Pain The Cure of restlessness by reason of Pain then smoothing the pain with Anodines and things enducing sleep and if it urge more vehemently causing a Stupidity together with the Pain we correct the Restlessness But if the Restlessnes arise by reason of the Heat not only of the Heart
hissing in the Ears as in Hurt of Hearing Chapter the eight Page 80. The Smelling is also Abolished Diminished or Depraved as in defect of Scent and Depravation of scent of these in Hurt of Smelling Chapter the ninth Page 87. CHAP. I. Of a Weakness of the Minde The Kinds of it A Weakness of the Minde may be said to be whenas any one is less able in Apprehension or Wit in Judgment or Reason and Memory then an ingenious and industrious Man Which somtimes happens in Diseases at other times befals those that are not Sick but otherwise Well of which we will here Treat But somtimes these internal senses are all of them together dulled Dulness of the Minde and both Wit Judgment and Memory fail and then it may be called a dulness of the Minde Otherwise some want Wit when they scarcely learn to speak Of slowness of Wit and they apprehend Learning and other Arts with difficulty and it may be called a slowness of Wit Somtimes they are void of Judgment Imprudence a defect of judgment in judging of those things which they have apprehended and this may be called Imprudence For the most part the Memory is weakned when they hardly retain those things which they have apprehended and learned and it s called Oblivion of which fault many do complaine Oblivion especially the Aged and therefore Physitians have made mention of that only almost in their Cures The Memory impaired under their Titles of the Memory impaired whereas the defects of the other internal senses also have the same Causes and the same Cure which we shall at once apply to them all The Causes But the Brain which is the organ of these senses The Part affected is here affected the which notwithstanding is not so vehemently hurt that these internal senses are wholly abolisht or together with them the external senses also and motion as it doth happen in grievous hurts of the Brain But that more or fewer senses are weakned and those more or less that happens according as the whol substance of the Brain is affected or only part of it not as the formost middle or hindermost ventricles are affected as some would have it furthermore these things vary according to the Nature of the Disease with which the Brain is afflicted as shall be said Some have contracted and derived this weakness Haereditary from their Parents by inbred Causes Weakness a Cause of the Mindes weakness whence it often comes to pass that as the ingenious and industrious do beget their like so drones beget drones which is easily collected by their Signs that they were such from their Infancy and had such Parents This happens to some by reason of Age whence old folks become for the most part forgetful and somtimes dul by reason of the defect of native heat unless it happen from some distemper of the Brain as shall be said by and by A Concussion or blow of the Head leaving behind it some weakness in the Brain may also be the cause of it Also too great a shedding of Blood from what part of the Body soever or some other too great evacuation exhausting the Spirits on which score also too much Venery doth very much impare the senses especially the Memory Also a Disease of long continuance destroving the native heat especially of the Head as after a Carus also after Melancholy and Convulsion we have seen men become very forgetful Or a Malignant Disease or proceeding from some Poyson of which nature perhaps that was which given to Ulysses companions by Circe took away the remembrance of all things past the which also somtimes Love Potions have done and the unhappy use of Narcoticks may do the like One writes that by reason of a Wound struck deep into the seat of the Eye one did so far loose his Memory that he was fain to learn a new the grounds of learning whenas before he was skilled both in Greek and Latin Also when the Functions of the Minde are more remisly imployed then the native heat growing dul with idleness and not brought into act they proceed but singgishly Which also may happen upon the contrary reason to wit if the Minde be disquieted with too much study thoughts watchings cares Yet when the Memory for the most part is first hurt especially in the aged their judgment notwithstanding continues acute That it doth not happen to them only by reason of weakness though by this means also it may happen may be elegantly collected thus because their Minde which through the whol space of their life hath received so many Species Images and Conceptions of things is so overwhelm'd with them that it cannot long retain those new ones which it receiveth as if there were no more place left for them whence also it comes to pass that old men do firmly retain to the last those things which they apprehended when young but those things which they treat and think of now strucken in Age they indeed do easily conceive and they judg right and well but they presently forget them again in like manner after some sort as we see most old men to see and judg of things far distant more rightly then of those neer hand the which notwithstanding doth proceed from another cause as we shall explaine in the weakness of the Sight Furthermore and if the Minde be distracted with divers Studies and be overwhelm'd at once with many things it comes to pass that the sense being Intent on many things is not only less fit for each particular but also that while these things do confound one another and one is hindred and obscured by another as when two griefs molest one part the more vehement is wont to obscure the other the Memory of that which is weakest doth presently also vanish The imperfection of the instrument also doth make the internal senses more languid The fault of the instrument is a Cause of the weakness of the Minde In tender Infants whose Brain is yet more soft and fluid and not yet perfected by grouth it performs but dul operations In those of riper age also if the Brain hath not obtained its just bulk and then for the most part they have a smal Head An uncomely Figure of the Brain and a perversion of its Scituation caused either by Nature or by Violence doth cause the same which is hardly known unless the Head answer to the form of the Brain The Temperament of the Brain changed from its Natural state The temper of the Brain changed doth cause a weakness of Minde as yet not producing more grievous Diseases of the Brain doth also cause that sluggishness of the internal Senses And that especially when it is more moist then it ought to be by Nature which Physitians hold to be the chief cause of the Memory impaired and that because in a more moist Brain and therefore softer the Images of things imprinted can less remain But we
sleep with terrible dreams another Species of it is described the common people call them Exstatical as if they were taken with an Extasie Hither also may be refer'd the Daemoniacal sleep of Witches Diabolical sleep in which they think that they are carried through the Air feed deliciously dance and lie with the Devil and waking they continue in the same error I have seen another kind somwhat like to these in a certain Baron who for a long time astonisht and sleepy Sleep with Stupidity did nothing according to reason he would ask for no meat nor take it unless thrust in by force neither would he go to bed unless compel'd but all day long leaning with his Arm on the Table and with his eyes shut he sate as one asleep neither would he answer any thing unless asked and often admonisht and then that which was little to the purpose A Stupidity with a Languidness or Resolution of the body is called Obstupescentia Ecplexis or an Apoplexy and t is an affect in which they do not sleep Stupidity with a resolution is an Apoplexy but astonisht they lie stupid like stocks all the Sences alike and motion also being abolisht together which accidents are somtimes more mild at other times more grievous in which both the internal and external senses are taken away together whence they have understanding of nothing neither do they see though some of them do seem to look upon a man with fixt eyes neither do they hear a noise neither do they show any sign of sence though you prick them or burn them Also being deprived of all motion of the body in a moment they fall down and all their members being resolved do languish they neither speak nor swallow breathing only remaining and that very obscurely the blowing forth of which from the mouth or nostrils can somtimes hardly be discern'd by the motion of a piece of Cotton applied to them or the motion of the breast to detect that by the motion of a cup of water placed on the breast or the breath is drawn with a great deal of difficulty and noise as in dying people the pulse being in the interim full and strong in this difficulty of breathing but discovering it self to be very unequal and that so long till their Senses returning tthey come to themselves again which happens in a gentler species of it or if it be more grievous they continue resolved or if it be worst of all their breath being wholly taken away they are by and by choaked froth then flowing out of their mouth A Stupidity with a Convulsion or vehement agitation of body is called an Epilepsie and 't is an A Stupidity with Convulsion is an Epilepsie disease in which all the Senses are suddenly taken away and the whol body for a time is shaken and pulled with an inordniate motion assailing a man by turns or fits which because it doth suddenly apprehend one hath the name of Epilepsie because it puls him the name of Convulsion of which we meet with chiefly two different kinds in as much as one is of Continuance another Short The Diuturnall is that which lasts long and whether it happen before the age of youth and doth not leave them when that comes or whether it begins first after that age for the most part it assails the sick for the whole life time somtimes at certain times hours daies months years or changes of the Moon whence 't is also called the Lunatick Disease whose Functions because it doth not suddenly destroy them but only weakens them by degrees therefore it comes to pass that when they are free from the fit they can nevertheless go about their business and because they fall if they be taken with this evil whiles they are about their business hence also it is called the Falling sickness and whenas their sudden fall and horrid symptoms are wont to strike a great terror so that some from the apprehension of it only have presently fallen into the same affect and upon that account most men do fly the sight of them and if it happen in a Congregation of people as in our age in assembles the company is dissolved amongst the Ancients their meetings upon the same cause were dissolved whence called by them the Comitial Disease which name it retains which also by reason of its pertinacy was called the Great Sontick and Herculean Disease and 't is to this kind to which they have applied the name of Epilepsie rather than to the rest when notwithstanding it agrees with them all The Short and not so continued Cinvulsion is which either presently ceases or at leastwise is not protracted so long as the former which again as 't is either Gentler or Worse is divided into two Species The Gentler though it be not free from danger is accounted that whose cause is neither great not persevering as that which happens to Infants when their Teeth first break forth or Worms disturb them and by amd by ceaseth and that which befalls Virgins before their Courses flow but they coming it remits and that which betides great-bellied Women chiefly at the first month but at the middle time of their going or after the birth presently ends This that they might not bring fear by the dreadful name of the Falling-sickness because it often happens in Child-hood they call the Childrens Disease mitigating the cruelty of the Disease by the smoothness of the name The Worse and highly dangerous Species is which following grievous diseases as Wounds Fevers pains of the Collick and others at any age somtimes with one or two fits somtimes with more and that continual or somtimes with intermitting accessions doth perplex the Patient with a terrible aspect and for the most part kil him or if he be helped yet somtimes it leaves behind it the worst of symptoms as Contraction of the Limbs hurts the Voice and Senses or other discommodities which Species they call a Convulsion or Spasm only not an Epilepsie when notwithstanding those affected with this Species are no less suddenly taken in this case than the Epileptical and cal that general to difference it from a particular Convulsion or Spasm of which kind also there may be found in the Senses being unhurt only some parts are convelled we shall shew in the hurts of motion But this Species if it happen to Children as it is wont often to kill them both Infants and of riper years they call it also the Childrens Disease The accidents in all the Species of an Epilepsie both continued and short do almost concur the same and they may as well vary in all as well those which are observed in the hurts of the senses as of motion For all the Internal senses and by consequence the External too are abolisht in all the whol time they are possest with the fit they understanding judging or feeling nothing at all wherefore they refrain not from violent motions though thereby they hurt
can cause a Carus and by its heat a Feaver and one and the same thing can be cold and hot when as contraries are inconsistent in the same subject we shall assign a far different cause of a Lethargie by and by when we treat of a Carus caused by consent and that not much different from the Carus which follows Fevers They teach also that flegm not simply but mixt with choler doth cause a watchful stupidity or Catalepsis for this reason Fleam causeth Sleep Choler Watchings and so from the mixture of contrary causes are produced contrary effects which indeed might be if they were in divers places but two contraries mixt and confounded in the same subject do produce a certain middle effect or rather one compounded of them both than contrary for which reason these causes were found out rather from the effect than their certain signs that they might shew by what means at the same time a man might be stupid and watchful not sleeep since t is impossible to sleep and watch at the same time and attribute to each its proper humors Blood also continued as yet in the ventricles of the brain Blood the cause of a Carus and Apoplexy as there is at other times a great quantity of it there so it abounding more yet if it be more crude serous cold by oppressing the brain may make it more stupid or by cooling it may make it sleepy The which doubless a pain of the head praeceded and somtimes doth still remain its companion and this is known by a fulness of blood and redness of the face Aetius tels us that from much blood abundantly and suddenly overwhelming the substance of the Brain that Species of a Catalepsis is generated from which a yong man was freed by a flux of blood from his nose which flux of blood being often accustomary in solution of Diseases by natures motion cannot therefore argue this Disease proceeding from blood for which we shal propound another cause as we can neither grant that lighter species of it called an Aphony when the voice only is intercepted to proceed from a fulness of blood intercepting the passage of the animal spirit as Hollerius writes for which we shal by and by alleadg another cause Neither can we allow that an Epilepsie which some also have delivered from plenty of blood possessing the Ventricles of the Brain and obstructing the passages of the spirits doth arise from this humor and after this manner As neither from Blood or a melancholly or Cholerick juyce from which some teach that species of a Catalepsis is generated which is wont to happen to persons melancholical and by reason of the coldness and driness of that humor the spirits to be so congealed as was said in the like distemper which we have denied to be for that reason and from Melancholly we have thought to proceed melancholly accidents rather than those of a Catalepsis unless some other cause be joyned as shall be said neither can we by any means admit an Fpilepsie also to arise from the same obstructing the Ventricles as some have spred abroad these opinions when as the aforementioned affects as lasting no longer but seazing and ceasing by course have no fixt cause in the Brain but happen that being affected only by consent as shal afterwards be declared The Blood carried out of the Vessels if infused into the substance of the Brain it breeds not an Inflammation and then a Phrensie would follow but it obstruct the Windings and Ventricles by suddenly filling of them and it oppress the beginning of the Nerves then it causeth a Stupidity and Apople yâ—â— as it often happens a Vein being broke and that somtimes by reason of a fulness of the Vessels especially in those in whom some accustomary Haemorrhages of the Courses Haemrods or Nose are stopt in whom yet living and after their death I have observed that a great quanttity of blood hath broken forth from their mouth and nose that somtimes I have perswaded my self that this was the chief cause of an Apoplexy The same may happen from an external violent cause as a Contusion of the Brain from a Blow or Fall although the substance of the Brain be no waies wounded that the blood also may fil up the Cavities of the Brain and its substance in those places especially where it is contused as Women do daily see comes to pass in the Brain of Buls killed with a Hatchet whenas they first purge the Brain from the clotted blood before they boyl it fromwhence it must needs be that an Apoplexy doth suddenly arise unless the blood presently break forth by the Nostrils Ears and other parts or adjoyning passages as sometimes also it doth or if the fall be lighter there follows rather a lighter obstupulesency though oftentimes also the flux of blood turned into clots and retained a long time if it putrifie it causeth a Phrenzy Convulsions which before death do follow Lethargies and Apoplexies and kill the Patient But also from the same violent external cause if the substance of the Brain be hurt by Contusion or by cutting or pricking seeing it is a principal part whose action is then destroyed it must needs be that an Apoplexy doth suddenly follow A hurt of the Brain is the cause of a Stupidity Apoplexy Or if the Skull be only broken thereby or deprest so that it press the Brain lying under it it happens also that a Stupidity doth follow Or if from some stronger force the bulk of Brain rush together and press the beginning of the Nerves an Apoplexy likewise follows all which are made manifest from the causes foregoing A hard preternatural Tumor A Tumor of the Brain is the cause of a Stupidity and Apoplexy affecting rather by its weight than distemper causeth a Stupidity by degrees ingendred with the Tumor but of long continuance which is hardly discovered till after death the Skull being opened as was found in Noble Bonecourtius who for some years like to one astonisht as was said before lay Stupid viz. a great hard Glandule being generated over a callous body with plenty of humor which watring the Brain did cause a sleepiness joyned with a Stupidity as we have formerly expounded this kind The cause of which might be a blow with which he was struck on the head although it were done a long time before he fel into the disease but they being ignorant also of the true causes of a Catalepsis phancying many other besides those above mentioned they have thought also that it might proceed from a Tumor of the Brain And some also have writ that a Lethargie doth proced from a flegmatick Imposthumation the which whenas we have formerly shewed that a Fever could not be caused from any cause lying in the brain the same we assert cannot happen here and some also have held that an Abcess may be the cause of it the which notwithstanding generated in the brain from hot
happen in a Catalepsis for the like reason since that it is a certain species of Convulsion If the cause of that doting sleep proceed from the Devil with which he deludes Witches 't is not our task to search out those hidden causes The Devil the cause of Daemonical sleep which the Witches attribute to the oyntments with which they anoint things by the Devils command or to Decoctions with which they dream they can cause Hail and draw Clouds from Heaven such as Eotis in Apuleins and Homers Circe did prepare by bruising together Garlick Wild Time and stinking Plants which we renounce By reason of a defect of animal spirits in the brain it must needs be also that a stupidity follow the functions of the brain being taken away which may happen upon a double account they being either wasted or at leastwise poured forth and extravagant The Animal spirits being wasted in the brain The Consumption of the animal spirit is cause of an Apoplexy if they were only impaired or too few whence follows a weakness of the brain its functions also must be weakned as hath been said in the Weakness of the mind but if they be altogether or so far consumed as that not only a weakness of the functions do follow but a total Oblition of them there wil be a grievous Apoplexy and suddenly killing the Patient of which we have oftentimes seen old men die of and the common People still hath believed it caused from a Flegmatick Humor as we see the vital Spirit being impared there follows a want of strength but being wholly consumed Death The Animal Spirits being shed or poured forth from the Brain into the Nerves continuous with the Brain for they can be extravagant no where else Too great a pouring forth of the Animal Spirit from the Brain into the Nerves is the cause of a Stupidity of divers kinds of a Catalepsis and Epilepsie whenas they can consist no where but in the Brain and Nerves then it happens that the Internal sense either all or some do cease according as a greater or less quantity of them leaves the Brain but the motive power is no waies abolisht since as those Spirits do yet persist in the Nerves neither are the Nerves left destitute of them as it comes to pass in a resolution their passage from the Brain to the Nerves being then hinderd furthermore since that the Animal spirit is contained also in the Nerves as well as in the Brain of which they are portions though the the Functions of the Brain may cease for a while yet they nevertheless may still for a time exercise the power of moving which they contain in themselves the which also we may very well guess doth proceed rather from the Nerves then the Brain in some creatures who excel more in motion then in the senses because they have none or a very little Brain but a marrow of the Back large and plentiful part of which also cut off from the rest yet nevertheless moves for a while and this is the true and Legitimate cause why the senses being abolisht yet motion nevertheless may persist for a time in sinding out of which both the ancient and moderne Physitians have so much tormented themselves and delivered their far different opinions viz. This effusion of the Spirits into the Nerves which proceeding chiefly from two causes produceth accidents somwhat diverse as shall presently be explained The first of which is the too much Vehement and Persevering operation of the internal Senses by which as in great passions of the Heart we see the vital Spirits so carried forth that thence follows a Fainting away and so if there be a dissipation of the Animal Spirits into the Organs of the external senses by a more vehement Cogitation and intention upon some thing it may come to pass that as men astonisht they may be lightly stupid and either by and by they returning again they may come to themselves or if they continue longer those diverse Species of a Catalepsis may proceed which we have demonstrated in the explication of the former kinds to have somtimes happen'd from too much Study or Love or some other great affects of the Minde especially Melancholly whence it came to pass that many have put a Melancholly juyce as the Cause of a Catalepsis In which if the Spirits being not wholly poured forth some portions of them remain in the Brain some Sences also wil remain the other ceasing and as they are poured forth into the Nerves Motion may also either at least remain or exercise it self with a rigidness without concussion if there be no contraction of the nerves as shal be said in an Epilepsie and this seems very likely to be the cause of the diversity of Species of a Catalepsis as we have shewed formerly in diverse Histories of it yet as also if the spirits be so carried forth by a violent affect of the Minde that for awhile they cannot recollect themselves we have seen them fal down like to the Epileptical their pulse remaining by which they were distinguisht from those that faint away and some when they made a speech or despute at great meetings by reason of the too great contention of the Minde and Senses fear somtimes or shame coming upon them the Spirits being troubled have sufferd the like from whence perhaps because the same was wont to happen for this reason at some meetings an Epilepsie was called the Comitial Disease In which vehement motions of the Minde as it may come to pass so it is commonly believed also that from Anger Convulsions may easily proceed which opinion happily had its rise because in those disposed the fit is by this means promoted unless perhaps this may happen by the stirring of Choller through Anger as we shal declare by and by But the other and more frequent Cause of pouring out the Spirit into the Nerves from whence follow the more grievous Symptoms of an Epilepsie and Catalepsis is an irritation of the Brain such a one by which its expulsive faculty stirred up rising to cast of that which is troublesome to it doth together drive forth the Spirits as Nature every where feeling pain and trouble is wont to thrust Spirits thither and together with them blood also oftentimes so powerfully that there follows an inflamation of that part which receives them Which trouble or irritation of the Brain indeed they demonstrate to happen rather by consent and compassion with some part then from its proper effect because we see Convulsions happen rather from an affect and Disease of another part Somtimes also far distant from the Brain then of the Brain it self as from a Nerve Prickt or some violent Medicine taken where as if it did happen from some grievous Disease of the Brain as indeed it must needs be a grievous Disease which must induce so vehement a Symptone the accidents of Convulsions which it causeth would not so soon
their poysonous and adverse quality at set times as the nature of the poyson is by soliciting the membranes and nervous kind do cause that long continued Epilepsie and almost incurable Yet the nature of which cause as also of other poysons we can no otherwise know then as by dissection made somtimes a Speck is discovered somtimes some humor black or froathy in some inward part of the Skul or bone or membrane or brain but somtimes nothing at all but that 't is a poysenous faculty we collect from this because it is not with a manifest cause or of such moment nevertheless produces such horrid symptomes and yet in the interim doth not kil the man nor yeilds to no Remedies And also this poysonous cause lying in the bowels produceth the like long continued and peâ—inacious Epilepsies as poysons taken in the Stomach and Guts which have some propriety of begetting an Epilepsie or meat changed into the nature of poyson or excrements putting on a venenate quality conteined in those places or also in the Womb as they would have it Of all which that these are the causes and do lie in the veins is judged and known from the affects concurring with them as hath been said or from others offering themselves about the heart strings and the veins and from the faults of the womb and stomach The Veins also if they be filled with malignant and venenate humors of this kind as it often happens in pernicious diseases especially in the pestiferous epidemical and contagious and that malignant vertue do besiege not only the heart but especially the nervous kind then deadly Convulsions do follow such as are wont to happen in Fevers not by reason of too much extinction of the Nerves from vehement heat but by reason of the malignant nature of the humor or also if without these diseases a humor heaped up in the veins changed into a malignant quality do put on that nature inimicous to the brain and Nerves that induceth rather epileptical accidents than others as in melancholy that such a poysonous quality is there also wont to cause the true melancholy and madness we shal shew in the alienation of the mind then I suppose that long continued and incurable Epilepsie doth chiefly proceed from this cause as also a poysonous cause raised from the same place doth cause that madness that lasts so long the which also for the like reason 't is probable doth happen in the mesaraick veins such matter being collected there which do produce rather an Epilepsie than hypochondriack melancholly where also many do write that a Catalepsis is conteined to wit a melancholly humor which we moreover hold to be malignant from whence vapors raised up do cause it And the manner of curing a Catalepsis they apply to this place and humor as we shall by and by shew And also in Women such matter is wont more commonly to be heaped up about the veins of the Womb where also the blood reteined and corrupted rather than the seed which we think can scarce come to that malignity doth cause Convulsion such as are often wont to happen in Virgins and Women that are hysterical their courses being stopt before and after their childing and it may also give an occasion for a Catalepsis That the like quality may arise in the habit of the body and cause an Epilepsie experience witnesseth with which Galen and Fernelius being instructed they write that they have observed the one that an Air in an Epileptick Child ascending from his Foot the other that a Vapor running from the Crown through the outward parts of the head did give occasion of the Epileptical fits as often as they came and we also have somtimes observed that an Air running from the hand where afterwards an Imposthume hath bred as also from the feet other or places hath done the like That the like poyson entring the body from without doth occasion Epilepsies for the like reason as in other Countries the bitings of virulent Beasts especially of the Viper and stinging of the Scorpion do shew so in our Countries 't is manifest that it doth happen from the biting of a mad Dog and besides the symptomes of madness and other cruel ones they are endangered by Convulsions and at length by many fits the Patients are carried away 'T is not yet sufficiently manifest whether there be any things found out which can produce an Epilepsie anew only by their malignant smel yet that epileptical fits are furthered by the smel of some things is certain which do it either by a certain propriety of which are reckoned the ashes of an Asses hoof Goats horn Weathers feet burnt also the smel of Bitumen Myrrhe Smallage and also the breathings of the Goats flesh or the Liver of the Hee-Goat and so much the more if they be eaten or because by a vehement and subtile vapor they assail the head and the nerves made weak by the continuance of this disease as also Wine which besides this doth easily alof its own nature trouble the Nerves they occasion Epileptical fits The Cure In these kind of cases proceeding from the brain all the operation of the Physitian which consists in prediction and Cure must be applied to the Cause nor neglecting in the mean time that symptome which is most urgent If therfore from a simple distemper cold and moist imprinted on the brain as we have said in old folks might happen by reason of their age The Cure of sleep and stupididity from a cold distemper or from a disease of long continuance they become sleepy or stupid yet are not altogether sick as that is hardly corrected so this fault is hardly taken away yet this distemper may be somewhat mended as was said in a weakness of the mind generated from the like causes by the same altering medicines and nourishments both taken and applied As also if the stupidity happen from a cold and dry distemper those things wil serve which are spoken of there in mending of the same distemper but if a stupidity follow the brain actually cooled by the external air or wind it wil be amended by applying of skins and feathers and other things actually hot also by suffumigations which because they serve also in a flegmatick cause they shall there be explained more fully But if a heavy sleep be from flegm or an afflux of a cold humor or from the excrements of the brain as was said The Cure of a Carus and Apoplexy from flegm although the common people despair of them which they judg not opprest with sleep but toucht with an appoplexy and indeed they are not free from danger yet the hopes of Cure is not to be cast off whenas many of them are cured unless some grievous accident supervene as a Convulsion and the humor putrefying an accute Feaver as shal be said do accompany it as in a Lethargie which in old folks is deadly though I have seen also after some
fits of Convulsions they have nevertheless recovered of a Carus yet there was left in the sight and memory some error which afterwards by reason of old age could no waies be amended But if flegm cause an Appoplexy then unless that falling downwards into the beginng of the spinal marrow do cause a Palsie as was said the breath being taken away it presently kils the Patient Whether flegm cause a sleepiness or stupidity the Cure is almost the same but that stronger things must be used in an Apoplexy whenas its cause is greater and there is more hast to be made in the Cure by the reason of the danger that which ends in a Palsie must be cured as a Palsie and they apply also to a Lethargie no other Cure than to a Carus only a few things changed as shall be said by reason of the Fever In all these therefore we will revell the flegm from the head by general and particular evacuations and we will derive it also by neighboring places destined for the evacuation of flegm as the Mouth Nose and we will endeavor to resolve it with things that draw it to the Superficies of the head and with things altering inwardly and outwardly applied we wil endeavor to dissolve and wast it to heat and strengthen the Head by proceeding as followeth In sleepiness if there be a great fulness they perswade drawing of blood by opening that Vein of the Arm which is called Cephalick and in an Apoplexy the same signs appearing they grant it also somtimes for Revulsion but done sparingly and if it seem to have done any good they reiterate it somtimes also they open the vein of the Forehead others in these diseases would rather open a Vein in the Foot all which must be done considerately especially in the Apoplectical left we may seem thus to have hastned death The belly must be provoked in both species and be stimulated that they may stool both for Revulsion and to stir up the faculties laid asleep and that by casting in sharp Clysters and Suppositories whenas otherwise they scarce go stool Suppositories seeing they do egregiously irritate and may quickly be prepared and by reason of their dulness they cannot keep Clysters are very convenient and oftentimes to be repeated especially in the Apoplexy in which also those things that burn whenas the sick are without sense can no waies do any harm Therefore the gentler being first tried if they do no good the following stronger things shall be used Take of Honey two ounces juyce of Mercury half an ounce Bulls Gall half an ounce boyl them add towards the end of the root of white Hellebore and Pellitory of Spain of each half a dram Coloquintida half a scruple Salt Gem half a dram make a Suppository or that it may be prepared sooner let these pouders be mixt with raw Honey and make Suppositories Clysters are good not only before opening a vein if that be done to wash the Guts but also after it made first of things emollient and hot stimulaters proper for the head by and by also of strong irritaters which also whenas they do not keep them long must be repeated and by so much the oftner as the disease is more urgent as in the apoplectical At first therefore let such a Gentle one be given Take of Mallows Mercury or Beets Sage Rue Pennyroyal of each one handful fresh Orrice roots three ounces Bran Chamomel flowers Rosemary flowers of each one pugil Carraway seed two drams make a Decotion dissolve in a fit quantity of it of Honey one ounce Benedicta Laxativa two drams Oyl of Bayes and Rue of each one ounce Salt one dram make a Clyster A stronger may be made thus which may be given after the first presently at the beginning if the evil be urgent Take of the Roots of fresh Orris Solomons seal Sows bread of each one ounce Master wort six drams the Herbs Rue Time Sago Bayes Penny-royal Organy Calamint Hyssop of each one handful French Lavender Rosemary flowers of each one pugil Caraway Cummin seeds of each two drams Bastard Saffron seed Bay juniper Berries of each half an ounce Agarick tied in a Rag two drams Make a Decoction Dissolve in a sufficient quantity Hiera of Coloquintida three drams Honey of Rosemary flowers one ounce the juyce of Mercury or Beets one ounce of Oxe Gaule half an ounce Oyl of Rue two ounces of Castor half an ounce of Fossile salt one dram Make a Clyster The strongest of all highly irritating in an Apoplexy Take of the Roots of Orice Pellitory of Spain of each one ounce of Cuckow-pintle or grass Plantane half an ounce Hellebore Roots one dram the Herbs Rue Sage Time the tops of Centory Water-cresses of each one handful Caraway seed half an ounce Nettles and Rue of each one dram Mustard seed two drams the Pulp of Coloquintida tied up in a Rag half a dram Rosemary flowers two pugils Make a Decoction Dissolve of Hiera of Coloquintida half an ounce Honey one ounce and an half Oyl of Rue three ounces Castor Euphorbium of each one scruple Fossile salt one dram Make a Clyster Although it were good to move Vomiting both because that straining doth rouse them up and also revel yet in the Apoplectical t is not to be attempted for fear of suffocation whenas if an endeavoring to Vomit do urge them of their own accord or a Cough they are sooner strangled being forced by that violent motion as I have seen it Yet in a Sleepiness if their strength be firm a vomiting caused for the same reason doth very much help which may be actually done by irritating the Throat or by giving of a Vomit destined also to Evacuate Flegm Purgers given to the Apoplectick by the Mouth when as they swallow nothing either flow forth again without any benefit or if as it often comes to pass they fal into their rough Artery they induce a danger of suffocation but when they are come to themselves then they are to be purged as those palsied as shall be faid in a Palsie But in a Carus or lighter Stupidity when as they can take somewhat at first present Purging Medicines must be administred to them but such as in a small quantity may quick be swallowed by them whiles they are roused up as at one draught with little pains whenas they are scarce obedient And therefore if we would give Pills whenas t is hard to take them we rather dissolve them nothing fearing here their ingratefulness whenas they being a little stupid do little observe that as Take of Cochiae foetidae Pils half a dram Castor half a scruple dissolve them with Sage or Rosemary or Cinnamon Water and give to drink But we shall more rightly give Lozenges dissolved as of Diacarthamum Diaturbith of the Citron solutive or the like Electuaries as Diaphaenicon Indum majus and other purgers of Flegm the Heirae of Coloquintida we may infuse unless their extraordinary bitterness do hinder In
Sagapen of each one ounce dissolve them in Aqua vitae afterwards mix of Mustard seed two drams Castor Euphorbium of each one dram make a Plaster apply it to the nape of the neck and afterwards anoint the whol Back-bone with hot oyls such as is Oyl of Rue drawing your hands downwards It wil not be unprofitable also to rub the palms of the hands of Persons apoplectical with Sulphur and Vitriol dissolved in hot Oyl and mixt together Amongst Amulets they affirm that the Emrold hanged about the neck doth very much good if it touch the bare flesh a Nightingale laid under the Pillow the head of a Bat laid between the Tiles of the house are thought by a propriety to rouze up from sleep If the sleepiness be from blood The cure of a Carus and Apoplexy from Blood because the blood is then remaining in the vessels 't is easily cured unless some more grievous disease lie hid but if a vein being broke the blood poured forth into the brain do cause an Apoplexy whether this happen from a plenitude or a violent cause unless it presently break forth out of the Skul by the Nostrils or Ears as it often comes to pass being presently turned into clots it bringeth death and so much the sooner if the substance of the brain be also hurt a Convulsion then going before if the blood first putrefie before the Patient die But we ought presently in cases of this nature and that very speedily whiles the matter is yet flowing to revel derive and drive forth the blood in the order following First of all a vein is to be opened if nothing hinder to wit the shoulder vein in the Arm and if the plenitude be great in both Arms then also in the Leg the vein of the Ham or Ankle must be opened which some do before that of the shoulder that there may be the greater revulsion the which notwithstanding is more rightly performed in the Arm and then the vein of the Forehead and Nose may be opened which Rondoletius doth by pricking with bristles or under the Tongue for derivation sake Revulsions being premised the which wil suffice if the plenitude be not very great for it is dangerous to open the jugular vein as some teach and thus sleepiness proceeding from plenty of blood is easily remedied and in a contusion of the Head it brings great help Scarrification with Cupping-glasses applied there especially where the jugulars run up by the neck doth very much derive the which also they approve done upon the chin the which also may be continued by Leeches if time give leave especially if they be applied to the fundament the Haemroides being supprest the which if they were accustomary before and now are stopt or otherwise swel we ought to open Cupping-glasses alone also applied to those places and to the shoulders and shoulder-blades when the plenitude is not so great may suffice The which also Ligatures and Frictions of the extream parts may perform Moving of the Belly in this cause doth equally revell as if it were from flegm and that by Suppositories or clysters highly stimulating yet less inflaming than in another cause and that presenly after a vein opened which here ought to go first as the better Such wil be this following Clyster which that it may be presently at hand is thus easie to be made Take of herb Mercury or Beets in the winter time two handfuls Of Violet Leavs one handful pour to them of Lye as much as is sufficient make a Decoction and in one pound of it dissolve of Honey two ounces Fossile Salt one dram Butter or Oyl one ounce least the too great quantity may infringe the vertue of the others make a Clyster 'T is good to cause sneezing in the Apoplectical after some Clysters administred yet not too violently We must repel with Oxyrrhodines if it appear that the head be very hot but with such as are astringent rather by drying than cooling yet by warily using of them least we drive the matter inward if it be in the superficies and therefore Rondoletius doth use only a drying Oyntment and Sinapism in a Carus yet when necessity requires such a one made Take of Rosewater three ounces juyce of Plantane one ounce or the water of it two ounces because the vertue of this inhibiting the influx of blood is wonderful of Rose Vinegar one ounce the Whites of Eggs beaten two mix them Oyls are omitted by reason of their laxness A yong Pidgeon Chicken or Puppy dog cut in the middle and applied to the head have a wonderful vertue in discussing the blood as also other things exprest in a Phrensie Rondolenius writes that Water-cresses eaten in Broth or Sallets do heal a Carus proceeding from blood If a Contusion appear in the head and there is suspicion of clotted blood in the brain those things which shal be spoken of in Contusions must be outwardly applied Of which sort is this Cataplasm Take of Wormwood one handful Flowers of Red Roses and Chamomel of each one pugil make a pouder boyl it in Oyl of Roses beat it adding of Bean flower one ounce Sanguis Draconis two drams Mummy three drams and apply it When they can take any thing by the mouth upon the same account things dissolving clots of blood are given of which we shall treat in their place But if that the substance of the brain being hurt doth cause an Apoplexy whenas it is deadly both because the continuity of a principal part is dissolved The Cure of an Apoplexy from the hurt of the brain and because by the injury offered from without it must needs be that the bosomes of the membranes are hurt too from whence comes a great flux of blood they are to be left to Prognosticks yet in the interim as long as they live the Wound nevertheless whether cut prickt or coneused so it ought to be handled But if a deprest part of the Skul broken do cause a Stupidity by pressing the Brain it must be lifted up and drawn forth by an Instrument and other Arts if there be any smal Bones the which also do often prick they must be taken out the Blood must be washt out and as Fractures and Wounds ought to be healed must here also be proceeded for so if the subject part be no waies hurt they come to themselves and are restored to health If a Tumor in the Brain cause a Stupidity or as some have thought a Lethargie The Cure of a sleepy Stupidity from a Tumor of the Brain because it can hardly be known the man living there is scarce any other Cure applyable to it then that which is due to cold Humors when as this Humor must be cold which can cause that for a hot one would rather cause a Phrensie but the Stupidity will then be of long continuance and Mortal when this Tumor hid in the Brain cannot be mollified nor resolved Vapors alone unless there be some occult
Spirits of Wine a deadly Stupidity and also an excessive heat is raised in which case as also in others raised from the like cause we give Natural Milk and Factitious made of Almonds and Guord Seeds also Butter common Oyl and Oyl of Almonds and other Fat and mucilaginous things the which also we said were proper in corroding poysons Also Acid things given as they do quel the heat of Acrid humors and Choler so also the efficacy of Narcoricks which I am wont rather to give as Acid juyces or syrups or Vinegar it self which therefore we have said elsewhere is the most certain Remedy for Drunkenness the other things which do it by a certain propriety shal be explained in the Remedies If a malignant quality The Cure of a sleepiness stupidity from a malignant quality which we cannot rightly explain come from without from the Stroke of a Beast from whence a Sleepiness or stupidity ensues then things antipharmacal resisting these Poysons must be given such as are described in their place but if that such a Malignity be raised up in the body as in Malignant Feavers we have said that then also a Sleepiness and Stupidity doth happen and then applying those things which the malignity of the same method of cureing is to be observed which was mentioned in a Lethargy If a Daemonical Sleep delude Witches as we have said The Cure of Daemonical sleep from an evil Spirit seeing the cause is preternatural it will not be cured by natural Remedies but by prayers and amendment of life but if they refuse to do that they are worthy to be purged by sire The animal spirits being spent in the Brain The Cure of an Apoplexy from the wasting of the animal Spirits if a man become Apoplectical death it self prevents al manner of cure which we ought to foretel to be ready at hand But the Spirits being spent in the Brain by great meditations if sometime they become stupid they easily come to themselves again upon the return of the spirits The Cure of an Epilepsie Catalepsie and Stupidity from the too much profusion of the animal spirit out of the Brain but if that by some vehement affection of the mind the spirits be so carried forth that being taken with a grievous stupidity with Rigor they become Cataleptical then the evil is very pertinacious and that especially if this disease have its original from Melancholly for those thus affected are hardly cured and though they be freed from it yet they continue Stupid and Melancholly And if from Anger also they fall into an Epilepsie they are not free from danger in which species whiles they are in the Fit the same Remedies are likewise applied which are used in the rest of the Epilepical to the quickly taking off of their fits the which ceasing the cause must be turn'd away this being done if the evil do stil return whenas by that we know that the internal cause is yet present which the external did first move then the care must be fitted to the taking away of that which in a Catalepsis they apply to Melancholly in an Epilepsie to the purging of Flegm as shal be said But if that a Convulsion or which seldomer comes to pass a Catalepsis do follow from a Disease of the Nerves drawing the Brain into consent and somtimes affecting of it too the Cause it self must be diligently considered and according to that we must foretell and order the cure which we have said was in that continued Epilepsie as also somtimes in a Catalepsis but seldom hapning a certain malignant melancholly and poysonous humor consisting in the hidden parts of the body of the Veins about the inward parts of the body or also the outward parts and otherwise lurking in the habit of the body or also within the Skul arising from some fault that doth not yet destroy the brain but by course affecting the Nerves but of a milder and Shorter Epilepsie certain evaporations proceeding here and there from the inward bowels from a Causeless persevering and sometimes also Pains or only Troubles when though they have no such great cause in weak Children yet they may produce Epileptical fits but of the rest of Convulsions which are Short we said the internal causes were a poysonous humor also in the Veins in Feavers which these Convulsions do follow or otherwise Acrid Pernicious cholerick or serous humor or blood corrupted or it depends on the taking of things destructive or poysonous or proceeds from grievous pain either from a Wound or the biting of Beasts In all which species since they are all difficult we must not rashly foretel any thing of good although a fit cure and benefit of nature doth somtimes mitigate the Prognostick to wit The long continued Epilepsie so called if it begin before the time of youth and cease not when that time comes viz. when men can eject seed or when women have their courses as also that which first begins after youth is Incurable and desperate which will afflict them to the last day of their lives for a long time unless the cruelty of the symptomes doth make death more speedy but from the Shorter Epilepsie that Convulsion which is called the Worse is deadly and that also which is called the Milder species wants not its danger Which things since that they are thus these Prognosticks being premised the Cure must nevertheless be attempted which we shal not first of al divide according to the Causes seeing they are so various and abstruse but proceeding by the manner of operation we shal explain how by medicines emptying and altering found out partly by Use and partly appropriated to the Cause for some Reason we ought to heal Epilepsies and Convulsions or at leastwise to keep off or mitigate their fits Evacuating Remedies are those which do carry another way the Causes procreating or Fomenting Convulsions whether they be vapors or humors either by revelling and deriving from the part affected or by Repelling and hindring them to come to the part and that either by opening made by Cutting Sucking Burning or by Purgations ordered by divers passages of the body or by other operations outwardly applied Amongst the kinds of Cutting Phlebotomy presents it self for the lessuing of the blood which in a long continued Epilepsie wil take place if the Patient be Plethorick or the Hemthoids which before were accustomary be supprest some general eminent and appearing Vein being made choyce of for this purpose yet many do advise to open the Shoulder-vein called the Cephalick for the heads sake also blood taken from the Veins of the Ham and Ankles is very convenient and so much the more if the Courses be stopt in Women the which also some commend if taken from the Veins of the Forehead and Tongue and if we do conjecture its cause to depend upon malignant blood these detractions of blood must be often repeated whenas we have shewed that in Madness
of each one scruple the Skul of a man poudered half an ounce Asses hoof two drams Swallows and Cuckows ashes of each one dram and an half the shavings of Ivory and Harts-horn of each half a dram a Hares Runnet two drams Benjamin Mastick Ammoniacum dissolved in Vinegar of Squils of each one dram with Hony of Squils make an Electuary Or those things which resist Poyson in general and privately the Epilepsie and do somwhat dull the Sense make an Opiate thus Take of old Treacle three drams the root and seed of Peony Missleto of the Oak each one dram seed of Clary Basil of each half a dram the Skul of a man twodrams with Honey of Squils or Syrup of Poppy if you would stupefie more make an Opiate give one dram at night to him going to bed In form of Pils ingrateful things are given for prevention after this manner Take of Castor Assa foetida of each half a dram Gum Ammoniacum Sagapen dissolved in Vinegar of Squils of each half a scruple the Gall of a Bear half a scruple Oyl of Amber which is highly commended of the Chymists four drops with the juyce of the root of Peony make a Mass give him half a scruple going to bed The same things dissolved in the juyce of Rue put into the mouth whiles they are possest with the fit do shorten it as also Castor alone mixt with Oxymel anointing the inner parts of the mouth with it the which also done with Gall doth very much help whenas these ingrateful things by powerfully moving the sense of tasting do cause that they come sooner to themselves Upon the same account Odors and Suffumigations are applied to the Patient to smel to which though they do oftentimes further and discover Epileptical Fits yet by discussing them as they say especially put into the Nostrils in the Fit they make them shorter and rouze up the Patient This is chiefly performed by Castor Assa foetida Galbanum Rue applied to the Nostrils which are endued with a stinking and strong smel Or make a Suffumigation of these things following Take of Ladanum two drams Benjamin Styrax Calamite Mummy by reason of the Bitumen Mastick of each one dram seeds of Gith Peony of each half a dram make a pouder burn it upon the Coals And also out of the Fit the Chamber may be fumed yet with things not too much stinking And carry a Pomander and smel to it often which is made thus Take of the roots and seeds of Peony each three drams Leaves of Hysop Rue seeds of Gith Coriander each one dram Ladanum half an ounce Styrax Calamite two drams Gum Ammoniacum as is sufficient make a Pomander Of things applied to the Head Pouders may be sewed in a Cap which they may wear a nights or be applied in Bags or put into Pillows used to lie under their head or the hairs of their head being first anointed they strewed on them Such a one as this is Take of the roots of Peony two scruples Cyperus Orrice Missleto of the Oak each one dram and an half Rue Hysop Marjoram Coriander seed prepared Peony seed each one dram seeds of Basil Gith each two scruples Cloves Red Roses Lavender flowers each half a scruple Gallia Moschata one dram make a Pouder Or thus Take of the roots of Orrice two drams Galangal Cyperus each one dram Nutmeg Cloves each half a dram Leaves of Marjoram Balm each one dram flowers of Lavender Rosemary Roses each one dram Dying berries half a dram make a Pouder The Head being first shaved is anointed with these things following Take of the Oyls of Chamomel Lillies Elders each one ounce Aqua vitae one ounce mix them together The Head also must be somented with things moderately hot as with this Fomentation Take of the roots of Marsh-mallows white Lillies each one ounce herb Mallows two handfuls Betony Sage Marjoram Balm each one handful flowers of Chamomel Elder Rosemary each one pugil seeds of Flax Foenugreek each half an ounce Caraway seed one dram make a Decoction in Water and Wine or in a weak Lye for a Fomentation or Lotion of the Head Repelling Oxyrhodines are applied to the Head if it be from Vapors Or this most fine Pouder is strewed on the Hairs Take Coriander seed prepared two drams Myrtle berries flowers of red Roses Mastick red Saunders the root of Cyperus and Peony each one dram of Cloves Rosemary flowers each half a dram make a Pouder If the Back-bone be anointed with Oyl of Lizards 't is good or with other things strengthning the Nerves as was said in the Remedies Also the following Plaster may be applied to the Region of the heart and to the Pulses Take of Treacle or Mithridate half an ounce the Roots of Peony the Leaves of Rue bruised each two drams mix them with Vinegar into a body Add this applied at the same time to the Region of the Neck wil do good Lotions of the extream parts or Baths made of Plants appropriate for an Epilepsie and for the Head and Nerves as of Peony Rue Hysop and and other things as was said in the Remedies wil benefit much The usual Amulets that we hang and bear about for the most part are Peony Missleto of the Oak Elks hoof the rest have been explained in the Remedies But those Remedies which by Lenifying do asswage the Nerves as they are profitably applied in all kinds of Convulsions so especially when there is great danger imminent from the Nerves so much affected by reason of the vehemency of the Cause to wit in those which are called The worser Species of Convulsions which by their moderate heat humor and temper by Moistening and Mollifying may Relax and Refresh the contracted and convulsed Nerves many of which sort are explained in a particular Convulsion in which the Muscles with the Nerves are truly bound up Which for the most part are applied outwardly to the Back-bone where is plenty of Nerves and their original by anointing Oyl of sweet Almonds of Violets Butter Mucilages and the like and by application of Cataplasms such as are prepared of Mallows Marsh-mallows Oyl of Violets and the flower of Flax-seed Or they are administred in form of a Bath moist Fat and Warm in which let him stay a while in which Mallows Peony Chamomel and other things may be boyled Or they apply them to the Head also embrocating them with Milk especially in Infants for which Cause their Mothers do milk out the warm Milk from their Breasts upon their Heads or by anointing it with Oyl of Violets The same also is done by benefit of emollient and moistning Glysters And by giving fat things with the meat or Medicines as fresh butter and Oyl of sweet Almonds drank plentifully which is counted a singular Remedy for Convulsions upon which acount Dioscorides commends the drinking of Whey and the Decoction of Violets the Syrup also is approved of in Children and Almond Milk is profitably given to drink to which
may be commodiously mixed an Emulsion of Peony seeds of which a Lambitive being made by adding of Sugar and given to the Child before it be suckled is made a a profitable Preservative against the Epilepfie as some write Things that stupefie the Nerves because by dulling their sense they cause them to be less affected with their trouble when they are irritated and for that reason are not so easily convulsed if the Gentler of them be given in Grievous and Dangerous Convulsions which proceed from an acrid and malignant matter I have often found by experience they have done very much good upon which account I think Treacle and other Opiates to be convenient in Convulsions which in this case practitioners allow of to strengthen and heat the Nerves not only because they do infringe the povsonous cause of an Epilepsie but because also they do in a manner lay asleep the Exquisite sense of the Nerves Experience hath proved that those things which do change and alter the constitution of the whol body and make as it were its Temperament new as in many long continued desperate Diseases so also in a long continued Epilepsie and otherwise incurable they may somtimes do somwhat singular which are perfected by great changes and new evacuations made in the body By change of Age it sometimes happens whenas the temperament of the body either is changed too as that which invaded in Child-hood is cured when Youth comes and that which first happens to those of ripe age if it cease not in old age yet it undergoes some change so also the change of the Country especially if it be from a place where this disease is Popular or otherwise from an unhealthful to a healthful place it brings much help for the cure of this evil and a change of the sex as it were which by eunuchism makes the body which was virile and masculine to be effeminate done by the ancients by Gelding hath been commended as the last Remedy in an Epilepsie New and not yet accustomary evacuations especially those natural ones of seed and blood coming at their due time whenas they do also very much alter the body 't is no wonder that if the years of youth beginning the Epilepsie doth then cease not only by reason of the change of age but also because that then they begin to eject seed and Maids have their menstruous blood flow and the Haemorrhoides breaking forth in some natures the same sometimes ceases and the Epilepsie forsakes Great-bellied Women after they are delivered and wel purged the which whenas Physitians see succeeds well by these like Purgations which nature attempts they also in a desperate Epilepsie make triall of divers evacuations ordered oftner by chance than method By reason of the Symptomes of which sort we meet with divers in the sundry kinds of consternation of minde besides the lawful cure which is due to removing the cause the which being taken away they also cease presently when they are urgent we must administer some things the chief of which to which we ought to have respect are Suffocation Falling Violent motion Sleep and Stupidity Dotage Weakness From a suddain and unexpected fall the Apoplectick and Epileptick are in very great danger by which oftentimes dashing their head they are killed or otherwise grievously hurt unless by custome or a Vertigo going before the Epileptical be forewarned of the time and then by sitting or lying do prevent their fall Danger of suffocation hangs over those that are sick of a grievous Apoplexy because they are not troubled only by reason of breathing hindred but also by an impediment that their Teeth being fast set and their mouth shut the free passage of the Air is intercepted Therefore their Teeth must be presently opened and if they yeeld not easily they must be puld a sunder by an instrument thrust in by force and keeping that between them we must have a care that they be not shut again and it must be hard that they do not bite it off for which purpose either a bone or hard piece of wood will serve ' whatsoever we light on first as spoones for the most part are most readily found for this use whose handle may be interposed the which if they cannot be thrust in betwixt the Teeth already closed they must be parted by a dividing Instrument made for that purpose and by interposition of that as was even now said they must be kept that they be not joyned or if they cannot be disjoyned thus neither then a Tooth or two must be pulled out then the Body must be so placed that the Breast being less prest may be moved more freely yet we must not stir it too violently whiles we move it whence follows quick breathing the which whenas they cannot so speedily perform they are suffocated as it often happens for want of care We shall prevent the Epileptical from wounding themselves or otherwise hurting by that vehement commotion and Agitation of the Body if by interposing soft Cushions Clothes we take care they hit not their limbs against hard things for it is no waies safe either to hold them or to bind them seeing the matter of the Epilepsie is shaken of and discust by motion and because in such like Convulsions of the Body they bite also and somtimes vehemently wound their Tongue we must put presently between their Teeth before they be shut not our finger which standers by offentimes rashly do with danger but an instrument as this in the Apoplectical ought to be done for fear of Suffocation so in the Epileptical to relieve the Tongue when as they are no waies endangered of suffocation and if the Tongue be already laid hold on by the Teeth we must succour it with a dividing Instrument Sleep and Stupidity in these affects if they continue long or returne often do oppress the Native heat therefore the Apoplectical also being taken with to much or profound Sleep and a vehement Stupidity they must be roused now and then and hinder'd that they relapse not which may be done by moving the outward senses with strong objects that they may force and provoke the internal ones into act thus the hearing is moved with crying in the Fares making a high sound and noise the sight with much shining of light and fire the tast with bitter and sharp things the smel with stinking things mentioned before but especially the feeling seeing it doth very much move the sence if it be done with pain in parts endued with exquisite sense as in the Skin by pulling the hairs Burning Pricking doth very much rouse them up which also may be done by irritating the Nostrils which have an excellent sense with ordors and other things which move sneezing too by which the Body shaken is more roused up as also if we stir up the Eyes with a suddain light and prick them with other things that move Tears also we may sollicite the belly with suppositories to excretion
are made like to Drunkards and loose all Appetite of eating and drinking and so can suffer Hunger a long time those that have writ of it and tried the same do witness The which also happens as Matthiolus shews if the root of the greater Nightshade which they cal deadly be infused in wine the Infusion given that hunger thirst do cease til by taking of Vinegar that fault is corrected but Sleep coming doth cure them both as also in others A poysonous Quality entring the Body from without A poysonous Quality the cause of Madness or proceeding from things taken in for concerning that which is raised intrinsecally in the humors shall be spoke off in a Melancholly humor from some poysons which hurt rather by Alienating the Minde then any other way as the effects and hurts of Poysons are Various may also disturbe the Mind of which sort Dioscorides proposeth many things which can do it rather by a poysenous then narcotick quality and we purposely omit them when as they are rare with us amongst which also Pliny thought that menstruous blood devoured was able to make Mad both Men and Dogs As also we oftentimes find by experience that from biting of Creatures turned Mad the Poyson entring mans Body by the Spittle the like Madness doth befal them especially from Dogs which do easier become Mad then other Creatures to wit about the heat of the Dog daies so called for this Reason or also about the greatest cold as Dioscorides will have it and they are known by this that they loath meat send forth a foam hang down their tail and fly upon those also which before they loved and bite them whose biting though at first it bring no greater discommodity then the wound and pain yet if it be neglected somtimes the first fortieth day somtimes sooner somtimes after six months or a year it induceth that Hydrophobite and Madness wonderfully changing the Mind of a man as was said formerly and converting it into doggish manners In which there is so great vertue of Poyson that some amongst whom Avicen is one have dared to testifie for truth that some have pist forth Whelps or some flesh like to them and Dioscorides proves by the Testimony of one that this evil hath layen hid for seven years and then first of all broke forth and Matthiolus writes that the touching of certain woods especially the Dog-tree and the Bloody-rod will occasion that this Madness do sooner appear and Dioscorides also hath delivered that by the Conversation only with one infected a certain man contracted the like affect and Galen teacheth that the spittle of Mad Dogs if it touch the naked parts of the Body is able to make Men Mad all one as if they were bitten Which things as they do more commonly happen from Mad Dogs because they live with men in great plenty and more familiarly then other Creatures so also they witness that they happen from Wolfes run Mad and I have twice observed a dreadful and deadly Madness proceeding thence and doubtless as Aristotle hath write the same from the bitings of other Mad Creatures as of the Camel and Horse and Avicen of the Mule so also the same may happen from the bitings of a Fox a Weasil a Poulecat a Ferret whose bitings at other times have somwhat of Poyson in them Nay of an Ape also and even of a Man himself now sick of this Madness whose spittle hath put on the Nature of Poyson As it is very likely also that Madness may be raised from the Blood of some Poysenous Beasts as other accidents from other Poysons of which seeing we are destitute in our Countries and therefore no danger hangs over us from them t is needless here to speak more The too great Agitation or Confusion of the Spirit of the Brain The Agitation of Spirits the cause of commotion of Mind inducing not only a light or short affection which presently ceaseth but somtimes an imprinted and permanent affect is the cause of a commotion of the Mind in those especially which are disposed to it or who by reason of their cowardize or weakness of reason cannot resist affects but that is done by that Commotion which is done suddainly with a certain violence as by Joy Anger Fear or by that which is wont to happen vehement and of long continuance as in Grief or that which happens long continued and depraved in counterfeit Folly Great joy for some thing obtained especially if it happen unexpectedly and that to the weaker sort as old Men and Women it begets that foolish species of perturbation of the Mind with foolish joy as was said the spirits being so poured forth with the Blood that the Face is not only over spread with red but tears drop forth of their Eyes and all their Members being heated are unquiet Anger for some offence raiseth that furious species of commotion of the Mind the spirits and blood being vehemently inflamed and cast forth with desire of revenge yet by and by returning again by reason of grief of mind whence they look so red at first by and by wax pale and yellow the which happens more easily to hotter and cholerick Natures and to those who are first heated with Wine and made sottish hence then many Causes concurring together they are as it were mad A Fright or grievous Fear especially happning of a suddain doth not only astonish the Mind but if it be so imprinted in the mind and move change and confound the whole Body and Spirits especially in those disposed that it can either never or very difficultly be got out of it it oftentimes induceth a true Melancholy and that most grievous and worst almost then that which happens from an internal Cause as shall be said by and by the impression being so made upon the Spirits and Humors and the Brain it self that it can hardly be drawn forth unless the whole Mass of Blood be exhausted as shall be explained and this is that species of Melancholy in which as it hath been shewed they are vext with horrid and wicked Temptations the which species I have often met withal possessing both Women and Men not sparing even the younger sort But this proceeds either from some horrid Vision appearing either by Dreams or in deed as of some Ghost or the Carkass of a Man hanged as in that Maid who beholding one hanging upon a Cross without the citty fell into such a Mnlancholy which ending in Convulsions caused her Death and a Woman who passing by a Gibbet late and fearing least being shut out of the City she should be forced to lie there all Night fell into a long continued Melancholy another also who by chance be holding the Carkass of a Theefe who hanged himself in the Prison whiles he was put into a Barrel to be cast into the River being astonish't in Mind miserably remaining many years Melancholick could scarce any more come to her self the which also
oftentimes proceed from the Imagination only and fear of some Danger of Theeves when they converse alone in Woods or at night in the dark in which all things become more dreadful or they proceed from fear of eternal Judgement for some grievous sin committed as that Concubine of the Priests pretended in her grievous Melancholy because she had brought forth so many Children from an unlawful Bed which imagination and perswasion conceived from that even those that do now suffer this affect do retain and do express by words and very deed such like things which gave them the occasion as was said in the accidents of Melancholy Sadness or vehement Grief lasting long doth also beget a Melancholick Perturbation of the Mind which also may degenerate into the true one if it take deeper roote and disturb the Spirits and change the Temperament of the Body or it induceth a certain Phansie sometimes foolish sometimes maddish and sometimes desperation as we have described in explaining the kinds But this Sadness of Mind proceeds from grief or mourning most commonly for some things lost of Money Honour or any other thing as the Death of Children Parents Friends with which the Mind oftentimes is wonderfully tormented and afflicted for a long time or from Shame and Bashfulness with which generous minds especially are so troubled for some error commited that it is plain some have thereby been driven to despair as they write it happened to Homer because he could not resolve the Fisher-men their Riddle Envy also doth so afflict a man and as they are wont to say gnaw the Heart that these also become wholly Melancholick and by their Face and Gestures express envy all manner of waies as Ovid sets it forth Also divers affects of the Mind proceeds chiefly from the too great Appetite or Concupiscence of some thing honest or dishonest which they perswade themselves will be profitable or honest as seeing by the immoderate study or Science men oftentimes being too intent do procure to themselves a certain Phansie and those whom ambition and vain glory torments and who are taken with the love of themselves Philauty boastingly they talk and do many foolish and ridiculous things which the Comaedians have elegantly shown in the vain glorious Souldier under the persons of Thraso and Pyr Gopolynices in their Comaedies or when the desire of revenge not ceasing after anger being carried into a permanent Hatred and Enmity which can scarce any more be blotted out continually thirsting Revenge and intent on that they do nothing rightly but most things unhappily being troubled in Mind or carried on the Coveteousness the love of Riches they are so madded that they run headlong into many Vices Sins and enormous Deeds whether also that Dotage of the Alchymists ought to be referredwho seeking the Phylosophers stone with so great heat all though they see they loose their Labour and Cost and can do nothing nor know nothing done by others yet they bate not of their unwearied Labour and led on by continual Hope no waies ceasing from their Labour they wast their whole substance last of all and chiefly that vehement Heat and Concupiscence proceeding from love in both sexes when they cannot alwaies enjoy it or not all 't is a Cause of that Grief for every Lover mourns with which being overcome at last they are vext and tormented with so many different Passions of the mind that despairing they think attempt and perform things ridiculous or weighty and dangerous as was said in the accidents to which love sometimes and elegant beauty sometimes lovely conditions every one according to his Phansie for the most part with a blind judgment sometimes a certain Sympathy and confirmity of manners gave the beginning occasion and fomented it Counterfeit Folly and long continued constantly exagitateing the spirits depravedly doth cause that by this custom changing Nature some Fools who for their gullet Belly and profit sake exercise their Folly before great Men who delight in the Conversation of Fools seeing they have fitted and accustomed themselves to this from their Youth they acquire that Habit in it which afterwards seeing it can no waies be blotted out they continue Fools indeed A perturbation of the Spirits of the Brain not that which raised from the Affections of the Mind doth too much exagitate and confound them A perturbation of the Spirits the cause of Melancholy and Madness or aflects them with an occult quality of which we have spoken already but that which being raised intrinsecally from some matter mixt with the Spirits doth cloud obscure darken the animal Spirits which ought to be bright clear lucid and most pure may induce the said Melancholly and Madness also if it Act more vehemently Which matter they cal Melancholick because they think it is black and they contend that it doth alter the Mind not only by troubling the Spirits but also by cooling the Brain seeing they hold this humor is cold and dry but seeing we have shewed in Sleepiness and Supidtiy that from the coldness of the Brain whether joyned with moisture or driness its Functions would rather be impaired or abolisht then intended this Melancholick matter which we also call Turbulent impure and filthy doth not by cooling but because t is mixt with the spirits disturbs them and the Brain in whose substance the Spirits are every where connate we have proved in Anatomy and by a certain Malignity which it hath also attained it doth at last imprint that hurt from which follow such enormous accidents the which notwithstanding cannot therefore suddainly bring Death because it is an evil of long continuance The which matter is either a Melancholick vapor or humor A Melancholick filthy Vapor troubling the Spirits and affecting the Head breeds that Species of Melancholy which they call Hypochondriacal A Vapor the Cause of the perterbation of Spirits in Hypochondriacal Melancholy because they chiefly complain of that place affected for the cause of this evil lurkes in the parts of the Belly under the Ribes or Hypochondries which the Arabians call Mirach and from thence denominate this Species mirachal melancholly and from that part a vapor raised upwards to the Head at a certain time then when it assails it it makes this melancholly exert it self Most men write that the fewel of this is the Spleen because it is the natural seat of melancholly and because they are most troubled in the left side but others affirm that this matter is contained in the stomach also which doth most possess the left hypochondria and in its neighboring part others also place in the Liver and Mesentary and the Veins of that called mesaraicks which we also affirm is heaped and lies hid in the mesarick Veins not only those that through the mesentery and call but also the other natural bowels especially in those places where these branches of the Vena porta being more and greater do tend towards the Spleen and Stomach in the left side
although this matter may be heaped up also in other places upon which account they feel their pain most commonly in the left side yet somtimes in the right part of the hypochondries and back where the Spleen and chief bowels lie hid But most do give out that the matter lying there from which this evaporation rising doth affect the mind to be melancholly blood which we also can no waies deny but we deny it to be cold seeing that burning which the Patient feels in that place where the humor lurks doth sufficiently declare the acrimony and heat of the humor for as it was said in Feavers that the blood in the Vena cava did cause continual Feavers but that in the branches of the Vena porta being more cholerick and excrementitious which is continually heaped up from the meat and drink lately changed into chyle when it putrifies it doth by its evaporation cause intermitting Feavers so also it happens in this case as we shall by and by shew that as from melancholly blood contained in the branches of the Vena cava the true melancholly is caused so from that which is accumulated in the branches of the Vena porta and there fils up the Veins in certain places yet doth not putrefie but is adust faeculent and hath also some malignity if the vapors of that raised up keeping the condition of the humor from whence they proceed do assail the brain they wil cause a melancholly returning by course which lasts so long til they being discust again do grant some ease to the Patient so long til new vapors arise which for the most part is every day And hence it comes to pass that this melancholly otherwise than the true hath its intermissions then especially when some excretion of wind chiefly with which this evaporation doth fil the Stomach and Guts is made by belching which carries with it a heat by reason of the humor from whence it proceeds and an acidity by reason of the Stomach in which that a certain acidity is alwaies contained we shal declare in its proper place or when these vapors which tend upwards are partly emptied by vomiting or partly reveld by Farts and Stools or when by cold meat yet moderately taken those heats being mitigated and vapors represt they do a little ease the evil as by taking that which is hot and plentiful that affect by reason of the boyling of those parts and plenty of wind is exasperated because the stomach is comprest with these and pained puft up and together with the Guts makes a murmuring rumbling and waving the aforesaid windes are so frequent in this affect that it is called also the windy melancholly and divers Excrements thrust thither from the mesaraick Veins are the Causes by reason of which also they then feel hears in those places where this matter principally lurks as hath been said but also these filthy vapors ascending upwards because the heart also by the way is oftentimes grieviously affected they complain of a palpitation of the heart and beating of the Arteries and the Midriff being somwhat hindred of some suffocation so that scarce any other evil doth so long torment a man as this affect doth if he lie not down by the Disease with so many accidents in the hurts of the natural vital animal parts infinite of which they continually complain But the cause and original of this melancholly blood collected in the mesaraick veins proceeds from an ill course of Diet long continued begetting the melancholly juyce or thick cholerick whence by degrees a great filth of it is heaped up at length as in intermitting Fevers for the like reason we said that cholerick blood was produced which may come to pass from all meats of evil juyce hard concoction being corrupted and from those that are hot rather than from the cold and dry unless in as much as these being hardly disgested do corrupt also in which we offend chiefly for gluttony and pleasures sake whenas they are sweet salt Fat Acrid although most men believe the flesh which is taken from wild Beasts and from solitary or melancholly creatures as that of Hares Venison to be more apt to produce a melancholly juyce as amongst Plants Colewares and Lentils and it gives a great and principal occasion of this evil if the excretions went to be made at some certaintimes by which nature was wont to evacuate these things at first collected in the stomach or guts as loosnesses of the belly or Vomiting be no more or if this filth being collected in the mesaraick Veins the Hemorrhoids be supprest especially if they did once flow which somtimes is the chief original of this evil The humor producing true melancholly and oftentimes madness is called a melanchollick blood such as they think to be either black choler it self A melancholly humor is the cause of the perturbation of the spirits in melancholy and Madness or that which is faeculent but we have already said formerly that this matter doth no waies want some malignity and we may by right also call it poysonous seeing it cannot otherwise be rightly explained as Galen shews l. 6. de loc affect that a poysonous matter is generated from seed and blood corrupted the which its enormous accidents do sufficiently declare which show themselves in them as if they were struck with poyson especially madness when notwithstanding there is no other hurt no manifest disease nor danger of death and seeing they suffer these things for many years oftentimes without any other damage which certainly can no waies be caused from a cold humor such as they think the dregs of blood to be nor from black choler which if it be confounded with the blood is wont to bring the black jaundies and other grievous diseases of the Skin therefore we should rather recur to a malignant poysonous and occult quality such as we shal often declare is found in many the like pertinacious and horrid diseases which they thought did spring from black Choler as hath been said and in which by reason of their malignity Mathiolus asserted the Cacodaemons had their residence then teach and allow of those things for true which are thus believed out of a certain custom and thought it to be seen in that blood let which is black when notwithstanding congealed blood of its own nature even in the sound is wont to look blackish and bein kept long to appear black like pitch and we wil embrace truth rather than Opinions or we will openly confess that we are not able rightly to explain the true cause But the blood now mentioned is contained in the branches of the Vena Cava as that which caused a hypochondriacal melancholly is in the branches of the Vena porta and therefore it raiseth a melancholly or madness persevering not invading by courses as the hypochondriacal doth unless as it hath its exacerbations and remissions as we said also it came to pass in continual Fevers for the
same cause as hath been explained that by reason of the difference of these Veins in which the matter of Fevers is contained for the same reason they become continual or intermitting But it is certain that the matter is contained somtimes in the veins of the head only other times in the veins of the whol body especially in the greater and upon that account doth cause more grievoius or more mild accidents for as it was declared in continual Fevers if the matter putrifie about the heart there is caused a most burning Fever called a Causus so it fals out here to wit that if such matter be contained in the ventricles of the brain where otherwise the blood of the Veins and Arteries confounded together is very hot a madness or grievous melancholly is raised or if about a more noble part as the Womb the Blood which is wont to abound there and the seed also being retained be corrupted and changed into that poysonous matter as was alleadged formerly by the testimony of Galen it causeth that madness of the Womb in which they so much desire enormous and brutish copulation as hath been demonstrated by the example of a Woman who by reason of a long continued sickness of her Husband by reteining her seed fell into this disease and coveted copulation with dogs and by how much the further scituation it hath from a principal part in the lower parts by so much the more mild melancholly ariseth All which things must be judged how they are by the nature of the accidents and from this that no other external causes went before as was said of a fright from which a grievous melancholly is commonly caused rather then by the constitution which they set forth to be melancholly from the hairs of the body the color of the Skin and the habit also from the excrements seeing these diseases may happen not only to people swarthy lean and sad by nature but to all Naâ—â—tres all Ages as I have often observed But that the cause of it may depend upon a melancholly constitution which they have contracted to themselves by nature or by an ill course of living as was shewed in the hypochondriacal we do no waies deny seeing melancholly blood being turbid and impure doth the easier acquire malignity as also we have somtimes found that hypochondriacal melancholly hath passed into the true one the blood in the Veins being at last infected by the long continued evaporation of heat and also that melancholly which proceeds from the affection of the mind if it fall upon a fit constitution called the melanchollick it wil have a double cause concurring to excite a true melancholly lastly from the suppression of such excrements which easily pass into this poysonous matter as from the retention especially of the menstruous bleod or seed as somtimes a Suffocation of the Womb doth proceed so at other times a madness of the Womb as hath been explained A hot distemper affecting the brain and its membranes A hot distemper the cause of dotage a hot vapor the cause a hot distemper and dotage in a bastard phrensie for the most part cause that first a pain of the Head and if it be more intense a dotage by too much exagitating the functions of the mind but it grows hot somtimes from a hot vapor which is raised up either from hot meat and drink but unless then there be joyned a Narcotick or madding faculty as was said of Wine heat alone wil scarce bring a deliration but only a pain of the head but this is sooner done from hot humors blood too much evaporating especially if it contract some malignity also which is wont presently to make the brain mad as hath been shewed in the causes of melancholly which easily happens in blood altered or putrified whether in the Veins or out of them that by corruption it acquires some malignity from that therefore the like vapor being carried up to the brain it breeds a bastard phrensie so called in many diseases generated from such like humors whose symptom it is So somtimes a dotage is wont to follow a hot expiration raised foom blood in diseases generated from inflamed blood as in diary Feavers a sinochis and internal inflammations which is known to proced from thence by the disease accompanying it also from humors putrifying and so getting a preternatural heat a dotage doth somtimes invade all putrid Feavers at what time chiefly the hot expiration doth very much assail the head as in intermitting Feavers oftentimes at the beginning otherwise about the State and then also chiefly in continual Feavers the heat of the brain helping which by reason of the Fever together with all the parts of the body is heated also for the same reason also Children do oftentimes Rave by reason of Worms when they putrifie a Fever for the most part coming upon it Choller poured forth into the Stomach sending also a hot evaporation to the brain because it is acrid and subtile doth rather cause a pain and a Vertigo than a dotage as shall be said in its place Also Blood made too hot and especially too thin contained in the ventricles and Vessels of the Brain An hot Humor it the Cause of a hot Distemper and Dâ—tage in a bastard Phrensit inflaming the brain not only by a vapor but also by its proper substance induceth a bastard Phrensie as it somtimes comes to pass when by a blow or Fall or in Feavers it flows thither But if that it be carried out of the Vessels and poured upon the brain and its membranes An Inflammation is the cause of a hot distemper or Dotage in a Phrensie it breeds an Inflammation or Erysipelas according as the Blood is then it causeth a true Phrensie which also is called a Syriasis especially if it befal Children whose external and violent Cause may be that which shatters or hurts the Head or the internal a Fulness of Blood and inflammation of it whence a synochus Feaver arising pouring forth a portion of its hotter blood into this principal patr which before did very much abound with blood it makes this grievous Disease whose Companion is a continual Feaver as hath been declared in Feavers differing therefore from a bastard Phrensie because the feaver in that goes before the Dotage but in a Phrensie they both invade together by which signe also t is chiefly known An evil Conformation of the Brain as if it be too big or little or otherwise be not rightly formed for the most part creates the said Foolishness bred in some from their Birth whenas this proceeds from implanted Causes as from the seed of the Parents who either were Fools themselves or their seed had contracted some fault and t is easily known by this that they were Fools from their Birth because the Head answers the unshapen Brain in Greatness or Smaleness or Deformity An evil Conformation the Cause of Folly which fault if it reach to the
strong bodies without any hurt The Medicines which they ought to take for alteration sake are prepared of those things which by a temperate Moisture do correct the force of this filthy and acrid humor and by a propriety its Malignity and amend the distemper of the brain which is chiefly affected and the heart whose complexion in these cases Avicen thinks is chiesly corrupted having respect also unto the Spleen where they think the seat of Melancholly and the Liver which they Suppose also to be affected by reason of that of which these Medicines are made up which if we consider the accustomary Compositions they are almost wholly Cordial the which seeing they do not only refresh but also do resist the malignant and venenate matter of which sort this is we also do allow them but shunning things too hot and dry and do prescribe them as followeth For an Infusion in Wine or Decoction the which either we use simple adding Sugar Spices or to make a Syrup these things may be taken to be used by course Take of the flowers of both Buglosses which are appropriated to the heart and Spleen as much as is sufficient let them steep in ordinary Wine or let them be boyled in Broths For the same reason also other things may be infused in Wine as the Leaves of Harts-Tongue which the common people is wont to do in this case A more Compound infusion or Decoction may be made thus Take of the flowers of Roses Violets both Buglosses Scabious Tamarisk of each one pugil the Leaves of Betony Balm Harts-tongue or Milt-waist of each one handful the Root of Elecampane two drams the seed of Basil one dram Bruise them for your use A Syrup may be made of this Decoction as hath been said or the following be prepared of Juyces Take of the Juyces of sweet Apples one pound of Borrage three ounces of Mallows which is thought very profitable two clarifie them and adding Sugar half a pound Boyl them to a consistence We use also Juleps rather then those Compound Cordial waters which some prescribe because they too much inflame the Body Take of Rose water three ounces Bugloss two ounces Balm one ounce Cinnamon half an ounce Orange flower water which they cal water of naffe two drams whitt wine one ounce the whitest Sugar as much as is sufficient Make a Julep Electuaries to be taken by course every other day drinking after a little of the said Julep or its water with a little wine are made thus of fewer or more things Take of the conserves of Roses Violets the flowers of both Buglosses Water Lillies the Roots of Bugloss and Citron Pill candied of each half an ounce the Root of Elecampane one dram seed of Basil one dram Pouder of Diamargaritum Frigidum one dram with Syrup of sweet Apples Mix them Another made of many rare and pretious things is thus prepared Take of the Conserves of the four Cordial flowers of each one ounce Conserve of water Lillies Scabious Clove-gilli-flowers Tamarisk Succory Lange-debeef Eringoes Satyrion Rose-mary Betony flowers of each half an ounce the Roots of Bugloss Lettice Coleworts Guords and flesh of Citrons Citron pill condited of each one ounce Emblick Myrobalanes two the seeds of Guord and Melons clensed of each half an ounce Citron seed clensed one dram seed of Basil one dram and an half seed of Lettice one dram kermes Berries two drams sweet Sanders half a dram Cinnamon one dram shaving of Harts-horn Ivory of each one dram Vnicorns horn for Rich men one scruple Red Coral one dram the Pouder of Diamargaritum frigidum or the Electuary of Gems half a dram Rosata Novella Diasmoschum Diarrhodon Aromaticum Rosatum Trionsantalon of each one scruple Trochisks of Camphire two scruples Confection of Alkermes and Hyacinth of each one dram Rhases Laetificans two drams with Syrup of sweet Apples boyled thick that the Confection which ought to be kept a long time be not corrupted Make an Electuary Theophrastus commends Southern-wood taken with Honey and Vinegar We may also use Pouders and adding Sugar one ounce and an half to one dram of them Make Comfits or dissolve the Sugar in the Waters and Julep exprest to make Lozenges The first shall be such Take of the Roots of Swallow-wort one dram Citron pill seeds of Basil of each half a dram Pearl half a scruple Make a Pouder for use as hath been said Or thus Take of the Cordial flowers the Leaves of Balm Marjoram of each one scruple Citron pill Basil seed of each half a dram sweet Saunders one scruple shaving of Ivory one scruple Coral half a dram Pearl half a scruple Cinnamon half a dram Make a Pouder Or out of the usuall Pouders as Diamargariton or the Electuary of Gems and other things in the said Electuaries both Pouders and Lozenges may be made Lozenges made after this manner are very Cordial and appropriate to the Head Take of Confection Alkermes or of Hyacinth one dram Pouder of Diamdrgaritum Frigidum Electuary of Gems of each half a dram Diamoschum Aromaticum Rosatum of each half a dram seed of Basil one scruple Sugar dissolved in the Juyce of sweet Apples as much as is sufficient Make Lozenges Remedies are outwardly applied to the Head in which the Brain residing is alwaies affected in these Diseases either by it self or by consent and where somtimes the cause of the evil lies hid And first of all at the beginning use only Repellers if it be Hypochondriacal Melancholy from a Vapor lifted up or a great fury in Madness then in the beginning we use an Oxyrrhodine to which notwithstanding we add Oyl of Violets and Chamomel that it dry not too much Or we anoynt the Head with Oyl of Roses Myrtles Quinces Violets and Chamomel But afterwards we must use things very moistning which may also disolve a little and strengthen the Head and also cause sleep because they are much troubled with watching Let Irrigations or Embrocations be made which are more accustomary to our people or washing and wetting of the Head and that once a day or twice Morning and Evening for many daies according as we conjecture there is more or less need by their watchings and restlesness the which also if we use with a Bath before and after the use of it as shall be said we must irrigate the Head with the same Bath But here we do no waies use Lyes because they dry too much but the following Decoctions Take of the Roots of Marsh-mallows one ounce the Herbs of Violets Lettice and Mallows of each one handful Flowers of Violets water Lillies Burrage Chamomel Melilot Barley of each one pugil Flax seed one ounce Faenygreek by reason of its strong smel we omit Poppy half an ounce Make a Decoction in the Broth of a Calves Head and Gethers add a little Wine for an Irrigation Another when we would also procure sleep which for the most part is necessary Take of the Leaves of Willow Lettice
of blood be inflamed diary Feavers are caused and if this Symptom urge in other Feavers the heat being increased the symptoms of the Feavers grow stronger Choler Also in the cholerick growing hot for this reason through too much watching and poured into the Stomach and boyling there breeds gnawings of the Stomach and other accidents of it and by consent with that pains of the Head and Megrims Preternatural Dreams are Dreams when in sleep the external senses only do seem to rest but the internal do not only lightly exercise themselves as is in natural Dreams but immoderatly and with vehemency and labor as if they were waking although exercise themselves depravedly and do also exagitate and diffipate the spirits that being rouzed up they seem to be rather wearied than refreshed Immoderate Dreams that make the body weary and weak are those which besides the custom do last longer almost all night but this happens to some naturally that Dreams do then begin first when the vapors which caused a sound sleep are now discust after the first sleep as they call it but on others as labouring men tired with labor and sleping presently after meat sleep so steals on them by reason of the plenty of vapors that they have no dreams at all or if they have some wandring they no waies remember them the which also though it be natural too yet that Country fellow not thinking it convenient that he could rehearse no Dreams to his Companions amidst their Cups for this reason takes counsel of the Physitian and receiving from him a strong purging medicine sleeping upon it dreamt that he shit a bed afterwards awaking he found in very deed that he had dreamed and that a true and fatal one Grievous dreams are which do not only lightly exercise the mind as natural ones which therefore seeing they are not very much imprinted on the Brain they do easily slip out of the memory either wholly or in part that being wakend they can recite little of them but do very much exagitate it and do no less affect the senses then if those things did truely fal out which appear to them in their sleep in so much that oftentimes being strucken with fear they suddainly start up or if nevertheless they continve in their sleep they are altogether unquiet and toss their Body variously in their sleep Sweat and somtimes Talk Prate much Cry Laugh call out Nay and sleeping still nevertheless rise out of their Bed and as Galen writes it hath befallen himself they walk and survey many places concerning which the common people perswade themselves many superstitious and old wives tales how they can climbe without danger if they be not hindred nor wakend being called by their own name those difficult places otherwise impossible for the wakening to do many grievous dreams of which nature t is well known to all are dayly objected both to the sick and otherwise sound But they are such if horrible things are presented to their minds whiles they are a sleep with which they are either vehemently frighted as when they dream that they are in danger by some violence offered a fal from on high of Fire Water or by reason of some great offence or for the loss of some grateful thing represented to them they are Angry Sad and Greive Also Portentous Prognosticating Dreams especially those that portend any evil do very much astonish and though they presage some good nevertheless they move a little the which so many sacred and prophane Histories do testefie are sent to men from a good and evil Spirit The Causes The Cause both of watchings and dreams one is supernatural depending on God or the Devil another natural from custome which is a second nature or it lies in the Head and it is a too great Commotion or Perturbation of the Animal Spirits or a hot distemper of the Brain The great and good God as he makes known his wil to us watching and puts it into our minds so also he will somtimes admonish us by Dreams of things to come or things present or past somtimes by sending of visions unknown by themselves The preternatural cause of Dreams Yet the interpretation of which he graunted to some as to Joseph Daniel but at other times he hath set before our Eyes as it were in Dreams the thing it self as it is as to Pharaoh the Dearness of provision to come to Daniel the Monarchies to come Julius Caesars present danger to his Wife the past Death of Ceyres the Husband to his Wife Alcyone And the Devil also by Gods permission as he doth often didude the sleeping with false Images and Apparitions of things so also he troubles men in their Dreams with true ones sometimes that signifies something certain if he can hurt them seeing otherwise he is a lyar Custome oftentimes makes men to be raised at a certain hour of the Night and to watch a long while Custome is the cause of watchings and Dreams as we have oftentimes already taught that Nature being accustomed doth observe her times in excretions also and others of her Natural Operations which is very familiar with old folks in watchings who though they be Prone to Sleep and presently betake themselves to Bed yet being roused either about midnight or sooner or later can Sleep no more And after this is wont to be accustomary to them care and thought in the interim joyning themselves by which whiles they search into and dispose of divers things they are awakend more Also some dreams come to a habit from a certain Custome that afterwards for a long time they dream dreams of the same kind and do not only conceive them in their minde but by words and deeds express them in their sleep The too much commotion or perturbation of the Animal Spirits A commotion of the Animal Spirits is the cause of watchings are the cause of preternatural watchings and dreams which come to pass the internal senses being too much affected for then the Spirits being stirred because they can not rest they can no waies sleep but watch or if they do sleep either they are vexed neverthelels with too much Dreams or those more grievous which impulsion of the internal senses either befals them by accident by reason of the external senses or by it self For the external senses being very much moved by their proper objects do move also the internal and suffer them not to be quiet or if they be quiet nevertheless they disturb and force them as the sight moved by too much light the hearing by a great noise turnes away sleep and makes the sleepers unquiet or rouzeth them up because silence and darkness are rather required to sleep the touch especially affected with pain and trouble doth cause watchings Upon which account in Diseases that torment with pain they are also troubled with watchings and in dreams they represent the pain to them asleep and those that are troubled with a pain at
the Heart the stomach being to ful they sleep unquietly the which happens also to them who suffer any other trouble in Diseases as to those that are very thirsty who watch by reason of the thirst or if these kind of people do sleep they are tormented also in their dreams with a desire to drink as it betides them also who are vext with a difficulty of breathing in divers Diseases of the Breast and in a Dropsie that they cannot sleep or if they do sleep being straitend with danger of suffocation they have also such Dreams The senses also being too much moved by themselves by a vehement intention of the minde upon some things the spirits being stirred at it comes to pass in vehement and lasting passions of the Minde viz. in Joy Anger Fear Sadness Love they are afflicted with too much watchings or if they do sleep nevertheless they are exagitated in Dreams with their affections and also so many Species and Images of things arising from the studies of divers Sciences Arts and human actions being apprehended and imprinted on the Brain do not only exercise the Memory of the waking so that they sleep less but being obsersant to them sleeping and moving the Spirits they spring forth again in their dreams And those things which we met withal either the same day or the precedent daies or a long while before do represent themselves either in the same form that they were in or from a mixture of them diverse forms springing up wonderful apparitions ofter themselves to us which either have not happend or are not to be found in Nature And hence it comes to pass that oftentimes such Dreams by reason of their enormity are thought portentous the Cause of which notwithstanding is Natural viz this commixture of formes as if one hath seen in the day time a fine Horse and a Man he may Dream that he fees a Centaure and the common People by Reason of the diversity of dreams which t is no wonder that they vary so according to so many conceptions of the Mind do perswade themselves by a great error that every one doth portend somthing Also the manner of lying by which the Animal spirits being moved are less quiet in their seats but do easier change their place make much for the causing of more Turbulent Dreams as we see this may be done in Members retained a long while in a non natural Scituation that suffer a numness by reason of the Spirits hindred and in a Vertigo from a wheeling of the Body by reason of the Spirits running up and down as we see it happens by lying one the Back especially the Head bending downwards the Spirits then from the Head penetrating more the Spinal Marrow and so causing motion and sense that though they be not wakend yet nevertheless they are more exagitated in their Dreams Also a Perturbation of the Spirits of the Brain A Perturbation of the Animal Spirits a Cause of Dreams from Impure Filthy Melancholick Vapors or Humors causeth Grievous and Turbulent Dreams and the like apparitions appearing in Sleep and as pleasant and merry Dreams do shew forth a healthful Constitution so these sad and borrid Dreams for the most part shew a Melancholick Constitution and oftentimes Diseases to come and in Diseases of this Nature generated of Melancholly and a Malignat matter together with other accidents of the Brain and Dotages they do vehemently Exagitate a man and also cause watchings but Dioscorides also writes that terrible Dreams are caused from certain things taken as if Beans Lentils Fitches be eaten and also if the seeds of Bind weed and Venemous Tree Trefoile be taken doubtless the Spirits being wont to be troubled by their strength they are cause Dreams A hot Distemper of the Brain A hot Distemper of the Brain is the cause of watchings and Dreams also heating the Spirits because it makes them unquiet may be the Cause both of Watchings and Preternatural Dreams which somtimes happens from hot Vapors proceeding from things taken as hot Meats and especially Wine which though it cause sleep by its Narcotickness yet it breeds unquiet Dreams a hot Evaporation from Humors or Excrements or the Bloody Humor it self inflaming the Brain as they do produce a pain of the Head so also Raving Watchings and Grievous Turbulent Dreams and such as resemble the Nature of the Humor oftentimes in Feavers in a Phrensie and other hot Diseases The Cure In the Cure we must respect the Cause and the Symptome The Cure of Dreams from a preternatural Cause but we have said the Cause of watchings and Dreams was from God the Devil Custome an Agitation and Perturbation of the Spirits and heat of the Brain The Dreams sent by God because they are good and nothing proceeds from God but what is good or tends to a good end we cannot nor onght not to change the tricks of the Devil are turnd away by Prayers Fasting amendment of life and a stedfast Faith Custome as a second Nature is not easily changed The Cure of watchings and Dreams from Custome but by a contrary Custome wherefore they that are wont to be raised at a certain hour of night let them go to bed later or some other way let them change this Custome and in time of sleep as much as they can let them abstain from deep thoughts also if Dreams do so accustomarily vex men that they are unquiet Skip Talk Walk then they are somtimes to be wakened by frighting for hence it comes to pass that that fear repeated at length offering it self to them in their Dreams doth rouse them up of their own accord and by degrees turnes them from this evil Custome As one that was wont to walk in the night being somtimes beaten with rods at length left off this Custome and that Cobler who because he thought in his Dreams that he was sowing and with opening his Arms as they are wont to do drawing their thred he smote his companion by him being oftentimes soundly kickt again by the same man feigning himself to Dream that he was riding at last he was freed from this Error But if they be compeld to watch or grieved with Dreams from the too great plenty of Spirits the Causes which exagitate them must first be turned away as if sleep be hindered by too much light or noise or they sleep unquietly these things must be declined by inducing of darkness and rest if affects of the Minde do cause it as hath been said in that Species of Alienation of Minde they must be corrected and those things be given which can bring gladness and also procure rest as Wine but especially if too great an intention upon some thing and Ratiocination made on it do hinder sleep and the minde cannot be drawn from it to take rest sleep is the easier procured after this manner The minde being called away from the former by the Meditation of another thing as we do observe those
that watch a nights if they be devoutly very intent on their Prayers to God forgetting other cares they do sooner fall a sleep but if some trouble make men watchful or disturbe them in their sleep as thirst then salt things which do cause that must be omitted especially at Supper and Sleep must be expected which supervenient is wont to quench thirst if it persevere it must be amended as shall be said in its place so also if they sleep unquietly by reason of fulness a sparing and sober Supper is wont to correct this fault and that chiefly if they sleep not presently after the taking of meat if a difficulty of breathing contracted by their lying down do so vex them that they cannot sleep they must be so placed upright that they may breath free And yet the Body may rest at shall be explained in a Dyspnaea as also if by lying on the Back they are troubled with grievous Dreams if they sleep on their side with their Head more lift up they shall be less oppressed If also a great pain in some Disease do hinder sleep as this is most frequent and that cannot be mitigated by any other means by soporiferous medicines we shall with the same labor procure sleep and mitigate pain because they induce a Stupidity rather giving them inwardly if great necessity do urge because so they do work more powerfully as with Wine or if we must use stronger Syrup of Poppy and other Opiates or we must use Vnguents applied to the Temples and Forehead such as Populeum and Lotions of the Feet which for the procuring of sleep also can do much as in Hypnoticks divers of that sort shall be explained If watchings or Dreams proceed from a perturbation of the Spirits The Cure of Dreams from a Perturbotion of the Spirits the Cause also must be taken away which if it proceed from Meat or Medicine we must have a care of making use of any Pulse and other things that Evaporate upwards if this happen from Vapors or Humors by diligently searching out what Excrement sends forth its vapors upwards what humor offends and being intent upon the emptying of these if there be a plenitude by Bleeding if a Cacochymie Purging by giving those things also which do repress vapors especially after supper and chiefly by the Diet at Supper being moderate taking care that the like be not ingendred nor ascend we shall compleat the scope of Curing If a distemper of the brain cause Watchings and Dreams and there is a certain hot evaporation from meat or chiefly from Wine as we have said cold things being taken at the end of meals as was said of Vinegar and other things which do actually refrigerate will correct it upon which account some if they drink cold Water when they go to sleep their rest is the sweeter but if this happen in diseases then those things which are convenient for curing the disease seeing they are cold wil also do good here especially if soporiferous and narcotick be mixt with those things which are applied inwardly and outwardly as hath been explained in Ravings and hot Head-aches CHAP. V. Of the hurt of Feeling The Kinds THe Sense of Feeling is first hurt Stupidity when it it is abolisht and it is called a Stupidity or Narce not for that reason as when the functions of the mind are abolisht we call it a Stupidity or stupidness of mind or when from the immoderate passion of the mind we say they are astonisht so that oftentimes though they be wounded yet they feel it not till they come to themselves again but here it is properly called Stupidity when a part is so deprived of the sense of feeling with which it was endued that it can no longer perceive the qualities of the thing objected and that either altogether not perceiving as if it were dead or otherwise very impairedly as if as it is commonly said it were asleep Otherwise a stupidity is general at once happenning to many parts of the body which most commonly happens in a Palsey motion being abolisht together with sense in which the palsied member either is wholly stupid or only in part somtimes a stupidity seizeth first before motion is abolisht and goes before a Palsey and at last ends it that general sttpidity is seldom found alone yet Fernelius testisies that he saw the like happen from Drunkenness in which the body was all over stupid A particular stupidity happens only to certain parts not only to those affected with a particular Palsey but that somtimes is wont to happen to parts that are not palsied sometimes in the Hands Feet Face as I had after an Epidemical disease a stupidity left me in part of my Hip for many years and perhaps that may happen intrinsecally in the Bladder and Fundament not only when they are palsied but also only the sense of feeling being abolisht they lose their goad and are not solicited to excretion to perform it rightly and it may be the cause why some are sometimes so slow to stool and piss as shal be said there but also in those parts endued with sense of feeling which are no waies moved with voluntary motion and therefore cannot be palsied as the Skin Membranes inward bowels Stomach Guts this solitary Stupidity may happen as wel as in others which are moved The sense of Feeling is depraved not when it is so affected by its object that there is a sad sensation which they call pain and refer it to the sense of feeling depraved but we because it then percieves its object such as it is and as it offers it self do think that pain is not to be refer'd to the depraved sense but rather to the simple accidents amongst the symptoms as we shal say in its place but when it perceives falsly and errs as it were as the other senses do when they think they See Hear Tast those things which are no waies such as are represented the feeling we say if it be thus affected doth perceive depravedly Such is that sense which from the touch of any thing feels it not rightly but the patt feels in it self somwhat else A Fornication as when they feel a certain running up and done through a part as it were of Ants whence the Modern have called this affect a Formication Also that other sence when a member touched with Air or Water they depravedly feel it to be affected and perfused A false sense of heat cold without and within as if they were excessively cold or bnrning hot To which also is added a new Species more rare first of all somtimes observed by me that is a troublesome sense of the Air or Water Hot or Cold about the Gullet and Stomach chiefly manifesting it self in swallowing a symptom somtimes befalling the Paralitical or Convulsed with difficulty of Swallowing Speaking Laughing Coughing as shall be shewed in them or also without the resolution of those parts very much tormenting
or impairedly The defect of Tasting the savours of things the which because it is endued also with the sense of Feeling either it looses the same also with the Taste or the Taste only is weakend he sense of Feeling remaning A Depravation of the sense of Tasting is when it perceives the savors of things not such as they are A Depraved or false Tasting but conceives them as if they were of another rellish then indeed they are as when those things which it tasteth whether they be Infipid Alimental or Medicamental it thinks them to be dry Sweet Salt Bitter Sharp Sour when yet their rellish indeed is nothing such The Causes The Cause of the hurt of Tasting seldom lies in a Nerve unless the Brain being hurt too as was said in an Apoplexy doth produce an Abolition of all the senses of which we have already treated but more commonly in the Instrument of the sense of Tasting viz. in the common coat encompassing the mouth chiefly there where it invests the Tongue and Gits the Palate if it be either too much dryed or covered with filth or besmeared with a strange Humor or Vapoâ—r If it be too much dried and hardned in that called a Roughness and Ruggedness The driness of the coat compassing the Mouth is the cause of the defect of Tasting then the tast is hindered or lost or impaired so that all things seem unto them to be tastless and woodden as they are wont to complain because for the sense to perceive aright a decent softness and moisture are required But this proceeds from the Inspiration or drawing in of the Air not by the Nostrils because so the Air naturally passing through the largness of the Nostrils presently into the rough Artery and not touching the inward parts of the Mouth it can no waies dry them but when t is drawn with an open Mouth then sucking up the moisture of the Tongue and Jawes and by so much the more if it be both hot and dry it dries up those parts and makes them hard and rough and unfed and useless to tast aright the which as it is wont to happen to the waking so especially to those that sleep with their Mouth open both sound and sick either from an evil custome or because the Nostrils being obstructed when the Natural way of respiration is stopt up either wholly or in part they are compeld to draw in the Aire through the Mouth either all of it or the greatest part if it come not sufficiently through the Nose The which also comes to pass if the Body being too much heated they have need of a greater inspiration of the Air The driness of the Coate compassing the Mouth with blackness is the cause of the want of Tasting then the Nostrils alone can admit that then they draw it both with ful Nostrils which upon that account are at that time wont to spred themselves for drawing in of Breath and with an open and dilated mouth as it befals them in their sleep who have filled themselves with hot Meats and in hot Diseases internal Inflammations and Feavers the driness of the Tongue is a frequent Symptome in which the necessity of Inspiration doth not so vehemently dry those parts as the hot Expiration kindled from those hot Diseases not only passing through the Nostrils but the Jawes also and dies them with a Black or Green or Yellow collour Which driness of the Tongue Jawes and Nostrils is felt by the Patients themselves because they very much complain of them and the Chyrurgeon may easily know it by the touch and sight the which also oftentimes grows so strong that the Tongue appears cleft not only long waies but cut crosse waies also and when for these causes they utter their words ill the Patients oftentimes stutter whence the Physitian somtimes guesseth at these affects of the Tongue before he looks upon it If the Tongue or Jawes be covered with that called Slime that they cannot by contact exactly perceive the savors of things The slime of the Coat compassing the Mouth the cause of the defect of Tasting they are so hindered byinterposition of this infensible matter that those things which they tast seem to have no rellish But this Slime is generated of the Spittle otherwise naturally moisting the Jawes but then especially in those places where it adheres to the Jawes either by reason of its driness obtaining a Tenacity or by the mixture of some other humor having gotten a thickness For it is dried for the same cause from which we have said the Succingent Coate was arefied whence a dryness of the Jawes and plenty of this slime especially on the Tongue do often concure in the same causes and Diseases and then also they do more prejudice the Tast the Cause being doubled but the spittle grows thick there by mixture by reason of a Vapor continually evaporating upwards from the first concoction cleaving to the Tongue Jawes and Teeth to which thisslimy matter grows and at length is turned into that which is Tophous and mixt with the spittle somtimes with various colors and stinkingness fouling those parts the which also is wont to happen in sound Bodies especially if they sleep at night with their mouth wholly shut so that the Vapor ascending cannot evaporate and they do not wash their mouth in the morning whence the forementioned parts for the most part are successively infected with this white slime and in sick people resembling the condition of the putrid and malignant humors being somtimes white like pulse somtimes yellowish somtimes black it affects and bespots the Tongue Jawes and Teeth but the spittle being made more Tenatious by the mixture of Flegm sticks to these parts as if it were glewed the which also oftentimes befals the sound from defluxions or the sick and somtimes for that reason acquires so great a Viscosity that it can scarce be washed or scraped off and also it takes from Tenacious Viscous Nourishments a certain viscosity by which it grows to the said parts And this slime is easily known by its color and substance and by this the affect whence it proceeds The Coate also encompassing the mouth destined for tasting is seasoned with a Humor and Vapor endued with a strange savor A seasoning of the Tongue the cause of a depraved taste the which as long as it perceives it cannot rightly apprehend other things offered to the tast and judg what they are but thinks them also to be of the same savor with that which it is already affected with This somtimes comes to pass from some things taken whose savor is so imprinted on the tast that it cannot so quickly yeild and give place to other savors or being mixt with them it doth also present a false savor of the thing unto the tast the which ingrateful things do if they be taken often or those things which do very much affect the tast with a strong savor As when
meats endued with an Alimental savor are offered to the sick which for the most part they are wont to loath and are thrust in as it were by force then whatsoever they take afterwards though of another savor they perswade themselves hath the same Alimental rellish or smels of it and when sweet things are given to those that are feaverish being for the most part ingrateful to them they judg all things afterwards to be sweet and also in the sound things being tasted that are very Bitter Salt Austere and adhearing long they do chang the rellish of those things that follow and hence it comes to pass that after taking of rotten cheese after Vinegar in sauces if they drink Wine it appears not such as it is but either bitter or to others more sweet according to the diversity of Natures A strange savor proceeding from an internal Cause doth also deprave the Taste if such a Vapor or Humor do infinuate it self into the Coat which perceives the the Taste And hence it comes to pass that sometimes they think all things which they tast to be sweet if sweet Flegm or a sweet and alimental Vapor ascending from the Nourishment out of the Stomach doth season the said Coat Or if an acid Vapor belcht up from the Chyle which we have elsewhere shewn is alwaies acid or from meat half digested or four Wine taken or by vomiting raised up even to the mouth they do infect the mouth with an acid savor Or a salt savor also may be imprinted on the said parts from the Serum or salt Flegm falling thither or when the Mouth is so bitter that it judgeth all things which it tasteth to be bitter too which oftentimes happens by reason of Choler if it be collected in the Stomach by a certain communion with the Coat incompassing the mouth which doth also invest the Stomach and also in cholerick sound bodies if by long fasting it be carried thither or being moved with Anger it be poured thither or in other cholerick Diseases and Feavers either abounding in quantity or boyling with heat it empty it self into the Stomach or be generated there from things taken that produce Choller or that do end in Choler by Corruption The Cure This disease if it proceed by consent from the Nerves or the Brain its Cure wil be common with that of an Apoplexy and other resolutions of the Nerves which then are also present but if the gustatory instrument the Coat of the Tongue and Jaws be affected by Idiopathie and that either grow dry or be coverd with slime or be seasoned with a strange savor to these the Indication of Cure shal be applied In a Driness the Cause must first be turned away which if it arise from an evil custom that they sleep with their Mouth open it must be changed by forbearing to use it The Cure of the want of Tasting from the driness of the coat of the mouth especially if they are compel'd to breath so their Nostrils being obstructed then if they sleep with their head placed higher and the pillow under it be raised up experience teacheth that they may thus attract the Air more freely because the largeness of the Nostrils is then the more dilated and if snivel or flegm obstruct the Nostrils they must be purged by Errhines and if a hotter course of living doth bring this driness let them abstain from hot and salt meats let them dilute their Wine wel let them use Sallets at Supper especially of Lettice Succory and the like and let them not heat their body too much no other waies then that the Air may not often enter the mouth and dry it they ought to speak little and spit seldom seeing the spittle retained a long time because it is glutinous doth chiefly moisten the Tongue and if it be dried doth lenifie it again If this happen in some Internal hot disease especially as in burning and Continual Feavers the Cure must chiefly be directed to extinguish the heat of the Feaver chiefly then cold Epithems must often be applied to the Heart Liver and parts from whence the heat chiefly ariseth Afterwards Remedies shall be fitted to the coat of the mouth by lenifying and moistning this roughness with things soft glutinous and fat which either they may keep in their mouth chew lick or wash the mouth with them or if they cannot let their Tongue be anointed with the Finger or a Stick applied to them Prunes Tamarinds Sebestens such as are kept dried if being mollified again with a gentle heat they be kept in the mouth lenifying with their grateful relish they correct this fault Fresh Apples sliced chewed and held a little in the mouth de perform the same as also the flesh and juyce of Melons Guords and especially of Citruls fresh Purslane as being eaten it doth presently correct the roughness of the Teeth so also it doth very much lenifie the jaws the which also Lettice held in the Mouth and chewed doth If those things be conteined in the Mouth which do actually Refrigerate by extinguishing the heat they correct the driness as Cold water and Stones amongst which the Chrystal is beleeved to bring somewhat peculiar The following Remedies also must be licked or put into their Mouth which do correct the driness of the Tongue and Jaws by their mucilaginiousness As Take the white of one Egg beat it wel with Sugar til it grow white use it Or thus Take of the Mucilage of the seeds of Quinces and Fleawort extracted with Rose-water of each half an ounce Syrup of Violets one ounce mix them wel Or Take of the aforesaid Composition one ounce to which also you may add of the Mucilage of Apple kernels and seeds of Mallows half an ounce the Infusion of Gum Tragacanth in Rose-water half an ounce Sugar candy espocially if the Tongue be foul too Honey of Roses of each two drams mix them These Compositions made a little thicker being received in broad baggs and often moistned with Rose-water he may lay on his Tongue and so keep them a while or let Cloaths be moistened in these Liquors and be applied in like manner Which also may be done in this Decoction Take of Sweet Prunes six Violet flowers one pugil because they have a glutinousness Barley clensed one ounce Quince seeds two drams Fleawort one dram Gum Tragacanth half a dram boyl them in Water for the said use adding a little Honey or Sugar Things somwhat Unctuous but made of those which are most pleasing being administred after the same manner do egregiously contemperate this driness Of which sort this is Take of Fresh Butter or instead of that Oyl of sweet Almonds newly drawn as much as is sufficient White Sugar or Candy or Sugar of Roses beat them together and let him lick it Or thus Take the white of one Egg Starch Corn one dram Milk as much as wil suffice beat them wel boyl them a little till it becomes a Frumenty add of
or of Squils if it be very tenacious and after some time let him wash his mouth and again repeat the Syrups to which if it give not way some portion of Allum must be mixed with them Or Vinegar of Squils diluted must be held in the mouth with which I have somtimes observed that the most tenacious matter which formely could be taken away by no means hath at length departed from the mouth This matter also must be scraped off if it stick pertinaciously yet so that we do not too much exasperate the Tongue and so give occasion to a greater Inflammation especially if it be very dry and cleft in which thing Chirurgeons offend often But this is done by rubbing the Tongue as also the Teeth Palate with the finger or an Instrument fitted for it coverred with a Linnen cloth and dipt in the Lotions above-mentioned which also is commodiously done with the Leaves of Sage Mint moistened after the like manner also that filthiness is scruped off with a round usual Instrument made of Sallow or silver such as Chirurgeons have drawing it leasurely over the Tongue in the interim oftentimes washing the mouth and by by again lenifying the Toung with an Oyntment but oftentimes the flegm is so tenacious and the slime thick like Frumenty it may be laid hold on by the hands and so taken forth or drawn and by that means forced to yeild If a Vapor or Humor season and fill up the Tongue with a strange savour The Cure of a depraved tast from the seasoning of the Tongue that it perceives not other things at all or amiss the cause also must first of all be declined Which if it proceed from things taken seeing it doth no waies induce a long lasting affect and ceaseth of its own accord 't is neglected or will easily be amended with the contraries as shall be said by and by But if this arise from an internal disease a filthy vapor or a cholerick alimentary humor heaped up there the intention of curing is directed to the evacuation of these humors and healing the Diseases But if that adverse savor doth no waies cease the cause being taken away but persevering a long time be troublesom to those otherwise sound and to the sick the contrary savor being procured by things given we either take away or amend the former which did trouble So the Sweet savor as wel the Alimental as that which is sweet indeed being very adverse for the most part to the Feaverish other sick folks the which notwithstanding was otherwise most grateful to them in health is corrected chiefly with acid or tart things which do not only mend that but also bring an appetite too which sweet things take away and asswage the thirst which sweet things increase which acid things let them keep in their mouth and lick amongst which acid Cherries such as are wont to be kept dried and softened again and many others of that nature which shal be explained in thirst do very much and this nauseous unsweetness of the mouth The which bitter things also do likewise correct being more acceptable to some natures especially if they confist of a sweet smel as principally Wormwood in Wine which adds a greater gratfulness to it As the bitter savour again too long sticking on the Tast is corrected with Sweet or Acid things and with those that are insipid which also do dull the vertues of them which otherwise would inflame the Jaws With which also the salt savor is contemperated as again the salt savor is dulled with things insipid CHAP. VII Of the hurt of Seeing The Kinds THe Sight is wholly abolisht in some Blindness that at all times and alwaies they see nothing and it is called Blindness in which Species if no fault appear in the Eyes which may hinder seeing they are blind with open and cleer Eyes it is called Amaurosis Amaurosis a kind of blindness for if either a Speck or a Coat or a Humor appearing about the black of the Eye makes them Blind it obtains a private name from the Cause as shall be said in the Cause But otherwise they lose their sight only at a certain time the which nevertheless by and by returns again no impediment then also being conspicuous in the Eyes as when from an external cause by reason of brightness or darkness objected too much or too suddenly to the Eyes Scotoma an Obtenebration a kind of blindness Tthey are so darkened that the seeing being hindred first as it were with a Cloud or Fume impeding through which there seem to run certain smal bodies somtimes dyed with a red ' yellow or black color by and by is for a while wholly taken away in the affect which is called Scotoma Somtimes the Sight is only impaired in some Amblyopia a weakness of the Sight when those species of things which the sight otherwise ought naturally to attain to wheresoever and whensoever they behold not wel or obscurely and that for the most part no cause also shewing it self in the Eyes and they call it Amblyopia that is an obscurity dulness or darkness of the sight Darkness a kind of weakness of Sight Although some think if the Eyes by some manifest fault do see impairedly as with a mist before them it might more properly be called a dulness and in old folks they call this fault a darkness Hither also is refer'd that weakness of sight The sight perceiving things distant more rightly than neer when the sight perceives things neer no better than those remote as naturally it ought to do but those neer the Eyes it apprehends less than things distant and therefore when they would see small things or read them they are forced to remove them far from their Eyes a fault familiar to those that grow old which when it may be amended by a fit pair of Spectacles let them continually use them in apprehending of smaller things for which cause I am wont to call it The old folks sight But it happens also on the contrary manner that some can no waies judg rightly of things remote Sight not rightly discerning things a little distant yet not so remote that sound men also cannot sufficiently see them by reason of the too great distance but only removed for a little space although they be very great whence oftentimes not knowing their Neighbours they pass them by unsaluted Pictures Writings unless they draw neer with their Eyes they can neither see nor read handsomly unless they use spectacles appropriate to correct this fault imbred for the most part with yong folks from their birth and remaining even unto extream old age which approaching sometimes it comes to pass that then they see better those things distant which they saw less in youth and how much the elder they grow so much the farther sighted which species therefore I am wont to call The young mans sight But of those also who do
less behold things somewhat remote Sight not rightly judging of things unless close to the Eyes is Myopia there are some who unless they apply close to their Eyes things somewhat smal or writings as it is commonly said touch them with their Nose they cannot rightly discern or read them beholding them with askew and closed eyes who from their cradle even unto old age for the most part seeing after this manner are called Myopes some of which are helped by the benefit of Spectacles others not We meet also with another weakness of Seeing Nyctalopes when at night by the light of a Candle they see little or nothing almost but in day time by day-light they perceive no impediment in their sight which they call Nyctalopes the Latines call Lusciosi But it happens also in some that they see in the Night in the dark without light more acutely than in the day time The Evening Eye-sight as Owls a rare disposition which they call the Evening Eye-sight for we would rather retain those names which are usual and rightly design the things then confound them amongst themselves as commonly they do signifying many things by one name The Seeing is depraved first of all when things are represented unto it otherwise than they are indeed Hallucination as if they see those things which are single for double as somtimes it fares with Drunkards who behold streight things for crooked or some other way things under a false shape which fault is called Hallucination Secondly if they think and Imagine with themselves that they see things that are not whence they call this affect Imagination Imagination as it happens when in an Alienation of mind and Ravings as hath been said there they think that they see divers apparitions whiles they are waking such as otherwise they are wont to meet with in Dreams or that Flies or Gnats fly up and down Nubecula a species of Raving Straws Locks of Wool adhere to things the which also sometimes is wont to happen to those no waies besides themselves nor otherwise sick that the same insects or locks of Wool and filaments Spiders webs and the like small things and Atomes seem to appear to one Eye or to both together in which because for the most part they think that they see also a little Cloud this fault is called Nubecula Thirdly hither belongs that false vision when also without any hurt of the mind other colors then are Colors a Species of Imagination are offerd to the sight now red then yellow Brightness a kind of Imagination or green or some other way representing themselves with a ful light the same appear coloured like a Rainbow in the compass and as it were the circle of the flame of a Candle or of some other thing lighted or Brightness like lightning or other shining bodies obscure the sight Fourthly to the depravation of sight these also must be referd when the things which they behold although they be firm and stable yet they think that they are carried about driven round and wheeled about so that though they know this is a false imagination yet when from that turning round of things the sight doth no more perceive a firm seat where the body may subsist that also stumbles staggers somtimes also if the pavement on which he stands seems to him to be inverted as if he also were inverted with it unless he be sustained or kept up he falls and suddenly rusheth down and beats the Earth with his Feet whiles he endeavors to stay himself all the other senses being nevertheless entire by which sign this fault called Dinos or Vertigo is easily distinguished from an Epilepsie Apoplexy Syncope with which those that are strucken do presently also fall on the ground But besides this unquiet Vision those troubled with a Vertigo there comes also sometimes another depravation of it A Vertigo with Iminginations which we have called Imagination and a little Cloud and upon this account they have named these imaginations A beginning or smal Vertigo a Cloud or other bodies or Colours also with them offering themselves to the sight the which notwithstanding if it doth happen for the most part it is wont to go before a Vertigo Somtimes also a darkness of the sight which we have formerly called Scotoma doth accompany a Vertigo A Vertigo with darkness in Scotodinos when also the Eyes being shut nevertheless al things are objected to the Internal sense as if they were turned round and then the Disease compounded of them both is called Scotodinos All which Depravations of the sight for the most part happen no fault being conspicuous in the Eyes unless it be offerred in that when a strange color doth somtimes appear with which the Eye is indeed extrinsecally coloured whether this be in the Sound or Sick The Causes The Cause of all the declared Accidents of the Sight is either in the part communicating the visive power viz. the Brain The part affected or consists in the Instrument receiving that power and also the species of external things to wit the Eye which when as it consists of many more parts then the other Organs of the senses and humors also in every one of them some causes prejudicing the fight may arise First of all in the visory or net-like Nerve implanted into the Eye and the principal Instrument of Seeing then in the three humors that fil up the Eye and serve the visory Nerve last of all in the Membranes themselves that constitute the Globe of the Eye and intrinsecally distinguish the humors If the Cause lie in those places where they are pervious to the sight as about the Black of the Eye and where only if the impediment of seeing do consist it may be seen and known for if it be elsewhere it is so hidden that it doth no waies appear to those that behold the Eye As all Senses may be hurt by reason of the Brain so also Seeing is weakned The Cause of the Hurt of seeing in the Brain both if it suffer a Disease General or Special and especially in that part where the optick Nerves come forth or those Nerves themselves produced from the Brain and carried unto the Eyes are affected which affects may be various A Cold Distemper sometimes breeds Blindness the other senses being somtimes unhurt A cold Distemper of the Brain is the Cause of Blindness or weakness of sight if the Forehead and Eyes being much and a long time refrigerated by cold wind which being less cover'd are the more exposed to the injuries and the cold penetrating even to that part where the optick Nerves have their original the said parts are so hurt that they become Blind or there remains afterwards a certain weakness of sight which I have seen befall a noble Matron in the Head-ach from the too much application of Oxyrrhodines actually most cold who all her life time could no
waies recover her sight any more that this also doth happen if the whol brain be hurt by the same distemper hath been shewed in a stupidity but then the rest of the senses are abolisht too and it s easily known by that whence the cause proceeds as if it be from externals 'tis plain of it self That a Hot Distemper of the Brain doth bring together with a Depravation of the Mind also A hot distemper of the brain is the cause of error of the sight and of Imagination a Hallucination of the sight and the said Imagination in which various false Images of things are offerred to the sight hath been said in a Phrensie As also it hath been explained there A malignant distemper in the brain is the cause of error in the sight that that distemper which ariseth from the Perturbation of the spirits in the Brain from Malignant humors together with Madness and Melancholly doth likewise represent false Apparitions to the sight Too much Driness of the Optick Nerve induced by burning Feavers the easier into that Nerve A dry distemper of the Brain is the cause of blindness seeing it is thick doth produce a Blindness remaining after these Feavers The beginning of the Nerves being comprest or bedewed as we have shewed that an Apoplexy is caused in which all the Senses are taken away at once so also if this be only about the rise or meeting of the Optick Nerves or in the other carriage of them out of the Eye which then must needs be from an afflux either of a bloody or flegmatick humor it is somtimes wont to happen that a Blindness doth suddenly follow if the humor presently fall down thither But more commonly the Optick Nerves being irrigated or too much moistened by the watry flegmatick excrements of the Brain which in this middle seat of the Basis of the Brain where the optick Nerves break forth alwaies flow down to the Infundibulum which is next to these Nerves and together with the Nerves and neer them break forth into the Chamber of the Eye and amplitude of the Nostrils a darkness of sight is wont to happen in old folks and flegmatick or if they be refrigerated by the same humor or be comprest in those streights rather then obstructed as they would have it a blindness also is wont to follow which abolition or weakness of the sight together with the hurt of the rest of the senses happens if this fault be extended to their rise or progress in the Basis of the Brain or the sight only is abolisht if that seat chiefly be affected and that commonly in both Eyes by reason of the meeting of the Optick Nerves and their short passage to the Eye that is rare that one Nerve only can be so affected the which doth proceed from flegm or a waterish humor as is sufficiently manifest by the signs of that humor abounding in the brain and it is easily known also that a Nerve is affected when nothing appears in the Eye which can bring such loss or Obscurity of the sight neither have we found this sign to be true which they have thought most certain to wit if the unsound Eye being comprest the Apple is not dilated this comes to pass by default of the Nerve because the influx of the Spirit into the same is impeded seeing the animal spirit doth not distend the Eye like wind neither fils it up but persists in the netlike Nerve Hither also shal be referred that not unusual Cause The Contusion of the visory Nerve in the brain is the cause of blindness but by no man as I know rightly described of that blindness which is somtimes left after grievous and frequent Convulsions the which is not from an afflux of humor as they would have it but because in those great Convulsions by the Convulsion fits of all the parts and the Eyes also in which they also oftentimes appear convulsive and very much stretcht out and bowed down the Optick Nerve growing to them being thus attracted and too much distended and that being wreathed too and hurt and the passage or visory spirit being hindred it happens that the Eyes are deprived of Seeing and that it proceeds herefrom we have found out by diligent examination and consideration The Substance of the Brain being hurt as by an Apoplexy there is a privation of all the senses The solution of continuity in the visory Nerve of the Brain is the cause of Blindness so a Nerve being contused or wounded there which some do testifie hath somtimes happened from a puncture made by the Forehead a manifest Blindness by reason of the Solution of Continuity or a Callus left hath suddenly happened and so from a blow A Weak Constitution of the Brain the spirits being dissipated and wasted by reason of old Age or by some grievous and long continued disease too much evacuations especially of Blood and Seed whence is a great effusion of spirits and immoderate Venery for that reason doth very much prejudice the sight A Weakness of the Brain the Cause of weak Sight also by reason of too much Watchings as hath been said there it induceth an Amblyopy or weakeness of sight and also of the other sensenses especialy of those that have a more subtile object as of Hearing often familiar to old folk as appears in these external causes of them remaining in those that are recovering and accustomary to those that live intemperately Besides this cause which proceeds from a defect of spirits which there can be no doubt we can by no means be induced to feign another here in the thickness or thinness or subtilty of the Spirits as many indeed do propose these things with more subtilty than truth out we are moved by many things to dissent from them seeing the animal spirit being wel nigh aethereal doth no waies suffer such changes but is most easily dissipated as no man neither hath ever dared so much as to fansie the Vital Spirits to grow thick or be attenuated as also wesee unless now the defect of seeing happen from the Spirits its other discommodities whence things far distant or neer are less truly discerned do happen rather from the fault of the Instrument as by and by shall be explained not by reason of a certain thickness or subtilty of the spirits as they have thought seeing they are so subtile that they cannot be more subtile Divers sorts of hurt of the sight are wont to proceed by reason of the perturbation or agitation of the spirits of the Brain and the brain also being affected by consent with them as if being mixt with a hot subtile vapor A preturbation of the spirits of the brain by vapors is the cause of error and Imagination with an alienation of mind either turbid or malignant they do not only pervert the mind but corrupt also the sight so that they think they see many things which are not as if from the
French Lavender of each two drams Nutmegs condite two Cinamon three drams Cloves Nutmeg Mace of each one dram long Pepper Cubebs of each half a dram seeds of Fennel one dram and an half Mountain Hart-wort one dram the dried root of Celandine or its Leaves one dram Species Diambrae Rosatae Novellae of each half a dram Mix them make an Electuary Pouders or Confections to be taken after feeding or meat are allowed off especially if Vapors also be troublesome As Take the sugar'd confections of Fennel seed one ounce Coriander Annu Carawaies the seeds of Rapes or Turneps cover'd with Sugar of each half an ounce Rocket seed two drams Mix them let him take one spoonful after meals Or Let there be added of Liquorish roots scraped half an ounce Galangal sliced and Citron pill alsomost thinly slioed of each one dram Cinnamon one dram and an half leaves of Eybright one dram red Roses Marjoram of each half a dram Curral one dram shavings of Ivory half a dram Species Diacytontes sine speciebus one dram Sugar the equal weight with those things are not cover'd with Sugar Make a dry Confection The Remedies to be applied to the Eyes if they do not too much affect them are put into them but if they be very strong especially when they are used upon a hazard without any respect to the cause they are more rightly applied outwardly to the Eylids least some new affect may be caused by them and if they strain them wash them again in the morning with Fennel and Eybright waters which are made as followeth Of the Waters alone after this manner Take of the Waters of Eybright Vervain Celandine Fennel Rue Mix together or Dilstlled together equal parts let him put it often into the Eyes or let him wash them in the morning with these waters adding somtimes a little Rose-Water If a darkness be from the thickness of the Coats the water of Honey is very convenient Or thus Take of the fresh Herbs of Fennel Ruc Eybright Vervain Celandine wild Lettice of each one handful flowers of Rosemary Sage Roses of each one pugil Fennel seed two drams Mountain Hart-wort one dram Juniper berries two drams Cloves long Pepper of each half a dram Sarcocol Aloes Socotorine of each two drams Camphyre white Vitriol of each half a dram Bruise them and sprinkle them with a Boys Urine and white Wine Till they are reduced into the form of a past adding especially for a Nyctilopy the Liver of a He or She Goat sliced half a pound leaving out the Gall Hens Galls one dram Honey of Rosemary flowers one dram Mix them and distil them for your use Waters or Liquors are made thus by long infusion without distillation Take of the juyces of Fennel Rue Vervain Celandine sour Pomgranates wild Lettice of each one ounce of the filth which flowes from the Liver of a she Goat while it is roasted with the Gall half an ounce the Gall of Hens or Partridg one dram Sarcocol steeped in the juyce of Fennel Socotorine Aloes of each one dram Honey Sugar-candy of each half an ounce Camphyre half a scruple white Vitriol one scruple Tutty one dram and an half Pearl half a dram Golden ducats two long Pepper Cloves Lignum Aloes of each one dram add of a Boys Urine and white Wine of each three drams Let them steep a long time in a glazed Vessel stopped either in the Sun or in a furnace afterwads set them a part for your use Somtimes we anoynt the Eylids with juyces or we drop them into the Eyes after this manner Take of the juyces of Fennel wilde Lettice sour Pomgranates a little thickend and afterwards wrought with Honey adding somtimes a little of the Gall of Fishes or Birds Or which is good in a Nyctalopy Take of the filth which flowes from the Liver of a she Goat two drams the blood of a Partridg one dram a little Honey Mix them We use other liquors as followeth let him chew Fennel seed and Juniper berries and afterward anoynt his Eylids with his spittle and carry his breath upwards to his Eyes by holding his Hands before it Divers mixtures which they call Collyries are prepared thus Take of Tutty prepared two drams Antimony often washt with Fennel water one dram Curral one dram Pearl half a dram the Cacochymy of Gold half a dram Sarcocol steept in Fennel water one dram Mirrh Socotorine Aloes of each half a dram the apples of the Eyes of Fishes hardend by boyling one scruple Swallows heads burnt half a dram Lizards dung one scruple Salt Ammoniack white Vitriol of each one scruple Camphyre half a scruple long Pepper half a dram Saffron half a scruple Sugar Candy two drams Make a Pouder like an Alcohol receive it in the mucilage of Fenugreek seed made with Rose Water Make a Trochiske for your use Dissolve one when we would use it in the Waters of Fennel Rue adding the juyces and somtimes the Gaules An Oyntment for the Eylids may be made after this manner Take of a Serpents fat which is collected while it boyles or of the Fish Thymallus or of them both the juyce of Germander Honey of each equal parts for an Oyntment and there may be some of the aforemention'd Trochisks be mixed with it The Pouders which are strewed on the Eyes are used rather in specks of the Eyes then here yet they may be made of the Trochiskes described Or after this manner Take of the leaves of Germander Eybright of each one dram Pearl Tutty of each half a dram leaves of Gold three Sugar-candy half a dram Make a most fine Pouder Somtimes the Eyes are somented that the Oxydorcical or Sight-quickning Medicines applied may work the better after the same manner as shall be said in the Specks Or after this manner Take of Fenugreek seeds half an ounce Fennel two drams mountain Hart-wort one dram leaves of Eybright Celandine of each three drams Radish roots half an ounce Oate chaff one ounce Boyl them in Wine and Water for a Fomentation in a Spunge or in Bags Also the Vapor of this Decoction receive'd into the Eyes do prepare the Eye or others also do good to the Eyes as the steem of a Goats Liver boyled received by the Eyes in a Nyctalopy Barly Bread baked with Fennel and Caraway seed and cut in two while it is hot and the Exhalation from it received by the Eyes Looking upon green things doth refresh the Eyes and things polisht as a bright Glass of Steel upon which account the beholding of Jewels and Gold rather then the Application of them doth recreate the sight and strengthen the vital spirit They cry up many Amulets that do good being hung about the Neck and worn in Rings which we purposely omit Mathiolus doth very much commend a stone of the Gaul put into the Nostrils Rhazes writes that burnt Ivory the quantity of a Lentil put into the Nostrils with Oyl of Violets doth quickly cure Nyctalopies A white
speck appearing more or less in the Eye if springing from the fall of the Glassy Humor or Crystalline in to the hole of the apple The Cure of the defect of Seeing caused by the obscurity of the horny coate by white specks and by the obstruction of the Grapy coate by white specks it doth put out the sight which we have said was somtimes wont to happen from a contusion of that Eye the hole of the apple being cleft or the Coats containing these Humors in their place being broken or by too deep forcing the needle in curing a suffusion then all hopes of recovering the sight being taken away we will only fit the Cure to the external hurt if there be any But if this white speck presenting it self about the Region of the apple be a suffusion from the watry Humor by degrees and in a long time converted into a snivel and at length into the said Skin bringing first of all an error of the sight but afterwards when it is hardned a perfect blindness or if from too much driness of the Horny coat and induration of it an Albugo doth proceed or from a Wound or Puncture closed up there be a Skar left which two last as they are broad or narrow they do more or less hurt the sight then what must be foretold and done in them all three because they do not much differ amongst themselves we will explain altogether But seeing a Suffusion Albugo and Skar are difficultly cured we must not rashly promise any thing seeing if the Skar be superficial only possessing the thin lap of the horny coat it may perhaps be taken off in the younger sort and yet scarcely then but if it be a little deeper it cannot be taken away unless that being shaven we would make a new solution of continuity which were to make a Wound afresh The same also we may affirm of an Albugo if it hath taken deep root especially if the horny coat being wholly hardened hath bred the said darkness in old folks or being dryed in some bright part of it only it doth cause an Albugo the which how difficult it is to correct we may see in the thin lap of some horn Pecten or Nail affected in like manner how it can hardly be wiped off Yet if some portion of the groser nourishment being left under the Horny coat do cause this because that doth somtimes change its place and is carried from the region of the apple into the white of the Eye then it no longer hurts the sight which for the most part happens rather of its own accord then by the use of Medicines A Suffusion also is a Pertinatious disease which when it is confirmed and harden'd makes blind and can be taken away by no further Remedies unless by a needle the which notwithstanding when it is done doth not help or succeed in all but only in certain suffusions as shall be said by and by and is often attempted with ill success that beginning which doth only cast clouds before the sight can scarely be prevented but that it wil increase in time Nevertheless in these cases Remedies must not be neglected and in a Skar Albugo and Suffusion the Cure must be order'd thus to wit that we dispose the Body in general that we may rightly make the better Cure and that we apply Topick means to the Eye which may waist the Suffusion by discussing it the which also are convenient in an Albugo the which notwithstanding that we may be able to wipe away also from the thin lap of the horny coate we must try to take away with stronger Detersiues and the more still if there be a Skar in which the Detersives wont to be applied in a confirmed Suffusion must be used mixt with discuffives so that the same Remedies almost are convenient for them all yet so distributed that we use the thinner Remedies in a Suffusion beginning the thicker and stronger in an Albugo Skar and confirmed suffusion as you shall hear by and by the external Pannicle doth require stronger yet the which notwithstanding must be so temper'd that the Eye be not wholly dried up or inflamed by the use of them if all these things help not we must come to cutting That the Body be clean and free from Excrements we must procure by ordering a good course of Diet and Emptiers according to the Nature of a Plenitude or Cacochymy if there be any for so the whol cure proceeds the righter and though here many Practitioners do wonderfully macerate the Body with many Evacuations in a Suffusion especially which they thought was a descent of water into the Eyes and therefore was to be called by the name of a Catharrhact by making Purgations was well by the Stool as by sweats and by the Mouth and Nostrils also making Revulsions and Derivations by Scarifications Application of Cupping-glasses and by Frictions and then by Cauteries Setons as we have taught in a Flegmatick Vertigo how these things onght to be done yet we who have demonstrated that the cause of these doth consist in the Eye and that a Defluxion of water can no waies be carried into the Capacity of the Eye have many times seen and found by experience that these are administred to Bodies without any benefit unless in as much as they may keep the Body pure as we have said let therefore this preparation of the Body by a fit Diet and decent Evacuations suffice being made of the same Remedies which have been explained in a Flegmatick Vertigo choosing the gentler or stronger as there is need and fitting them to the constitution of the Body But neither can the Oxydorcial Remedies which are so much commended in this case being taken by the Mouth or hung about the Neck or otherwise applied do any thing singular here unless they have that vertue of clensing away and discussing the speck as many of them are endued with it because the sight is here no other waies hurt then that the Eye by reason of an Impediment spred over it is deprived of the external light that if we would mend the sight with sharpning Remedies they ought to bring to the Eyes the brightness rushing from without which certainly no man is able to do or to take away the vail drawn over the Eyes We will propound therefore the more choice Topick Remedies that are convenient in these cases in this order that the gentlest be first described then stronger at last the strongest of all which also are convenient in a Pannicle the which are either put into the Eyes if they can endure them or are applied to the Eylids where they retain them longer with less hindrance and hurt especially in the night whiles they keep them shut and though their vertue doth not so quickly exert it self as when they are put into the Eye yet by continual use because their faculty doth easily penetrate through the thin Eylid they do work at length being
of vehement motion hath obtained not only its proper Nerves but also hath received another from the auditory Nerve for that cause breaking forth of the chamber of hearing by whose means the Tongue is continuous with that the which being hurt it comes to pass that the Tongue although the senses remain yet is not sufficiently moved to utter speech seeing a greater force is required for motion than to perfect the sense neither doth it hinder that that is only a sensory Nerve of which the Tongue is here deprived seeing we have often proved already that every Nerve hath in it a power of moving and Feeling the which it doth also exercise being carried to a convenient Instrument By reason of the Drum the Hearing is more commonly weakned if as we see in a Souldiers Drum covered with skin if it be not whole or not sufficiently retcht or too much The Drum wounded seeing it can no more resound breeds Deafness the which seeing it lies hid it seldom comes to pass unless an Ear-picker be thrust in perforce the vulgar think it may happen from the Insect Scolopendra which they cal in the German language Orenmettel as it were the Worm of the Ear which may easily creep in in Gardens but seeing if either that or any thing else which may hurt should creep in it is easily remedied this can scarce yet be done as neither from matter retained seeing that is wont presently to flow forth and I have often seen very much flow forth without any hurt unless by chance the Ulcer of the Ears be so deep that an abscess being made the Drum also is hurt If the Drum be slackly and conveniently retcht it can no more give a Sound which as it somtimes happens by force from a violent sound a Clamor made in the Ears or from the blow of a Gun shot off by the Ear so also by continuance of time long use and much hearing especially of great sounds being so often beaten upon and rendred slacker it makes difficult hearing in old folks which seems to be the frequent cause of their thick hearing The which also may happen from much moisture or Unctuosity of Oyl or other Liquors be often poured into the Ears the which is wont to be done somtimes for a long while to restore the Hearing lost for fome other Cause Also being too much retcht and so tied up that being beaten upon by the external Aire it cannot yeild at all it becomes unprofitable And this happens when either by reason of Age or after acute Diseases it is too much dryed and harden'd The which as it may befal all other Membranes so this also and by so much the easier and more frequently becauss it hath no moist Bodies neer it nor is not anointed with fat as many other Membranes are but is free unless in its compass where it grows to them And perhaps this is not the least cause of difficult Hearing which oftentimes is wont to grow upon the aged and is left in people recovering after Diseases Which Exiccation of the Drum Rhazes writes may happen after watchings and fastings The mutual Construction and Coarticulation or Conformation of the three smal Bones being Vitiated brings hurt to the Hearing which may happen from the Birth from implanted Causes or from violent Adventitious Causes as a blow fall and vehement sound the Drum to which they adhere being most commonly affected too In the divers Passages Cavities and Meanders meeting there if any thing be not right from the Birth doubtless it also offendeth the Hearing A cold Destemper as it is an enemy to the Nerves A cold Distemper is the Cause of the defect of Hearing Membranes and Bones so it is very hurtful to the structure of the Organ of Hearing which is composed of them and so much the more because the Eares alwaies lye naked and open to the external cold Aire and so are the easier hurt by external things as the cold winde especially penetrating through the Auditory passage even to the Drum and there cooling the hidden parts and the Nerve it self Whence somtimes Deafness and frequently an impediment in the Hearing have followed the which also is one of the principal causes why in cold places as the Alps and windy places they commonly are sooner sensible of a defect of Hearing the which also may happen from most cold water falling into the Eares by chance or in swimming And the too much use of Narcoticks The use of Narcoticks the cause of the defect of Hearing somtimes to the Eares doth so affect the Nerve not by cooling but by too much stupefying it that it can no more return to it self which last cause is to be refer'd to weakness The Cure The Cure of all the hurts of Hearing which are as Deafness thick Hearing Tingling Hissing Pulsation Fluctuation Noise is first to be fitted to the Cause Which we have said was either in the Brain affected either by it self or by consent from a Vapor or the object or in the outward Cavity of the Eare a Stoppage obstructions from external Causes or things fallen in or internal Humors Tumors or in the inner Chamber of the Hearing repletion or trouble from a Spirit Vapor Winde Humor or a fault of Conformation or Construction or a Distemper of all which we shall speak what is to be hoped and what to be done By reason of an affect of the Brain if the Hearing be hurt together with other senses and the cause lye there and not yet in the Instrument we must proceed after the same manner as hath been said in the hurts of the sight from the like cause as if this come to pass from a Vapor affecting the Brain by consent no other Remedies must be applied then those in a Vertigo which we said were convenient in a Depravation of the sight If the Hearing suffer a defect from some Impetuous external sound The Cure of the hurt of Hearing from a violent sound somtimes they return to themselves of their own accord otherwise hardly or never viz. when the Spirits are so dissipated that they can no more return back or not sufficiently Whence there is left a Perpectual tingling Or if the drum impulsed by the force of the Aire be too much hurt and laxt a Deafness or thick Hearing is ever after troublesome to the man Yet nevertheless by applying Cupping-glasses about the Ears and by Frictions and other hot things outwardly and inwardly appropriate to the Ears we must endeavor to draw back the spirit having respect to the constitution of the Body of which we will treat by and by If the Hearing be intercepted by the stopping of the Ears extrinsccally The Cure of the defect of Hearing from the stoppage of the Eares it is easily corrected by removing those things which hinder it whether they be only applied extrinsecally or they be thrust in a little way But Bodies fallen in or thrust in The Cure for things fallen
a distemper or some hurt by Compression Ligatures of from a wound or some other blow we will now expain As it hath been explained in the Causes of an Apoplexy that an Apoplexy which is a Palsie of the whol Body is generated from Flegm or a Watery Serous Cold moist Excrement of the Brain bedewing the brain or pressing the original of all the Nerves so if this happen in the Nerves a Palsie is generated for such a humor heaped up plentifully in the Head for the causes there assigned and cast off from the Brain in an Apoplexy which it hath first produced or without that falling down from the Head not though the substance of the Spinal Marrow or Nerves but either discending through the Cavity of the Vertebraes of the Back which doth contain the Spinal Marrow and there stopping about the beginning or progress of it or sliding down further through the passages which the paires of Nerves proceeding from the Spinal Marrow do every where run through in the Body without any Connexion or falling from the Head and following the like passages of the Conjugations or pares of Nerves and somwhere sticking about the Nerves in what place soever this happen whether about the Spinal Marrow or about the paires or Conjugations of Nerves by compressing or bedewing them as if this come to pass in the Brain it procreates an Apoplexy so if it happen in the foresaid places it produceth a Palsie of more or fewer parts according as a general or particular Nerve is affected whenas if plenty of Humor flow thither in those narrow places compressing the Nerves with its weight it may also intercept the passage of the Animal spirit as hath been said formerly and by so much the longer if being detained there by a long stop it become thicker and Mucous but principally because by its moisture it continually bedewing filling and cooling the substance of the Nerves it destroies their proper temper in that place and hinders that they cannot be filled with the Animal spirit nor enjoy it whence also by reason of the interposition of this unprofitable part of the Nerve affected the other part of the Nerve which is carried to the parts being also made unsit to exercise its Function there must needs follow if the hurt be great a perfect resolution of the parts unto which these Nerves are communicated and that by so much the more lasting and pertinatious by how much the hurt of the Nerve is greater which we have found by dissection to be the true cause of a Flegmatick Palsie the spinal Marrow being swelled up with a watry Humor that there is no need to phansie here any obstruction in the Nerves which are solid or made up of Filaments nor any Cavity which may admit that thick humor as some do write Or if indeed they do grant this moistning of the Nerves yet to assert that that comes to pass by this means because the Nerves being made longer an slacker they become unfit for motion because as hath been formerly said the Nerves do no waies attract the part and far less to contend that a Palsie is from the same Flegm as obstructing the Nerves for filling of them so it must needs be that Convulsions do ensue which we call Contractions and for that cause to assign the same Cure to them both But also such an excrementitious humor from elsewhere than from the Brain Other humors possessing the Nerves are the cause of a Pâ—lsie and Spasm being carried to the Nerves of certain parts or heaped up there doth induce a Palsie proper to certain parts which oftentimes also mixt with other acrid and cholerick humors or otherwise putrifying not only by bedewing but also by irritating the Nerves doth cause pains offering themselves with the resolution of the part and sometimes ending in Convulsions as this hath been said in Convulsions such a kind of Palsie as hath be en explained in the kinds as is wont also to happen in Colick pains with torments of the Limbs Heat Tingling and other troubles The same might come to pass from Blood out of the Vessels falling into these Cavities of the Nerves and retained there a long time but seeing that doth presently putrifie it doth sooner breed an Inflammation as also if it insinuate it self into the substance of the Nerves whence other accidents do follow rather than those of a Palsie but in the Veins if from a fulness or non-natural situation of a Member as if the Arm be held a long while lift up on high the blood be carried into one place more plentifully because then in some sort it presseth a neighboring Nerve seeing the Nerves are alwaies wont to follow the course of the Veins it rather causeth a light Numness or Tingling than any Disease or long continued Palsie the blood easily going back again and not so stopping but as in the brain it is abundantly powred forth into its ventricles it may may cause an Apoplexy as hath been said there Also a streightening may be caused from a hard Tumor of a Nerve A Tumor of a Nerve is the cause of a Palsie as from a Callus or a Skar after a Wound or bruise growing in the Nerve or from a bunching out arising from the proper clammy Nutriment of a Nerve which doth stop its animal spirit but from an Oedema which also they hold to be the cause of it that cannot be done unless some one would call it Irrigation and swellings of the Nerves as hath been formerly said an Oedema the same also may happen from the Tumors of other parts pressing a Neighbooring Nerve By the fault of conformation or shaping from the birth The fault of conformation in a Nerve is the cause of a Palsie the Nerves being not rightly formed or otherwise carried the same also may come to pass which often happens in the Nerve of the Tongue as we shal by and by explain in the defect of Speech that they are born Dumb and Deaf as hath been said in the hurt of Hearing From a Cold Distemper or too much cooling as we shall by and by explain in the Muscles if not only the Muscles but also the Nerves themselves with the Muscle into which they are inserted A cold distemper of a Nerve is the cause of a Palsie or without that in their course out of the Muscle seeing Cold is a very great enemy to them be so affected that they are either bound up and condensed by Cold whence the animal spirit hath no longer a free passage or be so hurt that their function perisheth then also there follows a Palsie of those parts whose Nerves are affected Trallian teacheth that there is a Palsie caused from driness and heat The Driness of a Nerve the cause of a Palsie which certainly must needs sall out so if it be such as may harden the Nerve that the spirit can pass through it as the same may come to pass from the Causes
so drawn up that it would scarce admit the most liquid meats The Muscles or their Tendons being dryed An Exiccation of the Muscles on their Tendons is the cause of the Contraction of the Members and with them somtimes the Nerves inserted into them being so far wrinkled and bound up they are become as it were Hardned and Callus that they cannot be extended or bent then in what situation they remain firm in the same also they keep the Member which they are implanted fixt and immoveable and more or less Contracted as oftimes we see by reason of Old Age or of too much and long continued labour some parts to become Stiff and diversly crooked and those especially which have been much and long exercised with too much working and that they go with a Crooked Back and cannot raise themselves up streight who have a long while carried heavy Burdens and that they have Crooked Fingers and Hands who have too much used their Help or that Old Folks do labour of a Tetanus or other species of Contractions the which may come to pass not alwaies by reason of the Joynts as shal be said afterwards but also from the foresaid Exiccation of the Muscles their Humor being then Wasted by the forementioned causes so that being consumed by Leanness the which appears manifestly in the Muscles of their Limbs especially in the greater even outwardly their bodies and Tendons seem to consist rather of Fibres than Flesh and to represent dry Cords not soft Nerves which Driness is helpt by the defect of Fat which is wont first of all to be wasted by the said causes whenas it growing both Extrinsecally to their Membranes and being Intrinsecally inbred with the Fibres of certain greater Muscles especially anoynting them that they may the easier be extended and contracted in motion but if they be deprived of it rendring them unfit for motion also the Consumption of the Glue with which the Tendons upon the same account are wont to be smeared from the same causes for which the Humor and Fat do fail which Exiccation we have demonstrated doth depend on an Atrophy formerly in a pituitous humor possessing the Tendons of the Wrist the which also may happen from a vehement Heat from without through great Heats if either they persevere long or are so powerful that they burn almost the Tendons and Muscles rather the more membranous than fleshy being then bound up from thence But there can scarce be such an Exiccation of the Muscles from internal heat even in the most burning Feavers seeing in Hectick Feavers the body being otherwise almost reduced to a wasting the members do not appear contracted by reason of that unless by chance this happen in the Midriff and in the Tongue the which being dried as shal by and by be said its Function also is weakened as we shal speak of in the Breathing hurt for that the Convulsions also which follow these Feavers which we have said do very much differ from Contraction do not proceed from the Exiccation of the Nerves as they would have it but from their Irritation hath been explained in an Epilepsie The Muscles being very much Cooled by an external cause A cooling of the Muscles is the cause of Impotency of motion so that the native heat being laid asleep their Function is weakened then either they cannot rightly move the member or scarcely as it oftentimes happens in the Hands and Feet parts more exposed to injuries by reason of the Air Wind Water Cold that then they cannot rightly lay hold on things with their Fingers they being either numed together or affected with a great pain manifesting it self about the roots of the Nails as hath been said elsewhere but also they think that Spasm is caused by cold which is wont to betide those that swim in very cold Water by binding up the Muscles and Tendons the causes of which nevertheless we have expounded to be other the which notwithstanding this may help The Muscles or their Tendons being Cut The solution of Continuity in the Muscles or Tendons is the cause of a Palsie or only Wounded a little way transversly there follows a Languishing or Palsie of that Member which they ought to draw which as it happens in divers places of the body it doth breâ—d many sorts of Palsies so if it come to pass in the temporal Muscle the lower Jaw is Palsied Moreover the Tendons of a Muscle being too much Extended by a violent motion The too much lengthening of the Tendons is the cause of Impotency of Motion so that being as it were drawn asunder they become longer than is meet it comes to pass that afterwards they cannot sufficiently elevate the Member and because then they hardly recollect themselves again the Evil becomes lasting which somtimes happens in the Hands by lifting up heavy burdens in that strong streining as also I have seen it happen in the Joynt of the Knee being so forced by violence that the many Tendons which meet there being dissevered by that violent and sudden motion and become longer or freed from their connexion with their Ligaments they could no more afterwards rightly bend that part and the Patients have afterwards remained Limping And also an Attraction with violence oftentimes befals the Muscles and their Tendons Too great attraction of the Muscles and their Tendons is the cause of a Flatulent Spasm that they being too much bound up beyond their term or otherwise distorted or bowed or somwhat declining from their natural situation so that they cannot be relaxt again presently they draw the Member beyond a mean figure and that Spasm is caused which so often seazeth on men for a time when they extend their Members violently or with an inordinate motion as it more commonly happens in the Feet when they put on their Shoes with pain or Swimming in the Water they stir them after an unusual manner in which Spasm a Prominency of the Muscle appearing and vehement pain doth sufficiently shew that it is wound up by contraction and too much streightened in it self Wind then also breaking into that Space which it causeth by its elevation as hath been said formerly and helping its distension and that so long til the Muscle being relaxt again the Spasm doth cease again which is the sooner performed by the opposite Muscle drawing the part which the Muscle fastened to it doth follow the which nevertheless if the part be disposed as hath been said formerly in Wind and there is plenty of Wind it is wont sooner and the easier to return and somtimes to molest men not only in some one place but in many places which every one if he rightly consider the business may know to be the true cause of the Cramp that doth so violently and with pain extend the members seeing the true Spasm which is caused by reason of the Nerves sometimes in these or other parts cannot extend the members so violently or cause so
great pain as when it ariseth by reason of the Muscles But also if this Organical Disease from inbred causes befall the Muscles or their Tendons from the Birth An Organical fault of the Muscle is the cause of the Impotency of motion that in more or fewer places they are longer or shorter there follows either a Languishing or Astriction of those Members as we have seen some Born with a Rigid or Bowed back or contracted in other parts or also palsied The parts which are moved in voluntary motions are the external Members strengthened with Bones which do perform strong motions as hath been said in which if the cause of immobility consist it is for the most part in their Bones or Ligaments and Cartilages and the parts of the Face that exetcise the weaker motions as the Lips Eyelids the Eye whose faults which are prjudicial to their motions now we wil explain in particular If the Bones be so affected The Cause of Impotency of motion in the Bones that they cannot be moved out of their place then neither can the part which is composed of them and strengthened by them follow which comes to pass from an eminent hurt of them they being broken or cut off or Contused or otherwise prest by some weight or if they be dislocated in the Joynts in which they are joyned together for the exercising of motion The Bones then of the moveable parts being broken or cut off A Fracture of a bone is the cause of Impotency of motion or some other hurt of them or contused or prest for concerning other hurts of them we shall treat elswhere it comes to pass that first of all if they be broken and wholly broke off then though part of the broken Bone into which the Muscles and Tendons are implanted be attracted the which cannot be by reason of the pain which is present and is encreased by the least motion of it seeing the part broken off doth not follow the part can no waies be rightly moved the which soonest comes to pass in the long and round bones of the parts which are moved the which are the easier broken if they consist only of one bone and then if the Fracture be so great that the ends of the bones broken off do part from one another that portion of the Bone which grows to the Tendons which are alwaies retcht being drawn upwards seeing nothing doth resist there follows an abbreviation of the part as it often comes to pass in the Bones of the Thigh Arm and Fingers but in those parts which are strengthened with two Bones that this may come to pass they must both be broken and diffevered after this manner whenas if one only be broke the other doth yet sustain the part and therefore there follows no shortness of it neither would the motion of it then be taken away unless pain did hinder it as in the two Bones of the Leg and Elbow this somtimes happens and in the distinct broad Bones of the lower Jaw it may fall out on both sides or only on one side but if the part be compounded of many long Bones as in the Instep and Afterwrist seeing all of them are scarce broken together pain as long as it lasts rather than an Organical fault wil then hinder the motion also if short and thick bones be broken then also by reason of pain the motion is so long hindred as when the Vertebrae of the Back have been broke off as I have once observed it seeing the bodies of them can scarce be throughly broken as neither no other small Bones Yet the Ankle being broken which I have seen by chance wholly pul'd in two in the middle the motion also is taken away of it self and not only by reason of the pain and if this come to pass in the Knee-bone which in some I have oftentimes noted to be broken into two parts very much separated and distant then seeing the Knee doth no way constitute the Joynt but because the Knee-pan only doth retain the wandring Tendons that they turn not aside the motion of the Joynt suffers an Imperfection All which forementioned Bones both long and short cut asunder in like manner by a Wound do produce the like Impotency in Motion for the same reason As from a Contusion of them as long as the Pain molests the motion is hindred by reason of that rather than any thing else unless there be a Fracture the which is wont somtimes to happen in the Vertebrae of the Back and in the lesser bones of the Wrist and other smal ones of the Feet All which as well Fractures as Wounds and Contusions do befal them from a violent cause comming from without as from a blow or fall also from corruption of the Bones by a Sphacel not only of the lesser but also of the greater We have seen some parts of them so eaten and corrupted that the bones have fallen as if they were broken and have been rendred unfit for Motion and that both by reason of the French Pox and other causes as also we have observed from the Cancer of the Gums that part of the lower Jaw together with the Teeth hath been taken out on one side and the Maiden which suffered this could nevertheless chew her Meat And also the bones being burthened by a weight Flesh or Fat they follow more slowly to move Two Bones being Dislocated which mutually joyned and bound together with Ligaments A Dislocation of the Bones of the joynts is the cause of Immobility do form a Joynt for Motion if this happen in the Joynts which are moved by an apparent Motion by a Diarthrosis then this Immobility will be more manifest and more prejudicial especially if the Luxation be great which comes to pass if the Head of the Bone do wholly fal forth of its socket and then they call it an Exarthrema for jf it be only carried to the Brow of it then the Luxtion is lighter and t is called a Parathrema which some call only a Separation both which if they happen in the joynts joyned by an Enarthrosis as of the Thigh with the Hip and the Head falling out of its receiver and thrust to the upper parts do stop there retained by a Lax Ligment the Thigh also is shorted and there is an apparent prominency in that part the which also happens if it be carried to the hinder or utter parts for if it be led to the inner or fore parts because it subsists about the brows then the Foot rather becomes longer And if this come to pass in the Joynt of the Arme with the Shoulder as it may the sooner be by reason of its plain socket the Arm for the most part fals down to the lower parts under the Shoulder and then the eminency of the top of the Shoulder is lost and in the place of it a hollowness doth manifest it self and if the Jaw be Luxated after this manner it makes that
Physitian my true friend hath told me that by violent drawing on of Bootes when they were put on his Hip joynt hath been thus hurt But also by reason of a slackness of these Ligaments A slackness of the Ligaments is the cause of the impotency of Motion as in the joynts which are moved by a manifest Motion this naturally befals them that they are more Lax neither do they hinder the joynt which ought to be moved freely by strict binding it it comes to pass that these joynts are more easily dislocated then others so also if these which are more Lax then others and others also if they be broad be yet more amplified and those which are round be lengthned then the Member stands forth further then is meet and gives a helping cause that a Luxation be the easier made and from a less force Which things befal some from their birth whence they can both bend and extend their limbs somwhat beyond their natural bounds or they have one limb longer then another or as some would have it they presently grow with dislocated Members or it happens by reason of the Age because of the softness of the Ligaments and appendixes of the Bones that from the joynt which remain for some time Cartilaginous and most have thought that might come to pass from a watry Flegmatick Serous humors so bedewing these parts the which yet is not very likely as appers from hence because in the Leucophlegmatia and other Species of the Gout the Humor staying there a long time yet there follows no Luxation of the part The Ligaments also being dried and hardend A driness of the Ligaments is the cause of the impotency of Motion and being bound up and Callous or hindred with knobs in the Gout or with Nodes the Motion of those joynts remains sixt and immoveable or otherwise they are hardly moved and somtimes they make a noise and crackling as if they were broken if they be urged with geater force The cause of which sound also is if it be driven by force further then the joynt ought to be moved by a moderate Motion but such an Exication of the Ligaments somtimes proceeds from old age and a most acute feaver drying up also the Bones and Nails as hath been said elsewhere or from some other hurt whence a Callus or Node grows there or from a Humor turned into a knob about the joynts as shall be explained in its place The Cartilage In the Cartilages of the Bones of the joynts is the cause of immobility which crusts over the Heads of the moveable bones if it loose its slipperiness and clamminess and be dried up or Exasperated from the said causes it doth also hinder Motion as a hinge tainted with rust By Reason of an affect of the Lips opening the Mouth it happens In the Lips is the cause of their immobility that their Motion is weakend and the largeness of the Mouth depraved if they be so cut off or dissected that they cannot follow Motion or otherwise as we have seen it fall out in the French Pox if they be eaten with Ulcers and corrupted but their other faults do prejudice rather by pain as we shall shew in their places It scarce happens that by fault of the Ey-lide the Eye cannot be shut In the Ey-lids is the cause of their immobility unless a Tumor or some excrescence growing there do hinder it but it fals out that the Eye cannot be opend only the upper Ey-lide being cut in two and scarce for any other causes By Reason of a Disease of the Eye its Motion scarce fails unless this proceed from a Tumor of it that it cannot be rowled about freely pain then chiefly hindring the Motion but a squinting though it be from the Birth doth rather arise by reason of the Muscles of the Eye as hath been said and if this comes to pass the Eye being wounded or digd out the Eye doth not only loose it Motion but also becomes unprofitable The Cure The Cure of all these kinds of Immobility whether it be a general Palsie of many parts or proper to particular moveable parts or a Spasm or Contraction or Bunch Luxation Fracture Wound or other hurt is ordered according to the Nature of the cause which we have said was a humor possessing the Nerves or the Tendons of the Muscles a cold distemper of the Muscles and Nerves a distension of the Muscles from Wind a driness or emptiness of the Muscles Tendons Ligaments a hard Tumor in the Tendons Ligaments the compression of a Nerve a Wound or Contusion in a Nerve Muscle or its Tendon Ligament or Member a Fracture of the bones a Luxation of the joynts and last of all an Organical fault in all the Instruments serving for motion in every one of which what must be foretold or done we will now propound If a Palsie be from Watry The Cure of a Palsiâ— ingendred by Flegm which they apply also to a perticular Spasm which they say proceeds from the same Humor Excrementitious or Flegmatick or serous humors simple or mixt together Bedewing or pressing the Nerves or cooling them whether it be general to many parts or only particular to some the following way of Cure must be ordered the which also they think likewise convenient and prescribe it for the Cure of a Convulsion or particular Spasm or Cramp which they have thought was caused from the same Humor but we who do hold the same to be the Causes of particular Convulsions which we said were of a General Convulsion as concerning general Remedies we think the same also which have been explained in an Epilepsie are rather to be used But the Topick which are described here to be convenient in a Flegmatick Palsie applied to the place affected in a Spasm we judg may do good if so be that a Convulsion caused from thence or Pain do urge it subscribing to common consent of Physitians yet the Attraction which is in the Spasm of the Members for the most part doth not so much require Topick Remdies as the danger of an Epilepsie by and by to follow doth admonish us to apply the use of those things which do prevent it as both those things which are Intrinsecally taken and Extrinsecally applied upon that account have been explained as also if a Flegmamatick Humor falling down upon the Muscles doth breed these distensions with Pain the Cure shal be explained in Defluxions In a Flegmatick Palsie therefore as they call it A Prediction in a flegmatick Palsie whether general to both sides or only in one side whether this follow an Apolepsie or begin of it self because it is a Cronical Disease and the sick do scarce continue so long in the use of Medicines and good government the Cure goes on very hardly especially if it it befall Old Folks or otherwise those whose Strength is exhausted or if it cease in some places it sometimes leaves a
acid things are enemies to the Nerves the Salt ones Sea-water or Spring-water heated because they dry without doubt wil be profitable Artificial Baths wil do the same if you mix with the Waters Salt Alum Tartar of Wine to make them drying and often quench Iron or Steel in it such as Smiths-water is or adding the Ashes of pruning of Vines of Bones and Lime You may make like a Lie and that the Bath may be more appropriate and heating you may boyl the Plants by and by to be reckoned up in a dry Bath in some Water prepared of those things even now spoken of adding a Lye or Smiths water Or if you boyl the same Plants in the Decoction of a whol Fox But if particular parts palsied be plunged in these or be fomented or washed with them as the Hands or Feet they wil do good For which this is also convenient Take of Sage 〈◊〉 niper berries and Leaves the greater Spurge each as much 〈◊〉 â—fficient boyl them in a Lye with which foment 〈…〉 the part 〈…〉 Palsied parts as the Hands or others may be â—â—â—ged in the like Liquid Oyls or Liniments it wil be â—â—â—enient to foment them awhile with them for the â—â—â—formance of which seeing a good estate is required â—â—is ought rather to be done in rich folks By the encompassing Air the strength is not only preserved but also if it be pure the body is made less foul and as the cold Air is chiefly hurtful seeing the Members of the Paralytical are otherwise cold Cold â—an Enemy to the Nerves so that which is Hot and Dry doth very much good because it corrects the Distemper but such is either by reason of the Heavens and must be let in from thence whence it may be had or is made such by Art by Fires by Suffumigations and also if Pidgeons be converfant with the Patient in the same Air of the Chamber they say that it doth by a propriety resist the Palsie If also it be applied so Medicinal viz. made Hot Vaporous or Smoaking that it draw forth the Humors by insensible Transpiration or manifest Sweats the body being first fitly purged it is a Remedy which doth wast from the part affected but the conjunct and Antecedent cause and oftentimes is the prime Remedy in curing this long continued Disease But let the Air be thus heated in his Chamber shut up or under his bed and that either with Fire alone or also with the Vapor of some Decoction which exhales of its own accord whiles it is hot or if red hot flints or mettals be quencht in it it sends forth a Vapor and Smoak in which let the Patient fasting sit Naked and repeat it often according as he can wel endure But the Decoction for this Evaporation may be prepared of things following which do together powerfully heat and strengthen Take the root of Danewort three ounces of Acorus for the rich one ounce Hogs Fennel of Dioscorides two ounces the herb Sage Groundpine Primrose each two handfuls Organy Pennyioyal Wild Time Calamint Hyssop Marjoram Rosemary Time Bays flowers of Chamomel Elder Juniper berries of every one of them or some of them a greater or less handful according as they are taken boyl them in Water adding a Lye and Wine for a Stove or Dry Bath as they call it In a great and almost desperate Palsie or Rosolution of the Limbs much may be done if Sweat be provoked oftentimes with intermitting rest in a Chest made convenient to lie in being every where close shut the Patient being placed with Pillows under him with his Head out and the hold of the Chest about the neck of the Patient being very wel stop the Vapor entring the Chest through the beak of an Alembick ful of many holes by another hole in the bottom of the Chest in the bottom of which Alembick put under the following things have boyled by Balneum Mariae Take of the Alcohol of spirits of Wine four pound the Essences of Sage Rosemary Lavender Marjoram Time and Organy each two ounces let the Vapor be so long admitted into the Chest as the Patient can well endure it but when the Patient is now sufficiently moist and the heat being too much increased the beak of the Alembick is drawn forth let that which drops forth till the matter conteined in the bottom be cool be received in a Receiver large enough and well closed up that it may be kept for further use which shal be with the same Liquor or Spirit heated to moisten and rub the palsied Member and parts of the Patient after that being taken out of the Chest and the Sweat wiped off being placed in his bed he hath sweat again but first wiping off the Sweat If the Palsied Member be suffumingated before the fire with Frankincense Mastich and other sweet things it wil very much strengthen and stir up the heat in it We shal help by motions of the body by decent exercise which doth egregiously wast the humors and stirs up the parts laid asleep and recals the animal spirit into them heats the Cold and stregthens the Soft The which if they cannot eerform of their own accord that onght to be accomplisht in them by the help of Servants by raising and bearing them up that they may be able in some sort to walk and the Patient himself must endeavor to use his languid Members and being idle continuallystir and exercise them Friction is chiefly convenient being made both for Diversion sake in the sound parts and performeth the same benefit being applied to Sick seeing nothing doth more powerfully allure the spirits which is done only by the hands of the standers by or also by applying a rought hot Cloth or the Patient himself may do it by rubbing the sick parts with the sound All which wil be administred with better success in a fitting time the Patient being fasting and the body first purged By motions of the mind also we discuss the humors in Watchings longer than usual for a good while continued and we prevent that they be not heaped up by immoderate sleep They feel benefit by some Affections of the mind that inflame the body if so be that they do not too much weaken as by Anger seeing a Feaver also as hath been said doth not hurt Amongst manifest Openings only Bleeding takes place in the Plethorick seeing we know that the abundance of this Flegmatick humor is produced from the planty of crude blood or fomented by it but then also it must be done sparingly in the Arm of the sound part neither must we credit the Arabians who teach us to draw so great a quantity of blood seeing by that their languid heat is extinguisht Scarification also brings some help not by reason of the drawing forth of Blood but by reason of the Cupping-Glasses applied upon it the which yet are more profitably fastned to the sick parts but without Scarification that they may more strongly attract the spirit
thither and that they may divert the humor from the Nerves possessed with it diligently observing the place wherethe cause of the evil lies especially if this be about the Marrow of the Back the Cupping-Glasses being fastned a little below descending by degrees to the palsied member they oftentimes free the Nerves from it Instead of which Rubefiers and blistering Remedies stronger than these do effect the same more strongly Of which they are wont to apply the stronger Vesicatories or instead of them Causticks and Setons to the hinder part of the Neck which they call the Nape which wil be then most convenient if in a general Palsie the cause be neer to the Brain although also it doth good if the cause lurk there about the beginng of the spinal Marrow in a Hemiplegia because it calls it forth and moves it from its place and also Causticks applied to the Arm do revell the humors If a Palsie be caused from a Watry Flegmatick or Serous humor The Cure of Palsie or Spasm from other humors mixt with acrid cholerick humors not only bedewing the Nerves but also irritating them as after Colick pains we have said it doth most frequently happen in our age with Pain and sense of tingling then the Cure as long as the Colick pain lasts shall rather be applied to that and those evil humors must be purged forth as hath been said there and those things ought rather to be applied and given which by lenifying the Nerves may hinder Convulsions into which it is wont easily to terminate as hath been said in Convulsions in the interim not rashly foretelling any good event because if Convulsions be supervenient it is wont easily to kill but if that other Disease ceasing that do accompany these Palsies they do remain in many or particular parts then the same cure must be administred which hath been explained in a Flegmatick Palsie It hath been shewed that from Blood a Palsie cannot be caused especially a lasting one which if it be as Practitioners have writ because then the Blood consisting yet in the Veins easily goes back by its part inverted if it be caused by the perverse Scituation of it and by and by ceaseth or if it be from a Plenitude it will be Cured by bleeding and by other things that revel and derive If from too much Refrigeration of a Muscle and Nerve by the external cold for concerning that which is caused by a flegmatick Humor hath been spoken already not only a Stupidity as that happens The Cure of a Palsie from cooling but also a Resolution of the Member be caused then as hath been shewed in a Stupidity it is corrected by things actually hot applied by degrees and by Frictions by which unless it cease those Topick Remedies which have been explained in a Flegmatick Palsie viz. anoynting Fomentations and Baths according as their form is appliable to the part affected will here also take place If a Flatulent Palsie be caused from Wind The Cure of a Flatulent Spasm from Wind. therefore so called whether they be the cause of it or if it be caused from the too much astriction of the Muscles by increasing of it they render it more vehement and lasting Then if this happen but seldom it can signifie no evil because it proceeds from a manifest cause too much Motion or Refrigeration and therefore it is neglected but if it return often because it breeds great trouble and weakness the Limbs because it hath an internal cause accompanying it plenty of Wind and an undecent Connexion of the Muscles as hath been said it must not be neglected because somtimes it can scarce be wholly taken away Which if it molest not only in the Feet and Joynts but also elsewhere as in the Back or lower Jaw or Mouth it wants not its danger of falling to an Epilepsie and therefore as hath been said there we must provide against it betimes But in other Causes the following Remedies shal be used both for prevention out of the sit if it return often or in the fit if it continue which dispel Wind and Relax the bound up Muscles There are given to hinder the Product of Wind and to discuss it as well in course of Dyet as in purging Medicines heating and strengthning such us in windy cases especially of the Stomach we shal explain in their proper places There are applied to the Muscle affected which we know by the bunching forth of the place and pain those things in the fit which are Actually or Potentially heating and discussing Wind do help by Lenisiing and Relaxing the part But out of the fit those things which do also by strengthning the part with a light astriction provent the often returning Disease by using almost the same which in a Flegmatick Palsie and true Contractions we have shewed to be the gentler and have there described them Anointings are made with Oyls of Chamomel Lillics Dill or after this manner if the part must be strengthend too Take of Oyl of Chamomel or another of those three one ounce of Foxes or Worms Mastick of each half an ounce Mix them anoint the part hot your Hands or the part being first moistend with Aqua vitae Oyl of Guaicum anoynted with Aqua vitae and Sage helps speedily Or make Plasters amongst which Martiatum is convenient The Waters and Balsom Oyls explained in a Palsie are convenient amongst which simple Aqua vitae applied alone gives present help if it be hot Treacle dissolved in Aqua vitae rather then in Oyls as they teach and anointed will profit very much Fomentations Incessions Baths reckond up in a Palsie and Contraction will do good being actually or potentially hot Amongst which a Lie may be applied as shall be said in the Gout for prevention sake because it confirmes the Lax parts and those which receive the Humors or Wind adding some things that strengthen This Plaster is very much approved Take of Wormwood Penny-royal of each one handful Bay-berries one pugil Cummin half an ounce Bruise them boyl them in strong Wine and Honey Make a Cataplasm The Bags prescribed in a Palsie being first bedewed with Wine will do good also or thus when by strengthning we would prevent the evil Take of the flowers of Chamomel Melilot Roses Bran Juniper or Bay-berries of each one pugil Myrtles half a pugil Orrice roots half an ounce seeds of Faenigreek Carawaies Cummin of each three drams Salt one pugil for a Bag. A Bag may quickly be prepared for use only of Millet Bran and Salt Hot Skins and other the like things are convenient Also gentle Friction with the Hands or hot Cloths By drawing back the part affected we shall make the fit shorter or that it presently cease if the Muscles that are involuntarily violently extended or bent and by that drawing the Member we do voluntarily endeavor by a contrary motion and straining of the Muscles which are opposed to the diseased ones to draw them back
do diversly offer themselves A strangling from things external for somtimes it is bred and shews it self some manifest cause concuring from which also it is as shall be said in the causes Somtimes difficulty of Breathing hath a Catarrh its companion A suffocating Catarrh in which also somtimes they are suffocated all Breathing being suddainly intercepted and this evil is called a Praefocating or suffocating Catarrhe Ofttimes it is coupled with affects of the Breast with a Cough Wheezing in that called an Asthma in which they fetch their breath often with difficulty as if they were wearied with too much Motion whence they are called Shortbreathed and Suspirious and they Cough but spit forth nothing mattery and somtimes in their Lungs there is heard a certain Piping or Wheezing and this evil assails them either continually ot upon a slight cause and it returnes and hath its Exacerbations and it is of long continuance and stubborn A Dyspnaea is somtimes joyned with a difficulty of swallowing A Quinsie and there is a pain or trouble both in the Jaws and Neck especially in that called a Quinsie or Cynanche because by reason of their breathing hinderd they gape like Dogs with their Mouth open which affect somtimes a Feaver doth accompany At other times also the breathing labors highly Suffocation and a Dyspnaea in an Apoplexy Palsie Spasm with a resolution of the whol Body in the Apoplectical and the sick are choaked as hath been said there and then a Dyspnaea is somtimes joyned with a Palsie or some Species of Spasm as hath been said there that then when they would breath forth strongly which is required to the uttering a great voice and being forced to Laugh Weep call out or to Cough they are compeld to breath forth powerfully the which because they cannot do for the causes there exprest they fall into danger of Suffocation Affects of the Womb somtimes go before that Species called the Suffocation The cause of the defect of Speech and Voice or Strangulation or Praefocation of the Womb with which being suddainly seazed somtimes the breathing being wholly taken away at othertimes very much hinderd they are so tormented as if their Jawes were tyed with a bond and those thus affected then they call Hysterical A swelling distension of the Belly are also with a Dyspnaea in the faults of the natural parts A Dyspnaea in the faults of the natural Parts But especially in the Hydropical to whom it is very troublesome so that they are forced to breath upright like to the Orthropneumatical and lying down they are in danger of Choaking There is also a certain Nocturnal suffocation The Night Mare that befals those that Sleep called Pnigalion or the Night-Mare because they think and Dream that they are suffocated by some thing lying upon them and pressing them and afterwards waking they think that they have sufferd that from an Enemy or Witch or Devil and that they were invaded and opprest by them whence they call it Ephialtes and Doating for a time they do somwhat perswade themselves so The Voice or Vocal breating which at our pleasure we can wholly omit yet not make unless there be a breathing forth can no waies be long abolisht by reason of Respiration because that cannot long cease The defect of the Voice in a Dysnaea Yet it happens that it is utterd obscurely by reason of that if the breathing be very smal but more commonly it happens in a Dyspnaea that the Voice cannot be utterd very clear and loud but sending forth of the breath not being hinderd In a Palsie the Voice nevertheless cannot somtimes be exprest by us or at other times also can only be brought forth silently and lowly both which somtimes happen in a Palsie other Motions also being then hurt together as hath been explained there but at other times without this the Voice is lost for a time and returnes again as I remember an excellent Physitian Theodorus Zuingerus An Aphony my God-father and Colleague when we were in the School of my Father Thomas Platerus that was Master to us both A defect of the Voice with a pain of the jawes hath ofttimes been so Stupified that he could not answer one word though asked with threatning and hath so returned home mute and astonisht his sences otherwise entire which Species they call Apolepsie and Hippocrates an Aphony some would refer it to the Species of a Catalepsie somtimes also when the Voice is lost or weak there is felt a pain in the Jawes a Tumor or some other fault and somtimes it is apparent Speech or an Articulate voice may be intermitted at our desire or will A defect of Speech the Voice failing but we cannot speak unless there be a vocal Respiration and therefore by reason of the defect of the voice as hath been already said the Speech is either abolisht or not sufficiently utterd but also somtime they cannot speak without an Impediment of the Voice and they are called Dumb in a Palsie either peculiar to the Tongue or common also to other parts Dumb. somtimes they are both Dumb and Deaf from their Birth but oftentimes when they cannot exactly express certain Syllables or letters Deaf and Dumb Stutterring those especially which that they may be pronounced do require a various doubling of the Tongue as in R. and S. to be pronounced with a noise or hissing they Stutter and are called Blaesi or Lispers the which also happens with some faults of the Lips or Teeth or Jawes The Causes Every cause of breathing taken away or diminisht A Suffocation by reason of the Brain in an Apoplexy of the Voice and Speech how these do fail in an Apoplexy all the sences being taken away by reason of the Brain affected and in an Epilepsie also hath been explained in the Consternation of the Mind For which reason as long as the Motion of the Heart ceaseth Breathing abolisht in a Syncope by reason of the heart so long also Respiration may cease seeing then there will be no need of it but if that be hinderd the Motion of the Heart not first ceasing that a man must needs die we will shew in a Syncope But if these fail without a Disease of â—he principal parts of the Brain and Heart this comes to pass by reason of the Nerves that carry the vertue or of the moving Muscles or of other Instruments that effect and help Motion By occasion of the Nerves affected An affect of the Nerves of the Toung is the cause that somtimes they are Deaf and Dumb. that the Speech Voice and Breathing may be weakened hath been formerly explained in the Impotency of motion their Muscle being then palsied or contracted by the causes declared there that the Speech somtimes may be particularly abolisht the third conjugation being affected which makes the Nerve of the Tongue and if the hurt be great especially a fault
of conformation from the Birth that then the Hearing is commonly taken away too by reason of its Communication with the said branch And that the same also comes to pass An affect of the recurrent Nerves is the cause of the defect of of Speech and Voice if the branches of the Nerves of the sixth and seventh conjugation called the Recurrent Nerves folding with the Muscles of the Tongue do suffer An affect of the Nerves of the sixth and seventh Conjugation is the cause of a Dispnoea with a Palsie And if this be in the branches of the same Recurrent Nerves that infold the Larynx that the Voice doth then also cease the dissections of Anatomists do manifestly declare who for experience sake have in a Hog taken the recurent Nerves in a band which Aphony by reason of the recurrent Nerves arising from internal causes seldom happens particularly to the Voyce and if it be it proceeds either only from some thick vapor as they would have it or only from a Defluxion fallen down thither but this fault more commonly happens to the Voice and Speech in a Palsie from the causes mentioned together also with other Impotencies of motion to which also that Impediment of Breathing which in uttterring of a strong voyce we have said did offer it self as in Crying out Laughing Howling Coughing Snezing is somtimes added if the other Intercostal branches infolding the Muscle be affected too for Breathing alone seldom suffers a Defect singly without other hurts by reason of the Nerves seeing the Midriff whose motion is sufficient for moderate Breathing hath received Nerves as hath been explained there not only from the said Conjugation of Nerves but also from the Spinal Marrow great Nerves on both sides proceeding from its first pairs joyned together and descending to the Midriff for which cause it doth not fall out that the Breathing ceaseth unless both the Spinal Marrow and the Conjugations or paires of the Nerves be hurt together which can scarce be but about their beginning in the Brain as hath been said in an Apoplexy as neither can it be hinder'd in a Palsie unless the hurt befalling both the Paires and Conjugations of the Nerves and reaching also the Nerves of the Midriff The Nerves of the Midriff troubled with a Defluxion do cause an occult Asthma doth prejudice many motions yet it also comes to pass that especially the greater Nerves of the Midriff proceeding from the Spinal Marrow singly and soly troubled with defluxions or other Diseases may breed a certain Dyspnaea such as we have observed in the Asthmatical continually molesting the sick no other signs appearing of the Lungs affected By reason of the Muscles Natural and Vocal breathing faileth An affect of the Muscles of the Tongue is the cause of the Defect of Speech Of the Muscles of the defect of the Voice as the Speech if the Muscles moving the Tongue for we shal treat afterwards of the faults of the Tongue as it is an Instrument that is moved the Voice if the Muscle of the Larynx being troubled with Defluxions cannot do their office they by moving the Tongue these by dilating and straitenning the cleft of the Larynx for diversly shaping the Voyce Or if this happen from an Inflammation of them or some other Tumor hindering their Function But the defect of Natural Breathing sometimes happens by reason of a Disease of the Muscles that constitute and move the Breast neither doth Breathing suffer dammage only when we would make a strong breathing forth which these Muscles do chiefly perform but also if the cause be great Natural drawing in the breath is also hindered and that commonly from a Defluxion falling down upon the Muscles of the breast and the Intercostal A Disease of the muscles of the breast is the cause of a Dispnaea whence oftentimes follows a great streightness of the Breast with pain the which also comes to pass if these Muscles be bruised or inflamed whence Swellings and pains shew themselves outwardly and if this happens to the Muscles of the belly which also do move the breast and press forth the Excrements they can no longer exercise that vehement endeavor which is required by holding the breath and pressing these Muscles in the casting forth of Excrements The Midriff since it is the principal Organ of Natural breathing The Midriff affected by it self is the cause of a Dyspnaea if it be hurt not only by consent of its Nerves as hath been formerly declared but by it self then it is the chief cause of breathing hurt But this comes to pass especially if the Defluxion which fals down on its Nerves or slides into the intercostal Muscles doth reach also to the Midriff whence we have seen some vehemently tormented But if it be assaulted by other Diseases the motion of the Midriff is rather depraved than weakned as we shal explain there although it may also come to pass And by consent that the Midriff because it lurks free in the inner parts exposed every where to the internal heat being dried and bound up in a Burning Feaver upon that account a Dyspnoea may arise which oftentimes fals out in these Feavers but its motion is more commonly hindred if it be molested by Vapors Wind Humors or the Neighboring Bowels Vapors raised in the lower Belly of a manifest quantity or quality or malignant and poysonous and being gathered about this transverse space or Midriff and stopping there some time until they are carried further and hindering its free motion which is required in breathing by divers waies especially if they be plentiful sometimes induce a Dyspnaea sometimes fear of choaking and other accidents moreover both because the Midriff hath a great consent with the heart by reason of the Pericardium and with the Brain because it is a nervous part and hath eminent Nerves whence it comes to pass that if it be troubled it doth not only hinder breathing but also accidents of the Heart and Brain do follow and so much the more if furthermore the vapors from it do reach also to these principal parts the which if there be a malignant or poysonous quality in them may easily come to pass as also these are wont at other times to prejudice these parts the Midriff not being offended as we have said in the hurt of internal senses and shal shew in the affects of the Heart the which accidents yet do presently cease the Vapors being repeld or otherwise discust and dissipated or flying back by the motion of the Midriff unless by the continual arrival of the cause the Midriff be so molested or infected that either fome permanent Disease doth follow or most grievous accidents of the Functions of the mind do ensue which are wont to be hurt by the fault of the Midrif as that being inflamed we see a Phrensie doth follow whence they have called the Midriff Phrenas that is the Mind as the Falling-sickness Madness and at last the
Brain being long and much smitten an Apoplexy which evils these Symptoms of Suffocations invading oftentimes by fits are wont to foregoe and foretel But that such like Vapors are for the most part raised up from the Veins as from crude impure bad and Malignant blood yet not putrefied otherwise a Feaver would be caused hath been shown in a Madness and an Epilepsie for as there diversly here and there in the Body such vapors being raised from blood collected in the branches of the Vena Porta and Cava molesting the Brain do produce the forementioned accidents so also in the lower Belly cheifly being collected as in a sink of Excrementitious blood and abundantly in great plenty flying upwards to the Midrif and molesting that either they create Suffocation only or other discommodities moreover But from the Mesaraick Veins especially the greater dispersed every where about the Heart to the Bowels Vapors from the Mesaraick Veins affecting the Midrif the Cause of a Night-Mare and in which by reason of the many Excrements of the first Concoction impure blood is easily collected such like Vapors somtimes arising and stopping about the Midrif they produce a Suffocation which they call the night Mare which invades rather in the night then when Concoction ought to be made because at that time the evil Vapors collected therefore the most part are wont by the accession of Crudities to be increased and moved and to be carried upwards and by reason of lying down to torment the more Whence in their Dreams feeling these streits they Dream of divers causes whence they proceed and being often raised up if the Mind moreover be somwhat affected with them they remain in the same perswasion and though they being raised and set upright the Vapors being then discust the evil ceaseth yet often returning if the Fewel of the evil remains at last it threatens and brings more grievous accidents to the Brain as hath been said The cause of which evil certainly depends upon an ill course of Diet and that a long time continued as in other affects sprung also from Vapors there especially in Hypochondriacal Melancholly and Intermitting Feavers as hath been shown in them This is therefore an accustomary affect to Children and those of ripe Age who do sooner and longer offend in their Dyet In the Female sex this more commonly proceeds from the Veins of the Womb Vapors from the Veins of the Womb affecting the Midrif are the cause of the Suffocation of the Womb. in the strangulation of the Womb therefore so called which when being derived from the branches of the Vena Cava and many of them and great ones do creep along the Womb and its Membranes if the filth of the blood doth stop in them which from the whol Mass of it is wont to be purged thither in impure Bodies that at the set time it may be emptied by the Courses Which is wont to come to pass more commonly in the unmarried by a stoppage of the Courses not so easily in the married by reason of Copulation and the Vapors from thence assail the Midrif they produce divers kinds of Suffocations of the Womb as they prejudice the Midrif and the neighboring parts or those that consent with it and as the plenty and nature of those Vapors is diverse For if it hurt only the Midrif either it breeds only a Dyspnaea if the plenty or offense be less or if it be greater it breed only an Agony of Suffocation but if that it also brings hurt to the Stomach that is continued to the Midrif then with a Dyspnaea and Compression of the orifice of the Stomach which they call the heart Nauseousness Vomiting a Vertigo and pain of the Head being caused by consent the Hysterical accidents do shew themselves Which passions are wont to happen in great bellied Women at the first Month the young one being not yet increased nor able to consume the blood that is retained especially if it be impure from which also they take a sign that they are with Child Hysterical Women are far more grievously affected if these Vapors especially the Poysenous being communicated to the Heart too by reason of its communion as it hath been said do also bring dammage In which species the Motion of the Heart wholly ceasing all breathing also ceaseth and as it were seazed on by a Syncope the Virgins fall by degrees to the ground and are held in that fit some a short time others the space of an hour before they come to themselves But at other times the Midrif by reason of the consent which it hath with the Brain as hath been said or both together affected with these Vapors with the said strangulation of the Womb that called the Madness of the Womb or Convulsive Motions and other hurts of the Brain offended do manifest themselves All which also may be varied not only by reason of the parts affected but also if a Poysenous cause be joyned according to the divers Nature of the Poyson by which they are wont chiefly to beset this or that part as we have expounded in other diseases of the Womb that vitious blood breathing forth such like Vapors is generated from divers causes and collected about the Womb. Amongst which they have beleeved that the seed retained and corrupted is not the least cause in Virgins with whom this affect is familiar the which yet can scarce be as long as it is contained in its proper Vessels and if poured out of them it be retained it rather produces an Erosion of that part then such accidents as we shall explain elsewhere Winds filling the Capacity of the Belly because they distend that Wind hindering the Midrif is the cause of a Dyspnaea as also the Midrif which shuts up the upper parts of it they cause a Dyspnaea which also the puffings up with Wind of the Stomach and Cholick Gut that lies under the Stomach do effect by reason of the neerness and Adherency with the Midrif and they know that they proceed from thence by the murmuring and distension of that place but that they write that they would no waies have a Night-Mare to be caused by the same Winds or thick Vapors the far more grievous evils which do then fall out and follow from thence do sufficiently declare A watery Humor also distending the Belly and drawing a sunder the lower Ribs of the Breast A Humor possesssing the Midrif is the cause of a Dyspnaea extending the Midrif doth breed a difficulty of breathing in an ascites Dropsie as shall be declared in a Dropsie But the Humor which is collected in the Cavity of the Breast doth cause a Dyspnaea rather by hindering the Lungs then the Breast as we shall shew in the Lungs The Bowels lying under the Midrif and growing to it The Bowels hindring the Midrif are the cause of a Dyspnaea or hanging by it if they acquire too great a bulk drawing down the Midrif with
a lamentable sound Sighing may be in the sound and sick There is great Respiration in Yawning Yawning or Oscitation in which the Mouth is wide opened and the Air drawn in much and presently sent out with a doleful sound With this Pandiculation is commonly joyned as we shewed They are both in the sound and sick In the Hicket there is a short and interrupted Respiration Hickets the Air breaking forth with a sound in a moment It is in sound people and in sick a dangerous accident and holds many hours In Neesing Neesing there is a sudden sending forth of Air with more force and noise and a shaking of the whol Body It is many times together somtimes causing Tears and throwing out whatsoever is in the Jawes or Nostrils It foreruns Catarrhs and great Diseases as the Falling-sickness somtimes Hence come the crying of God bless you at that time as we shewed in Epilepsie It somtimes follows Diseases and puts an end to them and in some people it comes upon a slight occasion In a Cough the Air is thrown out with as much force as the other Coughing and with a noise but chiefly from the Mouth it is somtimes long somtimes short and returns usually sending humors to the Mouth that are spit forth afterwards then it is called a moist Cough as that in which nothing is voided is called a dry Cough and if it be smal Tussicula or a Kecking But if it be vehement it causeth Vomiting Weeping and Hoarsness by clamor or takes away the Voice And if it continue it causeth pain in the Breast and Belly by the shaking thereof This Cough may be in some Men from outward causes but in old men it is so usual that it seems a Natural Excretion In many Diseases it is troublesome and the chief Symptome There is a more strong and continued sending forth of wind in belching Belching in sound and sick it is stinking or otherwise In Vomiting Vomiting there is breathing forth with greater straining somtimes without matter sent forth and it is the Symptom of many Diseases lasting long and much afflicting There is also a Voluntary sending forth of Air from the Mouth and Nose in Vociferation or hollowing and in Anhelation which is hot breathing Vociferation Anhelation Sufflation and Exsufflation which is cold breathing Emunction Emunction or blowing of the Nose is voluntary with force and Noise sending forth Air and Humor with holding of the Nose that the part being strightned the sending forth may be more violent or else the Nostrils are open and the matter is snuffed out We cast out Humors voluntarily Spitting also by spitting with the Mouth contracted that the Wind may be stronger And by Hawking we ferch it out of the Jawes into the Mouth Hawking and so squirt it forth These two are somtimes Symptomes of Diseases Somtimes sound men have them from plenty of Humors in the Jaws or from custom As when Oratours spet at every ful point Hoarsness Hoarsness is when the Voyce is rough and unequal The Articulate Voyce or Speech is sent forth badly Stammering when men Stemmer in pronouncing some Letters But when they cannot speak them plainly it is to be referred to Speech diminished as we shewed in the defect of Respiration But when there is no defect but they pronounce some Letters with a double sound as R. then it belongs to Depraved Speech The Causes All the Causes of all the Kinds of Depraved Respiration are from the Heart and Organs of breathing Respiration and especially Inspiration is from the Heart to get vital Spirits And it is enlarged if there be not sufficient Air or when the Spirits are moved vehemently If the Heart be deprived of Air by respiration intermitting Affection of the mind is the cause of sighs which the heart must have for the generation of vital spirits then to recover what was lost it fetcheth a great Inspiration or Sigh by which the Air being largely attracted the Defect is made up Respiration is intermitted when the mind through affection is so intent upon other things that it forgets breathing til necessity constrains it and makes it greater The Cause of sighing or great Inspiration is the too much commotion of the spirits of the heart by reason the preturbation of mind with Pain Oppression and Suffocation of as we may perceive in passions For thereby the heart is cooled and refreshed as we perceive plainly in sighing And this is the cause rather than intermission and forgetfulness in regard in the night when we think of nothing we breath sufficiently Vehement motion of the whole body Vehement motion is the cause of quick breathing as Running Climing up a hil which dissipate the spirits is the cause of quick respiration to restore them not only to cool the heart for respiration may be from motion without heat Respiration is quicker if the body grow hot with too much pain whereby the Spirits are more consumed Heat is the cause of short breathing especially when the heart is hot also as it may be by hot houses as wel as motion also by violent motions of the mind as Anger Joy and Feavers in which one Symptom is short breathing And if the Organs of breathing are burdened or provoked the expiration is greater We shewed in depraved motion how the Organs of breath A Vapor Idleness or Imagination is the cause of yawning being burdened with vapors and desiring to relax themselves cause oscitation and pandiculation The Organs of Respiration being molested cause blowing or exsufflation when any of them being very sensible as the Membrane in the Aspera Arteria Lungs Nostrils Mouth Jaws Throat Stomach Guts and Midriff is offended whereby they labor to blow forth what hurts them and then the blowing is more or less according to the part affected And we shal now shew how it may come from divers causes splendor vapor air humors As a great Light as that of the Sun by disturbing the Eyes causeth tears The Brightness of the Sun is the cause of sneezing so it causeth snezing by affecting the sensible Tunicle of the Nostrils with which that of the Eyebrows hath consent in those that have thin humors or exquisite sense of those parts A sharp scent or vapor as that of Garlick A sharp Odour is the cause of sneezing Onions Mustard Radish causeth Tears and Neezing by pricking the Membrane of the Eyes and Nose Much cold Air drawn in Air and cold Water is the Cause of Coughing and Hoarsness that molesteth the Tunicle of the Jawes and rough Artery causeth a dry Cough with Hoarsness when by binding and drying it exasperateth and maketh rough the parts that should be smooth and slippery And then the Voice is lost and by causing a Defluxion it may by accident produce a moist Cough Cold Water drunk much doth the same and astringents much used If humors or other thick
Inflammation of the stomach and Midriff Some Diseases cause Hickets and other Diseases that hurt them cause the Hickets And also great Diseases of the parts adjacent Preternatural Tumors and Ulcers in the Chaps cause hoarsness Diseases are the cause of Hoarsness as we observe in the Leprosie and French Pox. It is commonly from the Birth The Tongue disordered in the cause of stammering and Wharling that the Tongue is so disordered that it cannot pronounce R. but like a double R. the Tongue is bent or otherwise The cause of stammering is shewed in the Defect of Respiration The Cure Some kinds need no Cure others are mentioned in other places If it come from strong motion The cure of Short-breathing there must be rest or by a contrary motion as when it comes from ascending to descend If it come from passion when that is past the motion of the heart is past If from outward heat cooling abates it c. In Feavers If it come from disturbance of the mind and be often it ceaseth with it Sighing Sighs shew the greatness of the Disease in the Mind Head or Madness In other Diseases when the mind is not disturbed often sighing declares Pusilanimity or strength lost If it come not from weariness or want of sleep which is natural and be often Concerning Yawning it foretels a Feaver or Ague as we shewed in Pandiculation which accompanieth it It is caused by Imagination easier in lazy people than in Active If Hickets be in acute Feavers and continue it threateneth Convulsion The cure of Hickets because the Midrif is greatly affected and death If it come from the Stomach much offended with Hellebore Poyson or corroding things or a great Disease oâ— Inflammation it foretels the same from other causes it is easily cured In the cure first remove the cause as the Inflammation in a malignant or sharp Feaver if from the stomach being pricked lenifie it And in all causes stop the inordinate motion of the Midrife which comes by the Hicket They are done by these following as the cause is sharp hot cholerick biting malignant or cold and flegmatick If the cause be in the Stomach Vomiting is best for the Midriffe in the Hicket helpeth the stomach to expel together with the Muscles of the breast The Vomit must be such as cleanseth and allayeth sharpness and heat thus Take syrup of Vinegar and Oxymel simple each six drams Oyl of sweet Almonds two ounces with Water of Nuts or Decoction of Raddishes give it It must be repeated if the Hicket cease not and stronger given such as are mentioned Also purge And if the Humor be tough prepare it with Cutters and Cleansers as Juleps Wormwood-wine which is good both in a cholerick and flegmatick Humor Stomach Purges are given for this as Hiera c. in the Diseases of the Stomach As in a hot Cause Take Wormwood one dram Senna three drams Rhubarb one dram Infuse them in Wine let them boyl and be strained In a cold Cause Take Agarick Turbith of each one dram Ginger half a dram Sal Gem six grains Hiera two drams Diagrydium one scruple with Oxymel make a Mass give one dram These may be repeated if the Disease return These following stop the Hickets cleanse the Humor and Lenifie the Stomach and after strengthen In a hot cause when the humor is sharp and burning or in a distemper or emptiness these following are good Broath in great quantity and often Ptisans cold or hot water in great quantity Oyl of sweet Almonds Or Take juyce of Pomegranats half an ounce Vineger two drams Mastick dried Mints of each half a dram Let him drink it Or other sharp Syrups In a cold Elegmatick Cause Take Galangal Ginger of each half a dram spanish Wine one ounce and an half Cinnamon water half an ounce Or thus Take Galangal three drams dried Wormwood and Mints of each two drams Spike Marjoram Dill and Carva seeds of each one dram Cinnamon Cloves of each half a dram Steep them in Wine Also Take Aqua vitae one ounce infuse Cinnamon and Galangal of each one dram shake it often Or this Electuary Take Acorus that is Calamus Aromaticus and Candied Ginger of each one ounce conserve of Marjoram half an ounce Pouder of Galangal one dram with syrup of Mints Or these Pills Take Castor half a dram Mumie one scruple Mastick half a scruple with Honey of squils make a Mass for two Doses We also allay the sense of the Stomach with Treacle Methridate pouder of Tormentil and if it come from Poyson they do good against the Hicket And other Antidotes You may give other Narcoticks if it hinder Sleep And Clysters to revel downwards and Suppositories that Nature may rather send downwards then upwards The smel of Dill boyled with Mastick staies the Hickets Neesing Cures Hickets because the matter offending is sent from the Stomach and Midrif by a greater force Wash the Mouth with cold Water and Gargle Apply things outwardly to the Stomach as this Fomentation Take roots of Elicampanc three drams Mints Wormwood Spike Dill Pennyroyal Calamints of each one handful Lavender Rosemary and Cammomel flowers each one pugil Cumin Carua Dill seeds of each one dram Bay and Juniper berries of each half an ounce Mastick two drams Boyl them in Wine to foment the Stomach before Also hot Ashes with Aqua vitae and Sack put in a bag or bladder and applied to the Stomach A Fomentation with Rose Vinegar and a Spunge is good in a hot cause Anoynt the Stomach before and behind with loosning Oyls and after with Astringents Or apply this Bag Take CArva seeds half an ounce Ammi and Dill seeds of each two drams Galangal Cloves of each one dram dried Mints two drams Mastick Frankincense of each one dram sprinkle them with Rose Vinegar Emplasters also in a hot cause the Cerot of Sanders Unguent of Roses of each one ounce Mastich half an ounce Citron peels and Quince of each one dram with juyce of Houseleek and Turpentine make two Emplaisters for the fore and hinder side of the Stomach It is good to wash or bath the Hands and Feet in hot water And to bind the outward parts Apply Cupping-glasses first to the Shoulders and Navel and then to the Stomach before and behind If you hold your breath it stops the motion of the Midrif and abates the Hicket Or Swallow down suddenly water or gulp divers times without it Or if you hollow and roar or runn it causeth more breathing and then the Muscles of the Breast with the Midrif help the Stomach to expel what is hurtful Also sudden passions of the mind by calling in the spirits take it away by frighting or noise or the like And chiefly by dashing the Face suddenly with Water Dioscorides Teacheth that Alysson held in the Hand stops it Neesing is somtimes a good sign and in sound people sends forth that which troubleth The cure of
and active and they who have less are weak and sooner die And when that flourishing humor is consumed like Oyl by the heat of the spirit by degrees in age men grow more weak and dry Among internal and external causes Diseases that dissipate the influent and fixed spirits are the cause of weakness all great Diseases dissipate the vital spirits if they continue long and at length consume the innate spirits with the radical moisture wherewith it is joyned from whence the weakness is more or less Great and often Evacuations either by chance or willingly Evacuations that dissipate the natural fixed and also the influent heat cause weakness or in Diseases exhaust and dissipate the spirits and abate strength especially if good humors be voidded as Seed in the running of the Reins or by Venery Also great bleeding purging by reason the stirring of the spirits abate strength as in Diarrhaea's and great and often sweating and much pissing Also the sudden effusion of things besides nature as of Water in the Dropsie matter in an Empiema doth weaken These violent excretions being painful as in a Dysentery weaken more Great pain which violently stirreth the spirits Pain moving the spirits causeth weakness to bring them to the part afflicted with the blood for help causeth weakness and if it be very great fainting Especialy if the part suffering Pain of the Mouth of the Stomack cause of Cardiaca or fainting have great affinity with the Heart Hence it is that they who have the Cardialgia or Heart pain are very weak by reason of the consent of the Stomach with the Heart and do easily faint this fainting is called Cardiaca And so it is in other painful and long Diseases Great and sudden Passions of the Mind Trembling of the Spirit is the cause of weakness fainting because then the spirits are carried in and out with force cause debility and somtimes fainting and death Thus we have seen some swoon with joy that hath thrown the spirits outward and have read that others have died so In anger the spirits are so inraged that they look red in the Face And when the spirits presently return as the paleness following sheweth they are in little danger of life but they are weakned thereby as appears by their trembling and there remains a weariness though anger be over Nor is the cause of men not dying with anger as with joy because angry men are stronger as is supposed in regard old men and sick men that are peevish are easily moved to anger But it often hapens that by great fear the spirits being violently moved some die and many are weakned And shame and bashfulness may cause the same by which they say Homer died Also if the passions be of long continuance and strong as sadness and fear and the like they stir the spirits with continual Cogitation and at length consum them and as they say dry the bones and this is a Consumption of the Spirits A strong and constant heat doth not only dissipate the spirits but consumes them Heat dissipating the spirits and consuming their nourishment is the cause of weakness and their nourishment as when the body is weakned by heat fire labor there is fainting somtimes And in Feavers it is so especially in a Causon or burning Feaver And in a Hectick the accidental heat of the heart though not great yet continuing devours the radical moisture of the heart and solid parts and the spirits and causeth weakness and Consumption A cold distemper quencheth the native heat Cold restraining the native heat is the cause of weakness or makes it less so some have been frozen to death And others have been killed with staying long in cold water Also some parts are benumed and blasted with cold or so weakned that they come not again to themselves And this may come to the Stomach by drinking cold water And hither may be referred those that for want of excercise bring not the native heat into action and grow stupid Also the parrs grow weak by using things inwardly and outwardly that are Potentially cold a long time they grow weak but the native heat is not wholly extinct as by actual cold Although hitherto it hath been believed to come from Narcoticks that are very cold which as we shewed do not kil by cooling but by stupefying the brain Nor do we grant that the Pores being obstructed that the heat is Suffocated for want of fanning or Eventilation for as we shewed the Skin hath Pores not to let in Air but to let out other things A Maligne quality affecting the Heart or mixed with its spirits A Maligne quality in the Heart is the Cause of weakness causeth an extinction of native heat thereof and by consequence of all the Body or diminisheth it and begets a Syncope or weakness or Death according toits divers qualities So when the Air is infected men in the Plague suddenly faint are weak and die or in swouning Feavers which alwaies begin with fainting And when Poyson is taken or bred in the Body it gets to the Heart and endangers life and causeth weakness And this may happen to other parts when Poyson is more contrary to them then to the Heat If a Wound peirce the left Ventricle of the Heart A Wound in the Heart is the cause of weakness and Death the spirits suddenly vanish and there is sudden Death And if the right or it peirce the Superficies or cuts the Coronal Veins they die suddenly from great bleeding I suppose non can scape if the substance only be hurt and divided because a principal part cannot endure it Fernelius writes that he saw one that consumed before he died of an Ulcer in the Heart that came from an inward cause The like may be from a Tumor which is rare and not known but by dissection because the Heart feels not I faw in 1644. in a Woman that I opened of a Dropsie in the Breast such a swolen Heart loose and greater then it should be with the Vessels especially the Arteria Aorta three times bigger then usual and both the Ventricles especially the left and the Langs and Cavity of the breast silled with waterish blood Also a great corruption in other parts extinguisheth the native heat The Cure We shall shew how it is to be done in diverse weaknesses The Cure of weakness and swouning and chiefly in general Imbecility and great fainting which also may be for particular weakned parts although in their Symptoms we shall also speak thereof We must act and prognostick acctording to the diversity of the cause of weakness If it come from want of Air and breathing we shewed the Cure in the defect of Breathing If it be from the birth or old age we labor in Vain because natural causes cannot be changed nor radical moisture renewed If it be from Evacuation it is worst from Venery or bleeding which is in a Dropsie If
this is called Peripneumonia very like the Pleurisie in all things but in respect of pain And the liker if there be a pricking pain in the side and then is a Pleurisie and Perpneumonia mixed together There is a Cough in both kinds more or less which increaseth the pain especially if it be pricking by which at the first sooner or later there is spit forth spittle mixed with matter or blood sometimes which is rare it is without afterwards there is matter bloodish and at length true matter white or yellow or green or black concocted or not somtimes clammy somtimes stinking somtimes otherwise In both the Pleurisie and Peripneumonia there is a Fever with a pricking pain and both Diseases begin with horror and chilness and a Fever following Respiration is increased and the pulse and the Artery is hard and rough as a Saw when the pulse is touched though some think that in Peripneumony the pulse is soft and wet The Urin is high and there is great thirst and in a Peripneumony the Cheeks are very red and the Fever continues so long with exacerbations or fits in the night til the disease declineth or changeth as we shewed in Fevers There are other symptoms in both from Diseases of the parts adjacent as Doting Swouning and the like but then these Diseases are mixed with others Besides these there is a pricking pain with burning in the side A Pleurisie differing from the rest with a Fever and Cough like a Pleurisie only in that there is no bloody or mattery spittle but a foul and dry Cough and in that the pain comes outward and makes the Breast sore when it is touched and somtimes there is tumor and redness This being differrent from the other in respect of the part affected as shal be shewed in the Causes and we call it the Pleurisie of the Membrane The Causes These Diseases are in the inside of the Breast that cause these pains in the Pleurisie and Peripneumony The place affected and are either distension or Inflammation The Distension of the Membrane that girts in the inward parts of the Breast so great that the Membrane is lifted up and down as it were aside if not torn or rent from the Ribs and Muscles causeth that pricking pain in a false Phrensie This may be from Wind or Humor When Wind gets into the spaces Distension from Wind. between the flesh and the membranes it causeth the pain called windy And in the Breast when it gets between the Intercostal or Muscles between the Ribs it distendeth the Membrane and causeth the pricking pain of the Windy Pleurisie This Wind as in other Diseases comes from eating of crude and windy things and it wil be sooner in the Breast if there be outward cold or it is driven to the Breast by straining roaring coughing or the like when the Muscles are stretched hence it is that we have seen that after the Breath hath been exposed to the Air or after great motions there have been pricking pains sudddenly especially in bodies subject to wind and they have abated by heat and rest A Water or flegmatick humor falling down into the spaces between the Muscles of the Breast A Defluxion of Rheum is the cause of a false Pleurisie called Flegmatick and stretching them with its plenty as it causeth external pricking in the Breast of which in external pains so if it be caried to the inward Membrane which is easie if it be thin causeth these inward pains which are outward also not only in the Breast but Shoulders and that false Pleurisie which they call flegmatick Besides which there is no other as some hold which causeth Inflammation and yet comes from flegm for we shal shew that all Inflammations comes from blood An Inflammation of the Lungs somtimes Inflammation of the Lungs causeth a true Pleurisie and Peripneumony and in the Membranes and parts adjacent together or asunder as it is in this or that place causeth a true or false Peripneumony or Pleurisie or that which is of the Membrane either alone or mixed how this is caused we shal declare It is the vulgar opinion that the Inflammation of the girding Tunicle causeth a true Plurisie and of the Lungs a Peripneumony The Inflammation of the Tunicle is the Cause of the girding Plurisie But we wil prove not only from anotomies wherein we have seen the Lungs inflamed after a Pleurisie but by solid reasons that the Lungs are inflamed in a Pleurisie as wel as in a Peripneumony Because the blood which they so soon spit cannot be especialy so quickly carried through the Lungs and their vessels from the Tunicle inflamed nor matter except the Lungs be ulcerated but rather if it come from thence it should flow into the cavity of the breast and cause an Empyema Therefore because Blood and Matter are quickly and plentifully set forth in a Pleurisie and Peripneumony they must come from the Lungs and from no other part as also the other accidents in both diseases shew that the Lungs must needs be afflicted Only this is their argument that the Lungs are not only inslamed in a Pleurisie because the pricking pain which is manifest in the Pleurisie is obscure in the Peripneumony or none and cannot be from the Lungs affected but in a sensible and membranous part which the Lungs are not But this is not enough to evince that though these prickings come from the membrane yet the Lungs are not inflamed in a Pleurisie as wel as a Peripneumony But this is all that wil follow that if the Lungs are only inflamed as the truth is the peripneumony is in one side because the Lungs are divided by the Mediastine or Midriffe and rather inwardly then outwardly when there is no pain But if the Inflammation be in the outside of the Lungs then the pricking pains are from the Tunicle but gentle because the Lungs are not altogether insensible But if the Inflammation be extended outward so that the Lungs are stretched especialy in breathing at which time pain is only felt and the Fibers and smal veins and Arteries by which they are joyned to the girding Membrane streined they pul the Membrane from the breast though there be no Inflammation as we shewed in wind and then the pain is in the side and it is greater when the Membrane suffers by consent from the Lungs inflamed by Swelling and Heat We deny not but it may be thus and that the girding Tunicle may be also inflamed and also the Periostia or bone Tunicles near it but we wil not acknowledg that it can be inflamed alone to cause any other kind of Pleurisie as some write because it sticks so close to the girding Membrane where it is covered with Ribbs which being so there wil not be the true Pleurisie which is without the Inflammation of the Lungs which hath bloody and mattery Spittle because the girding Membrane cannot be disburdned thereof But there wil
portion into the substance of the Lungs which produceth the Inflammation accompanied with a Synoch from whence it came And therefore the same causes of a Synoch as we shewed in Feavers are the causes of these Inflammations As Surfetting Drunkenness because they cause Fulness and make the Blood too hot are the causes of Synochs in young and old men that live deliciously therefore they are counted the cheif caufes of peripneumony and pleurisie and therefore they prescribed Abstinence from Wine and sat Flesh and Fish as Eels from whence they say the peripneumony cometh because the Blood groweth too fat from eating of fat Meats and therefore may be sooner inflamed except these fish have a peculiar force to inflame as the Sea-Hare hath to ulcerate the Lungs Hence it is that in Spring and in the time when Synochs are rife these Inflammations are most usual in these ages especialy which are subject to a Synoch not only with an outward Erysipelas but that which produceth a peripneumony These Inflammations are sooner in the Lungs then any other part If with the causes of a Synoch there be also a disposition in the Lungs to receive them which disposition is the natural Heat and plenty of Blood and thinness of Substance in the Lungs as also a weakness accquired from a disease which hath caused a Cough To which are added other causes which make them come out of the Vessels and flow to the Lungs as a hot distemper from Air Anger or a hot Disease as a Fever or an outward Cold by Air which pierceth the Breast and Lungs hence it is that this may be when the Veins are astringed Also vehement motion or pain about the Breast or other things that draw blood to the breast As in that Woman which conceived with Child in old age when her breasts that were formerly lank grew great by the flowing of blood to them to breed milk and fell into a Pleurisie And I have observed that divers Women in the middle of their time of breeding especially in the Spring after a cold Winter from a sudden cold and moisture have fallen into Pleurisies by reason of much blood flowing to the breasts to breed Milk These Causes except there be a Synoch scarse produce an Inflammation alone but rather a spetting of blood Or if they produce an Inflammation in the Breast without a Synoch asoregoing there will be only a simple Pieurisie by reason of the Muscles affected from the girding Membrane Or if the Lungs be also inflamed in both the Fever coming from thence will not be a Synoch which is the next cause of a pleurisie and peripneumony and begins with these Inflammations or goes before them but wil be symptomatical as we shewed in Fevers The Cure The Cure varieth as the Disease is divers which produceth these pricking pains in the Breast And it is eithere an Iuflammation of the Lungs in a true Pleurisie and peripneumony or of the Membrane in its pleurisie or a distension from Wind or tumor in the two kinds of false pleurisies called Flatulent and Flegmatick The Inflammation of the Lungs both in a Pleurisie and Peripneumony is dangerous The Prognesticks of a true Pleurisie and Peripneumony but most in a peripneumony by reason of the nearness of the Heart both cause Death either in the fourth or fifth day or in the fourteenth or twentieth When it tends to health it passeth the second or third week and first the pricking ceaseth then the Fever and last the Spitting of Matter but if it continue above the time mentioned and the Fever ceaseth not but is lingring it is to be feared that it wil turn to an Empyema or phthisis These following rules wil declare how these Diseases wil end If from the Lungs inflamed they presently spit mixed matter it is good especially if they Cough and expel it easily if otherwise it is bad This if it be blood or matter such as cometh from the part inflamed which is the Lungs it is allowed But if from the beginning the blood flows plentifully for some daies or cease and return again it snews great hurt of the Lungs But the sooner they spit matter white or concocted and the more easily and plentifully it is voided the better it is unless it be sent forth in such abundance as I have seen in a man that had a peripneumony und was ready to die that it fill a Bason this is a sign that the Inflammation is great and that a suppuration follows and also Death Purulent matter though yellowish is not bad till it be Yellow that whch is green is worse and black worst of all that which is white slimy and cleer prolongs the Disease That Inflammation that comes from pure blood is more gentle that which comes from cholerick or impure blood is worse and shorter but that which comes from flegmatick blood is longer but not so shatp And that which follows other long and acute Diseases is harder to be cured The peripneumony especially or the pleurisie in old people is deadly Great difficulcy of Breathing shews the greatness of the Inflammation or a great collection of the matter which suddenly flowing to the branches of the rough Artery causeth mote trouble and they breath with snorting and if they do not presently spet and hawk it forth it strangleth Cold of the outward parts the Face sunk and the pulse little foreshew Death as in other Diseases If the Fever be strong with Heat Thirst and Watching the danger is more if gentle less If there be a Delirium or Doting which useth not to be in these Diseases nor from the Fever accompanying them It is a mortal sign because it useth to come upon the distemper of the Septum or Diaphragma Bleeding at the Nose cannot be had in the beginning both in respect of the Fever and also for Revulsion But towards the end it weakneth especially if much Plentiful voiding of Urin and Sweat if they come seasonably cures the Fever and if they piss matter they suppose the matter come from the Lungs and the Diseases to be sent out of the way But if matter can be carried from the Lungs by the hollow Vein which is more manifest rather than by the other obscure veins in the Breast which joyn to the Emulgent which some men so diligently seek for and bragg that they have found out then in other Diseases there may be such a passage but this is very rare because in those that have been extreamly phthisical and empyematous no such thing hath been seen A Diarrhaea presageth Death for though some have thought otherwise yet little of the cause of the Disease can be purged by stool But if the Diarrhaea come at the first from other causes and stay not long it may be harmless especially if it take away any filth which may increase the Fever And I have often seen Pleurisies after I have given Oyl of sweet Almonds with pouder of a Bores tooth to go away
they are a Symptom Their kinds are as they are diversly manifest to sense A Compressing or stretching pain called Periodyna A compressing or stretching pain of the Heart is that in which there is felt a pressing or stretching in the lodge of the Heart more or less with loss of Appetite almost and loathing sometimes and with belching and somtimes vomiting or purging This kind comes from some new Cause very often and either stayeth a while or comes after meat and ends with concoction Somtimes it is the Symptome of divers Diseases so that there is scarce a person but hath felt it in a Disease or at other times A knawing pain is called Heart-eating A knawing pain of the Heart called Cardiogmos in which there is felt a biting with pricking in the said region of the Heart with Compression or Burning somtimes This is in many Diseases and in sound men sometimes when fasting especially some called Picrocholi from sharp Choler have it when they want their Dinner and it is often with bitterness of mouth and hindrance of sight Some have it chiefly before Supper when they are given to writing and lean upon their Stomaches by which they loose Appetite They who fear this prevent it by sitting upright or standing when they write Some have it in the morning before they rise when they lye long waking and after they are up and have been at stool or broke wind it is gone In others it comes as soon as they are up and goes away with sneesing Also this Knawing with Compression is after meat when it is bad or too much Of which Bairus makes a private sort of Heart-ach when they are cold after meat with sense of this Compression and difficulty of breathing this is called a turning of the Meat into Flegm Of which Galen speaks This may be at all times Cordiaca Fainting and from other Causes as it is afore Vomiting and from outward Injuries and Cold or from things swallowed that hurt the Stomach And when any fainting comes with this Disease called Cordiaca as we shewed in Fainting That pain which hath such Heat that it seems to burn Heart-burning is in sound people often whether full or empty That is most usual in which when they would belch they feel great burning the flame as it were being shut up in the Gullet and not able to get out especially after meat or violent Exercise the Germans call it Boyling Boyling of the stomach or burning we call it a Burning boyling of the Stomach of which we spake in Difficulty of Belching Also this Burning is the Symptom of divers Diseases of the great pain of the Stomach where it is burning pricking stretching and beating and is increased by touching of the part and reacheth to the Back and girds the Body like a Girdle and seems to draw down the Shoulders and there is labour and pain to swallow and belch and difficulty of breathing being quick and little and there is sometimes a continual Feaver by which means the Pulse is quick and Urin high with Spitting of Blood or Matter This is called the Inflamation or Phlegmon of the Stomach from the Cause of it And the Imposthume of the Stomach though it is more properly so called when it is turned to an Imposthume Also a most burning pain with vomiting and other dangerous accidents may come from another Disease of the Stomach called Erysipelas as we shall shew in the Causes The usual pain in the lodge of the Heart is called Cardilaea Cardilaea distinct from Cardialgia this comes from a small Cause and returns often There are two kinds of it according to the diversity of the Nature in which they are known by this some are of weaker and others stronger Appetite Such Natures as have weak Appetites and other accidents from weakness of Concoction Weakness of the stomach is called a disturbance of the Heart are subject to usual pains of the Stomach compressing or stretching and sometimes knawing and are troubled from the least offending meat and other outward things especially cold from which they are forced alwaies to defend their stomaches These pains come from Weakness of Stomach and are there described and are called by the same name Those Natures that have stronge appetites A hot stomach is called a disturbance of the Heart and eat greedily and gorge themselves have pains of the stomach as shall be shewed in the Causes They are from great excess and also sharp or salt Meats these pains are called a hot distemper and are described in a hot Constitution The Causes The place or part affected is the region or lodge of the Heart not the Heart it self for it is not under it nor is it sensible as I shall shew but the Stomach which is in that region or some parts of the Colon or Midriff that reach thither The Cause of this is from the Stomach which is on the left side of this Region The cause of Heart-ach is in the stomach and is very sensible especially at the mouth of it which hath very remarkeable Nerves And this mouth of the Stomach is called Cardia because it is next under the Heart and there goeth through the Midriff and joyneth to the Ventricle and therefore the pains thereof are felt as if they were in the Heart and as it were communicated unto it and cause a Swounding if they be great as we shewed in Cardiaca All these pains in this region are called pains of the Heart or Cardialgiae And the pains of the Stomach are divers by reason of its exquisite Sense and often injuries by things taken in and brought to it and because it sticks out and is so exposed to more danger These pains are either primarily in the stomach of it self from some cause afflicting it as a Disease which is either a hot or cold distemper stretching heaviness twitching or irritation especially when there is a helping Cause that is a Disposition of the Stomach from a weak or hot Constitution Or they are by consent in the stomach from the nerves that are planted in it These pains I have seen but seldom but they were with much grief and mourning and somtimes a little doting and they alwayes ceased after vomiting they are chiefly in Semitertians Of these in their order A hot Distemper alone without matter doth scarce cause pain A hot distemper of the stomach is the cause of heart-ach because the stomach is delighted with hot things and when it is very hot from things taken in or hot Diseases as in Feavers Heat of the Liver and the like there is thirst rather then pain except another accident happen as we shall shew in the hot Constitution of the Stomach The Stomach is somtimes so inflamed Inflammation of the stomach is the cause of heart-burning that from the Veins abounding there Blood is sent into the substance thereof and then follows that burning pain which we call an
of dryed simples or Chaff of Milium is good here as in other pains Also Pillows and Skins or Furrs Coney-wool and Hares skins are the best Also some Stones tyed about the Waist prevent the stone Great folks by a greenish stone like the Galactites It is called the Nephritical Stone because it expels stones from the Kidneys and also strengthens the Stomach It is good to apply a Cupping-glass not upon the Kidneys least it stir the stone and cause pain which is not great till the stone gets into the Ureters and then apply the Cupping-glass still a little below the stone and so remove it downwards beneath the place of the pain till you have brought the stone into the Bladder The same may be done by chasing with the Hand or with Cloaths and hot Oyls that loosen Especially after so doing you use a Cupping-glass alwayes taking heed that we go not too high with these things to the part pained which will increase pain Some rub the Leggs in time of bathing Moderate motion also keeps the sand from stopping in the passages and it is good to stand upright or to exercise a little to move it And if a stone from the Kidneys stick in the entrance of the Ureters and cause pain it is good to lay the leg so high that the stone may get back by a little motion into the hollow of the Kidneys this will soon take away pain Vomiting by its force in straining doth help to remove the stone therefore at the first if it come not Naturally provoke it or provoke Neesing It is good in great pain when the Patient is plethorick to open a Vein in the Foot on the same side least it run to the Kidneys by reason of the pain and cause Inflammation or when there is Inflammation The pricking pain which is vulgarly called the Spleen The cure of the pricking pain called the spleen but falsly though it be sharp yet because it comes from a cause that lasteth not long as attraction of the Muscles and Wind it goes away of it self otherwise it must be cured If it come often or from little motion rest preventeth it and gentle Motion and good Diet not windy but such as expelleth wind and by keeping the side very warm And if the Party must exercise or ride let him not do it upon a full stomach and then bind himself about the waist with a Swathband When this pricking pain comes also it is good to bind with a Rouler as in a windy Cramp of which this is a sort and by so doing the Muscles will be drawn into their place and the pain removed by expelling the wind If after rest and binding or rouling the pain yet remain you must use the same way of cure as was shewed in the Cure of a windy Pleurisie First use outward things that are hot actually and potentially that expel wind and take away pain as Fomentations Bags Oyntments Plaisters and Baths dry and sweating such as are described in the windy Pleurisie and other outward Diseases from wind If for all these the pain abare not you must use diverters and Derivers as Clysters and Cupping-glasses And as is there shewed if the Body be foul you must purge provoke Sweat and give Alterers which by a hidden quality take away pricking-pain CHAP. XIII Of Pain of the Belly The Kinds VVE call that the Pain of the Belly which is before where it is soft and covered with no bones for we shall speak of other Pains in the parts adjacent that are in Pissing and going to Stool hereafter These in the Belly are first distinguished by their Seats for some are in the Abdomen or Panch about the Navel others below the Navel or above the Pecten or reach to the Hips and Loins There are pains often about the Navel Colick and Iliack-pain These are distinguished by Physitians according to the Gut affected as we shall shew in the Causes and one is called the Colick another the Iliack-pain These are the Symptoms The great pains are called Torments they are somtimes about the Navel Torments above or below or on each side somtimes they move with heat burning and somtimes cold sometimes they are fixed under the Navel chiefly and do as it were bore a hole through but not in the Back Groins as the Nephritick pains of the stone or in the Hips as those of the Womb. There is also Rumbling of the Guts to and fro to be heard and felt Also the belly is bound and somtimes there is an endeavor to belch or fart but in vain And if not or a Loosness follow the Disease is cured Somtimes there follows a purging of matter but not of blood as in a Dysentery In one sort of this Disease the urin is stopped There is also Loathing and Heart-ach called Cardialgia and Vomiting of Flegm or Choler somtimes of the Excrements which is grievous this Disease is called Iliacus from the Gut Ilion Miserere mei is a sort of Iliack-pain or from the Greek Eleos or Eleenos because it deserves pitty and therefore called in Latin miserere mei There is somtimes also a Feaver going afore or comming after or joyned with it Somtimes Convulsions and Palsies follow unknown to the Ancients They are general or in some particular parts as we shewed in the Hindrance of Motion Also there is a vehement pain below about the Pecten A straining pain about the Bladder Somtimes stretching with stoppage of Urin of which we there spake Somtimes burning with pricking and tearing A hot pain about the Bladder with redness and tumor outwardly this is called the Inflammation of the Bladder and then the belly is bound and Urin stopped and a Feaver with its accidents and Dotage also somtimes After which follows pissing of matter or hardness of the part There is another pain below that reacheth to the Hips and Loins Pain of the womb mentioned in the Hypochondriack pain called the Pain of the Womb and it is twofold Either it is stretching in the Belly and Sides usually in Women before their Courses break or when they are stopped And it is like the Colick so that many times it is taken for it at the first And it hath many sad accidents that follow in women as we shewed in Suffocation of the Womb. There is also a pain of the womb in women with child chiefly in the Groyns like that of the Hips only it is felt before and not behind when the Leg is moved There is another pain of the womb in women not in travel The pain after Child-bearing is a kind of womb-pain but after child-bearing not in the Privities but in the bottom of the Belly stretching it some hours or dayes this is called the after birth-pain There is another burning pricking A pain after Child-pain with Inflamation stretching beating and tearing pain called the Inflammation of the Womb before and after Child-bearing it is like that
thereof And then because it hindereth pissing we shall speak thereof in the Chapter of painfull pissing If the Bladder be inflamed in the substance of it The Inflammation of the Bladder is the cause of the burning pain thereof it causeth a pain in the Privities with redness and tumor also when the Bladder is wrapped in the Caule and the tumor is greater when the Excrements and Urin want passage This Inflammation somtimes turns to an Imposthume and then for the time the pain is yet greater and when that is broken there is an Ulcer and painful pissing of matter Also this Inflammation may leave a Scirrhus such a one as I saw gtowing very large in the Bladder of a Cow that was broken by accident and cured again Also this Inflammation if it be not well cured turns to a Gangraene And I once saw a Bladder black within when I opened a dead Fryar Some external accident may cause this Inflammation of the Bladder or pain from the stone or an Ulcer to which Diseases an Inflammation is somtimes joyned of the Bladder and Kidneys also when the body is Plethorick and fit to receive it Because the Womb is in the same lower part of the Belly The cause of pain in the Womb and the Vessels thereof and lyeth under the Bladder and the bottome thereof especially being stretched reacheth into the Belly the pains are alike in both And because the Ligaments of the Womb by which it hangeth reach to the Hips and Loyns they are pained also and of them we shall here speak but we have treated of the pains of the Neck of the Womb in its place But all the pains of the Womb in the bottom or Body or Ligaments thereof some whereof reach to the Neck as in the Bladder come from stretching or from Inflammation The stretching pain in the bottom of the womb The stretching of the bottom of the womb causeth the pain after Child-bearing comes chiefly from outward Cold taken in after Child-bearing while the inward Orifice of the womb is large and open for want of keeping warm by which means the Air gets in and fills and stretcheth and weakneth it and by cooling causeth pain This is called the pain after Child-bearing At another time this pain cannot come from taking in of Air because before Conception the womb is smal and thick and the cavity which is to be filled with Seed in time of Conception is very straight and after conception also when it grows bigger with the Child the inward Orifice is close shut and the womb full Nor from wind bred in the Body because if it get into the straight cavity of the womb or breed there it cannot so stretch the womb to cause pain because it is very thick Neither can water cause pain for the same reasons Though some suppose that the womb may be like a bladder inlarged and have an Inflammation from wind and water as they call it For though the womb be larger in some women by Nature or by much moisture which loosneth it yet it cannot be so filled and stretched that pain may follow And if the repletion be great there will be rather a weight and heaviness then a pain as it is when the Child is great but the weight of the Child by stretching the Ligaments may cause a kind of pain but it is in the Groins and not in the Loins as we shewed So then there is no other stretching pain of the womb but what is after Child-bearing The stretching of the vessels is the usual cause of pain in the womb caused either from the substance of it or from the Membranes and Vessels by which it hangeth but from Humors retained and then it may reach to the sides as we shewed in Hypochondriack pains as when the courses are stopped or disordered or foul This foulness comes from foul blood and humors in women of evil habit that want their Courses which do so fill stretch or provoke the part they that cause pain especially when they are hot and send up Vapors and produce other Accidents especially the suffocation of the womb as we there shewed The Inflammation of the bottom of the womb and neck also The Inflammation of the bottom of the womb causeth the burning pain thereof causeth pain with divers accidents as we shewed This as that of the Bladder may leave an Imposthume Ulcer Scirrhus or Gangraen And the cause external may be a Stroak or Bruise or internal abundance of blood about the womb upon stoppage of the Terms when they flow not into the neck but into the substance of the womb and cause Inflammation according to the diversity of the blood The Cancer of the womb And if the quality thereof be malignant it may cause a Cancer which shall be mentioned in Diseases of the Neck of the Womb because it is commonly in that part The womb is chiefly inflamed from difficulty of Deliverance The Inflammation of the womb after Child-bearing causeth the second sort of pain after child-bearing great pain and straining either while the child or after birth remain or after they are gone which causeth a Feaver And this Inflammation is rather the cause of many womens death then the retention of the after-burden and the pain they have comes from the Inflammation as well as from the Air that gets into it and is then greater and more dangerous The Cure The Cure is different according to the part affected and the variety of Causes as the Bowels are stretched cooled or inflamed by Blood or Choler And is to be applied to the stretching or Inflammation of the bladder or womb The stretching of the Bowels from what cause soever The cure of the Colick pain of the womb Convolvulus from stretching or cold if it cause the Coeliack and Iliack pain must be cured the same way as also when it comes of Cold. And if it come from the abundance of excrements and wind with pain and rumbling if they come forth as they use to do by Fasting Belching or a Flux you must take the same course as in Diarrhaea If these Excrements cause a stoppage in the thick Guts and so by stretching the Colick it is easier cured then in the small Guts especially when they are evil and increase continually for then Iliack passion which is so deadly and hard to be cured will return and cause Convulsions and Palsies and the like which though the pain cease destroy the Patient And if the stoppage be so hard that it cannot be opened but the thin Guts are so full of Excrements that they are sent back into the Duodenum then follows the deadly convolvulus or Spewing up of Excrements or Iliack or knots or tanglings of the Guts In all which cases except when the Guts are knotted or an Iliack pain from a Rupture for then you must rather look to the putting up the Gut then to the Iliack Passion the cure is
Shoulder inthe Arm. In all kinds the pain is increased by Motion of the Joynt and touching except in the Hip and Shoulder and then when the pain comes outward These pains come suddenly unto some There is usually a Tumor with Redness Heat and beating in the Podagra and Chiragra first or last and somtimes in the Gonagra or Arthritis especially in the Joynts without Flesh Somtimes it is an Oedema without Redness But in the pain of the Shoulder and Hip in the fleshy parts there is no such appearance or tumor In continuance of time in the Podagra and Chiragra there will be knots in the Joynts of the Fingers and Toes And when they are opened there comes forth a thin or tough white Matter or like Chalk And somtimes they turn to hard uneven stones which hinder the Motion of the Joynt And I have seen sometimes such knots from the bending of the Arm to the Wrists growing as it were together and when they have been broken there hath come forth a white Pultis and in one troubled with the Gout it was in his Ear. And another Merchant long and greivously troubled with the Gout The same kind of chalkie Matter was all over his Body and the very Eye-brows also and it turned to knots and then came forth As we shewed in Feavers there is a Synoch in every general Gout and often in the Podagra Chiragra and Gonagra and somtimes in the Hip and Shoulder-gout It begins first with Chilness and there is Thirst and Restlesness the Pulse is high and the Urin red There are somtimes other accidents in Arthritis And we have known a Cramp to follow the Joynt-gout which hath been worse then it self The pain about the great Bones besides that which is in parts without flesh Pains about the Bones of which we spake in the Pain of the Joynts and that without the Skull of which in Head-ach is of two sorts The one is chiefly about the Head bones the other is about many other Bones There is a kind of pain about the Head or Forehead An external Cephalaea which is lasting which is called an external Cephalaea or Head-ach differing from the internal mentioned This is about the Bone and is augmented by being touched It somtimes springs from an internal Head-ach or is joyned with it or is alone outwardly on both sides or on the right or left as a Haemicrania Sometimes it is like a Nail driven into one part Clavus and called Clavus Somtimes it makes Nodes in the Forehead like that in the French Pox and in other Bones There is another kind of outward pain in the Head Outward Heaviness of the Head which goes before other pains from Defluxion into the Joynts and fleshy parts In which somthing seems to lye heavy upon the Head and there is outward as if the skin were flead off and increaseth with touching of the Hair especially And oftentimes there is a Swelling soft and oedematous broad and dispersed about the Neck and hinder-part of the Head and other accidents as in the Heaviness of the Head coming within the Skull especially when they meet together There is another kind of pain about many Bones from a Disease not known by the Antients that was brought from the Indiies The French Pox or Neopolitane first called the Neopolitane then the French Disease The contagious French Pox. And because it comes by Copulation the Venereal Pox. Of which there are divers kinds as I shall shew and this pain about the Bones is one and is called the contagious Pain or Pox. This pain being near about the Bones is chiefly in the middle Seat without the Flesh either in Latitude or Longitude as in the naked inside of the Leg and about the Shoulders Homoplate and Arms and before in the Breast which bony part can scarce suffer from another internal Cause And therefore the Pox is known only by this sign somtimes Also there is pain without in the Head especially in the Forehead to the Eye brows and about the Temples sixed like an outward Cephalaea This pain is violent and implacable pulling as it were the skin from the bones and not to be touched It increaseth towards night and is not abated as other pains but augmenteth by heat And therefore in bed they are worse and it comes by degrees not suddenly as Arthritis Somtimes there are hard Tumors or Nodes in the Forehead Skins and insides of the Hands which are unequal and increase And other accidents as Falling of the Hair Spots Pustles and Ulcers as we shall shew The Causes It is necessary that in all Pains of the Habit of the Body mentioned that the sensible parts be affected as the Muscles Membranes and Nerves from whence come stretching pains or pains from compression solution of continuity simple distemper congestion of Humors Influxion or evil Quality Vehement Stretching of the parts causeth this pain Distention or Stretching is the cause of pain where other Symptoms are greater by immoderate Motion in Exercise and Labour Hence comes the stretching lazy pain mentioned And violent motion when the Muscles are contracted with the Cramp As we shewed in Spasmus Also it comes from Extension of the Muscles by straining which cause Bleeding such as is in inflamed or ulcerated Laziness or such as increaseth by touching and motion This pain is somtimes in the broad Muscle of the Breast which moveth the Arm coming from strong holding of the bridle in riding sometimes in the Feet and Knees from riding in short Stirrups Or in the Back from stretching of the Membranes and Ligaments by the great Bowels lying upon them or by a Tumor as in divers Diseases of the Liver Spleen Guts Mesentery and Womb and in women with child as we shewed Or it is from wind that is bred by moisture or weak heat or coming from other parts which lifteth up and stretcheth the muscles as we shewed in windy Cramp And if it be between the membranes it is a pain like that from Defluxion but not so fixed but wandring and stretching and not long lasting And if it come to the skin the pain is with palpitation or beating as we shewed Also Compression of the parts may cause pain without breaking of the skin which if it is A Compression is the Cause of pain in which the Symptomes are greater belongs to Diseases of the skin As from long lying in a great Disease when there is a pain in the Back and in other sensible parts and from external violence as when from pressing of the Elbow there is a numness and pricking of the two Fingers Or when the Bones are out of their places and lye upon the Muscles Membranes or Nerves there is pain which is greater and longer when there is Swelling or Heat as when there is a great pricking pain from a violent motion of the Back or Neck or from Bones out of Joynt while they lye upon these
from the constitution which is inclinable thereunto but from eating fat Meats with which some are much affected Also divers kinds of Deformities proceed from Humors and Diseases Evil ulcers are causes of consumtion of parts as Diseases of number deficient if not from externall causes as in Ulcers some parts are consumed by suppuration and corruption The Gravel of the Teeth makes the Gums separate which as in other parts so in the Eyes and Nose and Gums which usually are separated from the teeth by the gravell that grows underneath upon them and by which they are hindered from uniting together The cause of loose Teeth is a defluxion into the places where they are set Also the Loosness and Falling of teeth comes from a Defluxion into the the holes where they are set which moistneth and loosneth the Fibres and Membranes by which they are knit And also when any corrupt Humor is in the places where they are set it causeth them to fall out by corroding of their Roots As we have observed in great Diseases Also a corrupt Humor about the Roots of the Teeth causeth their loosness and falling out that the Teeth have afterwards fallen out And in the Pox by the use of Quick-silver after a Flux of spitting the teeth have been loose and sometimes fallen out Also the Falling of hair come from Diseases and evill Humors A Feaver causeth Hair to fall off when the roots are dried or made less and consumed thereby This comes from burning Feavers which do not onely dry the Body but the Roots of the Hairs which are soft and so they are attenuated and consumed as we may observe in the declination of Feavers In the Alopecia and Ophiasis when evill Humors are gathered about the Pores of the Skin An evil humor about the roots of the Hair causeth it to fall off they eat and consume the Roots of the hair and make them fal this they do by their sharpness and maglignity and not by loosning them with their moistness as some suppose because such Humors as are only moist and not malignant and sharp do never cause Falling of Hair Which Humors as they may come from divers causes so especially they be sent thither by an acute Disease and by Heat the Root of the hairs may be dried which may cause the Falling of hair And it is manifest that this comes from malignant Humors because in those Diseases which are venemous and fix more upon the Skin then upon other parts and produce divers Deformities thereon as in the Elephantiasis and French Pox the hair chiefly falls away in those places whereunto the Humors have most resorted In the Nayls also as we have said since they are of the same cartilaginous Substance with the hairs The heat of a Feaver is the cause of impression upon the Nayls and of their loosnese and stick only to the Skin as they do the same thing may happen and may suffer from the same causes with the hair and fall wholl off from the Fingers but more seldom because they are Naturally more firm yet somtimes from the heat of a Feaver they grow dry about the Roots or partly consume and after when the Feaver is gone they grow again with an Impression upon them and a kind of separation Also from an evill quality such as takes away hair in the Elephantiasis and French Pox An evil Humor is the cause of the corrosion and filthiness of the Nayls the Roots of the Nayls may be infected and receive such a blemish by which though they fall not off alwaies as hair doth or be consumed yet they may have such a filth that they may appear ugly and deformed thereby Also the number of parts is diminished by another part thrusting off the former as in the teeth The teeth and nayles throw themselves or by new which in young people grow up by degrees till they throw out the old This is also but seldome in Nayls a new growing will cast off that which is above and this is from aboundance of Moisture The Cure That Deformity which ariseth from number abounding if it come from the Birth The abounding of some parts either in the body or any Member and cause no impediment in regard it cannot be cured but by cutting off must not be attempted except it may be taken off without danger of life or lameness But if it hinder not much and may be taken off without danger then you may adventure as when there is a Tooth too many which hinders chewing which is seldom you may pull it out A sixth finger being yet small and weak may be taken off with a Raysor or Pincers which done The taking off of the sixth Finger as we said in wounds you must presently stanch the blood and cure it accordingly If any parts be wanting either from Birth or chance The cure of the want of some parts as of the Stones as when the Stones are cut out they can no waies be restored neither in Man or Beast as they may in Plants whose branches being cut off grow again Nature doth this but not Art Therefore here is no need of a Physitian but for the preventing of the perishing of a limb by keeping off external injuries and diverting of other Causes Yet there are some who rectifie Deformities The artificiall reparation of parts lost as a Foot a Hand an Arm a Nose an Eye by artificiall Instrument to supply parts that are lost make new Feet Arms Hands artificiall which are sometimes so flexible by Joynts that they afford some use for going and holding That horrid deformity of a lost Nose is repaired by a painted one and I have seen an Eye so artificially made of Ivory to be taken out and put in again without pain and constantly to be worn so that none could imagine it to be other then a true Eye only it moved not and the place was moister The teeth falling by chance or otherwise in Infants while the Roots remain The Cure of Teeth lost or by Reason of new Teeth which thrust out the first which are without Root fastned in the holes but held by only a membranous Substance in Children about six or seven years of Age and in Horses and other Creatures about three four or five years of age by which we know their Age is repaired by Nature and others come in their Rooms but if this chance to people in years when the Roots are fixed which are also carried away when the tooth falls or is drawn out or if any stump remain it is unprofitable and they cannot grow again I knew one who is now alive who is as a rare Example being a Man that had two new grinders in the place of teeth that were before plucked out And although while they are sound the teeth grow as they are worn away yet when they are rotten and taken out they will not grow again Yet this
blood through the Body for the same purpose if this abound in the blood or if the greatest part of the Blood be such because not perfectly made red and yet not so corrupted but it is fit to nourish the Body then this being joyned to the substance of the Body for to nourish it still it makes the flesh and skin of the same colour pale and white and the colour is as far from the true Complexion as the blood is being so or when mixed with evil Juyce or water from evil Concoction In Women especially Virgins when that thick Blood flows not so plentifully to the Veins of the womb nor Nature which allots the purest blood for nourishing of the Child and for monethly Evacuation doth not continue her course to carry it thither and send out the crude and evil Blood there will be an evil Habit and want of Terms as we shewed the defect or want of the Terms not being the cause of that evil Habit but the evil Habit the cause of the want of Termes But if with the evil Habit Cachexy and Cacochymy there be also evil Humors about the Spleen which are carried from hence to the meseraick Arteries there will also be as I shewed a Palpitation of the Heart and other Symptomes by reason of the Cacochyma and Diseases of other parts But if this Juyce be crude and plentiful and long before it nourish the Body so that it swell therewith the cachexy is turned into a Leucophlegmacy or white Flegm and if there be much water the Leucophlegmacy will be serous or if the water abound in a Cachexy there wil be tumor of the Feet and of the Belly and Body growing less and the Dropsie called Ascites wil follow the cachexy or evil Habit. Or if this Juyce which ought to nourish the body be so bad that it will not nourish or be very little in Quantity there will be a decay of the Body and the Cachexy will be turned into an Atrophy As we shall see in the Dropsie Ascites and Atrophy how they follow a cachexy This crudity of Blood if there be serosity or waterishness or cacochymy or suspicion of a Dropsie comes often from the Nourishment if such things be taken which produce crude Juyce or Water as we said in the Imbecillity of the Stomach as Summer fruicts that will not last which if they be taken immoderately by young People make them subject to a Cachexy especially by Virgins being weak and using Exercise This crude Blood which causeth a Cachexy and evill Juyce which causeth a cacochymy or water which causeth a Dropsie comes from the Distemper of those parts which are ordained for Sanguification or making of Blood and Chyle as from the Stomach Liver Spleen and the Vessels and Membranes thereto annexed And if the concoction be made imperfect by the Distemper Weakness or other fault of the Stomach the Chylus be crude and imperfect or foule and watery which after in the second concoction produceth the like Blood because it cannot be sufficiently boiled and the rather if the parts ordained for the second concoction are also infirme We have shewed treating of the pain of the Heart what kind of Diseases are from the Stomach and cause pain Blood that is crude unconcocted foule and watery is made by the Infirmities of the Liver Spleen and Veins because these parts are ordained for the Generation of blood The Liver is the Instrument of Sanguification And that Sanguification may be hindered by the Diseases of the Spleen many former Arguments being omitted by which we shewed that the Spleen also is the Instrument of sanguifying and that it may be hindered by the Distemper of the spleen we can prove because as appears by Anatomies when the Liver is sound and the Spleen rotten there have appeared those faults of Sanguification which have been mentioned and have caused a Dropsie so that we need not make the consent between the Liver and the Spleen to be the cause Moreover from the Distemper of the Veins seeing they help to make Blood whether principally as some think or make it better after it hath been wrought by the Liver which all confess the Blood is less concocted and more crude And this cheifly caused by the Distemper of the meseraik Veins that come from the Liver and Spleen because the first change of the Chyle and preparation of it for Blood is by them for they snatch it and retain it first the Diseases which befal the Liver Spleen or Veins by which the sanguification being diminished the blood becomes crude and thence comes the Cachexy either alone with Cacochymy or Weakness Distemper Obstruction Hardness or the like Weakness of the Liver Spleen and Veins which by consent with the Bowels unto which they are joyned suffer with them is properly that which comes from want of Natural heat if it hinder the Functions so that the blood be not sufficiently wrought and therefore too crude Thus it is the cause of a Cachexy in which the Native colour of the body is lost and it grows bigger there is a shortness of breathing by reason of the Distemper of those parts and a pressing pain of the belly the Urin by reason of crudity is waterish especially if through the plenty of Water they cannot be tinctured with Choller if this Weakness last long it turns the cachexy into a Leucophlegmacy by aboundance of crudity which if it come from other causes also will make a Leucophlegmacy serous or watery Also if from the weakness of the attractive faculty of the Liver there be aboundance of Water not sufficiently attracted by the meseraik Veins the Dropsie Ascites as we shewed in the Treatise of the Dropsie will follow but if their weakness be such that the Blood be not only crude but not enough to nourish the Body it will produce a cachexy in which the Body is rather less then bigger or if by this weakness the sanguification is lost an Atrophy will follow A cachexy is known to come from this weakness if there be no other accidents or Diseases in the Bowels it appears by the evil colour of the whole Body that they are weakned and the Patients so affected are called Hepatick or Splenetick This weakness comes from this dispersing of the Natural heat which is from inward Causes from Birth or through Age or from external causes and remaineth after divers Distempers of the Bowels or other long and acute diseases Among which are Feavers after which the Bowels being weakned by too much heat or cold Drink which is usual there follows a Cachexy which by continuance caused the Feet Belly or whol body to swell Moreover great loss of blood especially of the Menstrual causeth a cachexy not only by the loss of Spirits but because the Veins want refreshment by their emptiness and want of heat with which they were nourished not onely by reason of that crude Juyce which is then produced but because the Body being exhausted looseth
first to generals and particulars The Cure of Generals is directed at the cause whether it be the nourishing Juyce Choller Blood or Seed That Cachexy which comes from crude and imperfect juyce The Cure of Cachexy or evil Habit of body in which flourishing Colour is lost and Paleness is brought in or the like if there be a Cacochymy or evil digestion there with and it come from the weakness of the Liver or spleen not yet confirmed or from Obstructions from Humors not yet fixed is easier cured But if this weakness of the Bowels in Sanguification or Obstruction is fixed then it is easily turned into Leucophlegmacy or white Dropsie or into the Dropsie Ascites of which two sorts of Dropsies the first is easiest cured except some other Distemper be joyned therewith A Cachexy is most difficult and can scarce be cured if there be exceeding weakness of the Bowels or great Obstruction coming from a hard fixed gravelly Matter as also if there be Hardness Scirrhus or any Tumor in these parts which causeth the Dropsie Ascites it is incurable A Cachexy must be cured according to the cause which we said is the weakness of the Liver Spleen Meseraiks a cold or hot Distemper an Obstruction and hardness or Tumors in the same which if they have been brought by any external or internal cause that must first be removed as evil Diet great loss of Blood too much Venery and the like which we know have been the Original of these Distempers and do still nourish the same Then the Filthiness which is brought thereby must be purged and in the mean time if it come from Weakness we must strengthen if from a cold or hot Distemper we must alter that if from an Obstruction we must open if from a Hardness or hard Tumor we must endeavor to mollifie and dissolve it by Medicines internal and external using those things especially which are proper for these parts affected and are therefore called Hepatical or Splenetical Medicines or at least you must mix them with others and add those things which strengthen the Stomach if it be weak All these Medicines we shall reduce to two Heads because one Medicine if compounded of divers things may be applied to divers Causes And under one Head we shall lay down those things which are proper to one or more of the Causes in Imbecillity or Weakness in a cold Distemper Obstruction Hardness or hard Tumor under the other Head we shall propound those Medicines which are fit for the cure of a Cachexy coming of a hot Distemper because this requires a cure by it self something different from the other We shall begin with that cure which is to be done with the Medicines under the first Head by this way following In these kinds of cachexies sometimes you may open a Vein if the Liver be stopped and full by which the blood being moved the evil Humors in the Vessels of the Liver may with the Blood be a little abated especially if there be a cochymy in the Blood it will be convenient to draw it forth and this is done in the right Arm where the lowest Vein is most convenient and therefore is called the Liver vein which also may be opened in the Hand or in the Foot if there be Suppression of the Termes in the like Diseases of the Spleen if there be a cacochymy also in the Veins you must open the Vein in the left Arm or the Salvatella which is proper when the Spleen is distempered The opening of the Haemorrhoids is very profitable by drawing from the Meseraiks in the stoppage of the Liver Spleen or Meseraiks and also by letting forth the cacochymy or evil Juyce Vomiting in the Obstructions of the Liver or Spleen is good not only by taking away crudities but by stirring up Nature to send them forth and this is best and easiest after Meat Clysters which mollifie provoke and open Obstructions are to be injected and are made of the common Decoction with the opening Roots red Vetches the four great cold seeds and dissolve therein some purging Electuaries and sometimes a quarter of a Pint of Vrine and half an ounce of the sharpest Leaven besides common Oyls or of Cappars and flower-de-luce Or you may use the Glysters mentioned in Leucophlegmacy Purges are appointed in Obstructions so Nature being moved may alwaies thrust some of the stoppinges forth also they are good in weakness of the parts Distemper or Hardness because many Excrements are gathered And they are made of such as purge choller or Flegm and Melancholy in the Distemper of the Spleen because it is thought Melancholy Juyce doth abound there and you must add such things as respect the Stomach and discuss wind if it tend to a Leucophlegmacy or white Dropsie or things that expel Water if it tend to the Dropsie Ascites as is mentioned but here these following are good for a cachexy A Decoction proper in the Obstruction of the Liver Take of Liquoris Roots one ounce and an half of Succory and Flower-de-luce Roots each one onnce of Smalage Roots half an ounce of Asarabacca Roots two drams of Chamaepytis or Ground pine Germander Agrimony Maiden-hair each one handsul of Fennel seeds two drams of Parsley and Rocket seed each one dram of Elder-flowers one pugil Raisons two ounces Senna one ounce and an half of Carthamus seeds bruised and Pelypody of the Oak each one ounce make a Decoction in Water and the third part Wine and infuse in the strained Liquor of Rhubarb half an ounce Agarick three drams Ginger one dram Spikenard half a scruple strain it and add as much Sugar as is sufficient and aromatize it with Cinnamon and Cloves for three doses Of the same things dry a Wine may be made by infusion in four or five pints which will work better and it will be stronger if you add Wormwood two drams Topps of Centaury one dram Birthworth Roots and Squills prepared two drams Another Decoction for the Spleen Take of the bark Cappar Roots and Tamarisk each one ounce macerate them in Water and the third part of Vinegar Germander Ceterach each one handful of both the Bugloss-flowers and Broom flowers each one pugil of Fennel seeds two drams of Park leave seeds one dram of Raisons stoned six drams of Polypody one ounce and an half Senna one ounce make a Decoction for three doses aromatized with Cinnamon and sweetned with Sugar or syrup of Maiden-hair or the like Or thus Take of Capar bark one ounce Pot Mercury Fumitory Time Epithimum each one handful Broom flowers Tamarisk Rosemary Borrage and Bugloss flowers each one pugil of Raisons ten pair Sebestens five pair Senna one ounce Polypody one ounce and an half make a Decoction in the strained Liquor insuse Myrobalans Chebs or others half an ounce Rhubarb two drams strain it and add as much Sugar as is sufficient for three doses if the barks of the Roots of black Hellebore be added it is the better A plainer
the Danger There is Vomiting of blood but seldom Vomiting of Blood in Diseases that have others joyned therewith and in women that want the terms in which blood is vomited alone or mixed with them somtimes more plentifully pure or mixed somtimes clodded and tough like Pitch and black somtimes like Ink which a famous Lawyer vomited in abundance and purged also Not only purging of blood but great Diseases follow this Vomiting There is also a Vomiting of Excrements by themselves or with Humors mentioned Vomiting of Dung when the dung of the belly which should be sent forth by stool is vomited at the mouth of which we shall speak when we treat of the wrong passage of the Dung. The Causes It is necessary in all Vomiting that the Stomach be troubled from whence the expulsive Faculty is stirred up to expel that which troubles it and throws out all or some part that is in the Stomach into the left upper Orifice and so into the Gullet by the help of the Midriff which is near to it This Vomiting is called the subvertion of the Stomach The stomach is thus affected either when it is troubled or oppressed or pricked And the sooner when the Cause is great or many meet or when the stomach hath a most exquisite sense and easily suffereth or loosned from an evil custom of Vomiting cannot so righty contain the meat and cannot contain them when they are too many or unpleasant The Cause of the troubling pressing or pricking of the stomach is either from external force or from things taken in or from the Humors Excrements and other things in the Stomach Outwardly the rubbing of the stomach The trouble oppression or pricking of the stomach either from outward force or things taken in is the cause of preternatural Vomiting or violent thrusting or bending forward or motion by Wagon or Ship especially after much eating or drinking or lying down after Drunkenness causeth Vomiting by disturbing the meat in the stomach The Finger or a Quill or the like thrust into the throat by tickling the tunicle of the mouth which consents with the stomach causeth it by labouring to expel what offends it to throw out whatsoever is contained therein From too much meat and drink especially wine the stomach being too full vomiteth and the rather if they offend the stomach And this may come from a Physical Diet. If things be taken that are loathsom they are vomited up again As unusual meats as we shewed in Loathing and such as Nature abhors or filthy and abhominable things either by chance or necessity the very conceit or imagination of which maketh some vomit Also ill-scented things as medicines especially Purges cause a Loathing and therefore are often thrown up again some meats are loathed not because they are unpleasant but because they are contrary to some Natures so that if by chance they be eaten they are spewed up again In many Diseases where meat is loathed any smell of Food flesh especially fat or roasted which is of it self pleasant is loathsom and they vomit it up Medicines taken that prick the stomach or burn it or that purge as Hairs cut or shavings of the Nails will provoke Vomiting and if they work long or violently they are the Cause of hurtful Vomiting Other vehement medicines especially purges do the same by troubling the stomach And they are vomited as soon as taken or when they begin to work they cause the pain at the Heart and so Vomiting But chiefly corroding medicines or poysons taken by chance or otherwise In which Vomiting whatsoever juyce humors or Excrements are in the stomach are thrown out together or a sunder But chiefly thin Choler as we see after the giving of Stibium or the like it hath been voided by basons full Which was not in the stomach or Guts before because there were no symptoms of it but it was forced by Nature from the Meseraicks through the violence of the medicine as we shall shew in Vomiting of Choler Besides many things swollowed by chance Choler pricking the Stomach is the cause of the vomiting thereof have caused Vomiting Among Humors and Excrements Choler is the chief cause of Vomiting either fasting or in Diseases of Choler And if it be clammy as that like yolks of Eggs or sharp as the green and black it pulls and burns the stomach and makes not only Vomiting but purging and the more if it be plentiful and sent to the Guts especially the thin Guts which are united to the stomach And it is greater or lesser as it is more or less offensive to the Stomach and Guts This Choler breeds in the stomach from meats which are too hot and of sharp cholerick Juyce or turns such by Corruption in the stomach As appears by the use of Cowcumbers and Melons as we shewed in the Disease of Choler Also Choler that is sent from the gall and corrupted may turn to such and cause the same Also when it hath been long in the Meseraicks till it corrupt Choler may get into those parts and cause the Disease of Choler As we shewed in the Causes of intermitting Feavers how it was gathered in the Meseraicks and of what it was made Somtimes vomit is raised from other Humors and Excrements which fill The Cause of Vomiting of Flegm is the fulness of the Stomach or Loathing or offend the stomach As from crude Juyce made of meat not well concocted which flowing in the stomack and filling it with wind compels it to vomit it up four for the most part Or from other sharp Juyces besides Choler made of the Corruption of meat Whence come Vomitings not long after eating or when Concoction is beginning Also Vomiting may come from any Flegm or from tough Matter in the Stomach long retained or from water which cause Loathing as we shewed in the Want of Appetite Or from other immoderate things especially if there be other evil Humors mixed These alone or with other Humors bred in the stomach or sent thither offending the stomach cause Vomiting in divers Cacochymicks and in Women that are with Child and want their Terms or others that have not conceived by reason of the filth stopped with the terms and in the beginning of Feavers and other malignant Diseases when the stomack consenteth or is hurt by them As we shewed in the Causes of these Diseases Blood getting into the Stomach by the Meseraick Veins which go through the same Vomiting of blood from the stomach filled with the blood from the meseraicks or rising from the Veins of the Guts is the Cause of Vomiting blood and as the Blood is so is the Vomiting somtimes watery filthy or black such as is laid up in the Meseraicks as we shewed in Feavers sometimes when it hath been long in the stomach it grows thicker Now it gets out of the Veins either from the plenty thereof as we shewed in the stopping of the Terms that Women with Child may