Skull c. XXIX Of the Head-ach its Name Definition and Kinds 1. The Name in Greek is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Latin Capitis Dolor and in English the Headach 2. The Definition It is a sensation of pain afflicting the Head either Internal or External scituate between the first Vertebra of the Neck and the Roots of Eyes and laterally between the Bones of the Temples on either side 3. The Kinds The Head-ach is three-fold first when it is neither Vehement nor Inveterate or old arising suddenly from some present Cause secondly when it is Inveterate or old being of many years continuance coming and returning at certain Periods of time without any apparent praevious Cause thirdly When it afflicts the one half of the Head either right or left of all which we shall speak in order XXX The Pathalogy of the first sort of Head-ach before named and first of the Cause thereof 1. It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in Latin by Barbarous Writers Soda which is indeed an Arabick Word and by us in English simply the Head-ach It is sufficiently known by the pains excited through the whole Head the general Causes are two-fold the first is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is the primitive or first but remote Cause the other 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is the internal Cause and is indeed for the most part the effect of the first Cause 2. The Procatartick or external Cause is either from Blows Sun Air Wind or from some violent Motion as Falls and great Exercises or vehement Intemperature of heat or cold dryness or moisture The Proegumenine or internal Causes are from a simple Intemperature of the part being too cold hot moist or dry or from some peternatural matter Super abounding arising for the most part from some sulphurious Vapour or flatulent Spirit either simply in the part or by consent from the Stomach or other parts 3. If the Cause be from a simple Intemperature of heat whether External or Internal the first is known by the Relation of the Sick as whether he has been in the heat of the Sun or Fire or has been using any Violent Motion or Exercise whereby the part may be Inflam'd the second or Internal Cause is known first by the sulphurious and hot habit of Body and the super-abundant heat of the part which may be known by touching Moreover if hot things be applied to it the Sick is Inraged but if cold things the Sick is Refresh'd and the pain is Eased 4. If it be from a simple Intemperature of cold the Procatartick or External Cause may be known by the Relation of the Sick as whether he has taken cold or has been laid in a cold place c. the Proximate or near Cause is known first from a cold habit of Body secondly from the frigidity of the part by touching of it the Face also is of a pale or wan Colour lastly The Sick is Refreshed by hot things but the pain is excited or enraged by the application of cold things 5. Now in both the foregoing Cases of heat and cold they are both of them joyned either with dryness or moisture if they be joyned with dryness it is known by the dry habit of the Body by the dryness and hardness of the part roughness of the Skin and want of Excrements from the Head either by the Nostrils or Palate but if moisture be the Concomitant of the aforesaid Qualities it is known by the humid habit of the Body laxity softness and delicate colour of the Skin as also by a great many Excrements flowing from the Head by the Nostrils or Palate and the aptness of the Sick to have a Catarrh 6. If it arises from a flux of matter from the Brain it is known first by the evil Diet and course of Life going before in the Sick in whom by reason of Idleness too plentifull Eating and Drinking and giving himself over to a Sensual and Debauched course of Life many evil Humours are generated which afflict the Head either by consent from the Stomach or by corrupting of the Blood whereby the Brain is filled with many Excrements which sensibly hurt the internal Menings 7. If it be by consent from the Stomach it is known by a preceeding weakness and illness of the Stomach aptness to Vomit want of Appetite and an ill Digestion by means of which the Ventricle being filled with Wind sends Vapours up into the Brain which abounding in the Cavities stretches the Menings by which there is a Sensation of pain 8. Sometimes the Procatartick Cause is from Drunkenness with too much filling the Ventricle and weakning of it a flatulent Spirit is generated which in the form of Vapours ascending up into the Head afflicts the Tunicles aforesaid as also by an intimate mixtion with the Chyle an evil Blood is made containing many Excrements which being upon the least occasion fermented causes Vapours to arise and so hurts the Tunicles aforesaid 9. If it be from a Feaver or the French Pox it is known by those Diseases going before whose Causes is the same with the Cause of the said Diseases and the Removal of which must be only by the Extirpating of the Disease Causing 10. If it be from a hurt in the Skull as a Contusion Wound or Fracture the Procatartick Cause is evident to the Senses the Proximate or near Cause is the Solution of continuity or unity in a Contusion there is a livid Colour of the Skin together with the swelling of the part and pain in a Wound there is a Solution of continuity with a Rupture of the Vessels in a Fracture the Symptoms are according to the magnitude thereof where the Skull is depressed upon the Menings the following Symptoms are very greivous as Vomiting a pungent or pricking pain sometimes an Apoplexy or Convulsion somtimes a loss of the Voice Reason and Understanding which for the most part are Mortal signs If so be the Blood flows through the Fracture of the Cranium upon the Dura Mater it endangers the Corrupting thereof 11. The parts afflicted in all these Cases are the Menings of the Brain and the Pericranium or thin Skin covering the Convex part of the Skull if it afflicts the Menings the pain is Internal and within the Skull Physicians commonly know it by the Extension of the pain to the Roots of the Eyes because they say and truely enough For that the Tunicles of the Eyes have their Original and Rise from them but this cannot be the true sign For that others as Fernelius do affirm That a pain in the External part of the Head afflicting the Pericranium will affect the Roots of the Eyes also for as much as they have membranes from the Pericranium in like manner It may be then demanded by what sign or signs the Pain of the Head within the Skull afflicting the Menings may be known from an External Pain of the Head afflicting the Pericranium 12. To this
Milk as much sugar one ounce the Yolks of two new laid Eggs beat them very well together and stir them upon the fire which is to be taken as hot as conveniently it can Morning and Evening for three days 11. The following I know by manifold experience to be good Take Conserve of red Roses four ounces the whites of two Eggs the levigated Pouder of Amber one ounce Pouder of Olibanum six drams white Terra sigillata three drams mix all well together by beating in a Mortar of which let the Sick take the quantity of a Wall-nut Morning Noon and Night 12. Lastly as the most excellent and admirable of all things and that by which this Cure must be Consumated is the continual taking of the Oyls of Salt Sulphur or Vitriol in all the Liquor the Sick Drinks 13. Platerus commends this in all Fluxes and Defluxions Take Emeralds prepared a dram and half Male-peony seeds husked extract of Male-peony-roots of each two drams red Coral prepared three drams Salt of Coral one dram Wood of Aloes in pouder two drams and a half biting Cinnamon seeds of Sorrel of Purslane of Docks of Misleto of the Oak Cochinel or grains of Kermes of each two drams Pearls prepared Hartshorn philosophically prepared of each four scruples Salt of Pearls one dram extract of Saffron eight grains mix them with juyce of Citrons or Quinces three ounces and let them ferment in the Sun or by the fire and after keep it close stopt for use 14. If the Catarrh has concomitant with it a Diarrhoea you must use Medicines for both especially when a salt or sharp water flows from the Brain to the Stomach first have respect to the Defluxion then to the Diarrhoea As to the Defluxion purge not with strong Medicines but gently by Nose and Mouth Divert by washing the Feet with hot Water and Decoctions made of Cephalicks and Astringents use also Frictions and Cupping-Glasses and strengthen the Head by Emplasters and Fumes of which see more in the Cephalaea Falling-sickness Apoplexy and Palsy 15. Then for the Diarrhoea purge the Stomach gently then strengthen it using also things which are astringent 16. If the Catarrh proceeds from a hot distemperature of the Blood you ought to purge with gentle things as syrup of Roses Cassia Manna Catholicon Diaprunum Tryphera Persica c. Or this Take Rhubarb four scruples Spicknard half a scruple infuse in water of Iva arthritica or ground pine strain dissolve some of the even now ennumerated things therein 17. This following is said to cleanse and purify the Blood Take Hops Fumitory of each a handful Cordial flowers a pugil Sebestens number twelve Tamarinds half an ounce Liquorice rasped three drams Polypody half an ounce Sena two drams Epithymum Time of each one dram make a Decoction in a sufficient quantity of Water strain and infuse therein Rhubarb one dram yellow Myrobalans a dram and half Spicknard a scruple strain again and mix therewith syrup of Roses an ounce or Catholicon or Triphera half an ounce make a Potion 18. Or this Take Cheb yellow and Indian Myrobalans of each an ounce Polypody an ounce and half Raisons stoned number forty Cordial-flowers two drams Spicknard half a dram infuse in Wormwood-water boyl a little and strain to which add juyce of Roses six ounces Manna four ounces Sugar two ounces dissolve for a Potion Dose three or four ounces at a time 19. Joel commends this Cholagogue Take choice Rhubarb a little bruised a dram and a half Tamarinds cut small half an ounce Succory-water six ounces mix and digest for a night then boyl it a little and strain it strongly out by expression to the strained Liquor add Pulp of Cassia newly drawn one ounce or syrup of Roses solutive two ounces make a draught to be taken warm at five or six a Clock in the Morning 20. After due purging this may be taken every morning fasting Take Conserve of Roses an ounce species Diatragacanthum frigidum three drams pouder of Olibanum two drams pouder of Amber fine Bole in pouder of each one dram with syrup of dryed Roses make an Electuary 21. In the day time for change as ordinary Drink this may be taken Take sweet Almonds blanched three ounces Pompion seed husked one ounce and half Melon seeds one ounce white Poppy and Lettice seed of each half an ounce beat them together and with a sufficient quantity of Barley-water or distilled water of Milk make an Almond Milk of which make Barley Cream by adding two pounds of the pulp of Barley and a small quantity of white sugar boyling them a little of this he may take eight or ten ounces at a time once in the Fore-noon fasting and as much once in the Afternoon between Dinner and Supper and if he so like he may put in a few drops of the Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol 22. At last at bed time he may either take Pilulae è styrace Or this following which Benedictus Faventius used with good success Take juyce of Liquorice two drams washed Aloes one dram Pilulae de Cynoglosso half a dram syrup of Violets enough to make a mass of Pills Dose a scruple at bed time Or instead thereof you may give my Laudanum which in my Opinion is inferiour to no Medicine of like kind in the World 23. Lastly as a principal Topick this following Emplaster may be applyed to the Coronal Suture Take Turpentine of Chio Mastich Frankincense of each one dram Gum Elemi a dram and half Gum Sandarach Olibanum red Coral red Roses Myrtles Balaustians Pomgranate-peels fine Bole all in pouder of each two drams with Oyl of Roses and Wax of each a sufficient quantity make an Emplaster which spread upon soft Leather or linnen Cloth to be applyed as aforesaid CXLII The Therapia Or method of Curing a Catarrh in a cold and moist habit of Body 1. In the Cure of a Catarrh proceeding from a cold and moist Cause you are to consider whether it be gentle or fierce flowing down with violence 2. If it be gentle it is the more easily cured and is commonly performed by Interceptives or things having a thickning and astringent force which are either Cold as Purslane Lettice Cucumbers Poppies of all sorts Opium and other cold things among stones prepared Emeraulds have a great name for they stop all sorts of Fluxes in any part of the Body whatsoever 3. Those things which thicken and dry are all sorts of Gums chiefly Gum Arabick Tragacanth Frankincense Olibanum Mastich and among Woods Juniper Guajacum Sassafras Rosemary Oak yellow Sanders wood of Aloes and wood of the Balsam-tree 4. The herbs and plants may be prepared into a syrup by taking their clarified Juyces and boyling them to a syrup with fine sugar or honey Opium may be made into a Confect or Laudanum as we have almost in an hundred places declared these various Woods among which we should have also enumerated Lignum Nephriticum are prepared for Medicine by boyling them in water
drams seeds of Anise of Fennel and of Hartwort of each two drams flowers of Bugloss and Rosemary of each a handful and half make a Decoction in fair water strain and in a pint thereof infuse pure Agarick one ounce Ginger Galangal Rubarb of each two drams strain again and with white sugar make a syrup which aromatize with a little Cinnamon in pouder with this the Body ought to be once or twice a Week cleansed during the whole Cure if the Sick cannot take a purge in this form let them take it in the form of Pills as above-mentioned 22. The Body being sufficiently cleansed the Head and Womb may be corroborated with some of the things abovenamed or with this following Take choice Venice Treacle five ounces of the best spirit of Wine a pint Camphir two drams digest in a glass close stopt in Horse-dung or sand for a Week then distil in Balneo with a gentle heat so that the Alembick may not grow very hot draw off about a third part and repeat the distillation three times the Dose is one Spoonful Morning and Evening adding thereto four drops of the Oyl of Vitriol or six drops of the Tincture of Coral and sweetening it a little with white Sugar 23. Or this which may be exhibited in the time of the Paroxysm also Take syrup of the juyce of Peony one ounce syrup of the juyces of Rue and of Bawm of each half an ounce liquid extract of Castoreum two drams extract of Juniper-berries a dram and half extracts of Angelica and Zedoary of each one scruple of the former spirit two drams Lavender-water one ounce mix them Dose one spoonful 24. Among the number of Corroboratives are accounted Mithridate and Venice Treacle Confect of Alkermes Diamoschu dulcis Bezoar stone given with Scorzonera water but most effectual things are the Oyl and Powers of Amber which may be given in the fit as also to provoke the Terms 25. If the Courses be obstructed you must use with your Corroboratives such things as provoke them among which some highly commend this Take green branches of the Fir or Pitch-trees one handful Mugwort half a handful tops of Juniper bark of the Beech-tree of each a handful Celandine leaves of the Alder-tree of each half a handful roots of swallow-wort and round Birthwort of each five ounces make a Bath in fair water for the sick to sit in for about half an hour The Belly and lower parts after bathing may be anointed with this Take Oyls of Rue and Bays of each an ounce Chymical Oyls of Aniseeds of Cloves and of Camomil of each a dram mix them CLII. The Cure of an Epilepsy by consent from the Stomach 1. If vapours arising from the Stomach to the Head be the cause of the Falling-sickness it is known by a certain pain going before a perturbation and sickness at Stomach with a kind of heaviness or weight about the Precordia want of Appetite weakness of the Concoctive Faculty belching of Wind with other like Symptoms 2. The Sick also upon the accession of the Fit is sensible of it before-hand and it oftentimes comes upon an emptiness of the Stomach or too long fasting 3. Children are often affected with this Disease from this very cause when either the Milk is corrupted in their Stomachs or it was before hand of a vitious quality from some evil habit of Body in the Nurse and then it is known by gripings in the Bowels of Child the Ordure being either of a Saffron or of a Verdigrise like colour 4. In order to the Cure purgation is necessary and that kind of Purgation by Vomit more especially if the Sick is apt to that evacuation The Bilious humor Physicians say needs no preparation but thick tough and viscous flegm they say ought to be prepared before-hand for evacuation that it may be the more easily expelled which thing Dr. Willis stoutly denys Sennertus advises to prepare the matter by taking Honey of Roses Oxymels Syrups of Betony stoechas and such like 5. If the Sick is not apt or does not easily Vomit the cause may be removed by things which work by Stool as Hiera picra pilulis ex Aloe in a cholerick cause Agarick Jallap in a flegmatick cause sena Hellebor c. in a melancholy cause 6. In this case the stronger Purgers are not to be used lest they draw too much or new matter to the Ventricle and thereby augment the Disease by a continued hurting or weakning of it 7. The Stomach being cleansed you must strengthen it with proper corroboratives In a hot cause you may apply Topicks made of Oyls of Quinces of Roses of Olives Omphacine of Water-Lillys of Lettice of Nightshade c. in a cold cause Medicaments made of Mastich Mint Wormwood Cloves Nutmegs and such like 8. Inwardly let the Food be given warm and temperate in respect of quality not sharp or salt or fat or oyly and Trallianus forbids the drinking of Wormwood or other bitter things lest lying in the Ventricle they should be converted into Choller yet doubtless where the cause is from cold moist and indigested flegm things hot and bitter can do no hurt however other things of a warming Nature may easily be given instead thereof as Coriander-seeds Betony Cheb Myrobalans preserved Nutmegs which come from the Indies extract of Juniper-berries rolls of Aromaticum Rosatum and Caryophilatum Syrups of Mastich and Cinnamon c. from which various Medicines various Compositions may be made according to the humour abounding If the cause be from heat and bitter and choller you may use Conserves of Wood-Sorrel Marmalade of Quinces Quiddony of the same Oyls and Spirits of Vitriol Salts Sulphur Nitre c. of which also things may be compounded 9. Now in the mixion while you are compounding things to fortify the Ventricle you must be sure not to forget such things as are Specificks against the Disease afflicting to wit the Epilepsy for by this means the Sick will soon be restored to his pristin Health 10. Take Conserves of Roses of Betony and of Peony of each two ounces extract of Juniper-berries half an ounce pouder of Mans skull four scruples Indian green Ginger preserved half an ounce Oyl of Vitriol ten drops with syrup of the Conserve of Citron-peels and juyce of Peony-flowers make an Electuary 11. Take pouder of Cloves two drams extracts of Peony of Calamus Aromaticus of Carduus of each one dram Indian green Ginger condited two drams with sugar a sufficient quantity make Morsels 12. Take Mans skull prepared Peony-roots Scorzonera Nutmegs Misletoe of the Oak of each one dram seeds of Anise and Fennel of each one dram white Amber Peony-seeds Peacocks-dung of each half a dram Cubebs Anacardiums Galangal Tormentil roots Virginian Snake-roots Rosemary-flowers of each a scruple white sugar two ounces make all into fine pouder Dose two scruples to two drams CLIII Of an Epilepsy arising from Worms 1. If any one be taken with Epileptick Fits and the Cause
If the Palsy is in the Legs the Nerves affected are about the bottom of the spinal Marrrow and the Vertebrae of the Os Sacrum And thus we must seach out for the place whence the Nerves spring which are dispersed to those Parts which are afflicted with the Palsy 17. From these things it is apparent what Conjugations of Nerves are most afflicted and that in universal Palsies there is for the most part an affliction of the whole Genus Nervosum or nervous System which many time comes to pass from the effects of Poyson and the Contamination of the neurotick Juyce by the fuliginous Vapours of Arsenick Antimony and Quick-Silver 18. Galen relates a Story of a Man who in a cold stormy Time by wraping his wet Cloak about his Neck was taken with a Palsy in his Hand And of another who had a Palsy in three of his Fingers occasioned by a Fall from his Chariot upon his Back whence he concluded that some part of the Nerves of the seventh Vertebrae were hurt in their original to which place applying the means after he had in vain opplyed Medicines to the Fingers he compleated a Cure 19. The Signs of the Causes of a Paralysis are drawn from the primary Causes the Diseases aforegoing the Temperament and Habit of the Patient and therefore when external cold and moist Causes go before as also old age a pituitous habit of Body cold Weather cold and moist Diet or an Apoplexy has preceeded they are Signs of a paralytick Disposition nere at hand 20. Moreover a Catarrh long flowing and at length suddenly stopt without taking away the morbifick Matter is a sign of an approaching Palsy unless the matter of the Catarrh be suddenly conveyed some other way for otherwise it commonly falls upon some noble Part or diverts it lelf to the original of the Nerves in the Brain and of this Case we have had two or three singular Examples all incurable CIII Of the various Causes of a Paralysis or Palsy 1. The general Causes of a Palsy are all those which hinder the Passage of the animal Spirit into the Nerves and Muscles which by how many ways and by what Artifice those hinderances are done we shall in what follows more particularly declare 2. A Paralysis therefore happens when the animal Spirit does not sufficiently invigorate or actuate the Nerves and their Ramifications which is caused either by an Obstruction of the Passages by which they should flow to the respective Parts or from the imbecility and paucity of the said Spirits whereby either their activity is hurt or they are wanting so as that the Nerves can not be sufficiently repleat or filled up therewith 3. Hence the Variety of Palsies comes from great and universal Obstructions a compleat and perfect Palsy arises in which both Motion and Sense are both abolished and this comes not only from the substance of the matter obstructing but also from a malign Quality affecting even the Spirit it self this Obstruction of the Passages of the Spirits happens either in the first Sensory to wit the streaked Bodies or in or nere the medullar Trunks Or in the Nerves themselves to wit either in their beginnings or middle or ends viz in the very Fibres themselves 4. If the first Sensory or spinal Marrow is affected it either obstructs the whole Spine whence comes an universal Palsy below the original Obstuction Or one half thereof whence comes a Palsy only on one Side Or it obstructs the original of the Nerves of some particular Coâ—jugation or Pair either on one Side alone or on both at the same time whence a Palsy is caused in this or that particular Part or Member only 5. Now these Obstuctions are made either 1. by a forrein Matter impacted in them Or 2. by Constipation and Compression from matter abounding without them and that may be either from some particular Tumor offending in Magnitude whereby the Nerves are constipated or compressed Or from a large Flux of Humors out of the Vessels flowing upon and overpowering them Or 3. by solution of Unity by a Bruise or Wound Or 4. and lastly from the excess of heat and cold the Spirits being also in part wasted by the one and as it were congealed by the other 6. An Obstruction in the first or common Sensory or streaked Bodies causes either a general Palsy or a Palsy of one Side And this is the chief Reason why such-like Palsies follow upon an Apoplexy Lethargy or Carus for that in those Diseases the Conduits of the callous Body are at first affected from whence upon the passing off of those Diseases there is many times a Translation of the morbifick Matter into the marrowy Passages of one or more of the Corpora striata whence it is that the Afflux of the animal Spirit into the Genus Nervosum is hindered either in one or both Sides And here if the Obstructions be very great Sense and Motion both are abolished but if not the motive Faculty only suffers loss And if it be but a very small Obstuction the motive Faculty has only been deprived or diminished not taken away 7. But why Sense should not be hurt as well as Motion in every Palsy is manifest as aforesaid from the Magnitude of the Obstuction For if the Obstruction is truly so great as to deprive any Member or Part totally of the animal Spirit then Sense and Motion both cease for that they both are performed and invigorated by the same Nerves and Fibres within the same marrowy Passages But if the Obstruction is small then a small Portion of the animal Spirit is distributed so much as may manage the sensitive Faculty but the motive is hurt forasmuch as it can not be performed but by a larger Proportion or Measure of the said Spirit 8. Moreover a Palsy may be caused not only from the Obstructions of the Corpora striata but also from the Compression of the same by Blood extravasated within the inferiour Cavity of the Brain or a large quantity of Lympha or serous Matter lying upon the same and pressing them together by which means the medullary Conduits will be so straightned as to hinder the Afflux of the Spirit into the same 9. But somtimes the morbifick Cause affects the oblong or spinal Marrow though rarely by an Obstuction yet somtimes by Constipation and Compression and somtimes by a Solution of Continuity whereby a Palsy is excited Now Obstructions are not here so easy to be made for that the obstructing Matter in the Head does not easily fall beyond the Corpora striata but the poysonous Miasms may affect the Spirits and so cause a kind of Paralysis Hemiplegia a Numness or depraved Operation of the Part or Parts 10. But in either the oblong or spinal Marrow especially the latter a Palsy may be excited from a Compression or Solution of Continuity by a Bruise Apostume or Wound by means of which the Blood or serous Humor may flow within the Hollowness or
Diaphrama 182 b Cat upon Breast and Lungs difficulty of breathing 184a 186a 213b Cat with suffocation and Epilepsy 188 a Cat in a Child 188 a 189 a Cat sharp 191 a 223 a Cat with an epidemick feaver 191a Catarrh badly oured 194b Cat cured with Tobacco 201 b Cat from pituitous humors 201 b Cat ideopathetick 192 a Cat salt with Cough difficulty of breathing 202 b 208a 219a 222 b Cat from wheyish humors 201b 202b Cat from thick Rhume 203 a Cat from weakness of the Brain 203 b 204 a Cat with loss of Hearing 204 b Cat from weakness of the Nerves 205 b Cat with a slow Feaver 206 b Cat with Head-ach Cough difficulty of breathing 198 a Cat inveterate 170 a 205 b 207 b Cat in a Woman with Child 207 b Cat causing a Cough 208 a Cat from intemperature of the stomach 211b Cat thin from the Brain 212 b Cat. upon the Jaws 214 b 200 b Cat with the Gout 217 b Cat almost desperate 217 a Cat with Pain of the Loins Attrophia 218 a Cat upon the stomack 220 b 197 a Cat in a cholerick Person 225 a Cat flowing to the right Side 225 b Cat with Cough Vomiting 225 a Cat its notationas name definition kinds 227 a Cat its Signs 227 a b Cat its Causes 227 a Cat its Prognosticks 229 b Cat the method of cure in a hot constitution 230 a Cat the Method of its Cure in a cold and moist Constitution 322 b Cat fierce and vehement its cure 234 a Cat of many years standing 197 b Cardialgia 185 a Caesars Secret against the Epilepsy 293 b Caesar Landulphus Cured of Convulsions by Catmint and Sarsaparilla 449 b Cephalaea 2 b 5 a 11 a Cephalaea with Struma 2 a Cephalaea with breakings out 14 a Ceph with pain of the Womb 14 b Cephalaea its Names Signs and Cause 55 b Cephalaea its Prognosticks 56 b Cephalaea in a cold and dry Body its Cure 57 a Cephalaea in a cold and moist Body its Cure 57 b Cephalaea scorbutick 58 a 60 a Cephalalgia in a Matron 13 b Cholagogue of Joel 231b Cholick 316 b 317 a 367 a 480 b 624 a 625 b 629 b â—hymical principals what 38 a b Chocolate of Dr. Willis 739 a Coriza 215 b Cough 143 b 161 b 202 b 208 a 215 a b 219 a b 198 a Conditum polichrestum 168 a Conditum epaticum 168 b Collyrium for the Eyes 35 a Collirium Sennerti 759 a Composition admirable against the Stone 372 a b 376 a Consumption 22 b 24b 129 a 182 a Courses obstructed ib. Convulsions of Stomach Mesentery 570 b Convulsions 367 a Convulsions from the Cholick ibid Convulsions in a little Boy from Worms 368 b 378 a 416 b 461 a Convulsions with Hysterick fits Terms stopt 369b 399b 395b Convulsions from stone in the Reins 370b 372b 374b 394 a 397 b Convulsions with Hypochondriack Melancholy and extreme Rigor 376a Convulsions with a Lethargy 378 a Convulsions from the gout ibid. Convulsions from obstruction of the Mesentry 379 b Convulsions in a young Child 380b 389a 405 a 414 a 416 a 457b 464a Convulsions from a hurt of the Genus nervosum 382a Convulsion from terror and afrightment 390 a Convulsions from pricking of a Nerve or Tendon 392b 453a Convulsions after great repletion 393 a 402b Convulsions from an Vlcer in the Ventricle 400 a Convulsions with a burning Feaver 401 a Convulsions of a Woman in Labour 401 b 408 b Convulsion from Emptiness 403 a Convulsion by consent of pain 303b Convuls in a young Man 304 a 417 a 457 a Convul from a Wound 304 b Convulsions in an ancient Man 405 b 418 b 449 b Convulsions with loss of memory and sight heavy sleep 405 b Convulsive Palpitation 407 b Convulsion in a young Woman 409 b 413 b 419 a 420 b 428 a 429 b 431 b 433 b 438 b Convulsion in a Lady with Child 411 a 428 a Convulsion suddenly happening 412 a Convulsion with flux of Haemorrhoides Feaver 412 b Convulsions from Green Choler 415 a Convulsion happening in Winter 416 b Convulsions of the Hands 418 b Convulsions in a middle aged Man and Woman 418 a Convulsions in an ancient Woman 422 a 423 b Convulsion with a Feaver 424 a b 428 a 438 b Convulsion in the extream parts 443 a Convulsions by consent from the Womb 443 b 452 b Convulsions considred in general 446 b Convulsion in a fat Man 447 b Convulsion from Pain of the joynts 448 b Convulsion from the Pituitous humor 449 b Convulsion from Choler 450 a Convulsion of the Nerves of the Neck 451 a Convulsion with hardness of the Nerve 451 b Convulsion from a Wound in the Throat 453 b Convulsion from a fall 455 b Convulsion of the Mouth 456 a Convulsion Opisthotonos 457 b Conv. in the Abdomen 458 a Convulsion flatulent 458 a Convulsion Doglike 458 b Convulsion in the Head 458 b Convulsion with involuntary Laughter 461 a Conv. in the lower Jaw 464 b Convulsion Epileptick 464 a Convulsion their notation viz names definition kinds or differences 465 a Convulsion its signs 465 b Convulsion its Various causes 466 a Convulsive motion how caused 469 a Convul its prognosticks 469 b Convul singular its cure 470 b Convulsion primary its Cure 471 a Convulsion by consent from other parts its cure 478 b Conv. from the Cholick 480 b Convulsion from Obstuctions of the Womb 481 a Contraction 567 b Contusion 50 a Contraction of the right Arm 481 a Contraction of the Arm in an old Man 482 a 484 b 486 a Contr. in the left Ham 482 a b Contraction Incurable 482 b Contraction of the Fingers 483 a Contraction in the Instep with a Scrophulous Tumor 483 a Contr. on in both Hands 484 a Contraction with a Fistuals 485 a Contraction from Epileptick fit 486 b Contraction with Convulsion 486 b Contraction from the Gout 487 a Contraction with the Palsy 487 b Contraction of the right Leg 489 a Contraction of the left Leg with Tumor of the Knee 490 a Contrastion of the Arm from a nerve prickt 491 a Contraction of both Hands and Feet 490 b Contraction and Pain of the Back 492 b Contractures names definiton kinds 493 a b Contractures their Signs 493 a Contractures their causes 493 b Contractures their Prognosticks 495 b Contractures their Cure 496 a Contraction or Shrinking of Sinews 462 a b Convulsive Pain in a noble young Woman 440 q Cramp 639 b Cramp in the Head 458 b Cramp in a very strange manner 380 b 458 a Cramp in the Calves of the Legs 396 a Cramp and a wry Mouth 460 b Cramp in the Neck 464 b Cramp its cure 470 b D Darkness of sight 49 a Dark Vertigo 87 a Decoction of Mastich wood 236 a b Decoction of Guajacum first and second 288 b 305 a Decoction of Carduus Benedictus 320 b 163 b Decoction of Sarsaparilla 582 a Deafness in a Vertigo 47 a Deckers
sweat her and given her Diet drinks for 50 or 60 days together and all without success in a word nothing seemed to be left unattempted she drank Mineral waters and repeated several Courses of Physick spring and fall for many years together but finding no Remedy she gave her self over to dispair she was perswaded by an Eminent Doctor to be Flux't but the scandal of the Cure prevented it another advised her to open the Skull which indeed was good Advice but a very dangerous way of Cure this she refused because of the Modus Operandi At last by the advice of some of her Acquaintance she applyed her self to me § 4. I enquired as much as I could into the Cause and what courses she had proved without success which she related to me as aforesaid I saw the whole habit of the woman was absolutely Scorbutick that she was much and often troubled with Wind and voided no Excrements by the Nostrils These Considerations made me much to doubt the Cure but finding the Woman to be of a strong body to have a good stomach to her food and to be very laborious I was encouraged to attempt it which I performed as followeth § 5. First I caused for three Nights this Clyster to be administred Take Milk or Chicken Broth twelve Ounces Oyl of Aniseeds two Drams Infusion of Crocus Metalorum three Ounces mix and let it be given warm The next morning I gave Confectio Hamech half an Ounce mixt with Mercurius Dulcis sixteen Grains This I repeated three times every fourth day It purged her well and excellently In the intermediate days of purging I cleansed the Head with these solid Errhines Take Confectio Hamech half an Ounce Scammony Gambogia fine Aloes all in fine Pouder of each 2 drams mix them well together for a mass Of this I made long rowls and put them up the Nostrils this I did every Night about an hour and an half before the Patients going to Bed being put up the Nostrils I kept them in with a muffler for about an hour or more by this means her head became evacuated of a vast quantity of filth and truly at about 5 or 6 times using of them more than a pint and half of water viscous flegm and other evil humors were drawn away by which the Head was well cleansed and the sick became very lightsome During the days of these Operations I caused her Head Temples and Nostrils to be anointed with this Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression half an ounce Oyl of Amber Oyl of Anniseeds of each a Drachm mix them to anoint with Morning noon and night for ten or twelve days Inwardly after purging we ordered her to take in the Morning fasting 30 or 40 drops of Elixir Proprietatis An hour before dinner 15 or 16 drops of the Elixir of Wormwood At dinner time 3 or 4 drops of Oyl of Sulphur 3 or 4 times in the space of dining and at night going to be about 30 drops of Tincture of Antimony this course to be continued for 40 or 50 days and the Medicines to be taken in Beer Ale or Wine as the Patient liked best but chiefly in Wine for cold Constitutions This course was persued and the sick was perfectly well in two Months time IV. § 1. One Job Parsons a debauched fellow of about 35 years of Age of a Melancholy Complexion and strong Body had for about 8 or 10 years time been troubled with this kind of Head-ach § 2. He was given much to drinking all sorts of Liquors and to great excess but commonly had for a day or two after a most violent and intolerable pain of the Head somtimes almost to Raving or Madness § 3. The cause was from the Melancholy humor abounding which being rarified and made thin with the Sulphurous particles of the Liquors which he drank ascended up and filled the Ventricles of the Brain thereby in some sort obstructing the way of the animal Spirits and causing them to interfere one with another § 4. We Cured him thus first he was purged with this Take Confectio Hamech an ounce extract of black Hellebor Mercurius dulcis of each twenty four grains mix them for two Doses they were given in the morning fasting two days distant one from another This done we gave him the solid Errhines mentioned in the former Cure three times and after all caused him to take these following Pills every Night for 40 days Take Ammoniacum strained one ounce fine Myrrh Aloes in fine Pouder of each two drachms with Syrup of Buckthorn-berries make Pills By this means the Melancholy humor was overcome and the sick became well V. An Observation of a violent pain of the Head arising from the Vencreal Disease § 1. In pursuance of this I enquired as much as I could into all that had been done to him before He had been under four several mens hands and had taken a vast quantity of Physick He had been three times Fluxt first with Mercurius Dulcis next with White praecipitate and lastly with Turpeth minerale He had been several times let blood purged sweat and dieted insomuch that he had taken Diet-drinks for more than threescore days and his Physicians declared him cured § 2. However notwithstanding all the assurances of Physicians he found himself far from well for he complained of a vehement pain of his head so that at certain times it made him go almost Distracted as to other inconveniencies he confest he found none § 3. After this he conversed with new Physicians who told him That the cause of that intollerable pain proceeded from Mercury ill prepared which had got up into his head and Brain and in order to bring it away they new purged him gave him Vomits often made him Issues applyed the Seton Cupping-Glasses Blisters opened the Temporal Arteries gave him new Diet drinks c. But these things were all done in vain for his pain was so far from going away that it raged yet much more intollerably whereupon they gave him over for incurable § 4. After all these things he applies himself to me to whom he related what is before declared I concluded that Mercury might indeed be partly the cause which being elevated and meeting with differing acid juyces might cause a kind of fermentation or working which struglings and combinations might upon any commotion of the head induce that vehement pain § 5. Upon these thoughts I considered what ought to be done in order to this Cure wherein I acted only as my Reason directed me First I concluded That the Mercury ought if possible to be extracted but indeed confess my self ignorant of any way delivered in Authors to perform it and withal doubted whether the thing was possible to be done or no yea his former Physicians had advised him to hold Gold for many months in his Mouth without any success Hence it was my Thoughts that the alteration of the humor chiefly would be best to be attempted that although it
1. This hapned to a married wife of about 35 years of Age it had continued a month or more with great vehemency and resisted all Medicine that for that space had been applyed to her 2. She was of a pleasant and merry disposition when well ruddy complexion white smooth and soft skin so that she seemed to be absolutely Sanguine 3. The Cause of the pain was from cold taken by going by water by reason of which the violence of it was so great that at sometimes it created Raving and sometimes senselessness she knew none that came near her and would talk idly moreover it extreamly afflicted the whole Neck as with a Cramp or Convulsion so that she could not turn it without exceeding great pain 4. In order to her cure I prescribed this Clyster to be given over-night Take fat Mutton Broth twelve ounces Infusion of Crocus metallorum three ounces Oyl of Juniper-Berries two Drams mix and exhibit it warm The next morning I gave her this Take Scammony in fine pouder eight grains Cambogia five grains Cremor Tartari fifteen grains Crocus metallorum four grains make all inro fine pouder for one Dose This was given her the next morning fasting it wrought strongly with her both upwards and downwards the sixth day following the same Dose was repeated again 5. In the mean season proper Topicks were applyed I ordered her hair to be cut off and her whole Head to be anointed with Oyl of Amber as also her Nostrills and Neck and then upon her head I applyed hot Bread as aforesaid which being three times renewed she became eased and in seven or eight days time was perfectly cured X. An extream Head-ach arising from the Pox. 1. This was a Woman of 28 years of Age who had for more than seven years been tainted with the Pox she had been twice Fluxt first with the Neapolitan Unguent by anointing secondly by Turpethum Minerale given inwardly the Flux the first time continued as she related to me 20 days the latter time it was not fully over till 28 days afterwards she had the common Diet of the Hospitals for forty days and was also sweat with several Diaphoreticks eight or ten times 2. Her Constitution was cold moist and Flegmatick and she was very gross of body and fat she eat drank and slept well except when these cruel pains tormented her which were sometimes three or four nights together about midnight and would continue 5 or 6 hours and sometimes they would begin and hold three or four days together 3. The Symptoms concurring were a most filthy and stinking matter running by the Nose when this ran well she had ease when this ran not she was extreamly pained from hence I feared danger as that the Bone or some principal part was corrupted and so much doubted the Cure 4. However I assayed to do the best for her I could I ordered her the Decoction of Sarsaparilla mentioned in Sect. V. aforegoing and it to be drank for at least 60 dayes but because of her cold Constitution of Body I ordered to that proportion there mentioned Rosemary Sage of each three handfuls Sweet-marjoram two handfulls Contrayerva Virginia-snake-root of each 4 ounces these to be put in 3 quarters of an hour before the end of the boyling I also purged her with this Take Troches Alhandal in pouder four ounces Spirit of Wine a quart Infuse three or four days Of this she took a spoonful or spoonful and an half every third day for 8 or 9 times 5. As to Topicks I gave her the Sernutatory or Sneezing pouder of Deckers whose Composition you may see in our Doron Medicum now in the Press this was blown up her Nostrils four times with good success by means of which a vast quantity of filth was brought from her Head by her Nostrils so that she did as it were Flux by the Nostrils after the fourth time when the Flux seemed to cease she was syringed by the Nostrils with this Lotion Take Aqua Ophthalmica Nostra four Ounces see the way of making it in Our Dispensatory in Lib. 5. Cap. 1. Plantane Water three Ounces Spirit of Wine one Ounce and an half mix them to inject withal With this her Head was Syringed by her Nostrils three or four times a day for 6 or 7 days after which she became perfectly well to admiration Observations out of Rulandus XI The Cure of the Headach in a certain Citizen of Lauginga Cent. 1. Obs 53. 1. This Man was about fifty years of Age and had with this pain of the Head a lost Appetite and difficulty of Breathing 2. He was cured with this Potion Take Pectoral Decoction two ounces syrup of Roses Solutive of Montanus one ounce Diaphenicon three drams extract of Esula half a scruple mix and make of all a draught He took this it purged him very well and so he recovered his Health XII A most vehement pain in the Head which hapned to an Husband man Cent. 1. Obs 73. 1. He was aged thirty two years when he was troubled with this grievous pain and was cured as follows First he was purged with this Take Aqua Benedicta Fountain Water of each an Ounce mix them These he drank and was well purged upwards and downwards and began to amend 2. The day after his purgation the Cephalick Vein of his right Hand near his Thumb was opened because the pain lay most in the right side of the Head 3. Also this Epithem was applyed Take twenty live Crabs Vinegar of Roses five Ounces beat them together in a Mortar so as to make an Epithem It was often applyed to his Head at the beginning of the Cure whereby the vehement pain and torment was much allayed XIII The Head-ach in a young Woman Cent. 1. Obs 80. 1. She was twenty one years of Age and had accompanying with this Head-ach a difficulty of breathing and a Cough She was suddenly recovered of her Health by this following drink twice repeated 2. The Drink Take Decoction of Centory three ounces Diaturbith with Rhubarb one Dram and an half Extract of Ezula half a Dram make all into a potion 3. This she drank which made her void many Worms both by Stool and Vomit whereby she presently grew better On the third day she drank the same drink again by the happy Operation whereof she perfectly recovered XIV A pain in the Head with noise in the Ears Cent. 2. Obs 2. 1. This Observation was upon one John Faber a man of excellent Piety and Learning an industrious Professor in the University of Lauginga who being twenty two years of Age was dangerously pained in his Head with a sound in his Ears which Symptoms were caused by Flegm and Vapours bred in his Brain he was healed after this manner 2. First he was purged with this Take Pulvis Sanctus or pouder of Sena solutive four scruples hot Pease Broth five Ounces mix them This Potion he drank fasting in the Morning and was well cleansed
to the more internal Cause I was careful to cleanse the Head both outwardly and inwardly of all the Malign matter outwardly I caused the Hair to be shaved off from all the right side and applyed thereto the common Vesicatory of the Shops which in 10 or 12 hours did draw a very large Blister from which a very great quantity of water ran this very thing gave him much ease 10. I also cleansed the Head inwardly by exhibiting at Night these following Errhines Take Confectio Hamech two Drams pouder of Scamony Gutta Gamba Agarick of each one Dram pouder of Euphorbium one Scruple mix and make long Pellets or rouls to put up the Nostrils This brought away such a vast quantity of filth from the Head by the Mouth and Nose that had I not seen it I could not have believed it from the Mouth of another The Pellets being put up the Nostrils I caused the Nose to be bound close with a Muffler for an Hour and quarter and after the whole working was over I ordered the sick to repair to his Bed and to keep his Head warm These Errhines I repeated twice more 11. The Lunar Pills and the aforesaid Tincture at § 8 aforegoing I caused alternately to be be given every fourth day and upon the Blister I applyed Melilot-Plaster simple twice every day till it was well 12. But that I might confirm the Cure by taking away the radical Cause which was the contaminated Habit of the Body I ordered the following Diet made of many Alexipharmicks remembring therein the Opinion of Sennertus who thinks that Counter-poysons can never be better given than in the malignity of the POX The Diet was this Take Gentian Zedoary Sassafras Contra-Yerva Virginian Snake-Roots Bay-Berries Juniper-Berries of each four Ounces Rosemary Marjoram Sage Betony Vervain Dittany all dry of each three Ounces Cloves Mace Cinnamon Coriander-seed Carraways of each half an Ounce choise and mealy Sarsa two pounds let all be well bruised and infused in Lime-water six Gallons over a gentle heat for 10 days keeping afterwards for 20 days more the Liquor upon the Faeces at which time you may decant the clean Liquor and keep it in clean Glass Bottles close stopt for use Of this he took a quart a day till the quantity aforesaid was wasted and in about five weeks time was perfectly cured this Diet not only altering the Humors and Habit of the Body but also strengthning the Head Brain Bowels and other parts weakned II. A Megrim proceeding from a Hot Scorbutick Habit of Body 1. This hapned in a woman somewhat more than forty years of Age of a hot dry and cholerick habit of Body and sufficiently contaminated with the Scurvy 2. She had wandering pains up and down all over her body her Teeth were many of them perished with the Scorbutick Taint she had many reddish spots in her Arms upon her Breasts and Shoulders as also upon her Thighs and Leggs and she complained that for more than 10 or 12 years last past she had been troubled with many Hot Cholerick and Fiery Eruptions of the Skin and indeed she had a general weakness and indisposition over her whole body her belly for the most part bound her stomach weak and her Digestion very bad 3. She had been with many Physicians some of whom thought it to be the Scurvy as aforesaid others thought it to be the Pox but the honesty of the Womans Life her upright Conversation and the Company she associated her self withal forbad those suspicions as also because she had never the prime or Original Symptoms of the Pox moreover her Husband was a man of good repute and fame and one who had lived 20 years last past in good Health whereby nothing of suspition could arise from him These things confirmed me in my thoughts 4. This pain was certainly within the Skull for it was not outward at all but extream also at the root of the left Eye Now it may be either in the Dura Mater or in the Pia mater and these two being the one thick and the other thin and both close joyned together and to their Vessels it may be hard to distinguish which of them is most affected but if the Dura Mater be afflicted the pain must be outward because of the Pericranium which is joyned unto it If the Pia mater is afflicted the pain is deeper and in the Brain as it were In both the pain may come to the roots of the Eyes because the Balls of the Eyes have Tunicles from the Membranes of the Brain And in regard both Tunicles are distinct with the Brain long-ways it happens that if the Disease be only on one side that only one half of the Head is pained which we call the Megrim but if on both sides the pain is also on both sides Some say there can be no pain in the substance of the Brain because the substance of the Brain is insensible but we know that those parts of the Brain to which the tender Film or Meninx grows and which produce the sensitive Nerves cannot be without sense and may give occasion of pain with the Mennings by consent but in this case the pain is rather stupifying than sensible 5. Now as this pain hapned in a Hot Scorbute so without doubt it was caused by a praeternatural Heat and spirituous Blood over-heated which be degrees weakning the Brain and parts adjacent might make it the more ready to suffer such an affliction as we commonly see after long Diseases of the Head Wounds French Pox c. In all which there is a continual gathering of Excrements in the Head 6. In order to the Cure I thought is necessare to apply Medicaments to remove the Cause She had been tampering with many Physicians before who supposing it to be the Scurvy had loaded her with Spirit of Scurvy-Grass Horse-Radish-Roots Brooklime Water-Cresses Mustard-seed c. and given the juyces of those things likewise in her Drink with gentle purgings but these things were so far from curing her that they made her Disease to rage so much the more vehemently 7. She applyes her self to me desiring to know a Reason why such things as were eminent against the Scurvy and had cured several others to her knowledge should do her no good at all but make her Disease much worse To whom I Answered That in the Scurvy in cold Constitutions those things might have their desired effects but if the Scurvy did chance in a hot and inflamed body their effects would be quite opposite yet it was my Opinion that had those things been over-poured with Coolers and proper Acids she might have had some good by them 8. Over-night I ordered this Clyster Take Quercetan his purging Decoction Eight Ounces Oyl of Roses four Ounces Cassia extracted for Clysters two Ounces Sugar one Ounce mix and give it warm This I ordered to be exhibited every other night the next morning I gave this Purge Take Extracts of Rhubarb and of
He was much troubled with Flegm fleshy and inclinable to be fat howbeit this extream pain with that Flux of Humors as he thought falling upon his Lungs had reduced him even to a Skeleton so that all that saw him concluded infallibly that he would dye In the last six Months he had a very great pain seized upon him on his left side so as he could very difficultly Breath moreover feeling upon the side a Tumor of the Spleen might easily be perceived what with the violence of this pain and Tumor of the Spleen and what with the vehement pain of the Head he fell into an extream Ephidrosis or sweating so that Life was indeed despaired of 3. He had been in many Physicians Hands from whom he received as he thought a Cart-load of Medicines but without doubt it was a great deal His last Physician had taken away from him at four several times threescore ounces of Blood and had made him two Issues the one in his right Arm and the other in his right Legg but these were after he had applyed the Secateum or Seton and had worn it in the Nape of his Neck for more than five Weeks He gave him several Cordials Potions Julebs together with manifold Opiates which last was indeed the true Cause of that vehement Ephidrosis or Sweating but the Opiate he pretended was designed against that pricking pain of his side however it introduced a Tabes or universal Consumption over his whole Body which made the by-standers despair of Life 4. But of what danger Opiates are if unwarily given or if not well prepared especially in persons either in or inclinable to a Consumption we have already declared in Our Synopsis Medicinae Lib. 3. Cap. 30. Sect. 7. § 3. Where you have these Words But you must be very cautious of Opiates and totally forbear them if the sick be but inclinable to sweating least they produce an incurable Diaphoresis which may bring the sick many Weeks or Months to his Grave sooner than otherwise he would and in sect 21. § 11. of the same Chapter If there be a great Colliquation by frequent and much sweating the sick is in great danger and seldom recovers this is often caused by unskillful giving of Opiates and Narcoticks Aâ—so in Lib. 3. Cap. 33. Sect. 14. § 11 You have these Words But this you are to Note That you be cautious of giving Opiates at the Mouth least you provoke an incurable Diaphoresis or Sweating which infallibly and speedily brings the sick to his Grave These things I thought good here to Remark against the Vanity of such who promiscuously give Opiates to all sorts of persons and in all Cases without any consideration of the Cause or danger of the Disease 5. The Case of our Patient here was truly desperate there was besides the pain in his Head a Catarrh and Obstructions of the Lungs for he could not speak loud an Obstruction of the Spleen for he was mightily pained thereabouts a Scirrhus of the Spleen begun for a small Tumor might be outwardly felt but not painful a violent Diaphoresis for he Sweat almost night and day and lastly an apparert Tabes or universal pining and Consumption of the whole body which was manifest by his extenuated habit so that his Sickness seemed to be a great complication of Diseases 6. In order to the Cure I considered the most dangerous Symptom which I concluded to be the violent Diaphoresis and that all care imaginable might be taken for the stopping thereof and my reason was that whatever was done in repect to any thing else if that was not taken away the sick must unavoidably and that suddenly too dye I ordered therefore his Body to be gently purged and that with Senna Cassia and such like gentle things because Purges naturally call the Humors now in Flux inward and so make a Revulsion 7. But that this Revulsion might be made profitable to other ends as well as that of the Diaphoresis only we ordered this of Riverius which not only keeps the body soluble and stops the Diaphoresis but is also of great power to take away the Scirrhus of the Spleen Take Ammoniacum Opoponax Bdellium of each two Drams dissolve in white Wine strain and boyl then add Confectio Hamech Diaphoenicon Pilulae Faetidae of each two Drams double Catholicon haâ—f an Ounce Mercurius Dulcis four Scruples mix for four Doses Also I ordered a strong Decoction of Juniper Berries Take Canary two Quarts Juniper-Berries well beaten so that the grains within may be broken six Ounces bâ—yl them in the Wine in a thin linnen Bag till it comes to three pints then strain and keep it in Bottles for use Of this I prescribed a Pint or more in a day to be taken in the morning fasting just before Dinner and last at Night going to Bed and to be made as tart as he could drink it with Oyl of Sulphur because that such acid things not only cool the whole mass of Blood but also bind up the Pores of the Body by this means in about ten days time his sweating was overcome but he had a weakness of the Bowels and a kind of looseness which after a while I removed with the Tragea Hepatica of Quercetan which see in my Pharm Lib. 4. Cap. 21. Sect 78. 8. Now that the Obstruction of the Lungs might be removed instead of the Oyl of Sulphur I prescribed the Spirit of Sal Armoniack to be given in the aforesaid Decoction to 8 drops whose use as also the use of the Decoction of Juniper I advised to be drank through the whole Cure for that we know by our own Experience That by the sole Use of that Decoction we have cured several hard Tumors of the Spleen after they have been given-over by other Physicians as uncurable as in their proper place we shall shew also we order'd the aforesaid composition of Riverius to be taken once a week continually till health was recovered 9. But now and then that the sick might not be wearied out with alwayes taking the same thing I caused the aforesaid Decoction to cease for 2 or 3 daies and gave in the Interval this following Take decoctum pectorale a quart Oyl of Tartar per deliquium an ounce Spirit of Sal Armoniack one dram Tincture of Spanish Juyce of Liquorice in spirit of Wine three ounces mix for a Potion Of this he drank 3 or 4 Spoonfuls about 4 times in a day by means of which the Obstruction of the Lungs was remov'd and the Sick came to his voice again and breathed well also the Catarrh insensibly went away 10. The pain of the head by this time much declin'd yet was not wholy removed so that it was necessary to apply our thoughts a little to that I ordered him to snuff up the Nostrills the powers of Sassafras and to bathe the place afflicted with the same this he did often by which his head was opened and gently purged and warm'd and
Our business to conserve and restore the strength of the body by a good Diet and exhibition of Corroboratives with proper Epithems by which at length the pain ceased and a little time after he recovered his Health 7. This flux of blood may be thought to proceed from the Spleen because that for many years before he laboured under a hardness and Scirrhus of the Spleen the blood also was black which sufficiently denoted it and the Spleen also has its first influx into the Ventricle which doth appear because always before the excretion of this a dust and coagulated blood for a whole day or longer he complained of loathing and a great weight at the bottom of his stomach with the feeling of much pain Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 9. XVII Another Inveterate Megrim 1. A Noble Matron was trouble◠with a long and sharp pain in the left side of her Head which in a cold and moist time was most vexatious to her Many and various Medicines were exhibited both internal and external by the Praescription of Physicians but all in vain 2. At length I was called and having diligently enquired into the Cause of the Disease found that about 4 years and an half before she had been afflicted with a most vehement pain of the Teeth on the left side of the Jaw which ceasing this pain on the same side of the head was left remaining from hence I concluded this pain to arise from the roots of corrupt and rotten Teeth inspecting the Mouth I found the roots of four rotten Teeth in the upper Jaw 3. I perswaded her to have those rotten roots of Teeth drawn forth which being willing to she promised but I prescribed to her a fit Diet and purged her with this following Medicament Take roots of Parsly Fennel and Pollipody of the Oak of each half an ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Agrimony Veronica Dodder of each half a handful Bugloss and Rosemary Flowers Tops of Marjoram of each a pugil or little handful Seeds of Annise and Fennel of each two Drams Sena cleansed half an ounce boyl all in Water to the Consumption of a third part strain and in four ounces of straining macerate and infuse choice Rubarb two drams Agarick newly Trochiscated Cinnamon Ginger of each one dram strain by pressing hard out and dissolve therein Benedictae Laxativae two drams make a Potion 4. The next day Cupping-Glasses being applyed to her Shoulders and nape of her Neck she was eased Afterwards I prescribed this following Apozem Take roots of Succory Fennel Parsly Grass Pollopody of the Oak of each one ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Veronica Dodder Scabious of each one handful◠Flowers of Bugloss Rosemary Tops of Marjoram Time of each two Pugils Seeds of Annis Fennel of each half a dram Liquorice scraped or rasped raisons stoned of each an ounce boyl them in pure water and strain out in a pound and half of the straining infuse and digest Sena cleansed two ounces choice Rhubarb half an ounce Agarick newly Trochiscated two drams Cinnamon and Ginger of each one dram Infuse for a Night and strain out by pressing strongly To the Colature or straining add Syrup of Roses solutive compounded with Rhubarb Agarick and Sena three ounces Syrup of Betony two ounces mix them and make an Apozem for four Doses to be taken in the morning fasting 5. The Apozem being all taken in the morning while her stomach was empty I drew forth her rotten teeth The day following I gave her these Pills Take Pilulae aureae Cochiae Agregativae of each a Scruple Diagredium Troches Alhandal of each four Grains with Syrup of Betony make five Pills which roul in pouder of Cinnamon 6. At last for some few days twice a day I adhibited this following Fomentation Take flowers and leaves of Betony Flowers of Rosemary of Camomil of red Roses of Staechas tops of Marjoram and Wormwood of each half a handful Aniseed Wood of Guajacum finely rasped of each an ounce cut and bruise them and put them into a bag big enough to cover the whole part pained boyl it in red Wine and apply it hot By the use of these things through the Divine help she was perfectly made well Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 10. XVIII Another Megrim cured by opening an Artery 1. A Megrim caused from Blood too hot thin and vapourous and not to be overcome by any remedies is cured by opening of the Temporal Arteries whether it be within or without the Scull for thereby there is a certain evacuation of the conjoyned matter of blood and Spirits 2. This I have often experienced but specially in the Prince à Rupe Surionensi to whom many great Physicians as Chaplain the Kings Physician and Castellain the Queens chief Physician and Lewis Duret who notwithstanding could help him nothing by Blood-letting Cupping Baths Frictions Diet or any other kind of Remedy whether inwardly taken or outwardly applyed 3. I being called said that there was only hope one way to recover his Health which was to open the Artery of the Temple on the same side that the pain was for I thought it probable that the Cause of his pain was not contained in the Veins but in the Arteries in which case by the Testimony of the Ancients there was nothing better than the opening or bleeding of an Artery whereof I have made tryal upon my self to my great good 4. When as the Physicians had approved of this my Advice I presently betake my self to the Work and chuse out the Artery in the pained Temple which was both the more swoln and beat more vehemently than the rest I opened this as we used to do in the bleeding of a Vein with one incision and took more than two Porringers of Blood flying out with great violence and leaping the pain presently ceased neither did it ever molest him again 5. Yet this opening of an Artery is suspected by many for that it is troublesome to stay the gushing forth of the Blood and cicatrize the place by reason of the density hardness and continual pulsation of the Artery and lastly for that when it is cicatrized there may be danger of an Aneurisma 6. Wherefore they think it better to divide the Skin than to separate the Artery from all the adjacent Particles and then to bind it in two places and then to divide it as we have formerly told you must be done in varices 7. But this is the Opinion of men who fear all things where there is no cause for I have learned by frequent Experience that the apertion of an Artery which is performed with a Lancet as we do in opening a Vein is not at all dangerous and though the consolidation or healing thereof is somewhat slower than in a vein yet will it be done at length and so that no flux of Blood will happen if so be that the Ligation be fitly performed and remain so for four days with fitting Pledgets Paraeus Lib.
therewith it is a great Remedy and of mighty force to remove the aforesaid Evil. 4. If these things do not you must apply your self to the use of Narcoticks Take spirit of Wine half a pint Opium half an ounce dissolve the Opium therein and strain it in the strained Liquor dissolve Camphir two drams Bath the part with this it shall not fail you 5. Lastly the Diet ought to be heating and drying his Bread ought to be made with Fennel-seeds Caraway-seeds or Anniseeds well Baked or twice Baked as Biscuit he may now and then drink generous Wine provided it be moderately Spiced Wine and the Wine of Pope Adrian which is no mean thing 6. If it so be that moisture super-abounds we must have other Considerations in order to the Cure For that we have now something of matter to take away if the Symptoms be not very vehement we first apply our selves to the taking away the Cause otherwise if the pain be vehement we must first endeavour the alleviation of that 7 As to the six Non-Naturals he ought to chuse a free clear serene Air to live in he ought to forbear Sleeping in the day time and if possible to make choice of the Night for his Rest he ought to use Exercise and Motion For thereby the Humours come to be Rarified the Pores to be opened whereby a great part of the humid matter seem to Exhale his Food ought to be heating and drying and therefore Roasted Meats are better for him than Boyled Wild Foul are better than tame and Sawces made of Spice are better than those made of Fruits or other cold things let his Drink be generous or fragrant Wine and especially spic'd Wine things of Volatile parts such as Roots of Parsley Water-cresses Mustard Raddishes and the like are of good use So also Citron Orange and Limon-peels candied Coriander Comfits and such like things he may Eat freely of 8. All things of a cold Nature such as Purslane Lettice Cucumbers and Mellons are to be avoided as Poyson so also Hogs-Flesh and the Flesh of Water Fowls His Bread ought to be well bak'd and Biscuit if he likes it it transcends all other things with which he may Eat Almonds Nuts Raisons of the Sun Pine-Nuts Dates and such like but all manner of Milk Meats as also Pease Beans and other Pulse are to be avoided 9. Having now shown the Patient what he is to do it now remains to shâ—w what is the Physicians part he is in the first place to take Care That these Symptoms be alleviated which is by the application of things hot and dry and such are those things which we have not particularly ennumerated in the forepart of this Section where we treated of a Head-ach from a simple Intemperature to which may be added if the Pain be vehement Camphir dissolved in the spirit of Wine and mixed with Oyl of Pepper half an ounce Oyl of Roses an ounce strained Opium three drams make a Liniment according to Art wherewith let the part pained be anointed 10. To the Head may be applyed a Cucupha or Cap Take Pouder of Orrice four ounces Pouder of Cloves two ounces and a half Nutmegs Storax and Benjamin of each one ounce mix them to make a quilt of 11. Moreover let the Sick smell to a Perfume made of Musk Ambergrise and Liquid Storax or he may smell to an Essence made of the Oyl of Rhodium mixt with equals parts of the Oyl of Sassafras 12. Fumes also of Amber Frankincense and the like are very profitable being taken-in by a Funnel at the Mouth two three four or six times or more 13. Hitherto of the easing of the Symptom it remains now that we use our Endeavour to take away the Cause without removal of which we cannot hope for a certain Cure but there will be a Repetition of many Paroxysms this is done either by Topicks externally applyed or Medicaments internally given 14. As for Topicks it is necessary that the Head be Purged with propâ—r Errhins either liquid as these following Take Juyce of Beets Juyce of sweet Marjoram Juyce of Prim-Roses and Juyce of Rue of each equal quantities mix them and let them be Injected into the Nostrils 15 Or you may use this which is inferior to none Take half a pint of White Wine dissolve in it Euphorbium one dram which let the Sick Snuff up the Nostrils by means of which the Head will be abundantly Purged 16. Them that like not the Liquid Errhins they may use these following Take Confectio Hamech one ounce Scammony Gutta Gamba Agarick troschiscated of each half an ounce Euphorbium in a very subtle Pouder one dram mix and make a Mass for Errhines to be put up the Nostrils by which the Head will be extreamly Purged these Errhines may be used about two hours before going to Bed for four or five several Nights 17. But the most excellent of all things of this kind is the Sternutatory of Decker's which altho some may esteem to be dangerous not only the Experience of that learned Man but our manifold Tryals of the same have sufficiently evinc'd the contrary And we can say upon our own Knowledge That its Operation is almost Miraculous 18. If these things do not manifold Frictions ought to be used to the extream parts Cupping Glasses may be applyed to the Shoulders Hips and Brawny parts of the Arms and Thighs or for those that Fancy not Cupping Glasses Vesicatories may take place in those parts which said Cuppings or Blysters ought to be so often repeated till the Humidity is apparently drawn away I have often times Cured this Disease by drawing Blysters two three or four several times over the whole Head 19. Where the Disease proves Rebellious and will not yield to any of all those things t is necessary that a Seton be applyed to the Nape of the Neck or Issues be made in the Arms and Inferiour parts of the Thighs which ought to be continued till the Habit of the Body is altered 20. Thus far as to Topicks we come now to internal Medicaments that we may take away the Root of the Cause If moisture abounds not much it may be evacuated by Sweating For which purpose you may give fifteen or sixteen grains of Bezoar Minerale in an ounce and a half of Treacle Water or in Aqua Vitae Mathioli 21. You may also give the Tinctura Sudorifica Paracelsi to two drams or more mix it with an ounce of Sylvius his Prophylactick Water if these things provoke not Sweat powerfully you may exhibit Volatile Salt of Toads or Vipers to six or seven grains mixed with one of Mithridate or Venice Treacle 22. If these prevail nothing you must have recourse to Opiats amongst which Our Specifick Laudanum or Confectio Anodyna and Guttae Vitae are chief Some have used the Liquid Laudana of Helmont and of Scheffer as also the Laudanum of Peter Faber with the same success 23. But if the cold and moist Disposition
left as it were without remedy and hope 20. Outwardly the Head may be anointed with choice spirituous and volatile things as Cephalick Oyls and Balsams which being done for some few days over the whole Head may be applied Emplastrum de Saponis either alone of it self or mixt with a half part of Emplastrum Paracelsi 21. If these things prevail not you ought to apply Vesicatories as we have taught in the former Section after which Narcoticks may be inwardly given or outwardly applyed 22. The Paroxysm being over and the Pain eased as also the original Cause being taken away by proper Revulsives and Derivatives it remains that we shew now how to strengthen the parts viz. as well all the Internal Viscera as the Brain its Vessels and Teguments that by the confirming them in a healthful Tone we may prevent for the future a new return of the Disease 23. And in the first place all those things are to be avoided as Food which create or breed cold moist and pituitous Humours the Sick ought to abstain from too much Drinking Gluttony and Sleeping in the Day time his Food ought to be made of things heating and drying his Bread ought to be Biscuit his Drink a small Decoction of Guajacum with Carminative Seeds taking also now and then to comfort the Spirits and Animal Faculties a glass of generous Wine or Hippocrass 24. The Wine of Pope Adrian is here of mighty use so also the Vin. Sanctum the Vin. Cephalicum the Vinum Claretum Stomachicum the Vinum Stomachicum Mylij or the Vinum Moschatum Mynsichti once a day or twice a Day as need shall require 25. Once a Week or once in 14 days as need shall require the Body may be Purged with Vinum Hydrogogum Barbetti or the Vinum Purgans Catholicum Horstij or the Vinum Absinthiacum Laxativum all which not only open the Body and keep the Belly soluble but also do derive very much from the Head 26. In an Antiscorbutick Head-ach Dr. Willis commends this following Electuary Take Conserves of Fumitory Tansy and Wood Sorrel of each two ounces Pouder of Aron Compound three drams Ivory Crabs-Eyes Coral all prepared of each a dram and half Pouder of yellow Sanders of Wood of Aloes of each half a dram Vitriol of Mars one dram salt of Wormwood one dram and half with the Syrup of the five opening Roots a sufficient quantity make an Electuary The Dose the quantity of a Chesnut early in the Morning fasting and at five in the Afternoon drinking after it one ounce or two of choice Wormwood Water or Angelica the greater Composition 27. Or this following Julep may be given to three ounces Take Water of Vervain Water of Elder-flowers of Aaron leaves of each six ounces Aqua Limacum Lumbricorum Magistralis of each two ounces Sugar one ounce mix and dissolve 28. Moreover for change of Medicaments and that the use of any one may not become Familiar it will be good to take somtimes Elixir Proprietatis Elixir Vitrioli Mynsichti Tinctura Piperis Nigri Tinctura Sacra Vitriola Martis Hiera Picra Pulvis Ari Compositus Diatesseron Pulvis Antepilepticus species Alexipharmacae Nostrae and Our Magisterial Antepileptick Pouder 29. Some commend the species Diaolibani Mynsichti species Diamajoranae as Mynsicht says Cures an inveterate Headach when all other things fail he sets also an high value on species Diapeti used as a Sneezing Pouder For that it cleanses the Head and Brain of all cold moist salt viscous and pituitous Humours and strengthens the Head and Brain whereby it becomes prevalent in all Head-achs Catarrhs Vertigoes Epilepsies Lethargies and other the like Diseases proceeding from the Obstruction of the Brain and the aforesaid superfluous Humours you must snuff up the quantity of a great Pea every Night going to Bed about two hours after Supper it largely draws away all evil Humours both thick and thin 30. This may be taken early in the Morning Take Conserves of Betony-flowers and of Rosemary-flowers pouder of Male Peony-roots and Misleto of the Oak of each half an ounce Pearls red Coral prepared of each one ounce and half pouder of Wood of Aloes and yellow Sanders choice Musk of each a dram and half Ambergrise half a dram with syrup of Peony-flowers a sufficient quantity make an Electuary of which the quantity of a Chesnut may be taken every Morning and Evening 31. Also Tincture of Antimony spirit of Sal Armoniack spir de Cornu Bovis and spir of Mans Skull may now and then be taken in the Day in a Glass of generous Wine 32. Lastly if it be a Body full of evil Humours it will be necessary either that the Seton be applyed to the Nape of the Neck and the Wound to be kept open for three or four months or otherwise that one two or more Issues be made and be kept continually open either in one or both Arms or in both Thighs a little above the Knee 33. But Experience confirms the application of a Cautery to both the Soles of the Feet and to be kept running for a long time for that they evacuate the Head after a remarkable manner of all cold and moist Humors and not only the Head but many other parts of the Body yea sometimes even to the changing of the whole Habit. 34. Zacutus Lusitanus propounds four Remedies confirm'd by Experience to wit an Issue in the back of the Hand Horse-Leeches to the Temples viz. ten or twelve that a large quantity of Blood may be drawn away opening of a Vein in the Forehead and the Vein in the Corner of the Eye 35. Herein these things are to be Noted 1. That the Issue betwixt the Thumb and the Fore-finger has Cured many great Head-achs 2. That the number of Horse Leeches ought to be large whence comes a great attraction of the Blood whereby the whole Cause of the Disease is drawn away 3. That the Vein of the Forehead ought to be twice or thrice opened for that the first opening is insufficient for the intended purpose the same understand of the Vein in the corner of the Eye 36. Faelix WurtZ opened the Arteries of the Temples for the same purpose which Experiment he proved upon himself after all other Remedies failed this thing is approv'd of by Paraeus who says It may be done without danger 37. The Artery is opened as a Vein and six or eight ounces of Blood may be taken leaping forth afterwards a convenient Bolster and Ligature is to be applyed which is not to be opened in four days or a Plaster of Frankincense Mastich fine Bole Hares-hair with the white of an Egg. 38. Botallus does also confirm the opening of an Artery for this purpose and says That they do miraculously Cure old Headachs and Riverius says He has Cured many desperate ones the same way and never found any danger 39. A Cautery sometimes upon the Coronal Suture has perfectly Cured a most violent Head-ach But Poterius says It is
going to bed I gave him a Dram of Peacocks-dung in pouder mixed with Conserve of Roses and Quiddony of Quinces 7. As to the second intention of Cure which was the Evacuation of the conjoyned matter I exhibited this Errhine Take juyces of red Pimpernel of Beet-roots and of Sweet Marjoram of each an ounce of Fennel Rue of each half an ounce white Wine an ounce and a half mix them to be cast up the Nostrils I also caused him often to chew this Masticatory following Take Mastick two drams Pellitory of Spain a dram and half Cubebs Pepper Fennelseed of each half a Dram Marjoram a scruple with Pulp of Raisons and a little Wax make small Balls to be chewed Then I caused the Mouth to be often Gargariz'd with this Take roots of Pellitory of Spain Orrice Angelica of each half an ounce Marjoram Sage Bawm Rosemary Hysâ—p of each one handful flowers of Rosemary of Lavender Staechas of each a pugil Nutmegs Mace Fennel-seed Carraways Rue seed of each a dram make a Decoction in Wine and Water strain and sweeten a little with Sugar 8. But that I might effectually draw forth all the watery humor I caused his Head to be shaved and applyed over it above half way viz. on each side as low as his Temples half over the Forehead and half way down the hinder part a strong Vesicatory made of Spanish Flyes which in twelve hours raised a mighty Blister and drew forth a vast quantity of watery humor the blisters being removed it was drawn for seven days with Emplaster of Melilot simple and then healed up 9. And that the Head Brain and parts adjacent might be comforted and strengthned I ordered him continually to take the Quintessence or Powers of Sassafras to 30 or 40 drops every morning fasting and every night last going to bed in a glass of choice Canary and that the Forehead Temples and Crown of the Head should be daily bathed with the same and it is also to be snuff't up the Nostrils 10. Lastly that we might for the time to come prevent the noval increase of watery humors in the Head I ordered him often to chew Gentian root in his mouth viz. 3 4 or 6 hours every day so long as he should live for that it not only brings away the root and fountain of the morbifick matter but prevents the danger of any future Paroxism and by a specifick quality strengthens the stomach and brain so that the Disease returns no more Those Directions of mine being followed the man became in a short time perfectly well III. A Vertigo proceeding from a fall from a Horse 1. A young man 30 years old in riding swift had an unlucky fall from his Horse where he was taken up Dead means were used so that after 3 or 4 hours he became sensible again 2. A Physician and Chyrurgian was sent for being searched they found a Contusion of the Skull but no other kind of hurt Blood-letting was immediately prescribed and repeated for 5 or 6 days the Skull was laid bare and by help of the Levatory the depression was raised after 14 days the Wound was healed the Physician prescribed to apply Vesicatories to his shoulders they also gave the sick Cordial and strengthning Apozems and soluble Clysters to keep the Belly open so that in a months time he seemed to be perfectly restored 3. But going abroad he found himself to be taken with a giddiness and so strongly that he could not stand but fall this he bore for a season hoping that as he gathered strength Nature would overcome it but delaying to seek for remedy he grew every day worse and worse 4. At length they sent for me to whom the foregoing matter was related I conceived that through the great commotion of the Brain and inflammation of the parts adjacent many vapors were bred because that upon the extremity of the Fit he would be wholly Blind 5. I weighed That the young man was of a good habit of Body no Disease of late going before nor had he at any time before been subject to this malady so that I could not judge the Vapors to spring from any other part for he made not the least complaint of any illness or uneasiness any where else 6. From hence I concluded to purge his head which I did effectually with the Juices of Primroses and sweet Marjoram in which a few grains of Gutta Gamba was dissolved this I did 4 or 5 times Outwardly the fore-part of his head was shaved to which I applyed the common Vesicatory of the Shops for 14 hours after 8 days the Blister was healed I applyed the said Vesicatory a second time and he became perfectly well From my House at the Red Balls in Salisbury-Court Fleetstreet where my Synopsis Medicinae and Sets of this History so far as is gone are to be had A Proposal Such nine as join together and procure mony for 8 Books 10 s. being the price when bought single shall have a ninth book gratis and 1 s. in a book abated buying 4 together by T. Dawks Proprietor of the whole Impression living at the West-end of Thames-street London Printed for T. Dawks and L. Curtiss Sold by T. Basset J. Wright and R. Chiswel 1681. The Chapter of the Vertigo continued Numb 11 August 29. IV. A Vertigo with a disaffected Womb and Pain of the Spleen 1. A young woman of about 30 years of Age of a thin lean pale and wan Complexion and Melancholick Disposition was seiz'd with a Vertigo she was also troubled with deep Melancholy sighing Fits of the Mother and a disaffected Spleen she had been married 7 or 8 years and had several Children her Courses were in good Order but pale or not of a natural redness 2. She applies her self to me declaring her Condition and how that for more than two whole years these Illnesses had prevail'd upon her she had taken Potions Julebs Pills Powders Electuaries Bolus's had been purg'd sweated and that often times without the least imaginable Relief Cupping-glasses had also been apply'd to her Shoulders and at this very time of her coming to me she had 4 Issues upon her one in each Arm and one in each Thigh little above the Knee 3. These things fore-known the Cause appear'd to be from Vapors ascending by the veins of the Womb and from a disaffected obstructed Spleen all which meeting in a melancholy habit of Body cold and dry caused her disturbance not only to be more vehement when the Paroxism was upon her but also very hard and difficult to cure Her course of Diet by her own Confession was chiefly Poudred Bief Bacon and other Salt things through the whole year 4. I enquired whether in all this time she had ever taken a Vomit she told me No whereupon I prescribed this Take Vinum benedictum one ounce Syrrup of Squils half an ounce Fumitory-water Carduus-Water of each three ounces mix them This she took in the morning fasting and it
was to be anointed with Chymical Oyl of Anniseeds one part mixed with the Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two parts and this also to be done Morning and Evening as the former 17. Lastly that the Soles of her Feet should be anointed with Oyl of Sassafras thrice a day viz. Morning Noon and Night 18. This Course being continued for six Weeks she became perfectly well nor has she once Relapsed to this day although it be above six years since 19. All the Reward I had was to say I deserved nothing that I was none of the College and therefore a Quack For which Cause If I would have any thing both She and her Husband bid Me take My Course at Law I took their Counsel and was paid to the uttermost penny Monstrum Horrendum See the ingratitude of some People IV. A Catarrh in a Woman Hysterical 1. This Woman being about thirty five years of Age had been two or three years obnoxious to a Catarrh which for the most part was accompanied with a Cough sometimes with Wheasing Hoarsness and Shortness of Breath 2. Moreover she had been for many years troubled with Hysterick fits the long continuance of her Catarrh brought her into a kind of Consumption at last there was an Atrophia or universal pining 3. She sought to many for Help but without success she was extraordinarily Purged and Vomited had Blisters applyed the Seton Issues c. but all things proved unprofitable in so much That she was weary of taking any more Physick 4. Besides the former Courses she had plentifully used Chalybeats and drunk Mineral Waters as of Tunbridge Epsome and Astroph-Wells with great promises of Cure by those means but still with as ill Success as before 5. At length she applyed her Self to Me and for My better Direction gave Me an account of all before Related I wondered that all those things should make no alteration in her wherefore I conceived there was some greater Cause than what those Physicians had Apprehended and which lay yet undiscovered to all that she hitherto conversed with 6. The Woman seemed Melancholy I told her that I feared there was some Discontents on her Spirits which she Confest to be true but what it was I could never get her to declare 7. However she perpetually declined in her Body and at certain hours the Flux of Rhume would be so great that she would be in danger of Choaking whence a vehement Cough would be forthwith excited which lasted upon her half an hour or more by means of which she became inwardly Sore 8. At other times upon the Motion of her Grief and Discontent of Mind Hysterick fits would be excited in such a wonderful manner that beholding her once or twice in them I stood amazed for such was her exceeding strength therein that five or six men could scarcely hold her although out of the fit a poor lean weakly Woman 9. The Aetiology thereof we have not leisure to examine although we doubt not but to the exertion of so great a strength there must be a mighty Conflux of Spirits of the Animal kind 10. The Woman was not so much concerned for her Fits for that they came but now and then but the Catarrh and Cough almost perpetually afflicted her so that unless that she had some speedy Relief she concluded she could not hold out much longer 11. Her Body was in a good Condition not Costive nor very Loose but that which is most Remarkable of all was That she made little or no Urine scarce a pint in two days sometimes not a pint in three days and yet she felt not in those parts any kind of Obstruction Heat or Pain 12. She desired me to Favour her with my best Advice and to do the best for her that lay in my Power giving me a promise to be very grateful After that I had perceived her Urine to be so small in quantity almost from the very beginning of the Catarrh I apprehended a transition of the Serous part of the Blood to other parts of the Body and that if so be it could be reduced to its right Current there might be probably some hopes of Cure 13. In the first place I exhibited this following Clyster Take Chicken Broth a pint Oyl of Camomil three ounces Confectio Hamech one ounce Honey three spoonfuls dissolve them over a gentle heat strain and let it be given warm 14. After which being twice repeated I gave her this following Syrup Take Juyce of Parsly three pints Juyce of Pellitory of the Wall two quarts Honey eight pound boyl all into a Syrup of which I ordered her to take two or three spoonfuls in the Morning fasting half an hour before Dinner and last at Night going to Bed and to continue the use thereof till such time as the whole quantity was spent 15. For her Drink I ordered this Take White Wine six quarts 18 large Thomas Onions sliced very thin infuse them in the Wine this Wine is to be mixt with equal quantity of Water at time of drinking I prescribed for her ordinary Drink 16. By the use of these two things the Course of the Serum was apparently turned and she began to make Water plentifully her Catarrh was in some measure abated but not quite taken away however I ordered still the Continuation of the same Medicament with the Repetition of the same quantity but with a lessening of the Dose 17. Now that the Cough which did so vehemently afflict her might be removed I ordered her the following Medicament Take Tincture of spanish juyce of Liquorice made in spirit of Wine six ounces Syrup of Meconium eight ounces Syrup of Jujubes two ounces Oyl of Sulphur per Campanum so much as might give it a pleasant Acidity mix them of this I ordered her to lick often between Meals but more especially if she felt the Cough coming 18. And whereas the Cough seized her for the most part with a greater vehemency than ordinary just at Bed time or a little after she was lain down to Sleep I prescribed her the following Take spirit of Wine three ounces white Sugar so much as it will dissolve over a gentle heat that it becomes almost as thick as Syrup this whole quantity to be taken just at lying down 19. By the use of these things the Paroxysm of Coughing was constantly prevented and she slept quietly all Night in so much that after ten or twelve days her Cough wholly left her and she also made Urine very plentifully her Catarrh likewise was very much abated but yet she complained that at certain times it afflicted her though not with that vehemency as formerly to be in danger of Choaking 20. Her opinion was That if she could be perfectly freed from her Catarrh she should be well for which purpose I ordered her to take the Laudanum Paracelsi every Night going to Bed beginning first with two grains and so regularly increasing the Dose as we have formerly directed 21. Next Morning
Let him use Pomanders Confected with the Oyl of Caraway Aniseed and Fennel seed and let him make a perfume of Gum Storax let him also use in the morning frictions and Washing of the Feet in all which there is great help to be had and this may be done in Winter 14. Great Care is to be taken of the persons Diet his Head Feet and Breast are to be well defended against the Cold the matter which is gathered in the Brest and Lungs is to be purged out by Coughing or Hawking not by Medicines that purge the lower parts 15. And the Breast is to be strengthen'd by those things that are not only externally but also internally to be applied as Bole Armoniack and in the Winter also Treacle with Conserve of Roses Laurentius Scholzius ex Cratone Cons 4. LI. A Catarrh from various Causes 1. The most simple Medicaments are the best therefore this simple Electuary which strengthens both the Head and Stomach I approve of Take Conserve of Borrage Citron peels condited of each half an ounce Conserve of Roses four ounces Species Aromaticum Rosatum one dram and an half Cloves cut one dram mix them and take thereof in the morning to the quantity of a Chesnut 2. About bed time let him take for stopping the defluxion the following Electuary Take conserve of Roses one ounce Male frankincense two scruples Nutmegs toasted one scruple Species Aromaticum Rosatum half a scruple mix them and make an Electuary 3. If the Liver is to be strengthned take of this Confection two rouls at a time which may gently purge the Belly Take sugar dissolved in Cinnamon water four ounces Rhubarb subtilly pulveris'd two drams of the extract of Rhubarb half a dram mix them and let there be a Confection made in little Rouls 4. Washing of the Head is good to those who are troubled with Rhume But I approve most of simple things and think it will be enough if Marjoram and Red roses be put in lye of ashes sweats in the Morning will do well especially if you take of the Juyce of Carduus Laurentius Scholzius Ex Cratone Cons 5. LII A Catarrh with a Pain of the Stomach 1. As to the Catarrh the Pain of the Stomach loss of Appetite the swelling of the Belly the Pains of the Neck and the tumor of the Groin they have all their original from Rhume 2. And this Rhume or Phlegm does proceed from these Causes the heat of the Stomach languishes and is weak nor is it reviv'd with dayly Exercise and the said heat is drawn often from the Stomach to assist the Head in its Contemplations studys profound Cogitations c. 3. When the Pot of it self is infirm and a fire is put to it which has more of smoak than flame and the flame is not rais'd by the Bellows and the burning Coals are taken away from it and sent to dress other things what does follow but that there can be nothing made Ready 4. So when there is not sufficient heat for Concoction nor the flames of that heat blown up by the Bellows of Exercise there cannot be in the shop of the first Concoction any good Digestion of the meats in the Stomach 5. And moreover that which is set to boyl if it want a Convenient fire must needs remain Raw and so it is with meats if they want a convenient heat to Concoct them in the Stomach they presently turn into a thick Clammy and viscid humidity and beget Crudities and from thence is so great an abundance of Excrementious humidities 6. In the Body the Concoctive and digestive faculty is not so exact but that there is left some thing superfluous by the accession of which the pituitous and Rhematick part is increased 7. The principal places in which this flegm or Rhume is contain'd and the members by it afflicted are the Stomach the Bowels and the Head 8. The Head by too much Study and Intensness of the mind upon serious and weighty matters is much debilitated and the Animal spirits by too much wearying of the Brain are spent being thus affected it cannot digest that aliment ordained for its use neither can it dissipate those superfluities there bred by the strength of its native heat and spirits 9. From the lower parts of the Body a new and more Copious matter than is expedient is ministred For oftentimes through study and business undertaken presently after eating by reason of the Crudity of the Stomach vapours and thick fumes are drawn up to the Head which the Brain entertains as a guest because it is not able to resist and drive them away at the first coming neither can dissipate them when they are once received 10. After this manner the Head is filld with Vapours which are easily condensed into humours as it is evident by the vapours which coming out of the pot to the cover are converted to Water the like is discerned in the procreation of Clouds in the air the Clouds if they have an Existence for some time in the Air unless they be dissipated by the heat of the Sun or by the vertue of Constellations presently condense themselves into Rain 11. Even so the Head being weak and destitute of the strength of nature heat and Spirits it cannot disperse the superfluous moisture of the Brain but retains and hides it in some corner of the Brain but having got strength it causes it to evaporate through the Pores of the part 12. When these humidities abound there is a fluctuation in the Head which is a certain presage of a Catarrh afterwards when the matter and some irritating quality that attends it such as extream Cold a melting heat or some Impetuous perturbation of the mind doth afflict a person then at first there is a distillation from the Head of some thin and watery Rhume which becomes tough and clammy 13. And the Catarrh being now ripe a certain kind of snot or snivel thick and of a yellow colour flows from it 14. As soon as there is any Rhume in the Brain it is either infipid or sweet but if it sticks long in the Ventricles of the Brain it becomes salt and sharp this is the reason of a Catarrh from the Head 15. A Catarrh that falls by the bone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into the Nostrills is innocent and although by this kind of Expurgation the Head is made heavy and is somtimes stuft and Respiration is more difficult and the Voice not so clear yet by this passage appointed for the Expurgation of the Brain the Rhume falls down and is cast forth and so there is less danger than if it did seek a passage another way 16. The Excrements of the Head fall down somtimes on the exterior parts as appears by Pimples Blisters and such like and then the Head having expelled the Humour is a little Light 17. We have done with the Discourse about the Rhume of the Head now as to that which is in the Stomach and Inward parts
prepared six drams of Salt that is decripitated one ounce Acorn cups two drams and a half Crude Alum one dram 21. But if an Ague-fit be at hand then the humours are to be Evacuated Take the pulp of of Cassia extracted with Elder-flower-water six drams and dissolve it in four ounces Decoction of flowers and fruit adding the pouder of Soldanella half a dram Benedictum Laxativum two scruples and an half syrup of Betony one ounce mix them 22. If the humours cause a Pain and a Tumor make use of this anodyn Take Bean-flower meales of Orobus of Peas of Lentils of each half an ounce Line seed six drams the pouder of the flowers of Camomil three drams Melilot two drams Saffron well pulverised one scruple let them be boyl'd in a sufficient quantity of Camomil-flower-water to the thickness of a Pultise add two yolks of Eggs raw well beaten Oyl of Camomil two drams and make a Cataplasm and lay it to warm and when it is dry let it be renewed 23. Those pains being laid a Sleep a greater astriction is required for the strengthening of the Joynts Take the species of the Cataplasm the yolks of Eggs Saffron and oyl of Camomil being omitted put in the place of them the pouder of red Roses one dram and an half Acorn-cups half a dram pure Bole one dram mix them and make a Plaster or in the place of this a plaster of Oxycrocium Emplastrum nigrum 24. The fourth or fifth day the matter is to be diverted by pills or a gentle Potion 25. And although in pains of the Podagra the prescribed Cataplasms are of great vertue and Efficacy yet the Pultisses made of the Crum of white Bread boyld with Saffron in Goats-milk with four yolks of Eggs are not without their Vertue 26. And in all pains of weaknesses of the Joynts and great Inflammations the following water is approv'd of Take Nettle water two pound Endive Purslane Night-shade of each half a pound fine Bole two scruples Mucilage of Fleawort seeds extracted with Purslane water one ounce mix them dip your Cloath in it and apply them warm Laurentius Scholzius Cons 12. LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss The Chapter of the Catarrh continued Numb 44. LVIII A Catarrh complicated with other Symptoms 1. All Symptoms and Circumstances being examined the first Cause and Original of all Evils of your Body is the Catarrh For when the Brain partly by Nature as an Haereditary right partly by Studies and Cares and partly by too plentiful feeding is made weak and moist then it is troubled with a Catarrh which afflicts the Stomach and Joynts 2. And from thence frigidity humidity and crudity c. also cruel goutish Pains and the very phlegmatick humors themselves attracted from the Reins begets Obstructions and the Stone 3. But when this Evil is inbred and no hopes appears of being freed there from for many years endeavours must be used to abate the Distillation least with violence it sieze the Joynts 4. The Stomach is to be Purged with gentle Medioines and seeing the Body is rather apt to be of an ill Digestion than over full of good Blood you may take a little Blood away at the Liver-Vein 5. Secondly The Diet is to be regulated without which there can be no hope of Health 6. Galen says That the Intemperate and such as are addicted to gratify their Belly and Throat are Gouty and that Purgation and letting of Blood do but little avail such For by Intemperance they Contract an abundance of Crude Humours 7. Let your Drink be Mead made of ten parts Water one Honey to which add Nutmegs and the leaves of Sage bottle them all together 8. Thirdly The Evacuation of the Body is two-fold viz. universal and particular The first is that which Exonerates the body every half year which is called the Vernal and Autumnal Evacuation and is carefully accomodated to the Constitution of the Body by every Skillful Physician 9. The last which is the particular Evacuation is done by common Pills called by the Physicians Debiles Fortes the number of the Dose is five or seven about the hour of Sleep after a slender Supper they purge gently the Stomach and Brain and diverts the Humors from the Joynts if taken twice a Month. 10. Pilulae debiles fortes Take Species Hiera picra simple Pills of Mastich of each two scruples Pills of Hermodacts Compound greater and lesser Pilulae Arthriticae of each half a dram choice Rhubarb two scruples Agarick trochiscated half a dram Epithymum one scruple Mastich seven grains Gout-Ivy four grains Diagridium nine grains Squinanth three grains Species Diarrhodon abbatis half a scruple pouder what are to be poudred and with Betony Water a sufficient quantity make a mass of Pills out of a dram of which form one and twenty Pills 11. Or in the place of these you may take Electuarium Arthriticum one dram or two four hours before Dinner 12. The Morsels and Electuary every day are to be taken before Dinner and Supper but every Week by turns 13. The Morsels Take Pine-nuts that are pure cleansed and washed in Betony-water three drams fresh Pistach-nuts washed after the same manner and for three hours infus'd two drams Almonds brought to a Pulp two drams and a half Pouder of Gout-Ivy half a dram Species Dianthos one dram and a half Aromaticum Rosatum one dram Diarrhodon abbatis two drams Rosata Novella half a dram white Sugar in Damask Rose-water ten ounces make a Confection in Morsels which for the Better sort may be Guilded 14. The Electuary Take Conserve of Roses Borrage Bugloss of each one ounce and an half Rosemary Peony Betony of each six drams Ginger condited half an ounce Calamus Aromaticus condited three drams Citron peels condited one ounce Diacarâ—n six drams Chebs condited three drams Nutmeg condited two drams the Pouder of Gout-Ivy one dram Species de Gemmis frigid half an ounce Diatrion Santalon one ounce beat the things that are to be beaten and mix them with the Syrup of Citron-peels condited to a thickness and so let it be cover'd with leaf Gold 15 Anoint the Stomach thrice a day with the Stomachical Oyntment and some days being past apply the following Cere-Cloth Take Stomach Oyntment two ounces Stomach Cerate as much mix them and spread upon Leather let the form thereof be as that of a Target cover it with Flax or fine Silk and sew it together 16. The Catarrh will be drawn away from the inferiour parts an Emplaster being applyed to the Coronal Suture Take of the Cephalick Cerecloth or Cerate for the upper part of the Head two ounces and a half divide into equal parts and extend them upon two long Skins of like form with the part and cover it with fine Flax or Silk 17. Diatragacanth frigid mixt with fine Bole and kept under the Tongue till dissolv'd will moisten the Aspera Arteria and strong Ligatures being often used about the Ligaments of the
out of the whole Body It may be given to three or four ounces in the morning fasting 26. Joel Commends this Take Diaphaenicon six drams Diacatholicon half an ounce Waters of Betony and Hyssop of each two ounces mix them let it be taken warm early in the Morning 27. Or in place thereof these Pills following may be taken Take Pil. Cochiae de Agarico of each two scruples and half mix them together and with honey of Roses make twenty seven Pills let them be swallowed with some fit Liquor in the morning fasting for three doses but if the Sick be not strong half the quantity may be given at one time 28. The body with these or the like Medicaments ought to be purged at certain distances of time in the intermediate days the parts afflicted ought to be comforted with Corroboratives among which this following is commended Take Diamoschu dulcis Diambrae of each half a dram Dianthos a scruple pouders of bitting Cinnamon of Cubebs of Mace of each two scruples white sugar dissolv'd in Juniper water four ounces pure Oyl of Lavender fifteen drops oyl of Cinnamon seven drops make a Confect which form into Morsels or Lozenges according to art dose the quantity of a small Chesnut three or four times a day 29. Or thus Take Conserve of Rosemary-flowers four ounces Venice Treacle three ounces Pouder of Nutmegs Amber levigated of each one ounce and half pouder of Cloves and Cinnamon of each three drams Olibanum in pouder two drams mix them and with syrup of staechas a sufficient quantity make an Electuary Of which the quantity of a large Nutmeg may be taken in the morning fasting an hour before dinner and about four a Clock in the afternoon 30. Now by reason of the fierceness and vehemency of the Disease we are not to be wanting in any thing which may contribute to the removal thereof for which purpose it will be good to make Revulsion by application of Cupping-glasses Vesicatories the Seton and making of fit Issues the parts to which these may be applyed are chiefly the nape of the Neck hinder parts of the Head the Shoulders Arms Thighs and Leggs 31. Zacutus Lusitanus Commends Issues made behind the Ears as the best remedy against Catarrhs falling from the Head and Riverius says he has seen very good Effects from them in defluxions upon the Eyes 32. The chief Vesicatories applyed in this Cause are Flamula Crow-foot Daphnoides Capsicum Nettles Milk of figs Milk of spurge spanish Flyes mixed with Leaven c. 33. Errhines also are of good use Joel commends this Take juyce of red Beet-roots juyce of Marjoram of each half an ounce mix them and let it be drawn up the Nostrils warm for three days together 34. Or this of Riverius Take lignum Vitae one ounce springwater one pint infuse it all night upon warm Embers and boyl it to a Consumption of the half adding near the end of the boyling sweet Marjoram and red Roses of each two pugils strain out for a Liquid Errhine 35. Or this Take sweet Marjoram-water four ounces juyce of Betony one ounce Nigella or Gith-seeds in pouder half a dram Nutmeg in pouder a scruple Musk and Ambergrise of each two grains mix them for an Errhine 36. But the dissolution of one scruple of Euphorbium in three or four ounces of white Wine transcends them all 37. If the fluxion be thin you may use Masticatories such as this following Take Mastich half an ounce roots of Pyrethrum three drams Cubebs Carraways of each two drams seeds of Staphs-acre one dram bruise them grossly and mix them in the morning fasting a pugil of this pouder may be Chewed in the Mouth the Nostrills being stop'd it draws forth the morbifick matter powerfully 38. This following is more gentle and may be given to the more delicate Bodies Take Nutmegs one dram Mastich and gum Tragacanth of each half a dram Pouder of the two first and with the latter dissolv'd in a small quantity of Rose-water make Troches to Chew being first throughly dryed 39. But the most excellent and profitable of all Masticatories is Gentian root being constantly chewed in the Mouth every day almost from morning to night it evacuates the morbifick Cause strengthens and fortifies the Brain and Stomach with all its Faculties quickens the Animal Spirits exhilerates the Heart and notably recreates the whole Man 40. By the only use of this Medicament I knew two persons cured of the Falling-sickness and several of a Vertigo which shews the Medicament to be no mean thing 41. A Sternutatory proper in this Cause may be thus made Take pouder of black Hellebor an ounce pouder of white Hellebor half an ounce Nutmegs two drams pouder of Cloves half a dram Musk half a scruple pure white sugar fourteen drams mix them t is a very excellent thing 42. Riverius says there is a new place found out viz. in the Neck near the Jugular Veins between the Muscles where if a Cautery be applyed it cures to admiration and by this means he saith that two men had been Cured of old Catarrhs which caused hoarsness 43. If the whole habit of the body abounds with moisture or where a Dropsy is feared it will be good that the Patient after due purging as afore mentioned should somtimes Sweat which may be provok'd with proper Sudorificks such as this following Take Mithridate and venice Treacle of each one dram Bezoar mineral fourteen grains Volatile salt of Harts-horn half a scruple mix and make a Bolus 44. After the taking of it let the Sick swallow this Take choice Canary three ounces Treacle water one ounce Aqua Caelestis half an ounce mix them Or this which alone Sweats very powerfully Take Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi mixtura simplex of each six drams mix them for a Dose after which if you please you may take a draught of Carduus Posset 45. This following Bolus sweats powerfully Take Viper-pouder a dram Volatile Salt of Amber Bezoar mineral of each half a scruple Mithridate enough to make them into a Bolus give it at night and let the Sick be carefully attended for it Sweats powerfully 46. But if by reason of the very great frigidity of the Body and Icy disposition of the humors the former things prove ineffectual you may certainly provoke Sweat with this following Compositum Take Bezoartick-water of Langius one ounce Prophylactick water of Sylvius half an ounce of our Gutae vitae or the Liquid Laudanum of Helmont from twenty five to forty drops mix them this will not fail Expectation 47. Or in place thereof you may give Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi cum opio the preparation of which you may see in our Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 7. sect 8. it is as Excellent a Sudorifick as is ordinarily to be met with expelling tartarous Diseases the Scurvey Pox Dropsy Jaundice or Gout it melts Icy and Resinous kind of Humours expelling Wind from all parts of the Body to strong bodies it may be
of which two things alone the Child was perfectly recovered II. The Falling-sickness in a Girl of fourteen years of Age. 1. This Girl had four years or more been troubled with this Disease being of a fat and corpulent Body pale Complexion smooth skin and extreamly well Featered her Parents applyed themselves to many Physicians but they all mistaking the Cause exhibited their Medicines in Vain 2. But this Maiden from her Infancy up till she was between nine and ten years of Age had been troubled with a continual running of the Nostrils which by some accident or occasion was stoped after it had been stoped half a year or somewhat more she fell into the Falling sickness 3. From whence I did Conjecture that a cold pituitous matter lodged in the Cavities of the Brain might be the Cause thereof for which reason sake I exhibited to her the following sharp Clyster 4. Take Mutton-broth twelve ounces Infusion of Crocus Metallorum three ounces Tincture of Colocynthis half an ounce Oyl two ounces mix and make a Clyster this wrought four or five times upon her whereby her Body seemed to be sufficiently opened 5. I also made a Revulsion by applying a Vesicatory to the Crown of the Head which being healed up I applyed others to the Soles of the Feet whereby a strong derivation was made 6. Six days after I gave her this Vomit Take syrup of squils an ounce and half Infusion of Crocus Metallorum half an ounce extract of black Hellebor a scruple dissolve mix and give it early in the Morning fasting this gave her eight or nine pleasant Vomits and brought forth a very great quantity of green viscous matter after which she seemed more lightsome and pleasant 7. Four days after this Vomit I gave her this following Purge Take Pilulae Rudij a dram Colocynthis in pouder a scruple Resin of Jallap ten grains with syrup of Peony make a mass adding six drops of the Oyl of Lavender divide it into four Doses to be taken every fourth Morning 8. The purging being over I gave her my Specifick Antepileptick Pouder which was given from a scruple to half a dram 9. Notwithstanding all this sixteen days after she had another fit but much more gentle than the former and of shorter continuance I then gave her a Dose of my Carthartic Argenteum viz. one whole dram mixed with six drams of the Syrup of Squils this made her to Vomit stoutly and to bring up a great deal more of that filthy viscous eruginous matter 10. Afterwards I gave her this following Pouder Take pouder of the roots and seeds of Male-peony of each one ounce Bay-berries Zedoary Rosmary of each half an ounce Misleto of the Oak six drams Peacocks-dung 4 drams Musk native Cinnabar of each two drams Ambergrise one dram make a fine Pouder and mix them Dose from a scruple to a dram every Morning and Night going to bed 11. But by reason there was a stoppage in the Head of a certain Rhume which used to flow out by the Nostrils I caused these following Errhines to be administred Take White Wine six ounces Euphorbium four grains dissolve the Euphorbium therein and let the Liquor be Injected up the Nostrils this brought much filth that way 12. Afterwards I caused her to use the following solid Errhines Take Confectio Hamech half an ounce fine Pouders of Scammony of Cambogia of Agarick of each two drams Pouder of Colocynthis Ginger of each half a dram Euphorbium in very fine Pouder ten grains mix and make a mass of solid Errhines of which little Rouls may be made to put up the Nostrils 13. These I made her use every Night or every other Night a little before she went to bed she kept them not long in her Nostrils because I desired not that they should draw very strongly but I made her use them often to accustom the humidities of the Brain to make a passage through the Nostrils which Current had been stop'd for full four years 14. And that every thing might be made more firm I applyed again Blisters to the Soles of the Feet by which a great quantity of Water was drawn out of the Head by the use of these means afore-treated within three months time she was perfectly well 15. Another Maid about sixteen years of Age was siezed with the Epilepsy as the former several things were tryed without success afterwards her Parents sent for me I looked upon her but conceived her to be past recovery however I was urged to give her somthing 16. I first purged and cleansed her Stomach then I removed the Obstructions of the Head I gave her things to comfort and fortify the Head and such things as were specificks so counted by all Physicians but all these things were done in Vain for after five Weeks time she dyed in one of her Fits 17. Being Dead a large quantity supposed to be more than a pint of a thick glutinous matter flowed from the Nostrils after which came a little Blood 18. From hence in part the Conjunct Cause of the Disease may be seen but how things were within we cannot tell her Parents not being willing to have her opened III. The Falling-sickness in another young Woman about twenty years of Age. 1. This person had been afflicted with the Falling-sickness for above two years and a quarter she was of a sanguine Complexion a very pleasant Creature but yet hitherto never had her Courses which I conceived to be the principal Cause of her Disease 2. What her other Physicians gave were mostly Specificks against an Epilepsy not reguarding at all to bring forward the Course of Nature I was sent for and upon enquiry finding the Obstruction aforesaid I forthwith gave her these following Pills it being about eight days before the change of the Moon 3. Take fine Aloes two drams Resin of Jalap Castoreum in fine Pouder of each half a dram mix them and with syrup of Garden Tansy make a mass of Pills adding also six or eight drops of the Oyl of Savin of this I gave her twenty five grains every Night for four Nights 4. After which I gave her this following Pouder Take Zedoary round Birthwort roots Bay-berries of each one ounce Borax Dittany of Creet Saffron of each one dram seeds of Nigella Calamint dryed Savin of each half an ounce red Myrrh Jallap of each two drams make a fine Pouder and mix them Dose from half a dram to a dram every Night going to bed 5. By these means the young Lady came to the benefit of Nature and her Courses came down laudably to wit in good Proportion and Colour 6. This being done I emptied her Stomach with a gentle Vomit then I drew Blysters upon both her Feet so that the Disease which used to come once a day came not above once a Month whereby I was encouraged to proceed further 7. I gave her the following Pouder Take native Cinnabar Mans Skull Misleto of the Oak of each a like
about her after which she was perpetually freed from the said Symptoms Riverius Cent. 4. Observ 502. XXV Of the Falling-sickness by sympathy with the Stomach 1. As from the knowledge of the Fact Lawyers understand what is Law and Right in the Case so from the knowledge of the Disease we must understand the way of Cure 2. I was told of a kind of Fainting expressed by uncertain signs common to other Diseases which by Intimation I Judge to be much like a Syncope or Swooning 3. But you affirm by undoubted signs that the Disease is the Falling sickness not properly arising from the Brain but by sympathy with the Stomach and that it has its certain times of egress which commonly happens in the wain of the Moon 4. Matters going thus the Cure must be thus undertaken six or seven days before the coming of her fit give her a Clyster which besides other things that are convenient must have in it half an ounce of Hiera picra and half an ounce of Diaphoenicon 5. Let her feed very sparingly the same day on a thin Diet prepare the humour to be purged with Oxymel simple or compound 6. Purge her the day after with the Infusion of Rhubarb and Agarick of each one dram in which two drams of Hiera Diacolocynthidos must be mixed 7. But if that Medicine be not to be had dissolve therein Hiera simple and Diaphoenicon of each one dram and a half when you consider the strength of your Patient and the greatness of the Disease you may better determine of the quantity of the Medicaments 8. The third day let her forbear all evacuations and other Medicaments unless you may think it fit to give her a dram of the best Mithridate 9. On the fourth day give her a Vomit which is a proper and efficacious Remedy in these Diseases the humours having stuck fast in the Stomach and other adjacent parts 10. Now that is likely to be most effectual which is made of two scruples or one dram of Asarum roots dissolved in Hydromel or a Decoction of Raisons with a little Cinnamon and Syrup of Violets 11. The following days till the time of the fit be over give her every Morning four scruples of this Opiate Take Conserves of Rosemary and Betony flowers of each one ounce old Mithridate two drams and a half Venice Treacle four scruples Misleto of the Oak Peony-seed Mans Skull poudred of each two scruples mix them let her take it by it self or in Betony-water 12. If you can get Male-peony there is nothing better either the Seed or the Root gathered in the Wain of the Moon one dram in weight These must be used three or four times near the time of the fit Ex Consiliis Fernelij XXVI A Falling-sickness in a Boy of eight years old with the loss almost both of Reason and Memory 1. Take leaves of Rosemary Betony Marjoram Staechas Sage of each one handful of the Cordial-flowers of each a pugil boyl all in two pints of Water in the strained Liquor steep all night Epithymum two drams Sena four ounces Ginger two drams choice Cinnamon four drams in the Morning boyl them a little and press out the liquor wherein dissolve of the best Honey and whitest Sugar of each half a pound make all into a syrup indifferently boyled that is to an indifferent height let him take of it once in a Week one ounce and an half with Decoction of Betony 2. Item Take Conserve of Bugloss and Rosemary-flowers of each one ounce the best Mithridate and Treacle of each half a dram Seeds and Roots of Male-peony Misleto of the Oak Mans Skull Harts-horn poudred of each two drams mix all into an Electuary with a sufficient quantity of syrup of Violets let him take one dram or four scruples three or four Mornings together after Purgation three or four hours at least before Dinner 3. Let him drink no Wine at all let his drink be simple water in which Hartshorn was boyl'd with a little Ginger 4. Let him abstain from Fruits especially such as will not keep from Milk and whatsoever is made of it from Beans Pease and Fishes Ex Consiliis Fernelij XXVII The Falling-sickness with many other Symptoms 1. This most deplorable Disease of the Falling-sickness proceeding from a strong inveterate Cause in an impure and ill habited Body will hardly admit of any Cure the Patient is so weak that no part the Lungs excepted is freed from great disorder 2. His Head is afflicted with Pain Swiming Melancholy and the Falling-siâ—kness his Bowels are exceedingly impure by means whereof the Body is infected his Urine thick and gravelly which argues an obstruction and heaviness in his Kidneys nor is the old pain in his Thigh as yet removed 3. In so great a Concatenation of Diseases the Cure must be begun with Purging and because it can scarcely with safety be perform'd by Purgatives we must attempt the doing it rather by a think drying Diet with Guajacum 4. Let him then be purged first either with the Syrup formerly prescribed or by a Medicine of the Infusion of Rhubarb and Agarick with two drams of Diaphoenicon 5. The second or third day after let him begin his thin Diet but let him feed sparingly on Roast Meats and let him drink a simple Decoction of Guajacum Wood without the Bark that he may the better inure himself to it 6. Let him Sup at seven in the Evening and let him drink at five or six in the Morning and again at four in the Afternoon a Cup of strong and pure Decoction made of the Wood and Bark of Guajacum and of Polypody with Sage Betony and Stoechas and in the first days this shall be instead of a preparatory Apozeme do not force him to Sweat 7. When six or seven days are past and the humours prepared and stirred let him again be purged with the former or some other fit Medicament or to which Sena and Epythymum are added 8. And then let him begin to Sweat with the aforesaid Decoction that the inner parts of the Belly being evacuated the upper parts consequently may be disburthened of its Superfluities 9. When the Sweat shall freely evacuate and cleanse his Body so that it becomes more extenuated and lean it will be time then to use Topical Medicaments 10. Fomentations that are attenuating and dissipating must be applyed to his Thigh which was the first Cause of all his weakness and after the Fomentations a Cataplasm of the crude Roots of Bryony and wild Cucumer with Mustard-seed and the pulp of Figs mingled together in a convenient proportion 11. If these things have not done enough towards the Cure a Phaenigmus at last must be applyed of Leven and Cantharides till the roots of the Disease be pluckt up for you shall do more by these strong attractives than with a very long Ulcer or Issue which only receives the Humours but does not draw them 12. Afterwards you must also open the Haemorrhoid
them that they might not creep in loosing a great quantity of Blood she was better and her Epileptick fits ceased Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 23. XXXVIII The Falling-sickness in Women with Child arising from their Wombs are safely Cured by Bleeding in the Ankle 1. A Gentlewoman being in her seventh month with Child of an excellent habit of Body of a close Contexture have wide Veins full of Blood well digested was miserably afflicted with a vehement Epilepsy 2. In her Fits her Countenance being ruddy and her Eyes full of Blood the Physicians by reason of the danger of the Disease was of opinion that it was the best way to let her Blood but in what part to open a Vein they knew not well 3. For if the Epilepsy be from the Womb bleeding in the Arm would avail nothing because we are to see to the original and the begining thereof If we should let her Blood in the Ankle the Child would be endangered and choaked by drawing much Blood to the Womb in so full a Body 4. Being puzled by these Reasons they were at a stand and so sent for me I came and let her Blood three times in the Saphaena Vein by which she was perfectly cured and was delivered of her Child in a good time and in due season Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 24. XXXIX The Epilepsy took a Woman with Child in her ninth Month she was cured by application of Leeches to the Hoemorrhoid Veins 1. A Woman in her ninth Month by the obstruction and stoppage of a Customary evacuation by the Hemorrhoids fell into a very fierce Epilepsy upon which she grew extreamly Melancholy 2. Besides Clysters and Diversions of the Inferiour parts and the Veins of both Ankles opened she could not be cured till she had Leeches three times applyed to her Haemorrhoid Veins whereupon she grew well and was safely delivered of a Child Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 25. XL. The Epilepsy in a Man he was delivered herefrom by frequent opening the Saphena Vein 1. A man forty years old both strong and well Complexioned was divers times afflicted with such violent Epileptick Fits that it was feared it would turn into an Apoplexy 2. He had both in and out of his Fits many good Medicines applyed to him and the flegmatick humour was frequenty purged for it was supposed to be the Cause of the Malady 3. This mighty Herculean Disease was at last overcome by Blood-letting He was let Blood out of his Fits every month in the Ankle the Vessels being emptied and the plenty of Blood being evacuated which was caused by the Constitution of his Liver which bred too much Blood and the Blood being drawn to the remote parts of the Body and keeping a good Diet he was afterwards freed from his Disease 4. It was said by a famous Physician Those that are subject to the Falling-sickness must bleed in their Legs to preserve them from their Fits there is a Falling-sickness from Blood which he has shewed in many places and among the rest is explained by Petrus Salius lib. de Curat Morb. Partic. Cap. 3. Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 26. XLI The Epilepsy in a Wonan that had her Courses actually flowing is Cured by a Vein opened in her Nose 1. A young Woman well made and strong fell into a greivous Epilepsy which was ushered in by a swimming of the Head and dimness of sight and followed by a total oblivion of all things 2. Her Courses at the time of her fit did duely flow she was let Blood in the inferiour parts but was not thereby cured and the Disease proving very dangerous by its acuteness Cupping-glasses being first applyed to her Thighs I took Blood from her Cephalick Vein 3. Cupping-glasses were set to her shoulder-blades with scarification she was also let Blood in the forehead and lastly a vein being opened on the tip of her Nose she began to speak and came to her self Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 27. XLII The Epilepsy cured by Stibium 1. The most Renowned of the Modern Physicians have been of the mind that prepared Stibium commonly called Antimony hath a divine faculty to vanquish Melancholick Diseases especially when the dreggy humour is far from the first passages of the Body 2. I saw a Porter who after strange motions of his Hands and Tongue extream Head-ach paleness turbulent Imaginations of Ghosts turnings of his Head and dimness of sight did fall to the ground as if he had been Planet striken and when he was on the ground he did shake his body so violently and turn his Head round about that you would think he was possest by the Devil 3. This man had used many remedies for a year together but to no purpose For he was taken three or four times or oftner in a month and could not be rid of this vexatious Disease 4. And because the breeding of this Melancholy humour could not in any wise be hindered and it was so rebellious that it would not give way to Purgations at last having taken four times the spirit of Stibium rightly calcined in Wine and having voided upwards and downwards much clammy Flegm mix with a large quantity of Melancholy he was cured of this sad Disease Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 28. XLIII The Epilepsy proceeding from an old Vlcer shut up in the tip of the Nose cured by an Issue made in the Leg. 1. There came to me a woman seventy years old in the tip of whose Nose a filthy Ulcer broke forth once every three months sending forth a great quantity of a Virulent humour for three days after a while the part was covered with a Scar. 2. And having for eighteen years together been troubled with this Malady and yet otherwise lusty and in good health having no pain in any part of her Body and now growing weary of this loathsome Disease especially when the Ulcer was open and running by the advice of a Quack salver she laid Diapompholygos thereunto 3. A day was not past till she fell into a dreadful Epilepsy having before a greivous Head-ach 4. Being sent for I presently let her Blood at the Cephalick vein gave her a sharp Suppository bound her Thighs till they ak'd and so she was free from her fits 5. Because her old Evacuation was stop'd for six months she continued like a Fool and out of her senses making no Answer to such Questions as were put to her I ordered her a purge to draw the retained humour from her Head which was wont to be evacuated 6. This evacuation doing no good and she her self saying That in the first day when the humours did flow through the opened Ulcer in her Nose she felt the humour arising from her Lower parts and an heat in the Region of her share 7. Considering this I thought how to Recall the humour to the Original of the fluxion and having caused Issues to be made in her Thighs near the fountain of the
of an approaching Epilepsy and sometimes of a fit ready to come in those that have had it already but all these signs are not to be expected to be found in one person but some of them in one some in another according to their various Natures and Dispositions Qualifications Habits and Constitutions CXLVII The various Causes of the Falling-sickness 1. There are many Causes of an Epilepsy which arise in part from the quantity or quality of the matter causing 2. The place where the prime Cause lodges is within the Encephalon and springs from the indisposition of the parts within the Skull 3. But it may be demanded how that can be in those kinds of this Disease where the Paroxysm begins in the extream parts and ascends by degrees up to the Head 4. Truly this seems only to be so and happens by meer Accident For that the Morbifick Cause subsists about the Encephalon it self thereby causing immediately a great insensibility and dis-order with a vehement Contraction of most of the Members and Viscera 5. By which it appears that the Encephalon and original of all the Nerves are possessed with the Morbifick Cause 6. The opinion of Galen was that an Epilepsy was caused from an imperfect obstruction of the Ventricles of the Brain but the true Cause of an Epilepsy is from the sudden Rarifaction and Explosion of the Animal Spirits inhabiting of the middle the Brain and these are the first and immediate Cause of this Disease by which the Brain being as it were blown up and tumefied is rendred insensible and the Nerves appending thereto are put into Convulsions whence comes the sudden accession of the Fit the deprivation of both the internal and external Senses 7. The Procatartick Cause of the tumultuating of the Animal Spirits we do not just now deliver that being known almost to every one but the Proeguminine Cause deserves a little to be enquired unto 8. For that the Animal Spirits should be so rarifyed as to tumultuate and to make those preternatural Explosions of their own accord is not reasonable to believe but there must be somewhat that must go before as the Act of the sensitive Soul to stir up those kinds of perturbations viz. 9. There must be something which must obstruct their regular and natural Motions and this in some persons which we have seen opened that dyed of an Epilepsy was either a bag of water in the Cavities of the Brain or a viscous water or other corrupt matter yellow green blew c. filling the said Ventricles by reason of which the said Spirits assemble together in a tumultuous manner as aforesaid 10. These Spirits making their explosions upon the the original of the Nerves and indeed the Nerves of the whole Body affect the other spirits in the nervous system by way of Consent whence it is that though the Disease seem to begin in the Hand or Foot yet the original thereof is absolutely in the Brain it self 11. Barbet says that the nearest Cause is the Lympha vitiated in the Brain and irritating the Nerves by its sharpness and indeed he was not far off from the Truth 12. For Nature being hurt by such a kind of sharpness sends as it were Floods of Spirits towards the relief of the parts afflicted but by reason of this vitiated Lympha falling upon the original of the Nerves the influx of the Animal Spirits is hindered whence follows immediately Convulsion 13. And by reason that the Community betwixt the nervous Systeme and the animal Spirits is cut off by the Matter interposing thence follows the so sudden deprivation both of Reason and Sense and of all regular motions 14. Decker is of the opinion that it is an acid Lympha that Causes this Obstruction and indeed that is most probable because that nothing can prick or vellicate so much as acid things and all Obstructions made by Acids are commonly great and the Coagulations difficult to be dissolved 15. Whence it is That Diseases arising from an Acid Salt as for certain the Epilepsy does are of so difficult Cure 16. Deckers saith That from the Thumb of the left Hand he had somtimes observ'd a sharp matter to be mov'd towards the Heart and Brain so that the Patient was sensible of it 17. This is nothing but what we said before of this Disease proceeding by consent from the extream parts 18. But the chief Observation that Deckers makes hereof is this That the said Thumb being bound had sometimes kept back the Fit and that the sick had been several times so delivered from the approaching Fit 19. This is confirm'd by Galen de locis affectis lib. 3. cap. 5. Also Johannes Schenkius de Epilepsia Lib. 1. Obs 82. affirms the same 20. I knew the person very well that had it arising from the Foot aforementioned 't is probable the same thing might have succeeded in him but my Youth and want of Skill in Physick for it is near twenty years since hindred my putting the thing in tryal 21. If it proceeds from the Womb pains of Loins does preceed for those Women are for the most part troubled with vehement Head-aches 22. The remote Causes thereof says Barbet are to be sought in the milky Glandules the Womb and other parts for whatever it is whether it be Choler Flegm the Pancreatick juyce the Seed or menstruous Blood that makes the Lymphatick Juyce sharper easily causes an Epilepsy 23. The Brain not being rightly disposed the region of the Brain is by all concluded to be the primary seat of this Disease 24. But Willis will by no means admit water heaped up within the Ventricles of the Brain nor a thick viscous humor impacted in the passages of its Pores to be the Conjunct Cause of this Distemper for saith he such Causes are begot by degrees and would shew some certain signs before hand of their first coming upon one 25. To which we answer that so they do else how comes it to pass that we have so many previous signs of an approaching Epilepsy as we have a little above enumerated 26. But saith he the assault of the fit being over such a matter could not wholly be discussed in so short a time but that from its Relicts some impediments of the Animal Functions would remain which rarely happens in the Epilepsy unless it be inveterate 27. To which we Answer that there is no such need that the matter should be wholly discussed in so short a time for it has been observable that the intervals between each fit comes not so much from the discussion of the matter as by the quieting of the Animal Spirits which force their way through the Obstruction 28. So that when the continuity of the nervous System is made up with the original fountains of the Animal Spirits the Fit passes off but when the obstructing matter fluctuates afresh and dissolves again that continuity then there comes an accession of a new fit 29. From hence it may certainly be
strain it out for use Dose six ounces to provoke sweat the wood or ingredients may be boyled again in fresh Water for the common drink of the Sick 22. Among Chymical Sudorificks we commend the Spiritus ex tribus Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi spirit of Carduus Benedictus spirit of Elder the two latter of which may be drunk one ounce at a time with two scruples of the spirit of Guajacum in any convenient Vehicle to these add spirit of Tartar compound two scruples for a dose in some proper liquor Volatile salts of Harts-horn of Amber of Mans skull and of Vipers Bezoar minerale simple and solar fixed Antimony or Antimony Diaphoretick given in a little Venice Treacle Or Treacle water with Mithridate There are many more of excellent use which you may find out by a little pains in searching 23. The third part of the first Intention is performed by particular evacuations of the Brain by Errhins Sternutatories Apophlegmatisms or Masticatories Gargarisms and suchlike 24. Errhins Take juyces of Rue and Beets of each half an ounce Elder and sweet Marjoram water of each one ounce seeds of Peony and of Nigella of each a scruple mix them and let it be drawn up the Nostrills Take white or Rhenish wine three ounces Euphorbium two grains mix and dissolve for an Errhine it is a powerful one Take juyces of Peony and sow Bread of each half an ounce juyces of sweet Marjoram and Rue of each two drams syrup of buck-thorn one dram and half spirit of Juniper half an ounce mix them 25. Sternutatories Take Nutmegs Peony roots of each one dram white Pepper Pyrethrum of each one scruple white Hellebor half a scruple mix and make a pouder But the most excellent of all is that of Deckers which in his Exercitation he gives directions to make thus Taken Turbith minerale one dram pouder of Liquorice three drams pouder of Rosemary flowers one dram and half mix them well 't is of Miraculous operation 26. Apophlegmatisms Take Nutmegs roots of Pyrithrum roots of Peony and of the true Acorus of each one dram Rocket seed two drams with Mastick a sufficient quantity make pastills or troches weighing each two scruples to be held in the Mouth and chewed Take Galangal two drams Cinnamon Cloves of each half a dram Cubebs Gentian Peony roots of each a scruple Anicardiums roots of Pyrethrum of each half a dram sugar two drams distilled Oyl of Cloves and of Cinnamon of each two drops with syrup of Staechas and the whites of Eggs make Troches for Masticatories 27. Gargarisms Trallianus commends a Gargarism made of Hyssop Penny-royall and dry Figs being boyled in a sufficient quantity of spring water and strained for use Or you may gargarize with this Take Pyrethrum an ounce and half Rosemary Sage Hyssop Rue of each two pugills make a decoction in water strain and mix with a quart thereof Vinegar of Roses Honey of Roses of each two ounces for a Gargle Or Take Rue Betony Sage Hyssop of each half a handful roots of Peony and Orrice of each half an ounce Acorus Pyrethrum Peony seeds of each two drams Nutmegs a dram and half make a decoction in water to a pint of which add Oxymel of squills two ounces Honey of Resemary-flowers one ounce mix and make a Gargarism more of these you may see in Vntzerus de Epilepisa pag. 194. 28. For this purpose also where the Seat of the Distemper is in the Brain or Head you may use actual Cauteries which have a mighty power of attenuating and discussing of humors though firmly impacted in the part and this more especially if they be applyed to the Coronal Sutures for thereby the matter causing the Epilepsy is dissipated But in the doing hereof Caution ought to be used lest you hurt the Membranes which lye adjacent to the Brain or have a near vicinity thereto whereby great mischief succeeds You may also in the same case apply the Seton or make Fontanels or Issues in proper parts and the latter may be done either by Incision or with an actual or potential Cautery for thereby the Morbifick cause is at were drained forth 29. These things being done which are for removing of the near Cause the next thing which we are to consider of which is the Third Intention is the Exhibition of Specificks or proper Antepileptick Medicaments the which we shall consider either as simple or compound 30. Among the Simple Medicaments these following are most famed the Roots Flowers and Seeds of Peony gathered when the Sun is in Leo at noon-time at the New Moon But Hercules Saxonia advises to gather them in April the Sun being in Aries and the Moon at the full which is the better Advice Misleto of the Oak Hazle or Tile Tree given from two scruples to a dram in pouder which has cured many Rice both Garden and Wild the latter of which is much commended by Trallianus Polly-montain Castoreum which may be given from a scruple to two in any fit Vehicle Elks hoof Mans Skull but chiefly the triangular bone Roots of Pyrethrum and Eryngo which are commended by many Roots of Bryony which has done many Cures of this kind by taking a dram of it in powder every morning in wine for a year together as Fontanus prescribes Vervain gathered the Sun being in Aries and taken with a few Peony seeds is approved by Mizaldus being taken in some Epileptick Wine Wild Valerian taken to a dram is mightly commended by Columna and therewith many have been cured To these things may be added Amber Coral Emerald Lillys-Convally Tile flowers Radix Dentariae The Bladder of a wild Boar dryed and poudred Harts-horn Rennet of a Hare Hazel wood Peacocks-Dung and various Preparations of all these things Hippomanes dryed and poudred is reported to be a certain and wonderful Experiment Plantain or its Juice is said to be of excellent use by Scribonius Largus and Paracelsus cured several therewith Livers of Frogs green and taken in watery places given to about forty in number is commended by Hartman as a thing almost infallible so also the Liver reasted of an Ass or of a Goat of a Thrush and of a Bear have equal Commendations More over the Blood and Flesh of a Weazel the Heart of a Wolf the Testicles of of a Wild Goat the Heart of a Hare of a Swallow of a Stork of a Vulture Mares Milk Storks Dung and the Worms found in the Bryar Balls are all commended by Florentinus 31 Among simple Chymical things these following are in most Estimation The Volatile Spirit of Vitriol Oleum Lunae and Oyls out of the most of the things before enumerated chiefly the Magistery Powers Oyl and Volatile Salt of Amber Oyl of Box-wood Oyl of the Hazel-wood so much commended by Rulandus Spirit Oyl and Volatile Salt of Mans Skul and of a Harts Head as also of the Hornes Tincture and Magistery of Coral Magistery Oyl Spirit Sal and Powers of Elks hoofs Water Spirit
Plaisters and Cataplasms be laid to the soals of the Feet and other means of administration such as are commonly prescribed for the curing of the stupor or insensibleness ought to be used 48. In like manner if on the evil days or Crisis of this Feaver a Phrensie or Madness should come remedies appropriate to those distempers made use of 49. Secondly But if either with or without this sort of displeasure brought to the Head the Lungs also have taken the evil of this Disease so that the sick not yet free from the Feaver seems to fall into a wasting or Consumption with a troublesom Cough with abundance of thick and often discoloured spittle Medicines commonly prescribed for such kind of distempers are convenient enough 50. Wherefore pectoral Decoctions Electuaries Syrups distill'd Waters of Milk and Snails and other Remedies of the like nature ought diligently to be made use off the Forms of which may be found in the before described Cases 51. Thus far we have described the continual Feaver for the most part convulsive and arising no less from the fault of the nervous Juice than of the Blood I will here farther propose an Example of a Disease having the likeness of an intermitting Feaver but radicated chiefly in the nervous Juice the nature of which kind of Distemper for that is very rare and truly pertinent to our convulsive Pathology will appear from the following History 52. A noted Woman very young and indued with a more weak Constitution of Brain and nervous Stock and for causes very obnoxious to convulsive Distempers after she had conceived with Child about the fourth Month of her being big cold being taken she was greivously afflicted with asthmatical Fits and besides with a frequent sinking down of her Spirits 53. But by the use of Remedies indued with a volatile Salt she grew well within a fortnights space but after that about fourteen days an unwonted and truly admirable Distemper fell upon this Gentlewoman 54. One Morning awaking after an unqiuet Sleep that night she felt a light shivering over all her Body as if she had had the Fit of an Ague frâ—quent Yawnings and Reachings with an endeavour to vomit followed thereupon 55. And then her Urine which was but now of a Citron Colour and of a laudable Substance became pale and waterish moreover about her Loins and Hypochondria and in other places Pains with light Convulsions running about here and there were excited 56. Which kind of Symptoms plainly convulsive with her frequent making a of limpid Urine continued in the Morning almost to Evening in which space of time a great quantity of water at least three times more than the Liquor she had taken was rendred in the mean time neither was the Heat great nor did Thirst trouble her nor was her Pulse increased 57 In the Evening the aforesaid Distempers ceased and her Urine became of a Citron Colour and moderate and besides all night she enjoyed a moderate Sleep then in the Morning following about the same hour the Fit returned accompaned altogether with the like Symptoms and so dayly acted the same Tragedy 58. Visiting this Gentlewoman after she had been sick in this manner for twelve days I framed the Aethioloâ—y of the aforesaid Case to wit that this Disease chiefly radical in the nervous Stock did depend upon the Effervescenoy and Flux of the Humor watering the nervous Parts 59. For it might be suspected that this water being diffused from the Blood made degenerate by reason of the suppression of her Terms upon the Brain and nervous Stock became more sharp and serous than it ought to be and for that Cause incongruous to the containing Parts 60. Wherefore being gathered together to a plenitude by the nights sleep did provoke them and stirr them up for the expulsion of it every where into wrinklings and contractions hence shiverings yaunings stretchings and wondring pains were excited in the whole Body 61. Furthermore from the solid parts after this manner contracted and shaken not only the nervous liquour but also the nutritious every where laid up the solid parts but not truly assimulated were shaken of 62. And then either Latex being exterminated from its receptacles and received by the Veins or Lymphaducts or water-carrying Vessels was rendred to the mass of blood from whose bosom before it had acquired a Lixival tincture from it being at last cast forth by the reins constituted a clear and copious Ruin 63. But that this distemper observed such exact periods the reason is because the nervous water being supplied with an equal dimension did arise to a fulness of runing over daily at the set time 64. Therefore also the urine appeared concocted and yellow before and after the fit because then its matter consisted only from the Serum of the blood afterwards during the convulsive fit the limpid humor being shaken off from the solid and nervous parts and passing quickly thorough the blood adulterated the colour and quantity of the urine 65. I prescribed to this big-bellied Woman Phlebotomy and besides a pouder composed out of Coral Pearls Ivory and other Cardiacks to be taken thrice in a day in a proper liquor 66. Morning and Evening she took of the Tincture of Antimony twelve drops whose singular effect in the too great flux of urin I have many times experienced by the use of these all the symptoms ceased in a short time Willis de morbis convulsivis cap. 8. LIX A Convulsion in a young Maiden 1. I was sent for some years since to come and visit a noble Virgin who was sick almost after the same manner but somthing worse For these almost perpetual involuntary motions came by turns to wit shakings of the Head and members or defluctions or movings about here and there 2. Besides she was afflicted with a very troublesom and wonderful Convulsion of the Diaphragma and Muscles serving for breathing For every minute of an hour and oftner her back-bone was suddenly bent in about its middle and together her Brest shooting out forward 3. And her Hypocondria being drawn inwards she made a loud sobbing now double now threefold but still with a less and less noise 4. This kind of motion and ebbing of a crashing noise was wont to come for many hours and so that she might be heard through the whole house 5. And when any short interval of this hapned she was compelled presently to shake or writh together her Arms and Hands and somtimes her Legs and Feet and also to fling about most furiously her Head and by and by to hold her Neck as if it were stiff and unmoveable 6. And then in speaking her Tongue would be taken after that manner that she would repeat the same word very often yea somtimes twenty times at least 7. When the convulsive motions tormented her stongly in her outward Members she was free a little while from that noise in the Throat and this space of intermission she called her time of ease 8. Tho'
not give any help as the former to the sourness of the Throat it may be hence gathered that the salt particles of the blood and humors coming away by the urine had a two fold state or condition to wit of fixedness and fluedness 35. Wherefore the serum imbued by them became now of this now of that nature For it seems that the saline particles being degâ—nerate within the mass of the blood remained fixed and rendred the urine for the most part lixivial 36. But those which flowed without the blood in the nervous juice or were laid up about the solid parts did degenerate into a flux or acetousness and therefore from these being derived into the emunctiores of the Mouth that noted sourness of the Mouth and Oesophagus proceeded 37. Moreover when these kind of particles being gathered to a fullness in the nervous juice and solid parts did swell up and arising to a fluxion boyled up into the blood presently these being sent away from thence in heaps through the Reins rendred the urine encreased in quantity sourish 38. But for as much as the saline particles being of a diverse condition and that those of the same kind could not be mingled together they mutually moved against one another and break their forces therefore the salt urine and not the sour healed the sourness of the Throat 39. It appears by a vulgar Experiment that the most sharp spirits of Vitriol by the mixture of the salt of Tartar or any other lixivial grows very mild and yet from thence appears that the acid humor sweating out into the parts of the Mouth and Throat of this Gentlewoman came near the nature of sharp Vitriol 40. Because the fume of Tobacco being taken at the Mouth of the sick person was wonderfully sweet as it happens to such who have before-hand tasted Vitriol Willis de morbis convulsivis cap. 9. Observ 2. LX. A Convulsion in a noble Virgin 1. Because we treat here of admirable Convulsions which do not ordinarily happen and whose nature and causes ly deeply hid for the better illustration of these kinds of distempers we will yet shew one or two more cases no less wonderful than the former 2. About ten years since I visited the Daughter of a certain noble Man afflicted after this manner with convulsive motions that some thought her possessed with an evil Spirit 3. This Beautiful and well shaped Virgin about the age of sixteen begotten of a Paralytick Father without any evident cause about the Winter Solstice began to grow very ill 4. At first she was troubled with the Head-ach though not after a grievous manner as also for many days with a giddiness then she felt now in one of her Arms then in another a trembling and sudden contraction which kind of Convulsions returning often in that day endured scarce a moment 5. The next day sitting in a Chair near her Sister suddenly leaping out she took several Jumps successively with wonderful Agility every Jump being several foot in length then when she was come to the further part of the Chamber she stood leaping a great while in the same place and every time a great height 6. When her Legs were quite tired with leaping she fell on the Floor and presently she flung her head here and there with wonderful Violence as if she would shake it from her Neck 7. As soon as she ceased from this Motion for weariness presently the same Fury invaded her Hands and Feet so that she was forced violently to exercise her Members by striking the Walls or Posts or by beating the Pavement 8. When by reason of Shame or Modesty before her Freinds and the By-standers she did with some kind of violence hinder her self from these Motions for all the while she was her self and spake soberly the Distemper being sent inwardly she was very much afflicted with a very great Oppression of the Heart which caused her to sob and bemoan her self 9. When she would ease her self the Fury being transmitted to the Muscles of the outward Limbs she was forced presently to leap about to fling here and there her Head or Arms as also to run about the Chamber or to beat the Ground with her Feet 10. Because these kinds of vehement Motions of her Limbs or Viscera in the Tragedy of the Dâ—stemper did mutually relieve themselves returning as it were in a Round 11. Coming the fifth day after this Lady was sick I gave her a Vomit of the Infussion of Crocus Metallorum Wine of Squills and Salt of Vitriol by which she vomited seven times cankered Oyl or Choler in great plenty with the Mixture of a sharp and as it were vitriolick Humor 12. The next day ten ounces of Blood was taken from the Saphena Vein besides she took twice a day Antidotes of the Pouders of pretious Stones of Mans Skull and the root of Male-Peony By the use of these within a week she seemed to be cured and she continued for many days afterwards free from the aforesaid Distempers 13. But after two weeks at the time of the full Moon she fell into a Relapse of the same Disease more cruel than before for besides those wonderful Leapings and vehement Conversions and Roulings about of her Head and Members she was forced besides to fetch often a most rapid Course round about her Chamber 14. She began at this time by the praescriptions of others to take anti-hysterical Medicines and purges at certain set Intervals but without any Help 15. At last I being sent for because she seemed indued with a strong Habit of Body and with a notable Fierceness of Spirits I gave her a stronger Emmatick by which she vomited forth ten times greenish Choler like to Rust with Flegm sharp like Stygian Water and she was suddenly eased 16 After this I gave her every Morning a Draught of white Wine dilated with the water of Black-Cherries with Sows or Hog-Lice bruised and infused therein and strongly pressed forth 17. By the use of these she seemed presently to be cured and was well above a Month and when afterwards the Distemper being about to return she felt at any time some Fore-runners presently by the use of the Vomit and the expression of the Millepedes or Cheslogs she averted the approach of the Disease 18. Within three Months she so far recovered her former Health that she has now lived these many years free from those kinds of convulsive Distempers But from the time the convulsive Passions wholly ceased she was somtimes troubled about the parts of her Mouth and Throat with a Defluction of a most sour Humor like the vitriolick Stagma 19. Besides somtimes she was obnoxious to the Pica or longing of Women and at somtimes also to the Cough with a discoloured Spittle threatning a Consumption notwithstanding which by Remedies used in these kinds of Cases she was easily cured 20. As to the Aetiology or rational Account of the aforesaid Case there is no reason that we should fear
Dog-like Convulsion wherein the Mouth is wrested aside but if the contraction of the said Musculus latus be on both sides it is called Risus Sardonicus or a grinning But there may be a wryness of the Mouth without a Convulsion which may be made from the resolution of one Muscle which causes the Muscle on the other side to draw the Lips to the sound Part whence comes a Distortion the Convulsions of other Parts want proper Names 8. But the immediate Cause of a Convulsion as Hippocrates and Galen and others deriving from them say is from Repletion and Inanition viz Fulness and Emptiness This Opinion is confirmed by the Example of a Lute or Harp-strings which are commonly stretched out For saith Galen while the strings are moist and filled with humor as it falls out when the Wind is Southerly they are swelled and stretched and so broken and when they are over dry as it happens when the Wind is Northen then they are contracted and so also broken 9. The same thing befalls the Nerves which being either too full of Moisture or too dry are stretched and contracted and the Muscles in which they are united are so drawn back to their Principal or Original that thereby a Convulsion is immediately excited 10. But by reason a Palsey is also caused from a Water overflowing the Nerves it is doubtful how a Convulsion should arise from the same Cause they being as it were Diseases opposite the one being a Resolution of the Nerves and Muscles the other a contraction of the same This has made Physicians much divided among themselves and the most ingenious Galenists have confest it a Problem beyond their Capacities to resolve Averroes said The former reason of Galen at § 8. above was more fit for a Fidler than a Demonstrator And Argenterius saith It is not easy to render a reason of all things and especially why Water which is said to be the Cause of the Palsy or Resolution of the Nerves and of a Convulsion or Contraction of the same should somtimes produce one Disease and somtimes another when it is the same matter and the same Parts that are affected to wit the Nerves why should not then the same Disease be always produced 11. The great difficulty of solving this Paradox is that which has divided almost all Authors and fill'd them with contradictions and Nonsense insomuch as several learned Men to wit Averroes Erastus Cesalpinus Platerus Sennertus and others have justly deserted this opinion whose long disputations and various reasons would be too long here to relate However Riverius is very unwilling to quit the sense of Hippocrates and Galen and therefore he expounds them thus Therefore saith he although we cannot satisfy our selves in this great difficulty while better Arguments are propounded suppose that those Objections may be taken off thus A Convulsion and a Palsy differ in this a Palsy is made of a pure watery humor without mixture which doth not extend the parts but only softens them as we see in the tumor Oedema but a Convulsion is caused of the same humor but not pure and simple but mixed with much wind by which wind the Nerves are stretched and the Mucles also which are contracted to their Original for no cause can be thought more fit to make so great a contraction than Wind which Galen acknowledgeth de sympt caus lib. 2. cap. 2. and Experience teacheth us that the greatest distentions are made especially by Wind as we may see in the Dropsy Tympanites and the Cholick and in Convulsions those are the greatest which are caused of Wind which stretches and distend the parts River pax lib. 1. cap. 6. 12. Although we are here unwilling to undertake the answering of Riverius in this case yet we may make bold to tell him that in an Oedema there is as well Tumor and Extension as softness of the matter and if the humor be the same in both as he seems to consent to what Reason is there That it should not as well extend the Nerve in the Belly of the Muscle where it has more liberty to play as well as it does the Tendons and parts adjacent to them in a Joint where it has less liberty 13. Moreover for the Nature and Quality of the humor which he thinks may cause the Convulsions he it is to be feared as much mistakes it for many yea most things which cause vehement extentions will cause no Convulsion at all and his parallell of the Dropsy Tympanites makes vastly more against than his Argument will do for him for that in the Tympanites where the extension is so eminently great and that among Muscular and Nervous parts yet is there not the least appearance of a Convulsion nor any inclination or disposition of the parts to such a disaffection 14. And since Convuâ—sions are often caused where neither fulness nor emptiness are previous as in a prick of a Nerve or Tendon it is manifest that some other cause is attendent and that the Animal spirits are the principal objects of the matter causing whose disaffection and hurt are the near and conjunct cause of this Dâ—sease for as much as the said spirits being disturbed and hurt in any part there is presently an afflux of as it were a troop or Army of Spirits which Nature immediately sends to the relief of those in the part afflicted whence by reason of their rushing force and vast flux from their fountain the Brain the Nerve if it be particular Or the Genus Nervosum if it be general are infinitly extended and shrunk up and that with a vehement and almost intollerable pain the which is excited not only from the hurt of those Animal spirits in the place prickt or Genus Nervosum otherwise hurt but from the violent rushing and Collision of the said spirits one against another by reason of their tumultuous occurse in order to the relief of Nature 15. Now the reason why universal Convulsions are so dangerous as for the most part bringing Death is either from the exquisite pain overcoming all the Spirits or from the extream extention of all the Muscles whereby the drawing of the breath is hindered and suffocation in a short time ensues If the affect or hurt of any particular part be small it causes that Nerve or Muscle only to suffer and so the Convulsion is only particular but if it be very great and extream then the whole Genus Nervosum or nervous System suffers also so that indeavering to shake off that which does offend it it doth therewith exagitate the Brain and so draws it into consent whereby the Convulsion becomes Universal over the whole body and the Symptoms seem to be so extream that by reason of the great Flux of Spirits from the Brain and their wanderings up and down it doth as it were cease from its Functions till such time as they return again 16. And after the same manner as a Convulsion is caused by a prick of a
nature would contribute something as to adding strength to it 7. Now to effect that intention We applyed that most admirable Emplaster of Mynsicht viz. his Diagalbano Crocatum a Medicament never sufficiently to be commended by the application whereof our feeble Patient in two or three months time was perfectly restored to my great Credit and the exceeding satisfaction of his indulgent Parents II. A Contracture of the Arm in an old Water-man in Southwark 1. This old Man aged about seventy for the space of seven or eight year had lost the use of his left Arm by reason of a Contracture so that he could not in any wise attend his Calling the poor old Man desired my help which I granted and performed the Cure as followeth 2. First I bathed the Contracture very well with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I caused it to be anointed with Oleum Nervinum after which I applyed Emplastrum de minio simplex made with Vinegar and Oyl without Wax it was boyled and taken off whilst it was red a little before it was going to turn black 3. In this Cloths was dipt and applyed to his Arm and about six or seven of these plasters or Sear-cloths performed the Cure 4. The poor old Man was able to give me nothing for my Cure but only gave me of his own free will a bottle of Sack However not long after as a further token of his graâ—â—ful spirit he helped me to a better Patient from whom I Received about fifteen or sixteen pound III. A Contraction in the left Ham in a certain Virgin 1. It was occasioned through a fall and a hurt in the part or parts adjacent being ill cured the Contracture was new but by reason the joint was great as also the parts contracted I was the more dubious of the Cure however being encouraged by the Friends of the party affected 2. I applyed the following things with success beyond Imagination first I caused the part affected to be very well bathed with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I anointed it very well with the expressed Oyl of Mace after which we applied for forty days together or more the Cataplasmum de stercore humano the praeparation of which you may see in our Doron lib. 3. cap. 7. sect 9. 3. The Cure succeeded much contrary to my expectation For the Patient could walk without Crutches or so much as halting 4. The like Cure I performed in a Child using only the same Medicaments IV. A Contracture in the Ham with a lameness of both the Ankles 1. This being a Youth about fifteen or fixteen years of age had this disaffection upon him by reason of a fall first I bathed all the weakned and disaffected parts with the Spirit of Aniseeds afterwards with the Powers of Amber 2. Immediately after I anointed with Oyl of Mace by expression after which I applied Emplastrum diasulphuris Rulandi by which my Patient seemed to be cured save only a weakness remained upon the parts lately disaffected 3. After the application of the Emplaster about eight or nine weeks it being renewed once in three days I caused the said weakned parts to be bathed with a strong tincture of Myrrh made with the best rectifyed spirit of Wine whereby the sick in a short time became perfectly well V. A Contraction Incurable 1. A young Man about seventeen or eighteen years of age was taken with the Sciatica by which he was vehemently afflicted this Disease either by nature or the Artifice of Empericks degenerated and the matter was translated into an Apostem on the outside of the Thigh which being opened a great quantity of corruption came out 2. But by the ill-management of the cure or unskillfulness of the Chyrurgion the Apostem fistulated and made Coney-borroughs as it were thorugh the whole Thigh which afterwards by another hand was Cut up and the bone laid open to be scaled being black and corrupted in many places 3. After two years time the Patient was in a sort cured leaving only a great Contraction of the Ham and one runing Fistula-sore which was no great trouble to him yet this evill Effect it had that thereby the whole Humidum Radicale was drained away the sick dying in a miserable Consumption 4. In his Life-time almost a thousand things were applyed to restore the contracted Hand but all in vain 5. Being dead I was desirous to see the contracted Tendon which being laid open and freed from the rest of the flesh and Vessels it had contracted not a Gristley but a kind of Boney hardness to the great Admiration of the Spectators this hardness by degrees decreased till it left the Nerve in its own natural state VI. A Contraction of the Fingers cured by a Woman Emperick 1. She first anointed the contracted parts with the Oyl of Cammomil which being don for two or three days she caused the Patient to hold her Hands in a hot Cows-Paunch for an hour or two which was five or six several times repeated 2. In the Intervalls of which and afterwards she only applyed this following Cataplasm Take Oleum Nervinum one ounce Oyl of Cammomil Oyl of Euphorbium of each half an ounce fresh Cow-dung half a pound mix them well together and apply them to the part affected 3. By the use of these meanes the Patient was in about five or six weeks restored again to perfect health VII A Contraction of the In-step with a scrophulous Tumor 1. This was supposed at first to come through a strain but whatever the cause there was a great flux of ill-digested humors to the part afflicted whereby followed a Contraction of the In-step with a great Tumor thereof and in the Ankle and indeed a swelling of the whole Foot Insomuch that the Patient a Youth about ten or eleven years of age could not go and was forced to keep his bed for many weeks together 2. Many things were used to resolve the Tumor and great Discussives were applied but all in vain at length we applied things to ripen it and to bring it to a Suppuration which in convenient time was done 3. The Tumor ran at first a great deal of thin matter afterwards the Sanies run more thick being broke we applied this following Cataplasm 4 Take Venice Turpentine two ounces Oyl of Roses one ounce Yolks of Eggs number two with Bean-Meal a sufficient quantity make a Cataplasm which apply 5. The Tumor seemed cavernous or hollow whereupon we cast thereinto with a Syringe this following Injection Take plantain-Water a pint Salt of Vitriol two drams Saccharum Saturni half a dram Tincture of Aloes made of white Wine one ounce and half Infusion of Crocus mutallorum Spirit of Wine of each two ounces mix and make an Injection to be cast in warm twice a day 6. The Tumor Lameness and Sore continued more than a year upon him Insomuch that the Friends of the Person were advised by several Chyrurgions to have it laid open 7. But by reason of the
Parts afflicted were bathed very well Morning and Evening with Powers of Amber and Aniseeds mixed together in an equal Proportion by the use of which means the convulsive Motions totally vanished yet so as that they left a Contracture behind 5. This Contracture being new was cured without any great matter of difficulty by anointing the place affected with this following Composition Take Oyl of Earth-Worms Oleum Nervinum of each three ounces Oyl of Mace by Expression two ounces Oyl of Juniper-berries half an ounce mix them together to anoint with as aforesaid by the use of this alone Medicament the contracted Part was cured in about sixteen days time XIV A Contraction occasioned by the Gout 1. A certain man about forty years of age having been long afflicted with the Gout by reason of the extream Pain fell into Convulsion fits from whence of a sudden a great and admirable Contraction was excited the Sinews were drawn together and so remained about the bigness of a large Hens Egg to which many things were applyed but all in vain 2. The Physicians gave him many purges vomits exhibited sudorifick doses outwardly there was applied emollients Baths Fomentatiâ—ns Frictions but all in vain 3. Last of all the Patient came to me and made a relation of his condition which when I had considered that the cause of the Contracture was from repletion of the musculous part with an abolition and frustration of the Spirits in the same I judged that some new course must be taken 4. Whereupon I forthwith applied a vesicatory which drew not a flux of humors there as some vainly fear or suggest but by drawing water did thereby indeed excite the natural heat by which the obstructive matter became dissipated and thereby also the humors came to be influxed from whence I had very great hopes of a resolution and that not without cause 5. For that the Tumor was mightily diminished even upon the drawing of the Blister the Blister being drawn I caused it to be emptied afterwards I applyed Mynsichts Emplastrum de Galbano Crocatum which has a mighty power to resolve or discuss humors of which kind are all such things as warm and comfort the Nerves 6. After this had lain on ten or twelve days being renewed every other day I applyed the following Compositum to the part affected with such success as that it answered the end desired Take Myrrh in pouder three ounces make a kind of dissolution in the best rectified spirit of Wine to which add Venice Treacle two ounce and half Aloes in fine pouder one ounce and half Oyl of Mace by expression one ounce Oyl of Rosemary two drams mix them well together and apply it being spread upon Leather Observations from other Authors XV. A Contraction of the Fingers and Palsy of the Hands 1 A noble Man well in years after a long Cholick and resolution and a Contraction that followed had his Fingers on both hands contracted the two knuckles were so bound down that his Fingers lay in the Palms of his Hands and could by no force be extended but what he laid hold with them he held fast his Hands hung a little down and were loose so that without help he could not lift them up and his Thumb and Forefinger were out of joint and loose 2. Many remedies and Baths were used to no purpose For the infirmity continued for two years at length being willing to undergo extremities in so desperate an evil he went to the Pepper Baths taking first my advice because he knew I was succesful in many things I attempted 3. About the end of April the cure was thus begun he was first purged well with a Wine which was good for the Nerves for the space of three days then he tryed a Topick upon his right Hand to wit a plaster to the inward part of the Hand and between the Fingers with which he had a very good Ligature to press the Fingers outwardly with a splinter and a rowler which continued some time at Night 4. In the Morning they were taken off and had to every Finger a weight of Lead tied to a string to stretch them by degrees The Plaster was thus made Take Gum Ammoniack two ounces Galbanum opopanax Bdellium of each one ounce dissolve them in Aqua vitae add Storax Calamitae half an ounce Goose-grease and the marrow of a Dears shank of each one ounce Frankincense two drams Orris a dram Hermodacts a dram with Turpentine and Rosin a pint make a Plaster 5. He used in the Morning a fume of these Troches upon Embers with a case for his Head to receive it thus Take marcasites an ounce and half Myrrh Mastich of each two drams Storax Benjamin of each a dram Orris half a dram with Turpentine make Troches these were used eight days and he could by pressing them stretch forth his Fingers he used the Plaster three nights to his left Hand and he found those Fingers also to yield 6. They wrote to me of it and to strengthen the Joints I advised him to bath his Hand twice or thrice in a decoction of Sage made of Lye that had Steel quenched in it and continue his other course 7. When his Fingers could be almost all extended especially in his right Hand but not by the proper strength of the Muscles he came to me I advised the use of the Plaster to be continued not only on the inside of his Hand but outwardly at Night because his Knucles were hard and that he should use the same twice a week not too hot for then he observed that his Fingers were bound 8. And that he should anoint before the applying of the Plaster both hands within and without with this Oyntment Take Oyl of Lillies and Earth-worms of each two ounces and half Oleum Cheyrinum and Orris of each half an ounce Litharge one ounce boyl them a little add Ammoniacum dissolved in Aqua vitae an ounce Storax two drams Turpentine half an ounce with Wax make an Oyntment 9. In the Morning the Plasters were taken off and this fomentation used Take roots of Althaea Briony Orris Lillies all green and sliced of each a good quantity Wormwood Tyme Sage of each an handful Cammomil Melilot and Elder flowers of each one pugil Line-seed and Faenugreek of each three or four spoonfulls boyl them in Broth made of Calves-feet and head and a little Wine let him wash his Hands in it hot a good while every Morning 10. Though all things mended and he doubted not of Cure yet because the time was come he went a long Journy with large expence to a Bath by the use whereof his Fingers seemed rather to be bound than loosened 11. And returning by Boat over Tyber he was taken with a Megrim with vomiting at first so that he could neither stand nor sit but was brought home upon a Couch his Hands from hence became again Paralytick and despairing of Cure because he had neglected to follow my
counsel he was ashamed to require it again Platerus lib. 1. pag. 147. XVI A Contraction of the right Leg after a Sciatica 1 A noble Person had his right Leg contracted drawn up and awry towards the in-side so that standing upright he could not move his Foot to the ground unless he bent his Body nor could he go without a Patten Moreover his Leg was longer and wanted Nourishment 2. The hurt of the Function for no other Motion is hindered but that whereby the Thigh moves up and down shews that the cause of the Evil is in the Hip-Joint also the inequality swelling and streching in the right side of the Joint to be seen and felt and the lower part of the Back-bone and the Os Sacrum seeming awry also shew the same especially the Sciatica having gone before this Disease and continued long so much of the Part affected 3. The Disease that is in the said Part is the Luxation of the Joint the head of the Thigh-bone getting out of the socket and falling down to the Process of the Os Pubis and there stopping the two Ligaments which bind this Joint being chiefly hurt 4. For in regard the Ligament that goes about the Joint is the largest of that sort in the whole Body it may yield so that the head of the Thigh-bone may get out of its place and stay upon the Ligament which being the thickest in the whole Body cannot be broken and the other thick and round Ligament that useth to keep the head-bone in the hollow being enlarged and vehemently attracted 5. This may be hard by too much stretching as a strong Cord which cannot be broken or by any violence drawn out of the socket to the gristle whereunto it groweth and keeps the Thigh hanging down and hinders its Motion because it is not loose as when it was in the socket but is very much stretched by the descent This I suppose to be the cause of this stiff Leg. 6. For here is no Induration of Nerves from whence Numness Contraction Resolution or Palsy would rather follow nor Impediment of the Joint for the constitution of which Bones and Ligaments are required and not Nerves nor the Tendons of the Muscles that move the Thigh the cause as it appears by this because the Thigh can move and the Impediment is only that it hangs so that it cannot touch the ground and so hinders sitting and standing 7. Now this Luxation from whence this stretching comes had its cause from a Defluxion which formerly produced the Sciatica which went before this Disease As for Prognosticks it is almost impossible in my Judgment that this Joint should be reduced and the Luxation cured Therefore there is nothing to be done by Force least the Disease should be worse because these stiff Parts when the Bones are thus twisted can by no Art be rightly placed again 8. Therefore we must labor only that the Thigh should by degrees fall so low that the Foot may touch the ground and so he may walk a little again and stand 9. And although be use not all Motions yet he may lift it up and have it in a form more proper to serve him than now it is 10. That the Thigh may be brought down Art and Industry must be used with Medicines and the Patient and Physician also must be patient to expect the time for I have often been successful in the cure of a crooked Thigh and Joints of the Knee 11. After general Medicines to cleanse the Body and fit it for Topicks I used things first to soften the hardned Ligaments and to draw down the Legg by degrees it is very hard to soften these Ligaments that lie so low especially this round one which is the cause of the Disease for Medicines can scarse reach thither 12. Moreover this strong Ligament is so stretched that it can hardly be stretched further which must be done if we will have the Leg descend And if Force be used it will be painful But because the constant use of good and strong Medicines may pierce inward and loosen the Ligaments though very hard by continual following of them I doubt not but in time all things being rightly ordered to do the thing by Gods Blessing 13. First he had a broad plate of Lead sowed in his Breeches on that Side and I advised h m when he sat that he would press down his Foot therewith while he could endure it 14. This at first was troublesom but after it was easy and the weight was encreased and another hung to the Legg with a broad Rowler near the Knee A weight to the Foot Heel or Legg could do little good because the Knee was loose between but it is better to the Thigh than to any Part beneath 15. I advised a Ligature to the Thigh and to be fastened to the ground and that he should strain and pull it out that his Foot might but reach the ground which is our desire 16. That the Ligament might yield better he had mollifying Plasters as of Briony Henbane Orrice Sulphur with piercing things to help the Operation Experience has taught me the use of Baths of Sulphur and their use seems very rational because Sulphur is the Fat of the Earth and soonest burns and is most softning 17. I advised the Bath to be used such as are those at Baden in Helvetia which are very profitable to the sick as Experience has taught me and other ingenious ways to stretch the Thigh Platerus Lib. 1. Pag. 151. XVII The Contraction of the left Legg to the Buttocks with a hard tumor about the Knee and want of nourishment in the Legg 1. A Youth had his left Knee swellen both before and in the Ham it was an insensible hard Tumor about the whole joint but with Pain where the Nerve was pressed all his Leg above and below the Knees wanted nourishment the swell'd joint did not apparently move his Foot was so high that his Heel almost touch'd his Buttock 2. I suppose that this Tumor was inwardly in the Tendons and Ligaments about the joint from thick and excrementitious nourishment which came from the weakness of the part and a defluxion he used many Medicines at Paris such as sweats and Diets evacuations and Topicks of all sorts yet I began thus 3. I cleansed his body often in this manner Take Spearidock roots two ounces Fumitory Mercury tops of Hops of each an handful Aniseeds two drams Raisons two ounces Sebestins six Tamarinds pulped an ounce Polypody two ounces Senna two ounces and half Cordial flowers a pugil Epithymum half an ounce boyl them according to art add syrup of Roses Solutive and of Fumitory of each one ounce and half Cinnamon two drams give an ounce or more now and then he took Conserve of ground-pin and Roses somtimes and sweated once a week in a Bath 4. He held his Leg an hour in the Morning fasting for some weeks in this decoction which was renewed every third day Take
things therein as beating with a Pestel in a Mortar For here the Pores being mightily opened by the continual grasping of that heavy and hard matter there is first a too great exhausting of the animal Spirits in the part secondly a loss of part of the neurotick Juyce Blisters being raised these it is true after the first or second occasion would easily grow well again and the Parts come to their prist in State but a continual Exercise of the same Work as it is a continuation of the Cause so at length it causes so great an Irregularity as is scarcely ever to be retrieved 4. And the reason is the same in those who have crooked Backs and cannot raise themselves up straight for that they have for a long time carried heavy Burthens for which Cause the animal Spirits being obstructed in their Course are driven back to their Center and the neurotick Juyce likewise in like manner exhausted by unnatural Swearing and other insensible ways of Evacuation and withall a continuation of such like drudgery for several years an evil habit is at length caused so that for the want of Spirits and exsiccation of the nervous Juyce these wretched Creaturâ—s go all their days after bending downwards and these things may also come to pass in those who have long and often laboured under a Tetanos or other Species of Convulsions from whence there is the same loss of Spirits and exsiccation of the said neurotick Juyce the which humor being wasted by the aforementioned causes such a Consumption and leaness appears manifestly in the Muscles of the Limbs even outwardly especially in the greater that their Nerves and Tendons feem to consist rather of Fibres than Flesh and to represent dry Cords rather than soft Nerves 5. This is also caused in part from a defect of Fat which is wont first of all to be wasted by the aforesaid causes when as it growing both extrinsically to their Membranes and being intrinsically inbred with the Fibres of certain of the greater Muscles chiefly anointing and bathing them therewith as it were that they might be the easier extended and contracted in Motion being now deprived thereof renders them unfit for motion whence also follows a Consumption of that which Physicians call Ros Cambium Gluten or Glue with which the Tendons in like manner are wont to be smeared all which happens often-times from the force of an external Heat being too great and persevering long which doth as it were shrink up the Tendons and Muscles as well as dry them 6. Hence the Difference between a Convulsion and a Contraction is much more manifest a Convulsion proceeds only from the Irritation of the Nerves not their exsiccation but a Contraction from the exsiccation of the said Nerves either from too frequent and long Irritations or the Causes first above mentioned which every Artist is desired to take notice of and so it appears that a Convulsion is only a hurt of the animal Spirits in the Genus Nervosum c. A Contraction a cutting them off from the Part affected whence arises the aforesaid exsiccation and shrinking up But such an exsiccation can scarcely be caused from any internal heat though in the most burning Feavers And in an Hectick the Body being otherwise almost wasted yet the Members do not appear contracted except by accident in the Tongue or in the Midriff being over dryed c. 7. After these manners the Muscles almost proper to every part may be hurt whence only particular Contractions of those Parts do ensue Of one Part only if its particular Muscle be hurt Or more if one Muscle send Tendons to many Parts but these things never simply befal a Nerve being so small and slender a Part but they may be effected in the Tendon of a Muscle because it is so strong 8. Some Authors say That a Contraction may be caused from a pituitous or encrementitious humor falling upon and filling the body of the Muscle or Tendons which being thereby distended and made shorter it thereby attracts the Part into which it is inserted from whence they inferr that a Contraction may be caused but I should rather think that if an humor fallen down upon the Muscles possesses their spaces by which they are joyned together that it should rather cause a Pain and upon that account a difficulty of motion than a Contraction of the Part and if it bedew or smeer the Nerves or Tendons a Palsey should rather ensue 9. And this is a certain Truth that the Parts being deprived of animal Spirits their Functions must necessarily cease for from them are communicated to the Muscles the Power of moving and to the sensible Parts the Power of feeling and therefore if the Nerve be wholly destitute of them the remaining Part thereof from the place affected even to the Part into which it is inserted becomes useless the same comes to pass if its continuity with the Part be broken for then the passage of the said animal Spirits is interrupted And this may be somtimes when the Nerves are so straightned that the animal Spirits which require a free passage through them can no longer pass or fill them up or not sufficiently for that though they be most thin and subtile and do illustrate the Nerves like the Rays of the Sun yet nevertheless they may be hindred even as the Sun-beams also may be stopt And this happens if a Nerve or Tendon be so prest in any part of it that its substance doth wholly sink down Or if its substance be so condensed also whereby the passage of the said Spirits are interrupted 10. And the same may come to pass as well as from a solution of continuity straightness of the Nerves condensation preternatural Tumor simple Distemper c. from some fault of the Organ which may arise either from internal or external Causes hurts by compression ligatures blows c. whereby plenty of humor flowing from the adjacent Parts in those narrow places compresses the Nerves with its weight whereby is intercepted the passages of the animal Spirits as is aforesaid the which being detained by so much the longer stop by so much the more the humors become thicker and mucous which cooling and compressing the substance of the Nerves or Tendons destroys their proper temper and so hinders them from ever being filled with or enjoying the said animal Spirits any more 11. And truly this was the reason why we handled Contractures in this place for although they seem to be rather Diseases of the extream Parts yet being for the most part if not always caused from a hurt of the animal Spirits and Functions the Fountain of which resides in the Brain we thought good rather to treat of the same amongst Diseases of the Head and therefore have here added these few Observations and brief Theory as an Appendix to the Chapter of Convulsions being the first that ever we saw in print of this kind XXIV The Prognosticks of Contractures 1. Contractions
his Paroxysms taken with a Paralytick distemper on his right side from his Loyns downwards to his Foot 2. This continuing upon him he sought out for help and was for near two years in several Physicians hands but without any the least benefit the distemper of the Sone as it was thought also continued with him These things brought upon him many other weaknesses so as that it seemed there was a complication of Diseases nor could those who were his constant Physicians tell well what to make of it but that they might say somthing they pronounced it to be a high Scorbute and that for his absolute cure he must be bound to drink the Waters for some considerable time 3. Through the continuance of this Indispotion he was taken with an extream vomiting which was in part caused from the consent or compassion of parts arising from the Inferiour and greater branches of the Internal stock of the Nerves of the Par Vagum and the superiour Branch of the same for that the Ramifications of the said Internal stock serve both the Stomach Kidnies and Bladder The Twig of the Dexter superiour Branch of the internal stock goes to the right side of the bottom of the Stomach the upper membrane of the Omentum and the Tunicle of the Liver The Inferiour branch of the said Internal Stock goes to the right Kidney and hence is the cause of vomiting in the stone in the Reins And the third and greatest branch of the said Internal stock send twigs to the Mesentery Guts and right side of the Bladder so that the Anatomical reason is sufficiently evident 4. But besides the compassion of Parts there was an exceeding foulness of the Stomach which was contracted from his too liberal feeding and over gorging of his Stomach with Varieties and Delicacies which was to such an excess that he seldom rose from table without being sick and somtimes vomiting after his so liberal eating this course he took for some years so that at length he could scarcely eat at all and at the time of this his illness he took his food no otherwise but as he forced himself which for the most part he vomited up again 5. For this indisposition of his Stomach and to take away the vomiting his Physicians gave him Mint-water Spirit of Mint and syrup of Mint and Mint-water mixed with syrup of Quinces as also Conserve of Mint and Wood-sorrel somtimes alone and somtimes made into a kind of Electuary with conserves of Barberries but alas all these things were don in vain Outwardly too they applyed to him greasy Oyls and Oyntments and certain Emplastick Bodies to remove the Paralysis but without the least success 6. The Patient at length fell into my Hands who gave me a full relation of all things which had passed from which I conjectured at the cause of his Disease I concluded him to be affected either with the Stone or Gravel in the Reins or some other obstructive matter and so much the more because of a Paralysis succeeding the same which was caused partly from the compression of the Muscle Psoa on which the Kidnies lye and is appointed for the bending of the Thigh being inserted into the inner part thereof 7. The Man being of a strong constitution of Body I first began with cleansing of his Stomach which I performed by giving him my Pulvis Admirabilis which you may see in my Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 21. sect 14. I gave it him to a scruple in Diodates syrup of sugar and gave it him every third day till I had reiterated it five times It wrought both upwards and downwards and during the time of the working he took Broth or Posset-drink as in other purges 8. In the Intervalls of purging that we might in some measure comfort and strengthen the body a little weakned by the evacuation I gave him of the following mixture which was taken an hour before eating three times a day Take Electuarium ad Tabidos two ounces juyce of Alkermes one ounce Oyl of Mint thirty six drops mix them dose two drams at a time 9. Having thus effectually cleansed his Stomach and taken away in part the morbifick matter I conceived it necessary to do somthing for the removing that Distemper of his Reins for which purpose I prescribed the following Liquor to be taken in all the drink which he drank It was thus made Take distilled Waters of Onions and of Hydropiper of each eight ounces drop into it so much of the best Spirit of Niter as may give it a pleasing Acidity This he took several times a day and somtimes he took it sweetned with Syrup of Marsh-Mallows I also ordered him to take the Spirit of Niter in all his drink a few drops at a time and somtimes the dulcified Spirit after this manner Take choise Metheglin half a pint dulcified Spirit of Niter forty drops mix them for a draught By the use of these things a large quantity of Gravel and Sand came daily away 10. But by some Symptoms which appeared I feared there might be some Stone in the Bladder for which reason I caused him to be searched and a Stone was found about the bigness of a large Wall-nut but for that it was of a gritty and brittle substance it broke into several pieces upon the search which gave me encouragement to proceed the more vigorously on the Cure and therefore I the more earnestly pressed the use and continuance of the former things by which we cleared all those Parts of the offending matter for all the substance of the Stone came away by degrees in Gravel and somtimes in little bits 11. And the more to promote this Cure withall having respect to the Palsy of the Part I caused him to take every Morning fasting half a pint of the following Liquor Take Bark of Guajacum Lignum Aloes Galangal Gentian Zedoary of each two ounces Raspings of Guajacum of Sassafras and of China of each siâ— ounces Sarsaparilla roots of Angelica and Peony of each eight ounces Onions bruised Hydropiper Betony Ivy-leaves Lavender Rosemary of each ten ounces Venice-Treacle half a pound Cinnamon Cloves Mace Nutmegs seeds of Peony and Parsâ—â— of each three ounces all being well bruised let them be digested in eight Gallons of Rhenish-Wine in a gentle heat for the space of two or three days then put them into a Copper Vesica tin'd within adding thereto three Gallons of spring-water distil off eight Gallons of Water according to Art but beware of burning which Water dulcifie and aromatize with three pounds and a half or four pounds of tabulated Sugar prepared with Oyl of Cinnamon This he took constantly according to my order and it is incredible what good he received from the use thereof 12. But this is to be noted that as somtimes he took it alone so many times he took it with drops of the Spirit of Niter to a pleasing Acidity and somtimes with the vulnerary Spirits of Sulphur and Vitriol by
caused his whole Body to be bathed twice a day viz. Morning and Night with the Powers of Aniseeds and of Amber mix together in an equal proportion This was don for about five days 10. After that he was well bathed twice a day with this mixture Take Powers of Aniseeds Ox Galls of each a pint digest them in a gentle heat then set the Vessel in a Cellar that the thick or grosser parts may settle after a weeks time decant the more pure and clear part which keep for use to bath the Paralitick members with by the constant use of these thingâ— he was in about thirteen or fourteen weeks time restored to his perfect health IV. A Palsy in a young Lady accompanied with Convulsions of the Mesentery 1. This Lady by reason of a fall from a Horse was bruised on her Back-bone and very much hurt on her right side so that she became lame which lameness proved to be an absolute resolution of the Nerves of the said right side wherein there was a numbness of the Part tremblâ—ng and great impotency of motion To this there was added Fits occasioned through the Fright These Fits were altogether those called Hysterical and so esteemed by the Physicians 2. To perform the Cure they purged her bleed her gave her Hysterick Medicaments and outwardly they used Frictions Blisters Oyls Ointments Emplasters Baths c. so that little seemed to be left unattempted which they had not done yet all this was without the least advantage to the sick 3. But as to the Hystetick Fits as they were accounted I suppose there was a mistake for that Distemper which they thought to be from the Womb was purely a Convulsion of the Mesentery wherein the nervous Parts were drawn 〈◊〉 together and appeared outwardly nere the region of the Stomach like a great Tumor or somthing rising and swelling up the Part which made her when in her Fit beat and bruise herself if not withheld by force till such time as she went quite away when she came to herself again she would complain of a great soreness and weakness in her Bowels and withal a heaviness in her Loins and an indisposition to stir or move herself and somtimes she would have such a Distemper in her Stomach as would make her sick at Heart and vomit exceedingly 4. Hence it appears that her Disease was complicate and proceeded from two opposite causes at least the Effects were opposite for there was both a Resolution of the Nerves and a Contraction also which made the Disease so contumacious and difficult of Cure 5. Such too was the vehemency of these Fits that somtimes they would return ten or twelve times in the space of four and twenty hours so that by reason of the extremity thereof we were necessitated to use some speedy course to ease and quiet the troubled and disturbed Archaeus for we saw clearly that no delays were to be permitted and that if some speedy course was not taken the Patient must inevitably submit to her harder Fate And therefore I first gave her our volatile Laudanum whose preparation we have taught in the first Observation of this Chapter 6. This Laudanum was at first exhibited in a Dose of two grains which was continued five days and encreased then a grain and so augmented a grain every fifth day till such time as she took about twelve grains for a Dose moreover the next Morning she took from fifteen to thirty drops of our Guttae Vitae in a little glass of Cinnamon-water and so reposed herself in bed till Noon or later 7. Outwardly all the Regions of the Abdomen Stomach Liver Spleen and Hypochonders were very well bathed with this Mixture Take Powers of Amber and of Aniseeds of each two ounces Powers of Pepper half an ounce mix and bath the Parts afflicted therewith this was done Morning and Evening for five or six days by the use of these things the Fits were repressed much and whereas they used to return somtimes eight ten or twelve times a day they came now somtimes but once a day somtimes but once in two or three days and somtimes but once in a week 8. But that we might wholly suppress and coâ—quer them I praescribed this following Bolus to be given once a day viz. at Night going to bed for two or three weeks or a Month or as long as we should see occasion Take of our Electuarium ad Tabidos a dram choice Musk in fine Pouder fourteen grains Ambergrise Laudanum volatile nostrum of each six grains mix and make a Bolus This was taken constantly at time of going to bed immediately after the reception of which I ordered her to take this following Julep Take Orange-Flower Water six ounces Aqua Vitae Matthioli Syrup of Citron-Peels of each an ounce and a half mix them for one Dose 9. These Rules thus followed did in about a Months or five weeks time absolutely and perfectly free her from her supposed Hysterick Fits which as we said before were only and purely Convulsions of the Mesentery However we did not only give her Alteratives but always in about eight or ten days time I gently purged her that the morbifick matter might also be evacuated which was done with the Tincture of my Family-Pills It wrought very well upon her and gave her commonly seven or eight stools that day 10. Having thus overcome one branch of the complication it was necessary to have respect to the other viz. the Palsy although during all this time we were not unmindful of applying proper Topicks for this occasion as hereafter in this Observation you will find 11. In the first place I instituted a Diet made of Guajacum Sarsaparilla and Sassafras which was boyled in Water after an infusion of eight and forty hours till nerely half the Water was consumed and at the end of the boyling there was added to every quart of the Diet half a pint of Hippocras which being bottled up as we have formerly taught I ordered to be taken as her ordinary drink but more especially in the Morning fasting and last at Night going to bed 12. Now because the Paralytick Distemper yet continued although there was indeed some Symptoms of Amendment I prescribed this Purge Take White Wine eight ounces choice Sena half an ounce Rhubarb two drams infuse all twelve hours in a gentle sand-heat then strain out and add thereto Powers of Caraways two drams Powers of Aniseeds one dram dulcify it with Syrup of Clove-gilly-Flowers and give it in the Morning fasting This wrought very well without the least griping or making sick and gave the sick about ten or twelve stools of cold watery and slimy matter 13. This purging I continued from this time once a week till the Cure was accomplished but somtimes a Tincture was drawn from the Ingredients with Cardamom-Water which the Patient liked much better and although the Patient took at least twenty Doses of this purgng Liquoâ— yet was she not in the
always afflicted her at set times so that she could tell before hand when a fit thereof would take her 3. Now the cause of the vomiting was without doubt from preaeternatural matter offending the nervous Tunicles of the Stomach which matter might be either those Maw-worms the principal cause of that Pain she complained of or from some sharp humor collected or bred there but the cause of the periodical vomiting came from a new aggression of matter for after the matter at present offending was cast forth by the force of vomiting she seemingly became well as to that nor had she any more inclination thereto till the periodick time returned again which was commonly once in six or seven days but the Pain of her Stomach occasioned by the Worms still continued 4. But that we might be a little more curious than ordinary we a little Mathematically considered the cause thereof and we found the vomiting fit always or for the most part took her upon the Moons approach to the Conjunction Quartil and Opposition of Saturn from whence I concluded that it was a cold sowr unpleasant heavy melancholy humor which at those times was congregated together and afflicted her 5. That she had certainly worms was very evident not only from that gnawing at Stomach which she daily complained of but also from the coming away of them at several times both by vomit and stool and she often evacuated them upon taking of the Juyce of Centory the less which she was advised to by an old Woman 6. Having considered and well weighed her Distemper with the complications thereof I began the Cure with purging the which I performed with my Family Pills with Aloes she took them seven several times and they brought away from her about seventeen or eighteen long Worms of about seven or eight inches long I have given them several times for this very occasion with very great success whilst I was writing over this observation viz. 15. November 1683. I had a Letter sent to me from one Mr John Cordel of St. Jves in Huntinton-shire with the following account 7. Sir Your Pills begin now to be in request the first box that I sold of them brought from the Man that took them about thirty Worms some of them was half a yard long and one of them was eight foot and half long it was measured by a Carpenters Rule 8. Now as to the Periodical vomiting I conceived it in vain to attempt the cure thereof by Emeticks simply for that upon the revolution of certain times it exactly returned again which made me believe the Distemper proceeded from a general Discrasy of the Blood not a simple disaffection of the part and therefore that we ought to amend the general habit of the whole Body rather than apply ourselves to the peculiar symptom 9. For the removal of this cause therefore I gave such things as had a mighty power to alter the Blood among Vegetables I chose the Virginian Snake-root because of its singugular virtue in overcoming the Poyson of the Rattle-Snake which it performs in a moment and besides which no other vegetable upon earth is yet known to have power to answer that intention notwithstanding the Poyson of the Rattle-Snake transcends almost infinitly the power of all other Poysons Vegetable Mineral or Animal and transfuses its mortal malignity by contaminating the whole mass of Blood and nervous juyce and so extinguishing the vital flame 10. Among Animalls I made choise of the Viper and Toad because of their admirable effects the one in curing of a Leprosy though radicated which is an universal disaffection and contamination of all the juyces in the whole Body the other to wit that of the Toad in amending the watery disposition of the mass of Blood and taking away its evil and malign quality in the case of a Cancer which Experience has confirmed it has performed with a marvelous dexterity beyond all other things 11. Among Mâ—nerals I chose Gold and Antimony the one for its infinite diffusive power the other for its admirable effects not only of purifying Gold it self but also of cleansing and altering the whole mass of Blood in Mans body which it singularly performs beyond any other Mineral whatsoever being also a great friend to nature and as it were a kind of natural Balsam to the humane life correcting all its exorbitancies healing its disaffections and restoring and comforting one of its Essential parts to wit the Radical Humidity 12. From these reasons I made of the choice of the aforesaid particulars and out of them such Preparations as might be most condusive to the removing of the present Malady with respect also to the Paralytick Distemper Of the Virginian-snake-root I made a Tincture in rectified Spirit of Wine and also an Extract Of the Viper Viper-Wine and also a Pouder of Vipers Of the Toad a Salt of Toads Of Gold an Aurum Potabile And of Antimony Basil Valentine his Tincture 13. Out of these things I compounded these following Medicaments first an Extract Take Extract of Virginian-snake-root of a middle consistency six ounces Pouder of Vipers three ounces Salt of Toads half an ounce Aurum Potabile two drams mix them and bring it into the just consistency of an Electuary by adding a sufficient quantity of the Tincture of Antimony This Electuary the Patient took every Night going to bed the quantity of two drams at a time or better drinking after it a glass of Viper-Wine and continued the use thereof so long till the whole quantity thereof was spent 14. Secondly a liquid Mixture Take Viper-Wine from two to three ounces Tincture of Virginian-snake-root Tincture of Antimony of each two drams Aurum Potabile ten drops mix them for a Dose to be given every Morning fasting and to be continued every day so long aâ— the former Electuary lasts by the use of these things the Blood became truly purified and the periodical vomiting was perfectly taken away and truly with the use of Topicks also as follows the Paralytick Distemper was completely cured 15. But notwithstanding all these things we were not unmindful of the miserable Convulsions of the Mesentery which were attended with manifold symptoms and therefore while the other Medicaments were exhibited these following things were given in the intervals between Morning and Night Take choice Venice Treacle one dram Musk fourten grains Ambergrise six grains Indian green Ginger three drams mix and make a Bolus adding a little quantity of juyce of Alkermes This she took every day an hour before Dinner for eight days drinking after it this Take choice Hippocras Orange flower-water of each four ounces mix them for a draught 16. About four in the After-noon she took this mixture Take choice Hippocras six ounces Powers of Caraways Powers of sweet Fennel-seed of each thirty drops mix them for a draught By the use of these things together with bathing the whole region of the Abdomen with Powers of Aniseeds Morning and Night these
impeded and so a Resolution in the respective Members is excited 9. As also because of the Thalamus Opticus where it is fixed to the Corpus striatum being compressed the Eye of that Side was deprived of Sight moreover the callous Body was a little compressed by the matter gathered together from hence the Principle of the animal Functions their Slowness Dulness and Heaviness were excited without any subversion of them 10. These kinds of Affections because of some Hurt affixed to the substance of the Brain do proceed from thence and not as we in another place asserted from the Impletion of the Ventricles which I do think is clear enough from this one Instance Willis Patholog Cap. 9. Observ 2. LXVI The Palsy in another middle-aged Man 1. A Farmer who belonged to a certain noble Man about the age of forty his Constitution was cholerick and his Blood sharp and not long since obnoxious to a Vertigo who while he was travelling a horse-back through a certain Village was suddenly taken with a Scotomy by which he fell presently to the Ground from whence being taken up by the Inhabitants and put into a Bed he lay for many hours insensible and as it were dead 2. Afterwards he was taken with an universal Palsy and did feel all the Members of both Sides resolved 3. Coming to see him I caused twelve ounces of Blood to be taken from him afterwards I prescribed Medicines to be both internally and externally administred not without good Success 4. For about five or six Days after he began to move his Hands and Feet and to extend and bow them here and there yet slowly and by a constant use of Remedies he began within the space of two Months to raise himself up to stand on his Feet and to walk a little with the Benefit of Crutches 5. And then having used an artificial Bath somtimes at home he grew every Day stronger and more capable of motion at length going to the Bath at the proper Season he was perfectly recovered and by the use of these Waters in the space of a fort-night where he left his Crutches behind him 6. In this Case the apopletick Matter falling from the Meditullium of the Brain being divided and largely diffused had got into both the Corpus striatum and this caused an universal Palsy but forasmuch as the same was expanded it was with less Density impacted in the medullar Pores and consequently more moveable and apt to be discussed and the Cure more facile and sudden 7. The hotter Sort of Medicines did not agree with this Man therefore I endeavoured to exhibite such as were of their own nature temperate 8. Now that the Palsy comes not only by cephalick Affects but also by a Colick and the Scurvy the following Relation doth evidently declare Willis Patholog Cap. 9. Obs 3. LXVII The Palsy in a young Woman after Child-birth 1. A certain fair and young Woman after Child-birth fell into a tertian Ague which afterwards became Quotidian she having some Intermission of her Feaver fell into a very feirce daily Cholick the Pains first only in the Abdomen were outragious being accompanied with Vomiting and most sharp Gripes 2. She being for a long time afflicted with these and almost consumed began at length to be troubled with a kind of stupefaction and sense of pricking much like to that which one feels when the Hand or Foot is said to be asleep 3. Not long after this a Palsy which was universal followed of which Disease the precedent Distemper is the usual Fore-runner in this helpless Condition she was carried to Oxford and committed to the Care of another Doctor and my self 4. This poor young Womans Arms Legs all the greater and lesser Members were so much resolved that she could not so much as move Hand nor Foot nor a Finger of either Hand Moreover she had so great a Consumption that there was no Flesh to be seen on the Bones and the Bones could scarcely stick to the Skin yet that which afforded us some small ground of hope was her good Pulse and a lively Aspect 5 After we had for many weeks exhibited several Medicines as well antiscorbutick as antiparalytick according to various Methods without Success we at length proposed to her and her Freinds Salivation as a Remedy more powerful but more dangerous then others 6. Therefore we did exhibite a small Dose of Praecipitatum ex Mercurio cum Sole and did repeat the same the next Day on the third Day a Salivation easy and moderate was continued for a week without any malignant Symptoms which did succeed well 7. Then the sick complaining of a greivous Head ach and Vertigo began to be afflicted with convulsive Motions for that cause it was necessary immediately to depress the Salivation and to break off this Course as soon as possible by diverting and deriving the Defluxion of the serous humor from the Head towards other Parts which may be effected by the application of frequent Clysters epispastick Emplasters and Revulsions together with Cordials and Opiats inwardly given 8. By these things this noble Lady found her self a little better and began to extend and stretch-out the Joints of her Hands and Feet and move the Members from one place to another 9. The Defluxion ceasing she began to be gently purged for many Days with the Decoction of China Sarsa Sanders Ivory c. with the addition of the dryed Leaves of Sage Betony Pauls-Betony c. with which there was wont to be mixed with the Spirit of Harts-horn or Soot cephalick and cardiack Confections as also the proper Pouder and Julap 10. In the space of a Month she could stand on her Feet being supported by her Servants and could walk a little in her Chamber moreover sleeping and eating indifferently well she grew every Day in Strength and in Flesh and at last became perfectly well by the moderate use of the Baths 11. The cause of this Distemper proceeded from the Blood which being corrupted and vitiated did bring an intermitting Feaver then because of the said Feaver the Blood being more vitiated did communicate its Infection to the Brain and the nervous Stock 12. This peccant Matter being thus interlaced with the Blood and the nervous Juyce first almost only spasmodick and also cheifly entring into the intercostal Nerves did excite the Cholick afterwards being diffused more largly into the Nerves of the Marrow of the Back-bone did cause painful Contractions in the nervous Fibres through the whole Body 13. And whereas by the daily abundant Incourse of the spasmodick Matter the Passages of the Brain and Nerves were very much opened the thicker Particles getting in at length did disseminate a paralytick Disposition throughout the whole Body 14. About the Therapeia the usual Remedies of it before Salivation have been less profitable because they force the morbifick Matter so far that the nervous Chanels or Conduits are obstructed thereby mercurial Particles as they did dissolve
the Original of the Nerves stirs up the Spasmodick affections yet the Lethargy does not arise from any such cause but from the exterior Brain is inundated and compressed Willis Patholog cap. 9. Observ 6. LXX The Palsy arising from a Cholick 1. A certain Gentleman who had been long sickly oft times sick indeed was troubled for almost five months with a Cholick or rather a wandring Gout and a fierce and stubborn Scurvey Insomuch that not only the Bowels and Loins were afflicted with great torments but moreover the whole Membrains and Muscles were troubled with continual pungent and pricking Pains 2. At length he endured most horrible Convulsions one while resolutions of the parts now a Phrensy in the Head then Appoplectick assaults and obfuscation of the sight at length he Died his strength being wasted and the treasury of the Spirits being exhausted 3. Seven days the penult being excepted before his Death he was more vigorous both as to sense and intellect yet live almost always without sleep and although Opiats milder and stronger Medicines were exhibited yet could he scarcely sleep 4. A little before he came to be watchful to that degree a great quantity of water did flow forth from a Vesicatory applyed to the Neck and did afterwards run every day till the day of his Death from thence I suppose that the watery humour being taken too copiously from the Brain was the cause of his being so little addicted to sleep and drouziness 5. This Gentlemans Head being opened the inward Cavities of the Brain or all the Ventricles were filled full of clear lympid water and they appeared as if they were distended yea about the top of the Back-bone the very Furis Medullaris seemed to be immerged in water that was gathered there 6. Without doubt for this reason Pains and fierce Convulsions in the Loins and Members yea in the whole Body were so troublesom and because of the overflowing in the Ventricles he was obnoxious to frequent obfuscations of the sight and resolution of the Joints 7. Nevertheless from thence there was no Lethargy but because of the water too much derived from the Brain by Vesicatories a great watchfullness was occasioned 8. He was afflicted with a Dropsy of the Brest because of the Lungs being much vitiated his Liver which was very big was every where full of white spots and almost without any blood therefore the vices of the blood and Nervous part ought in some measure to be attributed to these faults of the Viscera Willis Patholog cap. 9. Observ 7. LXXI A Palsy following upon a Feaver 1. A certain Youth had a Feaver with a Cough which ended in a Palsy of the Tongue first we gave him this Laxative syrup 2. Takâ— syrup of Roses solutive two ounces Manna half an ounce a little of the decoction of the flowers and fruits with the leaves of Sena 3. After the Belly was loosened we gave a sudorifick powder to be taken at two several times made of Harts-horn prepared with the shreds of Scarlet-Cloath of each half a dram in the water of Carduus Benedictus 4. We gave him in the next place for his Cough the roots of Sorrel with Harts-horn and Sugar-Candy and the syrup of the juyce of Citrons mixed with syrup of Violets also Conserve of Roses and Violets and the like 5. But we gave ease to his violent Cough by syrup of Jujubs mixed with syrup of Violets and somtimes for Inspissating the Catarrh and defluxion we gave him in the Evening the syrup of the flowers of wild Poppie 6. When by these things the principal Disease was defeated there happened and succeeded a Palsy of the Tongue from which he was deprived of his speech I conjecture the cause of this proceeded from a Catarrh falling upon the Nerves of the Tongue for whom was prescribed the following Cephalick Balsam 7. Take Oyl of Nutmeg by expression one dram Oyls of Bawm Rue Rosemary Marjoram of each half a scruple mix them and make a Balsam wherewith anoint frequently the Head Temples and Nostrills 8. The following Gargarism was prescribed Take the waters of Sage and Lilly Convally of each six ounces the spirit of black Cherries one ounce and half Mithridate one dram and half mix them 9. Outwardly was applyed a bag of the seeds of Nigella Mastich Nutmeg the flowers of Lavender Marjoram and the like by these things and the observation of a good Diet this Youth gradually recovered strength Gregorius Horstius lib. 1. Observ 29. LXXII A Palsy following upon Cholick Pains 1. One about fifty years of age had violent Pains of the Cholick but when the Intensness of the pain abated there succeeded a great weekness of the Feet and Hands which ended in a Palsy of both but chiefly of the Hands and Arms. 2. The Diet we prescribed for this person is such as is of an easy concoction and will rather keep the Belly lose than hard such is the Broth of Hens wherein Prunes and Currans are put Apples roasted with confected Anise and Fennel rear Eggs with fresh Butter the flesh of Hens Pullets Pigeons Veal and Mutton the Broth of these meats is to be aromatized with a little Rosemary Time Marjoram Mace Savory Fennel Anise Caraway and the like your Wine must be old and your Beer new 3. Then we appointed the following Clyster Take Broth of Hens flesh one pound and half the flowers of Cammomil half an handful Aniseed Fennel-seed Cucumber-seeds of each one dram make a decoction strain then add the Electuary of Hiera picra simplex one ounce Oyl of Dill Oyl of Cammomil of each two ounces Salt one dram mix them By the benefit of this the belly was not only rendred loose but the flatulency of the Inward parts was corrected 4. After two days one dram of the pouder of Mechoacan with four grains of the Troches Alhandal was given hot in Wine of Raisons for a fuller purgation 5. Or in the place of the pouder you may take a Bolus Take our Electuary of Tamarinds six drams Pulvis De tribus Augustanorum two scruples mix them and take it fasting a draught of the decoction of Pease is to be drunk immediately after 6. And in the intermediate days for making the Belly loose a draught of the Wine of Raisons warmed with one ounce an a half of the Oyl of bitter Almonds will not be Inconvenient 7. You may take these Medicaments for strengthning and comforting of the Stomach to wit the roots of Succory one handful boyl them in flesh broth with which you may mix eight or nine drops of the Spirit of Turpentine two hours before Meat but in the mean time you must forbear the use of other Medicines 8. By the continuance of this proper means the Stomach will be strengthened Ventosities dissipated and obstructions in the Mesentery prevented 9. You may take half a dram of the following Stomach-pouder with white bread a little toasted and moistened in Malago Wine Take Coriander prepared half
them in a little Fat and Hony and when they are thus mixed apply them to the Nape of the Neck for a Vesicatory 75. The Friction of the Tongue and Pallat is profitable Treacle and Mithridate being exhibited 76 It is reported of a certain Woman who had lost the Liberty and Use of speaking that by taking of thirty grains of Peony hulled began immediately to speak again 77. Letting of blood from the Veins under the Tongue is convenient provided it be afterwards rubbed with Cresses and Castoreum 78. An Emplaster of Dogs-Turd in Vinegar applyed to the hinder part of the Head has restored lost Speech the Labour of the Hands in this very thing ought to be used for no other cause than Diversion and Evacuation 79. Although as I have said before that the cause of your Highness Relaxation was not without a mixture of Blood and Choler yet nevertheless according to the present state of things letting of Blood to me seems unprofitable 80. Some affirm That letting of Blood is of no use unless the person becomes Paralytick by a stroke 81. Frictions in the begining of a Palsy are very profitable if they be applied to the whole part 82. And after evacuation let the parts affected and the original of the Nerves have the benefit of Friction continue it for the space of an hour with warm and soft Cloaths to the Shoulders Arms the Marrow of the Back-bone Belly Hips Thighs and Feet 83. In the extream parts you may use Frictions a little more vehement It will be profitable after evacuations to exhibit frictions to the affected part with this kind of Pouder 84. Take Mustard-seed Pepper Origanum Ginger Pyrethrum of each equal parts Salt gem to the weight of them all mix them 85. Cupping-glasses draw the humors from the Nerves to the outmost skin if they be applyed to the begining of the Muscles throughout the whole Body then in the hinder part then to the Spondylus yet without Incision 86. It will be profitable afterwards to apply to the very same places where the Cupping-glasses were set Emplasters which may make red the flesh it self but let that be done before Dinner which remedy perchance may be of greatu se 87. Ligatures have been somtimes probable for diverting 88. Cauteries are mightily commended by some which I very much approve of I esteem a Cauterie necessary which is applied to the Coronal suture in the middest of the Head after a little time another may be applied to the hinder part of the Head 89. Some Practitioners do commend a Cautery in the right part and in the left and in the Head it self to wit in those places that are nearest to the Fore-head 90. They also aâ—vise that in the three Spondyls of the Neck three Cauteries are to be made by little and little Lauren. Scholzius cons med 50. LXXXIII A Palsy 1. Although it be difficult to determine any thing certainly concerning the Palsy wherewith this Man is afflicted because I am ignorant of his other circumstances yet that I may not be wanting in the discharge of my Duty I shall here prescribe somthings in order to effect the Cure 2. The first thing after his Diet which should be according to the prescription of Art is purgation which must be light and frequent and must be thus ordered 3. Take the distilled water of Guajacum and if that cannot be had take the decoction of the bark of Guajacum three ounces the water of Sage of Betony of each half an ounce Wormwood half an ounce iufuse into them for a Night the leaves of choice Sena six drams Ginger one dram Agarick trochiscated two scruples in the Morning strain to which add syrup of Roses solutive two ounces aromatize with Cinnamon water or Bawm let it be taken in the Morning four hours before Dinner and the same dose continued for eight Days increasing the dose or diminishing as shall seem convenient to the Physician 4. But when he has used this twice or thrice let him forbear a day or two and afterwards let the Basilick Vein of the opposite side be opened 5. Then let him rest for two Days afterwards he may return to the taking of three or four potions 6. These things being done we must come to the use of Sudorificks boyl in the Broth of flesh the opening roots Parsley and Fennel or the water of Guajacum or the decoction of the same take thereof Morning and Evening four ounces and put in twenty four or thirty drops of the same Liquor which you have always ready prepared let him compose himself for a Sweat which must be of two hours continuance yet so as that after an hour he takes some refreshment 7. He must Sweat again in the Evening provided he can bear it but if otherwise he must Sweat only in the Morning 8. Let him use a slender diet such a one as is wont to be prescribed in the use of Guajacum after a while a more liberal Diet. 9. When he has sweated for the space of six days there must also be great care taken of the affected part insomuch that in the Morning before he fit himself for sweating his Arms and Legs that are affected be well rubbed with a hard and rough Cloath made wet in Childrens Urine in which Sal Vstulatum has been dissolved for one measure of urine let there be one handful of Salt 10. After sweating the part is to be anointed with Oyl of Earthworms of Costus of Cammomil of Roses and if the smell can be endured there may be added a little of the Oyl of Castoreum and one drop or two of the Oyl of Amber Laurentius Scholzius cons med 51. LXXXIV A Palsy of the one side 1. When one part of the Body is resolved it is a certain token of the Back-bone and Menings being affected 2. All things that offend the Nerves and Head must be shuned as the cold and humid constitution of the Air or a mutation from cold into heat you must beware of Noon and Evening sleep with a repleat Body or in a moist place also vehement passions and affections of the mind such as move the humors must be avoided 3. Great care is to be taken that the Belly be kept in a good temper if it be not loose I know nothing better than Aloes Rosata let the person take it with white Sugar after the following direction Take Aloes Rosatae one dram and half white Amber one scruple Species Diarhodon one scruple with syrup of Betony make Pills for fourteen drams and let him take seven of them 4. But let him take in order for purgation the following syrup before Winter Take syrup of Staechas of Betony of each half an ounce the decoction of Calamus Aromaticus in water of Betony three ounces mix them he should drink after it four or five times 5. The syrup being taken let him use this potion Take Raisons six drams Galangal one dram Rosemary flowers Violets Borage of each