Skull c. XXIX Of the Head-ach its Name Definition and Kinds 1. The Name in Greek is ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã which is the primitive or first but remote Cause the other ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
Night going to Bed apply the following Take Vinegar of Roses one ounce Poppy water in which one dram of Sal Prunellae is dissolved two ounces Spirit of Wine in which Camphir one scruple is dissolved half an ounce Opium extracted with Spirit of Wine and Inspissated to the thickness of Honey two drams white Poppy seeds bruised one ounce Oyl of Poppy seeds by Expression one ounce and half the White of one Egg Terra sigillata two ounces mix all well and upon R se Cakes Cloth or Leather apply it as a Pultise 7. The next Morning following let him take a strong decoction of Cink-foil made in part water part wine and made pleasant with a Syrup of the Juyce of the same herb repeating also the Clyster afore prescribed if occasion be mean seas n let Nothing be left undon towards the removal of the Primary Cause viz. the Feaver but let every thing be done in Order In respect both to the Feaver and the Pain of the Head Blisters on the soles of both feet are of most admirable effects XXXVIII The Cure of the Headach arising from the French Pox. 1 The Headach arising from the French Pox is to be Cured by taking away that Disease by the Roots but we Intend not here a Headach arising simply from the Pox but rather one arising from the ill management and vitious application of Medicaments by ignorant and illiterate Persons pretending to that Cure 2. It is Caused for the most part from Mercury ill prepared ascending up into the Brain and sometimes from the Irregularity of the Patient in both these Cases the Cure is exceeding difficult nor has many Physicians performed it scarce has any Attempted it the most Acurate and Faithfull Hartman has in a manner Concluded these Pains Incurable so what we have to say or declare here is wholly without President 3. Former Physicians in this Case have prescribed a Repetition of Salivations others constant Diet Drinks made of Guajacum sassafras and sarsa according to the common manner 4. Others have given strong Vomits and purges continuing their use till the Patient was brought well near to his Grave others have applied the Seton Cupping Glasses Vesicatories and the like to various parts of the Body 5. Others have applyed Errhines Sternutatories Masticatories and Gargarisme to the Nostrills and Mouth others have applied Oyls Unguentâ Cataplasms and Plasters to the parts affected of various kinds of qualities both with and without Quicksilver 6. Others have given outwardly and continued the use of Opiats for many mo ths others have used strong Sudorificks and Caused the Sick to sweat six eight or ten times or more and yet notwithstanding all these things have proved ineff ctual 7. Others wiser then their fellows have made use of all those distinct Remedies to one only Patient and yet alas without success 8. What now Remains to be done which these Men have not done or what way can be further thought of to deliver the Sick from such perpetual excruciating Torments 9. But that we may rightly attempt this Cure if possibly it may be performed since so many have shot a side from the Mark and gone so far astray from Truth it behoves us to make a scrutiny both in the Cause of this Herculean Affect and the Cause of the Errors and Unsuccessfullness of the former prescribed Remedies 10. And first as to the Cause of the Malady the Procatartick first or remote Cause is doubtless a Mercurial Venom if not the Body of Mercury it self contaminating the Tunicles Ventricles and in some measure the substance of the Brain it self 11. The Proegumine latter proximate or conjunct Cause is an Acid Salt intimately mixed with the blood and carried with it to the Films Ventricles and substance of the Brain 12. This acid Salt 't is probable will not simply be the Cause of the pain of the Head but meeting with the Mercury thereupon the least Motion or Agitation it seizes upon the Mercury from whence arises cloudy obscure and poysonous Fumes such as you see when Quick-silver is put to be dissolved in Aqua Fortis which Fumes if they be in the least manner received into the Head by the Nostrils will immediately cause a most intollerable Head-ach 13. Now this Pain made by the Operation of these Fumes is either from their stretching the Films of the Brain or Interrupting the Animal Spirits in the Cavities where they are generated or conveyed or in the Vessels of the Brain it self or else from their vellicating or fretting the parts which they touch or from their Venine property being wholly Poysonous thus much as to the Cause 14. Now it appears That if an Acid Juyce or Salt be the proximate or conjunct Cause of this Pain that all those things which breed and generate an Acid Salt must be directly opposite to the Intention of Health 15. And whereas all the former Artists and and Men of this Profession whatever things they Considered of in order to the Cure of the Disease they never missed the constant use of Guajacum to wit in a Diet prepared therefrom 16. Now whereas Guajacum contains a most acid Salt and even in the highest degree as every Chymist that has wrought therein can tell you and produces an acid Salt or Spirit which will dissolve Mettals Stones Bones and the harder Substances it is no wonder indeed that they have so often attempted this Cure without success and missed their desire in it 17. Now it remains knowing the true Cause of the Disease and the Reason why the former Remedies had no Effect to institute and lay down a Method of Precepts which being put in use may infallibly Vanquish this hitherto Incurable Disease 18. The chief matter lies in the Diet next in that thing which will effectually draw out the Mercury 19. By the constant use of the Diet for forty sixty or a hundred days the Blood comes to be throughly and perfectly sweetned through a destruction of the said acid salt and by the Medicament which we call Hercules by reason of its mighty Power and Operation the Mercury is destroyed extracted and drawn forth 20. But by what means or Act it performs it is yet doubtful to us what we can most resemble it to is the Operation of the Head of a Viper or Poysonous Serpent in Curing the Biting of the same Creature which if Remedies be neglected is always Mortal 21. Yet if you immediately apply to the place Biten the bruised Head of the Serpent after the manner of a Cataplasm in which Head is contained as most Authors think all the Poyson of the Creature the Sick shall be perfectly freed from all manner of danger and in a short time become throughly well again 22. As to the Diet let it be made after this manner Take spring Water twenty five quarts Mealy Sarsaparillae two pounds and half Virginian Snake-root Contra yerva of each four ounces infuse all the Sarsaparilla all Night in the Water
had been of many years standing and continual so instead of giving now and than a Dose of violent Pills it had been much better to have Instituted a gentle and constant Purging Diet which he might have taken if occasion had been for an hundred days together and such an one as follows I instituted him 11. Take new Ale four or five gallons put into it these following things Sena fourteen ounces Polypody Juniper-berries well bruised Coriander-seed Zedoary all of them well bruised of each half a pound dryed Rosemary Betony Sage Stoechas of each four ounces Bay-berries hull'd and grossly bruised Sal Prunella of each two ounces put them into a Bag with a stone in it to make it sink and let them Work up with the Ale after four or five days he drank of it every Morning a little draught and accordingly encreased or diminished the quantity as he found it to Purge him 12. This quantity being taken I Caused him to repeat it again adding to the former Ingredients these Scurvy-grass Brooklime Water-cresses Tarragon of each three handfuls all bruised Mustard-seed bruised Horse-radish root Rocket-seed of each two handfuls and half he continued the taking of this last quantity till it was all spent which Purging very gently and pleasingly carried off the Morbifick matter and thoroughly cleansed his whole Body 13. But that we might not seem only to remove the Conjoyned Cause by Purging only I Caused him to take the following Dose to Sweat upon Take choice Bezoar Mineral twelve grains Oriental Bezoar ten grains Volatile Salts of Amber and Hartshorn of each eight grains Viper Pouder a scruple mix them together with half a dram of Mithridate and give it the Sick to Swallow for a Dose to provoke Sweat drinking after it a little choice Canary mixed with six drams of Treacle Water being in his Bed and well covered this Caused him to Sweat very powerfully and from whence he Confessed he had wonderful relief 14. As to Topicks his Stomach Head and Temples was anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression one ounce Opo-balsamum half an ounce distilled Oyl of Nutmegs of Rosemary of sweet Marjoram and of Sassafras of each one dram mix and anoint therewith Morning and Evening keeping those parts warm 15. The extream parts either benummed after the manner of a Palsy or pained in the Joynts resembling a Gout I Caused every Morning and Evening to be anointed with the following Medicament Take Powers of Amber six ounces choice Camphir one ounce dissolve it therein and herewith Bath well the afflicted parts 't is not to be imagined what sudden and great relief he received therefrom 16. For in the extremity of his Pain the said Pain would vanish in a Moment and although Lame he would be able to go very well in two or three days time 17. Now 't is to be observed that during the time of his Purging I ordered him to Swallow whole every Night going to bed twenty five or thirty grains of choice white Olibanum or Mastich sometimes the one sometimes the other with about ten grains of pure white Ginger cut into very small bits 18. The time of Purging being wholly over viz. so long as he was drinking the two former quantities of Diet I caused him to take every Morning fasting half an ounce of this following Electuary whereby the Stomach Head Brain and Animal Spirits were mightily relieved Comforted and Strengthened 19. Take the soft or Melligenous extract of Juniper-berries half a pound Viper pouder Pouder of Zedoary of Nutmegs of each one ounce and half Pouder of white Ginger of Cloves of each half an ounce Camphir a dram Venice Treacle three ounces extracts of Virginian Snake-root and Contra yerva of each two ounces mix them for a Stomachical and Cephalick Antidote This is very good against all sorts of salt and sharp Catarrhs moisture of the Brain coldness and weakness of the Stomach and Paralitick and Arthritick Distempers 20. At Night going to Bed he took two three or four grains of my Laudanum the use of these two last Medicines he constantly took Morning and Night for five or six Weeks together by the use whereof he became perfectly Restored and was free from all the said disaffections for more then seven years afterwards XII A Catarrh in a Gentlewoman accompaned with Hysterick fits and an exceeding Pain on her left side supposed an affection of the Spleen 1. This Gentlewoman being about thirty years of Age had been obnoxious to a Catarrh almost from a Child with swellings in her Throat and Almonds of the Ears soreness and difficulty of swallowing but of late to wit for four or five years last pass the Catarrh was almost Continual and she had with it a great dejection of Spirit 2. She would sight often and complain of a great pain in her left Side and many times would be overtaken or seised with fits of the Mother the Cause thereof she apprehended to be from an unnatural Marrage being allied to a man extreamly wicked almost in all senses 3. She was a very Comely Lady and brought with her a great Fortune but was almost at first slighted and abused by her Husband whence arose a great discontent of mind which seising and Continuing long upon her begat a kind of Melancholy habit 4. Not long after she was as she thought afflicted with the Pain of the Spleen which she Conceived was encreased by taking an extream Cold however a Pain she had in her left Side and that almost continually her Catarrh was almost always the same causing her constantly to spit and very much afflicting her in the Night 5. The begining of this Discontent brought also upon her those Hysterick fits the Cause of which is a preternatural Convulsion of the Nerves of the Mesentery and Middriff or Diaphragma whereby that exceeding great rising up into the Breast not much unlike a Ball or Globe is made 6. And I am the more Confirmed in this opinion That these Fitts are often Caused as aforesaid and not always simply from the Womb from that singular observation of Dr. Willis who beheld the same in a Man where the old supposed Cause was impossible to be Suspected and in the time of my practise I have seen two such lâke examples which has very much confirm'd me in this Judgment not that I will totally deny any Cause to be Inherent in the Womb in all persons 7. For I doubt not but where there are great Obstructions of the Matrix and that part abounds with many stinking and noysom humours it being as it were the very sink of a Womans Body that Vapours may be Emitted from thence and that it may also have a share in the Cause of Hysterick Paroxisms 8. The original Cause of the Catarrh I attribute to be in part from a Discrasy of the Blood and in part from a natural weakness of the Brain whereby it is made more apt to Receive the Recrements of the second
upon any of the extream parts as it is known partly by Tumor Inflamation or pain so likewise it manifests it self by a sudden and often removal of the same and translation thereof to some of the other parts 5. If it falls upon the Nerves it is known by a pain and weakness of the part going before a gradual increase of the same pain and weakness then a decrease of the pain with numbness and a kind of want of feeling an increase of the weakness and numbness and somtimes there is added a shaking and trembling of the part together with a whitish kind of painless Tumor 6. This I have observed in several insomuch that some very Learned men have pronounced it to be a Palsy or Paralytick affect whereas it was nothing more or less but a Lymphatick flux upon the Nerve weakning the same the stopping and removal of which has been for the most part the Cure of the Disease without using any Antiparalyticks at all CXXXIX The various Causes of a Catarrh 1. The Causes of a Catarrh are manifold both according to the kinds and according to the parts of the Body afflicted 2. In general it is Caused by a flux of the Lympha made sharper than ordinary either with the Acid Salts or Sulphureous Particles 3. If it proceeds from an acid Salt it is caused from a hurt of the Blood in its Crasis whereby being dissolved by the acid Salt now in Flux it is not able to carry along with it its Serum but as it passes along up and down here and there it loses the same and if any part be weaker than ordinary whether by nature or accident there it commonly leaves a Flux of Serous humors which late Authors call Lympha or a lymphatick Juyce 4. Sometimes it heaps them upon the Glandules and according to the various position of the Body and proximity to other parts so they discharge themselves whereby a fluxion of Rhume is Caused in the said parts adjacent 5. If the said Lympha be discharged upon the upper or lower Maxillary Glandules the parts afflicted with the Catarrh are the Mouth and Throat 6. If it be discharged upon the Brain filling its Cavities there may be a flux on the Nose Eyes and other parts 7. If it be discharged upon the Axillary Glandules oftentimes the Arms Pleura and parts adjacent are affected 8. If it be discharged upon the Glandules of Groin it causes a flux upon the Hips Thighs and the parts adjacent to them 9. If upon the Glandules of the Mysentery it causes a watery disposition of the whole blood and sometimes endangers a Dropsy or other hidden and occult Diseases 10. But if the Blood abounds too much with Sulphur its whole substance becomes too much losened and dis-jointed so that great separations of the Lymphatick Juyce are not easily made but by reason of the excessive heat thereof it looses its Serum after the manner of a Vapour 11. Whence it is that the Catarrh or flux of Rhume is caused from a thin matter and has for the most part its habitation in the Cavities of the Brain 12. So that in a sulphurous saline habit of Body the Catarrh is for the most part accompanied with Vapours offending the Head in both Cases but more especially where the Acid Salt abounds it may proceed from a Rupture of the Lymphatick Vessels in the parts descending from the Head 13. Whereby there is not only caused a great flux of Rhume in the Mouth but also being very fierce vehement and plentiful it oftentimes falls upon the Lungs whereby either Obstruction Tumor or Erosion of the part commonly ensues whence is Coughing dangerous Suffocation Ulcers of the Lungs Phthisicks or a Consumption of the Lungs that is to say where the Catarrh has been of long continuance and without remedy 14. Some say a Catarrh is only caused from a flux of Rhume falling from the Head without admission of any other way of fluxion whatsoever but this being strictly examined will be scarcely found probable For as much as no passage can be found from the Head but by the Glandula pituitaria and Os Cribosum whereby a certain passage is found to the Nostrils 15. But there can be no reason from that cause or way of fluxion for an immediate and fierce Rhume to flow to the Mouth in great abundance as is commonly to be seen in those which have Catarrhs immediatly after drinking wherein the matter lately drunk shall immediately flow by the Salivatick passages into the Mouth and be straight way spit forth again 16. That it is chiefly the same liquor is apparent from this that in spitting the tast of the Liquor whither salt sour sweet or bitter will be alwayes in the Mouth and almost as perfect as if it had not been swallowed which alone Consideration forces us into the thoughts of a new Theory relating to the Catarrh For as much as the matter even now put into the Stomach is forthwith spit out of the Mouth again by a passage thorough the Salivatick Vessels as aforesaid 17. The Procatartick or remote Causes comes partly from fault of the nourishment and that may be known by what is Eaten or thorough fault of the Concoctive or nourishing faculty the which may be known by the defects of the Stomach and evil disposition of the Mysentery 18. The nourishment taken in is either Evil or too much in quantity whence often times comes Surfeting and for the most part in a cold habit of body which has been fed with cold moist and slimy Meats and drinks excessively taken in and ill digested whence Vapors Ventosities and a sharp chylous Juyce is bred 19. To these Causes also we may add a Southern Air long sleeping especially in the day time sloathfullness and idleness and taking of extream Colds whereby many crude humors are engendred which nature not aptly disposing of them they by a vitious quality are thrust upon other parts 20. Cold taken by the Feet naturally produces a Catarrh a fluxion of Rhume from the Brain upon the Eyes Nose and parts adjacent which is by consent from the sympathy and Community of the parts for that the cold is Communicated to the Brain by the greatest Nerves that come thorough the marrow of the Back-bone whereby the innermost parts of the Brain are immediatly affected so as that they cannot retain their Humidities as naturally they ought 21. Riverius says that a Catarrh is caused by cold from shutting up the external Pores especially in those times wherein the Body ought most to Sweat hence it comes to pass says he That men very much enflam'd or heated by violent Exercise or otherwise running suddenly in the cold Air are troubled with Catarrhs 22. Which is the reason that this Disease is most frequent in Autumn because the Body being made thin and the Pores opened in the Summer time casting forth many excrements by Insensible transpiration if they be presently stopp'd by Contraction of the Body
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
this cause for the most part possessing the substance of the Brain or its Ventricles should rather induce an Apoplexy than Convulsions However in the mean season we do not deny but that the cause of an Epilepsy or Convulsions may oftentimes lye in the Head for that we meet with many faults within the skull in the membranes of the Brain in its substance and in it humors which raging with their poysonous and malign quality at set times as the nature of the Venom may be by provoking the Membranes and Genus Nervosum do cause either a long continued and almost incurable Epilepsie or Vehement and horrid Convulsions 21. But the nature of the Venenate cause as also of other Poysons we can no otherwise know than as by dissections made somtimes a speck or little spot is discovered somtimes some black or frothy humor in some inward part of the skull or bone or membrane or Brain it self and somtimes nothing at all can be discerned But then that it is of a poysonous quality we gather from this for that there is no manifest cause of any great moment yet nevertheless such horrid symptoms are produced which although they kill not the sick will yeeld to no remedies 22. This Venenate cause also lying in the Bowels may produce the like long continued and rebellious Epilepsies or Convulsions as Poysons taken into the Stomach and Guts which have somtimes the properly of begetting an Epilepsy or Convulsions Or meat changed into the nature of Poyson Or Excrements assuming a Venenate quality contained in those places as also in the Womb or other parts Of all which that these are the causes and do lie in the Veins is known and judged from the affctes concuring with them Or from others offering themselves about the Praecordia and Heart-strings or in the Veins Or from the disaffection of the Stomach or Womb. 23. The Veins in like manner if they be filled with Malign and Poysonous humors of this kind as it often hapens in Malignant and Pestilential diseases as such as are Epidemicall and Contagious where the Malignancy doth besiege the Heart and more especially the Genus Nervosum do after a more particular manner excite deadly Convulsions such as are wont to happen in Feavers so much not by reason of the great hurt of the Nerves from extream heat as from the venenate quality of the humor assaulting the Animal spirits both in the Blood and Nerves Or if without any such Pestilential Epidemical or Contagious disease the humors heaped up in the Veins should be changed into a Poysonous property inimical to the Brain and Nerves then Epileptical Convulsions would rather be induced than the others more especially if the Melancholy humor should meet with such a transformation which somtimes brings along with it a deep hypochondriacal Melancholly foolishness frenzy or Madness and from this cause does proceed a long continued and incurable Epilepsie 24. Moreover as a Venenate cause raised from the same may cause some short Madness being produced from matter collected in the Meseraick veins whether Lacteal or other so that may also produce rather Epileptick Convulsions than Hypochondriacal Melancholy whence also some think that a Catalepsie is caused which we hold to arise from subtil Vavapours ascending from a contaminated malign or venenate Melancholy humor and with a Vehement and sudden motion striking or smiting the Animal spirits and Genus Nervosum 25. Also in Women such matter is wont more usually to be heaped up in or about the Vains of the Womb where also the Blood retained and corrupted rather than the seed which seldom is affected with such a Malignity except in the furor rage or Madness of the Womb doth cause Convulsions such as are often to be seen in Virgins and Women Hysterical who never yet had their Courses or have them praeternaturally stopt whether before or after Childing 26. That the like quality may be bred or contained in the habit of the body which may cause Convulsions or Epilepsies experience doth daily testifie from which Galen and Fernelius write they have observed that Air in an Epileptick Child ascending from his Foot in one example and the like air or Vapour runing from the Crown through the outward parts of the Head in an other example did cause Epileptick fits as often as they came or returned and this very thing I my self have three or four times observed in so many special examples wherein the air or vapour ascending upwards seemed to the Sick as if he had put his Foot Leg or Arm leisurely into cold water deeper and deeper the vapours gradually proceeding not much unlike to the rising of the cold superficies of the said water And it has also been somtimes observed that an Air or Vapour runing from the Hand where afterwards an Apostem has bred as also from the Feet or upper places has don the like 27. That the like Poyson entring the body from without many cause Convulsions or Epilepsies for the like reason as the bitting of Venomous Beasts especially of the Viper or a mad Dog the sting of Scorpions the reception of Arsenick sublimate or other venenate and Corosive things the same quotidian Experience doth largely witness and particularly in the biting of a mad Dog besides the symptom of Madness and other cruell indications Convulsions are at length excited through the Malignity of the Venene spirit whereby the Patient is carried off and I once saw Convulsions arise from poysonous smells hastily assaulting the Animal spirits in the Brain which was don in a lusty young Man who hastily and unadvisedly received the fumes of very strong spirit of Niter by which he was immediately cast into most cruel Convulsion fits 28. These things being premised for the better understanding of the matter we shall now come to deliver our Observation which is of a Convulsion arising from a hurt of the Genus Nervosum by a blow received on the hinder part of the Head and vertebrae of the Neck how great the blow was I will not determine this I am sure of it brought dreadful Convulsions upon the sick so vehement that life was despaired of 29. The sick was immediately committed to a warm bed Roger Dixon the Chyrurgian and my self being sent for the fits often returned for the strength of the Convulsive motion being spent and the fit as it were going off the sick scarcely seemed to be free but new Convulsions were forthwith excited Roger was for letting him Blood which although it was a blow I was in this cause utterly against believing that if any such evacuation was necessary that Nature would provoke it however in the mean season all the external parts behind were bathed first with the Queen of Hungaries water then with the Powers of Amber and that not slightly also some few drops of the Powers of Rosemary were conveyed up his Nostrills they as also his Forehead and Temples being extreamly well bathed therewith by which without doubt the
the Oyl of Salt and so was cured Paracelsus SCHOLIA The THEORY of CONVULSIONS By the Author W. Salmon CVIII The Pathology of Convulsions and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Latin Convulsio in English a Convulsion or Retraction 2. The Definition Convulsio Nervorum Musculorum versus suum Caput Originemque violenta praeter Voluntatem contractio est in qua voluntaria Extensio Articulorum laeditur Membrum à Figura naturali detorquetur acerbissimoque dolore afficitur A Convulsion is a forced Contraction of the Nerves and Muscles towards their Original viz. the Brain and spinal Marrow wherein the voluntary Motion of the Joynts is hurt its natural Form and Scituation is depraved or changed and the Parts affected are afflicted with a most sharp Pain 3. The Kinds or Differences First the Kinds of Convulsions are chiefly four First ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Emprosthotonos which is when the whole Body is bended or drawn forwards Secondly ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Opisthotonos which is when the whole Body is convulsed or drawn backwards Thirdly ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Tetanos which is when the Convulsion is equally both ways so that the whole Body is stiff like a Stake that it cannot be moved any ways Fourthly ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Spasmos a Convulsion which only happens to a particular Part as the Hand Arms Leggs Thighs Hips Bowels Stomach Neck c. Secondly the Differences are known from the Causes and Parts afflicted and so a Convulsion is either Vniversal afflicting the whole Body and arising from the Brain and spinal Marrow of which kind are the three first aforenamed Or Particular afflicting some Part as the Ey Mouth Arm Legg c. arising from a particular Nerve hurt of which kind is the fourth Species aforenamed Thirdly Some Authors make a Convulsion to be but two-fold arising from opposite or contrary Causes as Fulness and Emptiness Fourthly Riverius make a Convulsion to be either proper or improper The Proper is that which agrees with the prime Definition at § 2. above The Improper saith he Is a convulsive Motion and they are thus distinguished In a true Convulsion the Retraction of the Muscles is always but in a convulsive Motion the Retraction is continually renewed moreover in a true Convulsion the convulsed Part is immoveable but in a convulsive Motion the chief of which is the Epilepsy it may be moved divers ways CIX The Signs of a Convulsion 1. The Diagnosis of a Convulsion is manifest from the Definition aforegoing and the Signs are easily learned for in a true Convulsion the Nerves and Muscles are contracted stiff and immoveable the Part afflicted is distorted and drawn out of its natural Shape and afflicted with a most exquisite Pain 2. The kind of the Convulsion is known from the manner of Retraction whether it be forwards or backwards or both ways 3. A Spasm or particular Convulsion is known from a forceable drawing up the Nerves and Muscles of the Part afflicted as it sometimes falls out under the Chin by excessive yawning In the Neck through Cold or some sudden Motion so likewise in the Mouth Eyes Hands Arms Fingers Thighs Legs and Feet and sometimes there are remarkable Convulsions of the Stomach Guts Mesentery and other internal Parts 4. If there be a Convulsion of the Stomach it is known by exquisite Pain Vomiting and somtimes by Fainting away and Swooning 5. If there be a Convulsion of the Guts it is known by the exquisite pain great tumbling of the Guts and hardness of the Belly and the sick by reason of the torture is almost ready to go distracted 6. If there be a Convulsion of the Nerves of the Mesentery or Diaphragma the Pain is more dull there is a rising of somthing as it were out of the Belly into the Stomack great hard and round much like as in those which they call Fits of the Mother which at length by reason of its Prevalency and Force takes away the Senses of the sick so as that they neither see hear or understand any thing CX The various Causes of a Convulsion 1. The Causes of a Convulsion whether they be ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Proegoumenine or ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Procatartick are manifold and various the more frequent Cause is from an Irritation of the Brain pouring forth the Spirits into the Nerves which arises for the most part by consent from other Parts and those somtimes far distant from the Brain as in a prick of a Nerve or Tendon a vehement blow upon any part causing a concussion of the animal Spirits and putting them into disorder and confusion the biting of a Serpent or Viper or other poysonous Beast The hurting of the Nerves or Tendons with a poysonous Weapon which seizing upon the animal Spirits presently corrupts and poysons them whence arises immediately universal Convulsions over the whole Body 2. The Cause of an universal Convulsion is for the most part from a hurt of the nervous System together also with the Brain it self from whence it is that a Tetanos is always accounted the most dangerous because it arises from a compleat hurt of the animal Spirits both in the Brain and nervous System whereas an Emprosthotonos and an Opisthotonos are caused from a hurt of the animal Spirits either in the Brain alone or in the nervous System according to the Scituation 3. And therefore an Emprosthotonos is when the Body with the Head and Neck are forceably contracted and drawn forwards so that the Chin is joyned to the Breast and the Body is in some measure turned round not much unlike to the Keel of a Ship yea somtimes bended like a Bow and somtimes round somtimes the Head of the Patient is joyned to his Knees and that is caused from the Affection of two Muscles which bend the Head forwards 4. An Opisthotonos is caused by a disaffection of the twelve Muscles which extend the Head some or all of them being drawn together by which means the Head and Body are drawn backwards 5. A Tetanos is caused from an equal contraction of the Muscles both before and behind whereby the Parts drawn by the opposite Muscles being as it were ballanced they remain stiff and inflexable which is called Motus Tonicus and is the most violent of all Convulsions being caused from the contension or disaffection of all the Muscles 6. A Spasmos simply so called is a particular Convulsion caused by the contraction of the Nerves and Muscles of some particular Part which are ordained for its Motion from the Effects or Symptoms of which it somtimes has a peculiar Name 7. So the Convulsion of the Muscles which move the Eye is called Strabismus A Convulsion of the Muscles of the Jaws and Temples is called ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Trismos the Convulsion of the Mouth which is caused by a contraction of the Musculus latus on the one side is called Spasmos Cynicus a
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
Mastich of each two drams gum-Juniper Galbanum dissolved in Vinegar of each half an ounce juice of Citrons one ounce and half and two drams Yellow Wax five ounces and half make an Emplaster which being spread upon linnen is to be applied to the Feet about the Heel twice a day renewing it this had a good effect 6. Here follows an Ointment for the Hands Take Mans-fat Bears and Wolves fat of each two drams Badgers fat three drams dissolve add the Oyl of Foxes two drams mix them being removed from the fire add the Oyl of Annis half a dram Oyl of Wax half an ounce By these things we did her so much good that she could stretch out her Hands take Food and walk 7. Lastly for greater strengthning we advised to the use of a Bath of the decoction of Herbs with a mixture of Mineralds the form of the Bath is thus Take Alum Sulphur Bay-berries of each one pound the Berries and tops of Juniper the leaves of Sage of each one handful bruise them all in a mortar then being put up into a bag boyl them all in water for a bath The half of this mixture is to be used for one bathing and it is to be continued for three days Thonerus lib. 2. Observ 5. XX. A Pain and Contraction of the Back 1. A Gentleman being miserably afflicted with a Pain and Contraction of the Back from a defluxion upon the Nerves was freed by the following Oyntment 2. Take Vnguentum Aregon Martiatum Agrippae of each two drams Oyl of Cammomil Oyls of Dill and Lillys of each one dram Oyls of Earthworms and of Foxes of each one dram and half Badgers-fat Mans and Foxes grease of each half a dram mix and anoint the parts with it warm Thonerus lib. 2. Observ 3. SCHOLIA The THEORY of CONTRACTURES By the Author W. Salmon XXI The Pathology of Contractures or Contractions and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names This Disease is called ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Contractio the Contraction or shrinking up of a part as also from the parts which are contracted which are for the most part the Nerves or Tendons ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Contractio Nervi ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Nervus contractus and from the Effect ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Nervus corneus vel callosus ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Callus Tendinum A Callous and horn-like Nerve or Tendon 2. The Definition A Contraction is a preternatural Tumor in a Muscle hardning and shrinking up a Nerve or Tendon in the same whereby the Parts adjacent are attracted to it and as it were bound up so as they cannot be stretched out 3. The Kinds or Differences Somtimes but one Nerve or Tendon is contracted Somtimes many as in a Contraction of the Wrist and other Joints where many Tendons meet It is either new and not wholly confirmed or confirmed and of a bone-like hardness It differs also according to the Scituation of the Parts in some the Contraction is in the Arm against the Elbow in others the Fingers are contracted in some the Hams are contracted in others the Toes and in some the Musculus latus which causes a wry Neck XXII The Signs of a Contracture 1. The principal Signs of a Contracture are manifest by the Definition as 1. Tumor in the Muscle 2. a hardning of the Nerve or Tendon 3. a shrinking up or shortning of the same 2. Where these three Symptoms of a Contracture happens there is also for the most part an Attraction or drawing up of the adjacent Part but this is more or less eminent according to the Magnitude of the Contraction 3. If one Tendon only be contracted the Tumor is not only the less but the Attraction almost inconsiderable but if many Tendons or Nerves be contracted the Tumor is the greater and the Attraction very manifest to the Senses 4. If the matter contracted be very hard so as that it is arived to a boney or horn-like hardness the Disease is then confirmed but this is most common where the Nerves or Tendons are very small or slender by reason of which they the more easily admit of Arefaction 5. Lastly a Contracture is known by feeling there being always an external hardness of the Part not much unlike to the streining of a Cord or Bow-string and this for the most part in the hollow or bending of the Joint XXIII Of the Causes of a Contracture 1. The Causes of a Contracture are manifold though the first and prime Cause is or can be but one to wit a deficience or cutting off of the animal Spirits and a siccasion or drying up of the neurotick Juyce and this may be somtimes caused by a Scirrhus or Node arising from the Excrements in the Muscles especially about the Tendons where many meet near the Joints as is often-times to be seen in the bending of the Elbow Wrists Ham c. wherein the Hand in the one and the Foot in the other are drawn upwards the one inwards as it were the other outwards or backward 2. It somtimes also comes to pass by a Callous in a Muscle Nerve or Tendon which may be caused from a Wound by which they were wounded wherein though they were not wholly cut in two yet by the gathering together of the lips of the Wound it contracts or shortens the body or tail of the Muscle and causes that Part into which it is inserted to be more or less bound up the which also has somtimes come to pass in a wound of the temporal Muscle wherein the Mouth was so drawn up that it would scarcely admit any thing of Food although the most liquid And in this case it is clear that there is a cutting off of the animal Spirits and while Nature is endeavouring to restore the Part whereby to entertain the Spirits in their Channels she by reason of their absence and loss of the neurotick Juyce forms only a Callous whence is the generation of a matter which perpetually obstructs the Motion and Course of the said Spirits and consequently of that softning Juyce which in part contributes to the constitution of the said Nerves and Tendons 3. There being thus a Siccation of the Muscles or the Tendons and with them somtimes the Nerves inserted into them being as it were wrinckled shrunk or bound up they become hardned and resemble a Callous so as that they cannot be extended or bent and so in what Scituation they remain in the same posture also they keep the member into which they are implanted fixt and immoveable which is either more or less contracted according to the urgency of the first Cause and these things somtimes come to pass in old Age or by reason of too much and long continued Labour which too plentifully exhausting the animal Spirits causes the Parts to become stiff and diversly crooked with a kind of horney hardness of the part as may be seen in the Hands and Fingers of such as continually use hard work or hold hard
Persons and in those especially where it is essential in the Head It begins to their apprehensions in the Ears with a great Noise and with a kind of Terror Fear Amazment and so descending to the Breast where it makes its usual Residence seizes the Arms all the extream Parts and immediately the whole Man wherein there seems to be a Suffocation or at least the sick is in great fear and dread thereof being so mightily oppressed with an extream Weight upon their Breast and Stomach which also holds fast the whole Body that they cannot breath or but with great difficulty and doubtless where this oppression is long it may be dangerous and from this cause it is that some dye suddenly in their Sleep and some go to bed and never arise or awake more which is caused from a too long compression of the animal Spirits and vital Spirits whereby at length there is a total Suffocation and from thence Death 3. In the time of the Paroxysm the sick endeavours to stir move and shake off his Burthen and to strive with vehemency but all in vain for when the Fit is off and the Man is come to himself he finds he is not moved a hairs breadth from the Posture in which he was first seised and yet he thought he strugled strongly with what opprest him and cryed out when indeed he never spake so much as one word but because of the great oppression about the Heart and Midriff and fear of Suffocation he commonly groans and thereby expresses the weight of his Affliction 4. In some Persons the Disease first seises them in their Hands and Arms and creeping up by degrees as before where it began in the Feet is suddenly seises the whole Body but making it residence upon the Thorax and Parts adjacent thereto it compresses all the Spirits endeavouring a Suffocation 5. Although the Disease in the Paroxysm so strongly seises the universal Man as to abolish all manner of external Motion yet it little hurts the Understanding and internal Senses nor the common Sense of Feeling for if any one being by do but touch or pull them though in the height of the Paroxysm the Patient immediately comes to himself and can perfectly remember and tell you all the Circumstances of his Affliction 6. As from the great oppression the sick groans so also are the inward Senses in many so disturbed as that they believe that it was a Spirit that held them Or that they are hag-ridden whence the Name or that some Witch or Devil somtimes in one Shape somtimes in another as of a Dog Cat Bear Lyon c. lies upon them and oppresses them and that they fight and and strive with them and will positively tell you and they also beleive it that they struck the Devil or Witch a notable Blow when indeed and in truth they never stirred their Hands or Arms as aforesaid an hair from their places 7. It differs from the Epilepsy in this for as that is always attended with convulsive Motions so this is always free from them being only accompanied with impotency of Motion as the Epilepsy is caused from a sharp matter stimulating the menings of the Brain so this is thought to be caused from some gross Vapours obstructing the Passages of the Brain It differs also from an Apoplexy in this for that Disease is accompanied with the abolition of all manner of Sense and Motion this only with an hurt of Motion the internal Senses still remaining though somtimes a little obfuscated or clouded XXIII The cause of the Incubus or Night-Mare 1. Fernelius and some others of his stamp will have the cause of the Incubus to be from thick flegm and Melancholy not in or afflicting the Brain but adhering to the Praecordia or compressing the Diaphragma and tumifying or extending the Lungs arising from Surfeiting Drunkenness Gluttony and crude or indigested humors filling those parts from whence gross vapours arising seise upon the fauces and Brain whereby is caused a suppression of the voice and a troubling obfuscating or clouding of the other senses whereby as in chains the Patient is held so fast that he cannot stir or move the least part about him 2. This I confess seems plausible at first sight if those passages out of the Stomach and other Viscera were plainly proved to be straight or immediate that so those affrighting exhalations might have a ready passage to the Cortex of the Brain but till these things are more plainly demonstrated by the Authors of this doctrine we desire a suspension of our assent thereto and that they would be pleased to answer us to these following Objections First whether Surfeiting Gluttony Drunkenness c. be the remote or proximate causes of this evil if the remote how comes it that upon the immediate prevarication the Patient is seised with a Paroxysm if the Proximate how is it that all persons or the greatest number of them abusings themselves in that kind are not forthwith taken with this Distemper for that we see the generallity of Man-kind thus prevaricating to be absolutly free therefrom yea though the most Debauched or Luxurious Secondly How comes it to pass that many time the most abstemious and selfdenying persons where those pretended causes can be no ways previous should after an extream manner be molested herewith and the most temperate persons be so afflicted as to be brought thereby into dispair or involved into some more dangerou Disease Thirdly Why every adherescencie to the Praecordia or compression of the Diaphragma should not cause the same thing and that in every person so afflicted but the contrary hereof is evidently manifest by quotidian Experience and that the persons so oppressed are for the most part taken with some other Disease Fourthly Why one should not rather be troubled with this Disease if the former doctrine be true after the eating of things windy and such things as are apt to generate vapours and exhalations as Onions Leeks Garlick Cresses Rocket Mustard c. than after the eating of things either insipid in their own nature Or which are of a constringing and binding quality being rather of a fixt than volatile property 3. But we are not singular in this judgment for the most learned Sennertus seems to discent somthing therefrom his words are these Et si verò quandoque istam Thoracis oppressionem hoc modo fieri posse non negamus tamen ea non est praecipua caussa nec semper á Cruditate Crapula verum etiam sine his alijs caussis fieri potest And he gives you the near or conjunct cause in these words Caussa proxima est obstructio meaturum Cerebri qui ad initium Spinalis medullae tendunt Spiritus animales organis Sensus ac motus deferunt à vapore crasso which doubtless is not far distant from truth 4. We affirm the Brain to be the principal part affected together with the Animal Spirits in the passages
Trembling of the Joints without any Pain 1. There was a certain woman who above twelve or more years had her left Side in continual motion against her will whilst she waked her left Eye always twinkled her Lips always moved in the action of opening and closeing them together her Arms Fingers and Feet were always stiring yet all this was without any sense of Pain when she slept all was quiet and without motion 2. There was another also about the age of forty a Man Melancholick and Corpulent whilst he was performing some part of his office as a Minister had an Involuntary motion of his left Foot 3. As to the first intention I would rub the Back-bone chiefly about the end of the Neck and the begining of the Os Sacrum universals being praemissed with Aqua aurea Langij the water of Swallows being added with Castoreum and the spirit of Lillys Convally five pints in which infuse a nodul made of Castoreum the flowers of Lavender Staechas the leaves of Rue Sage Betony Rosemary-flowers Camomil Camphir c. After some few days you may decant the clear and use it as aforesaid 4. Also a fomentation to be used before the former things would do much good Take the leaves of Sage Rosemary Germander Ground-pine Betony the flowers of Staechas Chamomil Bay and Juniper-berries c. boyl them all in Wine 5. As to the second intention his Thigh and down the Leg to his very Toe as also his Hand and Fingers is to rubed and fomented with a new sponge in a decoction of Sage-Wine 6. Afterwards a Balsam made of Mans fat is to be used frequently Take Mans fat six ounces clear Turpentine so much the fat of a Badger and a Fox of each three ounces the Oyl of Bays Mastich and Spikenard of each half an ounce Bay-leaves Germander Sage Marjoram of each one handful Aqua vitae rectificate eight ounces steep them in water for the space of twenty four hours afterwards distil them 7. I ascribed much good to the spirit of Tartar well rectified to be exhibited by way of friction Oleum distillatur Galbani Cratonis may be profitably applyed outwardly whose use may be also convenient for the first intention unless the smell offend 8. In the third place I shall say nothing to the government of the whole but I am altogether of opinion that nature may be succored by Infusum Spleneticum Laxativum which being done in the next place I would have exhibited twice a week pil Marocostin one scruple before Supper 9. And in the Morning not omitting universal Corroboratives I would give in the first place Elixir proprietatis Paracelsi then let the Spirit of Turpentine distilled with Vinegar obtain the second place 10. I would strengthen particularly the Head by using Amber-grise with the Extractum ligni Aloes a sufficient quantity of Sugar dissolved in the water of Lilly-Convally make all into Rowls 11. A Drink made of Sorrel is not inconvenient because of the Concurrent affection of the Spleen I do also advise for draining the superfluous humors and strengthening the parts affected a Drink rather then a Bath made of the decoction of China with Sarsaparilla and Sassafras these are the remedies I think proper for this worthy Gentleman Gregorius Host lib. 8. Observ 15. XVIII Of Trembling and shaking 1. This Disease is accompanied with two sundry movings one is while the member is constrained through heaviness and Grief to creep downwards the other is while the member is carried upward from his natural course and faculty 2. This evil is caused altogether through weakness of the Sinews which does plainly decipher old age but privately it cometh of other causes such as a cold temperature of nature cold drink taken either immoderately or out of season especially in Feavers moreover the abundance of Cold Gross and Clammy humors together with too great plenty of Wine unmixt as also old age and fear are the causes thereof 3. There needs no signs to know either the evil or the causes of it because it may be known either by sight or the Patients words or the state of the Body 4. Let the Diet be so ordered that it may be clean contrary to the causes of the Disease and let his Meat be such as will be easily digested and distributed such as Broths Birds and delicate kind of Fishes 5. Against an abundance of gross and clammy humors it is good to use those things that have a power to divide extenuate and cut but he must avoid all things which do hurt the Sinews and chiefly the drinking of Wine that is unmixed he must drink Wine that is mixed with Water or Hydromel or Ale 6. For the Cure they which do Tremble or shake through some manifest error they must altogether abstain from things that are hurtful 7. But if they do Tremble thorough drinking of Wine until they by delivered from the Disease let them drink in the interim Hydromel with the decoction of Sage and Betony 8. If the shaking proceed from cold and and gross humors then minister the Cure which is ascribed for the Palsy and the Cramp coming from Repletion letting of Blood only excepted 9. You must anoint the outward parts of the Body with Oyls that will heat and cover it with soft Wooll then fasten Cupping-glasses without scarification from the first shutting of the Joints which may be drawn to the outward part of the skin and so thereby humors may the easier be discussed and driven away 10. Also it is good for the Sick to drink daily five grains of Pepper with one ounce and half of Mulse there are moreover certain other simple Medicines which being taken do help Trembling that is Castoreum root of Althea decoction of Agrimony and the Brain of an Hare 11. The Medicines and especially the Oyntments which are prescribed for the cure of the Palsy are to be used here as remedies against this Disease Barrows method lib. 1. cap. 29. SCHOLIA The THEORY of a TREMOR or TREMBLING By the Author W. Salmon XIX The Pathology of a Tremor or Trembling and first of the notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Latin Tremor and in English Trembling or Shaking 2. The Definition Tremor est motus voluntarius depravatus quo qui laborant membra libere movere et propensa vel suspensa servare non possunt sed membrum à facultate animali in altum sublatum pondere suo deprimitur iterumque à faculte motrice erigitur Trembling or shaking is a symptom of the hurt of the Animal faculty and depravation of the Motive by reason of which the parts can neither move freely nor keep their station being lift up by the moving faculty and then depressed downwards by their own weight whence comes a Trembling motion 3. The kinds or differences Although some make these as kinds or differences of a Tremor that it is either greater or lesser Or that it is either of the
whole Body or of some particular part yet that is the chief which depends upon the causes and accordingly to which the Cure is to be varied And therefore it is either Ideopathetick or Essential in the Brain from a defect or dissipation of the Spirits Or Sympathetick and by consent from a distemperature of the Nerves being afflicted with cold and moisture or obstructed or compressed and condensed or otherwise hurt with some venenate malign narcotick or occult quality The chief or principal difference is that it is either simple or joyned with a Convulsion which latter is called ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã of which Hippocrates prognost 10. has made mention which happens somtimes not only in Feavers but also in an Epilepsy at the end of the Paroxysm where somtimes a Trembling joyned with a convulsive motion doth afflict the sick for some hours to wit till the Epileptick matter is wholly dissipated XX. Of the signs of a Tremor or Trembling 1. A Tremor superficially considred is evident to the sight as whether it be great or small and whether it afflâcts the part or the whole as also whether it proceeds from any other affect as a Palsy Convulsion Palpitation Rigor or be joyned with a convulsive motion 2. This vitious Trembling is somtimes accompanied with cold and moisture of the part and somtimes with a continual and dry heat and somtimes the parts afflicted have a notable strength and somtimes they are extreamly Weak so that the Sick has not power to guid a Cup to their Mouth 3. Moreover the Disease is known to be Ideopathetick or Essential in the Brain if no violent external cause went before to overstrain or hurt the extream parts In all such cases the Disease is Sympathetical and the Brain only suffers by consent or compassion XXI Of the causes of a Tremor or Trembling 1. Authors have given many causes of Tremor or Trembling which causes require other causes to explain them as That it is caused by reason of the weakness of the motive faculty or nerest Instruments thereof to wit the Animal Spirit which is not able to exercise a voluntary motion perfectly The Spirits are made weak either by a fault in themselves or by a defect in the Nerves which are the Condit-pipes of the Animal Spirits and by which they are conveyed and do act The fault is in the Spirits when either they are but few at the first Or when they are afterwards dissipated They are few at the first either by reason of the cold distemper of the Brain as in old men Or for the want of Vital Spirits which are the matter of which the Animal are made The Spirits are dissipated from many external causes as immoderate evacuations much use of venery and unseasonable great Pain much fasting Grief and long violent Diseases They are hurt by a defect in the Nerves and are weakned when either the Nerves are too cold or are infected with a malign quality Or obstruction Or compressed They grow too cold either from cold Air Or the eating of cold Meats Or much drinking of Water Or swiming often in cold water and the like They are infected by the use of Opium Henbane Poppy and the fumes of Mercury as it often falls out to Goldsmiths and Gilders and to such as having had the french Pox have been cured with the fumes of Cinnabar Arsnick or Mercury as also to such as have had Malignant Feavers They are obstructed either wholly by some hurt provocations or irritation of the Nervous parts Or in part as in a Palsy from a watery humor gently spinkled upon the Nerves producted from Gluttony Drunkenness and other causes Lastly Trembling may come from compression of the Nerves when excrementitious humors abounding in the wholy Body do compress the Nerves and so hinders the free passage of the Animal Spirit Thus Authors 2. These are the common Opinions with which many learned Men have been pleased but we confess no way satisfy us who have a mind wholy desirous to investigate Truth For if these be true causes wherefore is it that they should be causes in one person and not in another for that we see in persons where most of those supposed causes are previous and eminently manifest not one of an hundred are yet taken with a Tremor or Trembling This thing to me seems to argue a defect in the causes by Authors assigned and that there is yet the true cause hidden which being stirred up must infallibly produce the Distemper we shall therefore in the first place discourse of the Procatartick or Antecedent cause then of the Proeguminine nere or conjunct cause in order and that we hope with so much Perspicuity plainness and solid demonstration of Truth as may be satisfactory to all the lovers thereof 3. The Procatartick external or remote cause is evidently manifest in all such as have been affected with a Tremor or Trembling from the bare relation of the course of Life In some great drinking of strong Liquors as of strong Beer Ale Wines Brandy c. has been the Antecedent cause thereof though we confess that for once or twice or now and than to be overcome with those liquors is not very material to the production thereof yet the assiduous and continual repeating of such a kind of intemperance will in process of time produce such an effect so likewise Gluttony and Gormandising thought more rarely unless the said intemperance be promoted to a vast excess and also for a long time repeated 4. To these causes we may add the force of Poyson and of Poysonous things I mean in those cases where their strength is not great enough to eradicate life I remember once upon design an Acquaintance of mine out of a Frolick gave one drop of the Oyl of Tobacco in a glass of Wine to one of the company unknown to them but alas upon a sudden how great an alteration was made the Mans countenance waxed pale sickness at Stomach overtook him a Trembling of the whole Body with fainting and swooning away insomuch being ignorant of what was don I almost dispaired of life to these symptoms was added vomiting with vehement convulsive motions after three hours the force of the Poyson vanished but left behind it a Trembling of all the extream parts and a palpitation of heart for ten or twelve days after And other poysons effect the same things if not so speedily or after the same manner yet with as ill a consequence if not worse One poysoned with Arsenick though not mortally yet had such a Tremor left behind as the consequent and effects thereof that lasted during the Mans whole life Another I knew poysoned with Night-shade who notwithstanding all the industry which was used by the Physicians which that place and time could afford though he escaped with life yet had a Tremor which continued upon him for more than a year after it And although I can enumerate some who having been accidentally poysoned have had yet
stupifying Medicines causing Sleep as also from the too immoderate drinking of strong Waters by the too liberal taking of the last of which we have known three several persons suddenly taken with apoplectick Fits who dyed in the height of the Paroxysm 17. But how Opiates affect in this Case Webferus tells us That they do only too much open and dilate the Pores and passages of the Brain and as it were open the doors of it before fast shut whereby every extraneous or forreign and incongruous thing is admitted into the Repository or sleeping place of the Spirits together with the subtil liquor poured forth from the blood and so by a violent incursion dissipates their ranks and orders This opinion of Webferus may have somthing of truth in it if it be considred in respect to the first Dose being too large for Opiates always hurt most at the first time of taking but not to the subsequent Doses for if so it would follow that being often given they would still bring a greater evil by dilating more and more the Pores of the Brain and thereby make a much easier enterance for all manner of Impurities which experience daily convinces us of the contrary for afterwards being often taken they do little hurt and the Sick having been a while accustomed to the use of them will take in large quantities without the least Detriment 18. By this it appears that Opiates do not so much alter the conformation of the Brain as immediately to profligate the Animal Spirits unless given at first in too large a proportion for then by reason of their present incongruity to them and sudden falling foul upon them the Particles of the Opiate extinguishes the said Spirit as with a mear Blast Whereas had it been given at first in a smaller Dose and gradually increased till a familiarity had been begotten between them the Opiate would have been so far from hurting or disturbing the Spirits that on the contrary it would become infinitely grateful and friendly to the same 19. The cause of an habitual Apoplexy now comes to be considered The Proeguminine conjunct or proximate cause is a malignant matter heaped up and dispersed in the compass of the Brain which at length descending into its middle or marrowy part does assault and suppress all the Spirits in the very fountain of their production and emanation Now this possibly may be done either by filling the medullary Pores or by obstructing and driving away the Spirits themselves or by contaminating them with a Stupor or Numbness as it were by a blast not much unlike lightning from the malignant contact of the matter rushing upon them or by all these ways together 20. For without doubt the Particles descending on every side from the compass of the Brain into its middle part or Callous Body and entering it from every part do presently fill the passages how straight soever they be and puting to flight the Spirits force them into a narrow place where being then beset and not able either long to resist or find out other passages they are profligated thereby obliterating every Function of the intelligent Soul 21. Being thus profligated or struck down they do not suddenly rise up again for that they are not able to rid themselves from the chains or umbrage of the malignant matter but they lye long suppressed till at length somtimes that matter is dissipated or drawn up into the blood or issuing forth through the little Pores of the Marrow slides forwards into the Ventricles of the brain Or at length falling down yet lower it is impacted on the Corpora striata either one or both of them and so causes either a Hemiplogia or an universal Palsy 22. In the interâm as the Animal Spirits within the Corpus Callâsum begins to free themselves so they resume their accustomed offices which they manage again till new matter springs up in the compass of the Brain and by degrees is increased so as to descend into the Callous Body as aforesaid thereby exciting another Paroxâsm from the embraces of which if the Spirit cannot free it self by either of the aforesaid ways in some reasonable time being by degrees wholly overcome they are at length perfectly extinguished 23. As to the Procatartick Causes of an habitual Apoplexy they are to be explicated not in a much differing Method from the like in most other Cephalick Diseases for seeing that the Blood must necessarily be in fault for that it sends to the Head forreign and very hetrogeneous Particles obnoxious to the constitution and texture of the Animal Spirits and that the Brain also is in fault for that it has been by degrees weakned and indisposed by the means of the sanguinous disaffection whereby its Pores and passages are altered made dissolute and too lax it then follows that it may at length easily admit without any difficulty the morbifick and malign matter sent forth from the blood 24. How the Blood comes to be thus affected seems not here necessary to be declared seeing we have already done it in many other places and that it is obnoxious to and follows all the irregularities of humane life as profound Drunkenness with Wine and strong Waters a long suppression of the Serum from its usual and long accustomed Evacuations a translation of the morbick matter of another Disease to the Head excessive drinking of cold and small Liquors when one is extream hot and dry Gluttony and Gormandizing with many other like Enormities too tedious here to be related 25. For the blood indeed transfers to the Head and Brain more especially in Apoplectick persons a great quantity of saline and noxious juice or of a malign serous and excrementitious humor extream prejudicial and for the most part deadly to the animal Powers taken somtimes from one place and somtimes from another which by degrees instils them with the Lymphatick and Nervous juice out of the Arteries on the compass or outer borders of the Brain where by little and little insinuatng the said malign and morbid matter it overflows at once all the said outward parts of the Brain and like a Sea breaking in or a Sulphurous or arsenical blast either drives away the inhabiting Spirits or totally extinguishes them 26. Hitherto we have discoursed of the causes of an Apoplexy in the Brain it now remains that we shew the causes of that proper to the Cerebellum In this case the motion of the Heart is often suppressed or proscribed whereby presently the blood being retained without the Brain the Animal Spirits destinated to the vital function fall down even as the light vanishes when the flame is put out and are suppressed somtimes extinguished in the fountain it self to wit within the Cerebellum whence comes besides a failing of the Spirits a sudden privation of all the Animal Functions the Sick becoming sensless and immoveable with a Pulse and Breathing very much diminished and almost imperceptible and growing cold lye as for Dead many
GUILIELMUS SALMON MEDICINAE PROFESSOR AETATIS SUAE 36 ANN o 1681. Burnâââ Sculp IATRICA SEU Praxis Medendi THE Practice of Curing BEING A Medicinal HISTORY of above Three Thousand famous Observations in the Cure of DISEASES performed by the Author hereof TOGETHER With several of the Choicest Observations of other Famous Men taken from Craâo Forestus Hildanus Skenkius Rulandus Zacutus Platerus Riverius Willis and several others which are falln into the Author's hands in Manuscript All of them digested under their proper Heads Wherein for the most part you will find 1. The Constitution of the Body of the Sick 2. The Symptoms Predominant 3. The Cause of the Diseases what 4. The Exact Method which was taken in the Cure 5. An Exact Account of the Medicines Exhibited with the Order of their Exhibition various Doses and Success thereupon A WORK of singular Use to all the Practisers of the ART of Physick and Chirurgery whether Physicians Chyrurgians Apothecaries or Charitable and well disposed Gentlemen and Ladies who have espoused the Afflictions of the Poor and Needy Perform'd by WILLIAM SALMON Med. Prof. Living at the Red Bulls in Salisbury-Court Fleetstreet London LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and Langley Curtiss on Ludgaââ Hiâl 1681. THE PREFACE I. THE Design of our Publication of these Cures being purely matter of Fact is Two-fold 1. That such a Cloud of Experiments so Exactly taken might not be lost by reason of their exceeding Benefit and Vse which they may prove of to Posterity 2. That all young Physicians and Chirurgians and other Ingenious Persons whether Gentlemen or Ladies who practise Our Art might have something from Experience wââch might guide them alittle by the hand as it were and lead them through the many Intricacies of Physick and Chirurgery well knowing that nothing is so pleasantly and so firmly taught as that which is done by Example for as much as every Exemplification is not only an Illustration in the Mind but also a Direction of the Intellect in performing the like again II. The Reason of the Manner of the Publication which will be Sheet by sheet Weekly is from a certain Necessity 1. Because the WORK is like to be very Great and Voluminous whereby the time of its Publication would be long and the Charge of so great an Vndertaking not small 2. For the present satisfaction of the Buyer whereby not only the Value will be in a manner insensible to him but also the Expectations and Earnest Desires of many will be daily answered Who peradventure might think it long to wait the Printing of Five or Six hundred Sheets of Paper This way of Exposing them was by the Advice of some Physicians and Chirurgians Well-willers to this Design as also by the Opinion of the Book seller whereby a continual supply will be provided to the carrying on of this so great a Work which were it to be exposed whole would scarcely be sold under 4l a Book The first sheet will begin Wednesday the 27th of July 1681 and so come out weekly Wednesdays and Frydays till the sum of all the said Cures are Exposed III. Each sheet will treat of a Particular Disease wherein under every History you will have for the most part 1. The Constitution of the Body of the sick 2. The Symptoms predominant 3. The Cause of the Disease what 4. The Exact Method which was taken in the Cure 5. An Exact Account of the Medicines Exhibited with the Order of their Exhibition Various Doses and Success thereupon This Medicinal History will contain above Three Thousand of our Own Observations digested each under their proper Heads wherein also we shall insert several of the choicest Observations of other Famous Men such are those of Crato Forestus Skenkius Rulandus Platerus Zacutus Riverius Willis Hildanus c. which are already Printed and other some which are fallen into our Hands in Manuscripts the which by Reason of the Service they may do the publick We are Vnwilling should Perish by the Devouring Jaws of Time for want of a seasonable publication IV. This Whole Work will be divided into several Books Which will Treat of Diseases of the Head Of Diseases of the Thorax or Brest Of Diseases of the Abdomen or Belly Of Feavers And of Chirurgery relating to Tumors Wounds Vlcers Fractures and Dislocations Wherein Observations of all the principal Diseases happening to the Bodies of human Kind will be faithfully exposed with many other things of Excellent Vse and absolutely necessary to be known by all the Professors and Practisers of Our Art V. Now because many of these Diseases have been cured not with Ordinary Medicines of the Shops but by such as we have peculiarly selected out of a farraginous heap it may be reasonable to publish a Catalogue of the same with their several prizes for as much as that we shall have them always or for the most part ready prepar'd by Vs The Catalogue shews you in which of our Books their Composition Preparation Virtues Vse and Dose are to be found viz. Whether in Our Pharmacopoeia or Doron which is now in the Press and if in our Pharmacopoeia in what Page and Column Those marked with this â Character are principal and so indeed ought to be look upon being medicaments of great Virtue Power and Vse The Catalogue of the Medicaments with their Certain Prises See in the next Page Vale. Advertisâment Our Synopsis Medicinae A Compendium of Physick Chirurgery and Anatomy so oft refer'd to in our New London Dispensatory is now publish'd in II. Volumus price 10 s. Also Our Horae Mathematicae or Soul of ãâã Astrology hath always been to be had of T. Dawks L. Curtiss price 5 s. The Catalogue of the Medicaments afore specified and the Page in Our Dispensatory where they are to be found together with their certain Prizes by the Ounce Waters ss d. â AQuae Ophthalmicae Nostrae p. 721 a 1 0 â Aquae Benedictae Rulandi p. 391 b 0 4 Aquae Philosophorum p. 183 a 2 6 Aquae Mirabilis p. 446 b 0 4 â Aquae Coelestis p. 447 b 1 0 Aquae Cinnamomi p. 451 a 0 4 Aquae Aromaticae p. 459 a 0 8 â Queen of Hungaries Water Doron 0 8 Spirits   Spiritus Vitae Aureus Rulandi p. 320 a 0 6 â Spiritus Diapente p. 461 a 2 6 Spirit of Wormwood p. 439 a 0 6 Spirit of Vinegar p. 180 b 0 3 Spirit of Scurvy Grass Doron 0 8 Spirit of Saffron Doron 1 6 Spirit of Oranges Doron 1 0 Spirit of Limon Doron 1 0 Spirit of Caraways Doron 0 6 Spirit of Castor p. 441 b 1 6 â Spirit of Harts-horn Doron 1 6 Spirit of Guajacum p. 468 a. b. 0 8 Spirit of Juniper-berries Doron 0 6 Spirit of Lavendar p. 440. b 1 0 Spirit of Mint Doron 0 8 Spirit of Bawm Doron 1 0 Spirit of Niter p. 369 b 0 6 Spirit of Rosemary Doron 1 0 Spirit of Savin Doron 1 0 Spirit of
Cremor Tartari p. 175 b 0 3 â Sal prunellae p. 367 a 0 4 Liquors   â Liquor Vitae Anodinus p. 555 a 2 6 â Liquor Ophthalmicus p. 557 b 0 6 Liquor Alexipharmicus p. 558 b 1 6 Liquor of Tartar p 177 b 0 6 Liquor for a Gonorrhaea Synopsis p. 741 b 0 4 â Liquid Laudanum p. 169 b 6 0 Liquid Laudanum of Schefer Doron 1 6 Liquid Laudan of Helmont Doron 2 6 Vinum Benedictum p. 566 a 0 8 Acetum Alexiacum p. 576 a 1 0 Pouders   â Pulvis Cornachinii veri p. 641 a 5 0 Pulvis Arthriticus Paracelsi p. 576 a 1 0 White flowers of Antimony p. 339 b 10 0 Antimony Diaphoretick p. 332 a b 1 0 Vitrum Antimonii p. 330 a 0 6 Cinnabar of Antimony p. 342 a 5 0 Regulus of Antimony p. 335 b 3 6 Sulphur of Antimony p. 327 b 5 0 Crocus Metallorum p. 333 b 0 6 Flowers of Sulphur p. 387 a 0 2 â Mercurius dulcis p. 313 a b 1 6 Pearl prepared p. 414 b 3 0 â Our Royal Pouder Doron 5 0 Electuaries   Orvietanum Verum Doron 1 0 â Confectio Anodyna Doron 7 0 â Theriaca Londinensis nostra p. 671 b 4 0 Pills   Pilulae Lunares p. 280 a 16 0 â Family Pills p. 702 b 5 0 â Pilulae Hydropicae Bontii Doron 2 6 â Pilulae Holagogae p. 702 a 4 0 â Pilulae Anodynae nostrae Doron 6 0 Pilulae Odontalgicae Doron 3 0 TO THE MOST SERENE ILLUSTRIOUS AND POTENT MONARCH CHARLES II. BY THE GRACE OF GOD OF ENGLAND SCOTLAND FRANCE AND IRELAND KING DEFENDER OF THE FAITH c. THE AUTHOR William Salmon ONE OF YOUR MAJESTIES MOST HUMBLE AND LOYAL SUBJECTS AND SERVANTS CONSECRATES THIS ENSUING WORK AND MOST SVBMISSIVELY LAIES IT AT YOUR MAJESTIES ROYAL FEET The PREFACE I. WE intend through the Assistance of the Divine Goodness to delineate a compleat Medicinal System wherein we purpose to treat of all Diseases happening to humane Bodies from Head to Foot whether internal or external the Management of which shall not be only Theorical or by a method of Precepts but also Historical from a Series of Observations upon the Bodies of sick People by help of which a kind of Demonstration will be made of the Medical Art and a Pattern or Platform of Practice laid down to the more juvenile Professors of these Studies II. In this History you have 1. The Disposition of the Body of the Sick and for the most part the Cause of the Disease what 2. The Method which was taken in the Cure with an exact account of the Medicines exhibited the order of their Exhibition the various Doses and Success thereupon In this first Volume we have inserted several foreign Observations of other famous Men which in the following Volumes of this Work will be hereafter omitted to the end that by comparing the Practice of the Ancients with our Modern way of Curing the difference may be seen and to what degree of perfection the Practice of Physick has arrived in Our Age. III. And although in this present Book we have not exhibited of our Own Cures above one hundred and sixty or thereabouts yet the whole Medicinal History when compleated will contain above Three Thousand of Our own Observations all digested under their proper Heads the which by reason of the Service they may do the publick we are unwilling should perish by the devouring Jaws of Time for want of a seasonable Publication IV. These Histories or Observations of Cures will not stand alone but upon a Rational and Practical Theory wherein we shall significantly yet completely handle every Disease giving you therein the Names Definition Kinds Signs Causes Prognosticks and Method of Cure of each Distemper according to the Modern and more received ways of Practice which we hope will be so plain and perspicuous that the very reason of the thing will be sufficient to indigitate to any intelligent man the necessity of the Modus Curandi V. This whole Work will be divided into several Volumes and Books in which we shall Treat in order 1. Of Diseases of the upper Ventricle or Head 2. Of Diseases of the middle Ventricle or Thorax 3 Of Diseases of the lower Ventricle Abdomen or Belly 4. Of Feavers 5. Of Chyrurgery in Tumors Wounds Ulcers Fractures and Dislocations Wherein Observations of all the principal Diseases happening to the Bodies of humane kind will be faithfully exposed with many other things of excellent use and absolutely necessary to be known by all the Professors and Practisers of Our Art VI. The Design of the Publication of these Cures being purely matter of Fact is two-fold 1. That such a Cloud of Experiments so exactly taken might not be lost by reason of their exceeding Benefit and Use which they may prove of to posterity 2. That all young Physicians and other ingenious persons whether Gentlemen or Ladies who practice Our Art might have something from Experience which might guide them a little by the hand as it were and lead them through the many Intricacies of Physick and Chyrurgery well knowing that nothing is so pleasantly and so firmly taught as that which is done by Example for as much as every Exemplification is not only an illustration in the Mind but also a Direction to the Intellect in performing the like again VII In the Mean season we cannot but complain to all the Lovers of Art of a late scandalous Abuse put upon Me by one Con s a Potecary or Pot-carryer of Fleet street who reports up and down the Town that I am not the Author of the Books which are published in my name but that only as an Amanuensis I wrot them by the Instruction and Direction of another Gentleman That person he pretends to be the Author of them I confess I know but my acquaintance with him is so little that if all the times I ever were in his Company in my whole Life were put together they would not make completely one half day VIII But as I know no Man would be so kind no not a Father to a Son much less a stranger to another Man to be the Author of so many Books as I have wrote and give the honour and reputation of them from himself to another so I as certainly know that the said Potecary or Pot-carryer cannot prove any Man dead or alive from whom I have personally or by Letter received any Instruction or Direction for the Composing or Writing of this or any other of my Books And I challenge that Lying and Defaming Tongue to prove the least Syllable of what he has spoken in that kind to be Truth IX Surely the Man wanted Wit to publish such a silly lying Story which no Man who does not violence to his own Reason and Understanding can possibly believe who can conceive that any Mortal could have so great a kindness for me for 9 or 10 years to sit by me and
or Consumption and so we had concluded but that his good Appetite and continued strength of Body with some other signs were good Indications to the contrary however he was of a cold dry and saline habit of body and of a very Melancholy and mistrustful mind § 3. The most predominant Symptoms in the Paroxysm were vehement pain over the whole head but more especially in the hinder part thereof watchfulness or want of sleep with an exceeding wrestlessness accompanying and a great desire to drink § 4. The Cause seemed to lye hidden and indeed had troubled many Wise men to dive into it the Stomach seemed well so that no indication could be taken from thence at last in Discourse I asked him if he never had some violent blow upon his Head chiefly behind which after a while recollecting of himself he told me that about 18 years since for so long this Head-ach had continued at fits he fell down from an high building and hurt the hinder part of his Head so that it did bleed extreamly yet without any Fracture of the Skull If he at any time did bleed at Nose it proved Critical and he was freed from the pain I viewed the place of the Head hurt and there was a bunching out more than ordinary about the bigness of half a Hens Egg which buching had remained ever since I concluded that some matter obstructing remained which hindred the direct circulation of the Animal Spirits and Blood § 5. The Indications of Cure seem'd only to be two 1. To take away the matter offending or obstructing 2. To strenthen the Brain Animal Spirits and parts afflicted § 6. In order to the first intention I caused the hinder part to be opened just below the Tumor which was done with an actual Cautery piercing even to the Bone which the Chyrurgeon did excellently accomplish afterwards leaving it as an Issue only by the Nostrils was exhibited an Errhine made of the Juyces of Primrose leaves and Roots and of Sweet-Marjoram This was exhibited thrice a week for about twelve times By means of the Issue the Tumor aforesaid was suddenly abated and in a short time wholy taken away a vast quantity of filthy matter continually running out thereat by the Nostrils the Cavities or Ventricles of the Brain were admirably cleansed so that the sick became very lightsome nor in three weeks time had any return of the Fit although its usual time of repetition before was two or three times a Week § 7. In order to the second Indication we caused the Hair to be shaven off from the Occiput Vertex and Sinciput and immediately to be anointed with this Balsam Take Oyl of Spike Oyl of Limons Oyl of Rosemary of each twenty drops all Chymically made Oyl of Mace by expression two Drams mix them well together and anoint therewith Inwardly we gave this Take Powers of Rosemary of Angelica of Cloves of Lavender of each half an Ounce mix them Of this we Ordered 30 drops to be given every morning fasting and last at Night going to Bed in two or three spoonfuls of Sack His thirst was quenched by a solution of Sal Prunellae in fair Water and Sugar This course being pursued the Patient became well § 8. After ten weeks the man let his Issue behind dry up and in about six weeks after his Head ach came again he repaired to me and I caused it to be opened again after which he remained well for many years II. § 1. A young Woman of about 23 years of Age had been for 10 years troubled with a Cephalaea and no Remedy in all that time could be procured her parents made their Application to me She was of a cold and phlegmatick Constitution neither Fat nor Lean of a white soft and smooth Skin and had often been troubled with a quotidian Ague § 2. She had paleness of Countenance and in the time of the paroxism the pain was equally spread over her whole Head moreover she had many strumous swellings about her Neck and Throat nor had she to these years ever had her Courses § 3. Her youth strength of body and chearfulness when the fit was off gave good hopes of Recovery § 4. The Cause was without doubt Obstructions of the Stomach Womb and Mesentery for she oft complained of a great sickness at stomach and many times refused her Food as also of a great heaviness or kind of dull pain about the middle of her Belly § 5. I prescribed things gently purging and opening then I gave her proper Emeticks afterwards things which purged downwards more powerfully then about the New of the Moon such things as provoked the Terms Lastly such things as might strengthen and comfort the Stomach Womb and other Bowels § 6. The first thing I gave her was Pilulae Ruffi which she took to half a Dram for 4 Nights going to bed drinking the next day about 8 Ounces of Finkius his Steeled Wine and some drops of Oyl of Sulphur in Ale The fifth morning following I gave her a Dram of Salt of Vitriol in Broth this cleansed her stomach admirably and brought up much flegm and filthy matter whereby she seemed much more cheerful this I continued for three times giving it every other day upon the eleventh day I gave Pilulae ex duobus a Scruple wich I repeated upon the thirteenth and fifteenth days giving still upon the intermediate days the Steeled Wine of Finkius This done upon the sixteenth day and for eight days following which proved to be the New and first quarter of the Moon I gave her this following Tincture Take blood-red Tincture of black Pepper made in Spirit of Wine two Ounces Tincture of Gum Guajaci made in like manner three Ounces mix them together of this she took morning noon and night in a Glass of White or Rhenish Wine so much as she could endure well to swallow this in the time prescribed produced her Courses This done I caused her for three Months together to take every morning and night 30 drops of Elixir Proprietatis made with tartarized Spirit of Wine and to drink them in Rhenish or Sack after which she became perfectly well III. § 1. An ancient Woman who had been for more than 20 years troubled with this kind of Head-ach was cured as we shall presently relate although her Age for she was above 64 years old and melancholy habit of body with the long continuance thereof gave many discouragements to the Physician § 2. The Cause proceeded from cold and viscious humidity or pituitous matter lodged in the Ventricle of the Brain as a perpetual stoppage of the Head speaking in the Nose as it were and continual drousiness gave some Demonstrations of § 3. She had often taken Purges of all sorts Vomits Antimonials c by other Physicians they had applyed Vesicatories to her Neck and Shoulders the Seton to the Nape of the Neck caused her to have several Issues in her Arms and other parts many times
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
Head-ach which held her in a manner perpetually for the Cure of which a vast number of remedies were prescribed by Physicians without any benefit then she desired my Prescription which was as follows 2. Take Conserves of Wormwood of Maiden-hair and of Elecampane roots or each one ounce Salts of Wormwood and of Tamarisk of each one dram with Syrup of Maiden-hair make an Electuary Of this she took two drams every Morning fasting two hours after it 3. Every fifth day she took two Sruples of Pilulae Catholicae and with these Medicaments continued for ten days together her violent and long lasting pain was taken away XXVII A Mortal or Deadly Head-Ach Obs 37. 1. A Girl of seven years of Age had for two months been vexed with a vehement Head-Ach about her Forehead and Ey-brows which took her so strongly that she wished oft times to have her Head laid open with a Knife 2. Two days before I came to her she had two or three fits of the Falling-sickness and foamed Her Physician had ordered many things chiefly Purgations by Apozems and Cupping Glasses and Vesicatories were applyed to her Neck but all without effect 3. Being about to Consult this Case word was brought that a new fit had kill'd her after whose Death some corrupt matter came out at her Nostrils Whence might be thought that an Apostem was secretly lodged in the Brain The Head was opened and only a serous or wheyish humor shed into the Ventricles of the Brain was found therein 4. This Accident brought into my Mind an Example of a certain Virgin who being much afflicted with the like pain for many Months and having tryed several things to no purpose a certain Chirurgian shaved of all the Hair from her Head and applyed thereto a Vesicatory in form of a Cap by which Blisters being raised a great quantity of Serous Blood and humor flowed out and so was cured which thing probably might have help'd this Girl also if it had been timely applyed XXVIII An Old Head-ach from the Venereal Pox. Obs 191. 1. A Man infected with the Pox was cured by a Sudorifick Diet and a Mercurial Oyntment and seemed for some time to be Well but afterwards the Disease returned again and he again was cured with a Sudorifick Decoction taken for some days together he was also fumed with Cinnabar so that the Cure seemed to be perfectly done 2. Yet after he began to be troubled with a violent Headach on the left side of his Head which upon the change of Seasons and chiefly at the beginning of Autumn did mightily torment him being like a Nail always fixed in the same place 3. When he had tryed many evacuating revelling deriving and anodine Remedies in Vain he came to me My opinion was That this great Headach came from the Relicks of the Pox not perfectly eradicated but that the next and immediate Cause thereof or at least which excited and increased the pain was besides the Pocky Venom a sharp and biting humor flowing to that part of the Head Or the Mercury it self Collected in that part Or a rottenness contracted in the Skull which two last Causes though not frequent do sometimes happen as is to be seen from many Histories in Authors 4. Now that respect may be had to all these Causes in the first place I prescribed an universal Evacuation by Phlebotomy and purgation by Apozems for four days Then a Sudorifick Diet of a Decoction of Guajacum and Sarsa for 30 or 40 days respect being had to the Temperament for if it be hotter than ordinary it may be corrected with Baths and cooling Broths many times a Pox that cannot be cured with Mercury has been cured by a long use of Decoctions and if the Head-ach arises only from virulent humors which Vellicate the Membranes it may be cured only with a longer use of the said Diet. 5. If the pain gives not way to the Decoction long used judg if some Mercury be not gathered together in the part which may be known by putting a little Pellet made of leaf Gold rould up into the left Nostril as far as can be and pulling it out after a certain time if then it comes out whitish 't is a sign there is Mercury The same may be experimented by covering a Cephalick Plaister with leaves of Gold and puting it upon the part pained if the Gold turns white there is Mercury collected in the part which may be drawn forth by little and little if a thin plate of Gold be worn in the pained place and a sollid Pellet of Gold be commonly thrust up the Nose 6. If this remedy does not remove the pain the part must be opened the Skull being bored with a Trepan for oft times the Cranium is gnawn by sharp and virulent Humors and corrupted the Skin remaining whole and though the Cariousness or rottenness appear not yet the Trepan doth many times help by bringing forth a poysonous matter collected upon the Tunicles or Membranes of the Brain XXIX An Intollerable Head-ach Obs 405. 1. A man of fifty years of age lean and of a thin texture of body mightily prone to anger was vexed about two years with a vehement pain in his Head on the right side thereof from the top of his Head to his Temples on the same side This pain returned three or four times a year but when it came upon him it forced him to keep his Bed and was so violent that it brought him almost to despairation it was always without any Feaver Thirst or Inflamation only there was a great pulsation of the Artery of that Temple 2. Being called to him in September I caused him to be let blood giving him a Clyster to cleanse the Bowels After I gave things to purge Choler which was repeated after a few days he in the interim taking cooling Juleps to prepare the Cholerick humor Then repelling Medicines and Vinegar of Roses were applyed to his Head Revulsions were made with Cupping Glasses both without and with Scarification and Frictions were used to his extream parts he was again let blood and yet his pain went not away 3. For it returned in the beginning of the next spring wherefore I gave him an Emolient cooling Clyster then something purging Choler after I opened the Artery in the Temple which was performed by reason of the vehemency of the pain and there came five Ounces of blood leaping out 4. And then applying Lint wet in cold water and binding it on as is the practise in ordinary Blood-letting his pain ceased in half an hours space which formerly was wont to vex him many days together and it returned no more from that time forward There might have been applyed for more sureties sake Galens Emplaster of Frankincense Mastich bole Armoniack and the Wool of an Hare with the white of an Egg and a good Ligature XXX An Head-ach in a Semi-tertian Ague Obs 40. 1. The Admiral of the Spanish Navy was taken at the beginning
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 shâw 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 propâr 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
of the Head proceeds from a cold and moist Habit of the whole Body as for the most part it does and that moisture super-abounds in an extream manner we must begin the Cure after another Way for as much as it is one of the hardest things in the Art of Medicine to alter and remove a cold and moist habit of Body 24. First therefore let the whole Body be throughly Purged with such things as effectually evacuate pituitous and watery Humors Take Pilulae Rudij two drams de Agarico one dram and half Resin of Jallap one dram Mercurius dulcis three times sublimed two scruples mix and with a little syrup of Buckthorn make a Mass of Pills dose from one scruple to half a dram in strong Bodies Syrup of Buckthorn may be given alone from one ounce to two in the Morning fasting Take Pil. Aggregativae Pil. Cochiae of each two drams Troches Alhandal Resin of Jallap of each one dram Elaterium a scruple mix and make Pills with Syrup of Buckthorn to which add a few drops of Oyl of Caraways or of Cloves Dose one scruple or more to half a dram 25. These things are to be given often with due intervals between Purging that the Body may not be weakned too much Among other Remedies none seems to be more excellent than Our Family Pills whether with or without Aloes being given in the Morning fasting from one scruple to half a dram according to Age Strength and Sex 26. But where solid Medicaments cannot be taken for some cannot swallow Pills We commend the Tinctura Cathartick Clossaei given a spoonfull at a time with half an ounce of Syrup of Limons or an ounce of Syrup of Roses solutive made sharp with Oyl of Sulphur 27. If it be a Woman kind and she be troubled with Fits of the Mother Wind or Vapors it will be good to mix with the Purges aforesaid as also with such as may be hereafter commended some notable Hysterick as the Elixer Hystericum Maxij which may be given to one dram and a half The Tincture of Castor Spirit or Salt of Harts-horn the Powers of Jet or black Amber and such like plenty where of you may see in our Pharmacooeia and Doron 28. To the former Catharticks you may add The Tincture of Sena Compound Our Magistrall Cathartick Tincture and Our Tinctura extribus the two first of which may be given from one ounce to two the latter from half an ounce to one ounce or more mixed with a spoonful of Syrup of Limons 29. The Tincture of Our Family Pills we here also commend being given two or three spoonfulls at a time with a little Syrup of Limons or of the Juyce of Citrons Here also take place the Tinctura Phlegmagoga Melanagoga and Hydragoga Grulingij to be given as in the former directions 30. But if the Ventricle by very much afflicted and there is an appearance of very tough viscous Humours chiefly of Flegm It is necessary that Cutting Medicines by first Used such are the Spirits and Oyls of Salt Sulphur and Vitriol which may be given to four or six Drops in such Liquor as the Sick commonly Drinks but these are not long to be Continued because of their cooling quality but only so long till the Viscosity is somewhat attenuated and incided 31. This done an Emetick ought forthwith to be exhibited to this purpose we commend the Antimonial Emetick syrup of Salá Our Catharticum Argenteum together with the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum and the Liquor Vitae Aureus Rulandi any of which you are to give in such a due Dose as may respect the Strength or Weakness Age Sex or other Properties of the Sick 32. These Vomits ought so long to be continued till the Stomach is effectually cleansed afterwards you are to Purge the Body downwards with the things before ennumerated 33. But in the first place before either Purge or Vomit be given you are to consider the Constitution of the Bowels whether the Sick be Costive or Laxative or in a mean if the Body be Laxative you are to give the Purges aforementioned in somewhat less Proportion 34. If Costive you are before you attempt any other Evacuation to give this following Clyster Take Decoctum Commune eight ounces Infusion of Crocus Metallorum three ounces Electuary Diacatholicon one ounce Oyl Olive two ounces mix and then give it warm 35. Or you may exhibite Enema Pituitam Purgans or Enema in Capitis affectibus Mynsichti or Enema in Causa à duritial faecum Mynsichti any of which will enough open and loosen the Body besides which they draw Humours and Vapours from the Head which is partly the Cause of its Pain 36. These Clysters are to be twice thrice or more repeated till the Constitution of the Bowels be apparently altered the Belly being now made Solluble the afore enumerated Emeticks or Purgations may with safety be administred 37. But that which is most worthy to be considered is whether the Disease be Simple or Complicate if Simple the Praescriptions of themselves are enough 38. But if they be Complicated with any other Disease you must always mix with the Medicaments prescribed against the Headach whether Emeticks Catharticks or Alteratives such things as are either Specificks or proper against the Complication 39. As for Example if the Scurvey be Concomitant you ought to mix with your Medicaments against the Headach Antiscorbuticks as Spirits of Scurvey-grass Water cresses Brook-lime Tarragon Rocket Horse-Radish Mustard-seed c. 40. If it be Complicated with Hysterick Passions you must mix Anti-Hystericks such as we have a little before enumerated 41. If it be Complicated with a Nephritis you ought to mix Lithontripticks or Stone-breakers and Renals as Salt of Egg-shels Oyl of Salt Powers of Juniper-berries Winter Cherries c. which may have respect to the part 42. If it be Complicated with a Tussis or Cough or Obstructions of the Lungs you ought to mix Pectorals and Openers such are Chymical Oyls of Anniseeds and Dill Oyl and Balsam of Sulphur Tincture of Spanish Juyce of Liquorice made in spirit of Wine and mixt with a quarter part of Oyl of Tartar per deliquium and four times the quantity of Canary 43. Where if the Obstruction be very great it will not be amiss to add some few drops of the spirit of Sal Armoniack 44. If it be Complicated with an Arthritis or Gout you ought to mix Arthriticks as the Pulvis Arthriticus Paracelsi or the Essence of Gout-Ivy c. 45. If it be Complicated with Weakness and Distemper of the Stomach you ought to mix Stomaticks such are the Elixir Proprietatis Paracelsi Elixir of Wormwood Potestates or Powers of Wormwood Elixir of Bay-berries Elixir of Mint the Blood red Tincture of black Pepper 46. If it be Complicated with any Passion of the Heart as Fainting Swooning c. You ought to mix Cordials as Tinctura Auraea Tinctura Vitae Nostrae Tinctura Cardiaca Elixir Vitae Rubrum Reinesij Pulvis
perfect Cure 6. The Skull ought to be opened and a peice taken out either upon the place where the former Wound or Fracture was or rather if the place will admit it a little below the same and from thence forth to be kept open so long as the person Lives for being healed and so kept it endangers incurable Megrims Vertigoes Epilepsies or Apoplexies by which the Sick is many times suddenly carried of Whereas being kept open those Fumes or Vapors which may be the Cause of the said Diseases as also of this present Pain are continually breathed forth 7. What remains now but that the Belly be kept soluble with proper Clysters and the Stomach opened and cleansed from its impurities which commonly in Bodies so disposed send up Vapours and Fumes to the Brain 8. The Clysters Take Decoctum Commune fourteen ounces Oyl of Camomil two ounces Cassia extracted one ounce and half Salt one dram mix and make a Clyster which exhibit in the Morning fasting 9. The Stomach may be cleansed with this Take Yellow Myrobalans two drams Rhubarb four scruples Spicknard half a scruple bruise and moisten them with Wormwood Wine till they are soft then infuse them in clarefied Whey or Endive Vervain Waters strain out dissolve therein Diaprunis two drams Syrup of Violets an ounce give it for one dose Or instead hereof you may take the Decoctum Senae Gereonis to six ounces which is a thing of good use 10. If the Sick had rather take Pills he may use those of Assajereth which are good for a Headach proceeding by consent from the Stomach as also Pil. Sine quibus a dram at a time of either but no wayes inferiour are Our Family Pills with Aloes 11. Lastly to strengthen and comfort the Stomach and Animal Spirits every Night going to Bed the Sick may take half a dram or a dram of good Mithridate or Venice Treacle by observing these rules t is possible he may preserve his Body at Ease and also in Health 12. If the Wound be recent and so not yet healed this following may be applyed to stop the bleeding Take Meal of Beans Lentils and Barly Spunge burnt of each one dram and a half Sanguis Draconis Frankincense Myrrh Aloes of each one dram Cobwebs two drams Pouder of Gum tragacanth two drams and half Hares-hair cut small or poudred three drams Terra sigillata Gypsum of each one Scruple make all into a fine pouder When you Vse it take thereof one ounce mix it with the Whites of two Eggs and the Juyces of Comfrey and Knotgrass of each half an ounce and apply it with Lint or Hards of Flax. 13. This Vulnerary Emplaster may also be applyed Take Betony Marjoram Hypericon Woodbine Yarrow of each a handful Rosemary Sage Centory the Less Pimpernel Vervain Comfrey of each half a handfull bruise all together digest eight days in generous Wine three pints in a warm place then add venice Turpentine one pound and half Oyls of Roses and of Hypericon of each five Ounces Oyl of Mastich one ounce and half boyl to the Consumption of the Wine then strain strongly out by pressing and add again Resin of the Pine tree melted Gum Elemi of each three ounces white Wax enough to make an Emplaster or Cere-cloth which spread upon Linen Cloth and apply it twice a Day fresh to the Wound 14. And with these Remedies you may also happily cure a Contusion or bruise by first opening the Tumors if any be mundifying it with Honey of Roses and then applying of these Medicaments 15. If the Dura Mater is hurt you may instil by the fracture clarified juyce of Calaminth or the Chymical Oyl of Mastick Or this following Liniment Take fresh Butter never Salted Or sweet Hogs lard Oyl of Roses of each half an ounce Chymical Oyl of Mastick two drams melt and mix them together and instill thereof into the Wound it immediately eases all the Pain 16. If the Headach comes from the ill shape of the Head as Absence of a Suture as the Sagital Or rocky constitution of the Skull above the said Sagitil it is Incurable unless by the help of the Trepan a piece of the Skull be taken out that the fuliginous Vapours causing the Pain may transpire XL. The Pathology of the second Kind of Headach called old or Inveterate and first of the Signes and Cause 1. The Name It is called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Latin Cephalaea and Dolor Capitis inveteratus and in English an Inveterate Old Continuing or habituall Head-ach 2. It is known by paining both sides the Head and for the most part the whole Head in which the Pain is almost continual sometimes it is gentler somtimes stronger and sometimes it is with that Vehemence as to induce a lightness of Head Foolishness or a Phrensy there is commonly a remision of it and it returnes by fits which are ordinarily at certain Dayes or Weeks Morning ro Evening or accidentally from any Violent Motion or Exercise or taking of Cold or before a Change of the Air. 3. The parts afflicted in this are the same with the former viz. the Membranes of the Cranium or the Menings of the Brain and also the Brain it self Now the substance of the Brain becomes Sensible of Pain only by reason of the community of the tender films with the Menings which produce the Sensitive Nerves so that if the substance of the Brain is afflicted it is by Consent and the Pain is only a kind of heaviness or sense of Weight before and behind 4. Some of the Causes of this Pain may be all the Causes before ennumerated in a Cephalalgia but by reason of its stubborness and long continuance we must seek for some other additionall Causes besides which may indicate such an Inveteracy 5. The one of these Causes may be a Fracture of the Skull with hurt of the Menings formerly Healed Another may be from the Evil conformation of the parts of the Head from the very Birth such as I saw in the Skull of a Man opened after his Death who had been troubled with a perpetuall Pain of his Head from his Cradle viz. an extuberance of the Inner Table or a swelling out of the Concave part of the Skull much like a half Egg cut long wayes which Tumor or bunching out of the Concavity I conceive prest much upon the Menings Another may be from the Malignity of the Pox of which we have spoken already 6. But one Principal cause may be from the Aptness of the Blood in some persons to a fermentation where Vapors and Wind are stirred up and by reason of which the Blood contained in the large Cavities and passages of the Brain being raised Causes a stretching of the Vessells beyond Nature Or otherwise by means of the said working fills the said Cavities fuller than ordinary of Excrements by which the Motions and Functions of the Animal Spirits are mightily impeeded 7. Another Cause may be
from Hypochondriack Melancholy which being it self along and Inveterate distemper may be the Cause of the Continuance of such as arise in part by consent therefrom For sending fumes into the Ventricles of the Brain by the continued circulation of the Blood it naturally followes that Pain must be naturally excited and that almost continually especially upon any sudden or violent Motion or Exercise any Grief or Trouble of Mind any anxious Thoughts or any change or alteration of the Air the reason of which last we have largely declared in Sect XXXIX § 3. and 4. aforegoing To these causes may be added the natural weakness of the brain from the birth by reason of which from almost every small Occasion this Pain of the Head is excited 8. Hence it appears That the persons most subject to this Disease are such as are of a Cold and dry Habit of body of which disposition are all Hypochondriacks and such as are of a Cold and moist Constitution the Ventricles of whose brains are almost perpetually filling filled with Recrements If it be objected that such cannot be subject to manifold Fermentations of the blood because of their cold Habit of body which is an enemy to Fermentation To this we answer That neither Heat nor Cold are simply of themselves either the Materiall or Formall Causes of Fermentation but only an Accidental Cause which are stirred up accidentally from the fit or convenient mixtion of proper Salts this Spirit of Vitriol and a solution of Salt of Tartar in fair Water or fair Water it self although they are both of hem externally Cold and also Cold in their operation yet being mixt together in a fit proportion they excite a most incredible heat which may be said indeed to be the Accidental Cause of the Effervescency and the same may be done in Our bodies although Cold and Moist if that Humidity meets with a Salt proper for such an Operation XLI The Prognosticks of a Cephalaea or Old Headach 1. This Disease if it has not been of long standing is the more easy to be cured but if it has been of any long standing it is commonly very difficult So also if it proceeds from the French Pox. 2. It is scarcely ever Cured if it followes after a Fracture of the Skull or be caused by evil Conformation of the parts or proceeds from a pure and natural or haereditary Weakness of the Brain unless that the Skull be opened and a peice thereof taken out 3. And as it for the most part happens either to people of a cold and dry Constitution of a Melancholy habit Or to such as are of a cold aâd moist Constitution of a Cachectical habit So in both these Conditions the Cure cannot but be very difficult for in the first cause the Melancholy habit must be altered else you do nothing at all and that is no easy thing to do and in the latter the Cold and moist habit must be removed if you perform any thing which is a matter of no small moment 4. If it proceeds from consent of other parts you must alter their Habit and Constitution for till the Cause be taken away the Effects can never absolutly cease And according to the difficulty of altering the nature qualities and disposition of those parts such will be the hopes of Cure in this Disease 5. If it be complicated with any other Disease as a Cough Catarrh c. the Cure will yet be so much the more difficult for till they are removed the Cephalae can never be Cured because it is certain that those Concomitants contribute mightily to this Disease 6. That which proceeds from a Fermentation of the Blood is the most easy of this kind to be Cured for upon the stopping of the Fermentation the pain not long after ceases But then this falls out again that if the Fermentation is renewed so will this Pain be also XLII The Cure of a Cephalaea or old Head-ach in a cold and dry Constitution of Body or arising from Melancholy 1 If it be in a cold and dry Habit from a simple Intemperature without Cause from any other part the Cure will not have that difficulty in it as if it proceeded from Melancholy In this Case you are to warm and humect the parts Take Oyls of Camomil and Bays of each half an ounce Oyl of Nutmegs by expression mix them well together and anoint very well all the places pained Morning Noon and Night before a convenient Fire embrocating the parts also at the same time 2. Inwardly also ought to be given things which heat and humect the parts as Take choice Canary a quart spanish juyce of Liquorice one ounce dissolve it therein let it settle then decant the clear and let the Sick take thereof every day Morning Noon and Night it is a specifick in this Case for the constant use hereof for long time does admirably warm comfort and moisten the parts and indeed alter the whole habit of the Body 3. If the season of the year will admit it may be drank with equal parts of Juyce of Strawberries or Juyce of black Cherries the last thing is marvelous for this purpose The Wines made of the Juyce of Strawberries and black Cherries by fermentation being constantly drank either alone or mixt with the Canary as before prepared are yet much better 4. If it proceeds from a Melancholy habit of Body you must use the Topicks formerly mentioned in the Cure of a Cephalalgia from cold and dryness with the things even now ennumerated adding also the erradication or changing of the Melancholy Habit without which all things are done in vain How this is performed we shall teach when we come to Treat of the Cure of Hypochondriack Melancholy to which I shall principally refer you 5. Yet the following things have not been used without success Once in three Weeks or a Month you may Purge with Pilulae de Lapide Lazuli Or with this Infusion Take Water a pint Sena one ounce Green Roots of Polypody half an ounce Salt of Tartar one dram make an Infusion to purge with 6. Somtimes also may be used the Tinctura Melanagoga Grulingij which excellently evacuates the Melancholy Humor Some commend the Diasena Nicolai half an ounce at a time to one ounce But it is thought that Confectio Hamech given alone from half an ounce to six drams exceeds most other things 7. Thus Compounded it is good for weak Constitutions Take Confectio Hamech one ounce Cassia extracted or Diaprunum Lenitivum or Catholicon two ounces mix them for two or three Doses 8. If the Stomach be foul let the Vinum Elleboratum be given half a Spoonful at a time with an ounce of Oxymel and as much Wine of Squills or half an ounce of Platerus his Walnut Water 9. In the Intervals of Purging the Sick may constantly drink Quercetans Decoction of an Ox-Spleen Or the Decoction of Crabs taking also now and then Wine of Black Cherries Pope Adrian his
being extravasated it falls upon the Tunica Cornea Others think that these Vapours enter through the Optick Nerve the chief Organ of Sight and through that are carried as through a Pipe from the Brain and original of the said Nerve to the Orbicle of the Eye but this cannot be for no kind of Vapours can be carried through Nerves of any kind for that they are not only the Channels of the Animal Spirits but also always full thereof and it is against the nature of Vapors to fall downwards unless forced by violence which here is wanting 6. Truly in the midst of all these misapprehensions We judge directly opposite viz. That these Vapors assaulting chiefly the fore part of the Brain are confounded with the Animal Spirits wherewith the brightness of the Images offered to the Brain by the Optick Nerve is rendred unequal and darkned in many places so that to the Brain there is offered a shew of false Apparitions and visions confounded with the true Image of things And that this is done in the Brain and not in the Eyes the Vertigo which for the most part doth accost these various Visions and false Images does apparently shew for that the Spirits then in the Brain are also confusedly agitated whence follows a turning and wheeling about or giddiness after which the Scotoma or darkness by which the patient becoms as it were almost blind forasmuch as by degrees those multitudes of Vapours do wholly obscure and enwrap the Spirits the which happens in that part of the brain which is the highest and which gives the original to the Optick Nerves 7. This Disease took the youth by fits without any other Symtoms than what we have already declared by which it appeared to be truly a Scotoma most Physicians would have begun this Cure with Blood-letting but I fearing to diminish the forces and strength of the body advised to another course First I exhibited a Vomit Take infusion of Crocus Metalorum six drams Oxymel of Squills half an ounce Bawm water four ounces mix them for a Dose This I repeated once a week for a month 8. The next day I purged him with Tinctura ex tribus which gave him ten or 12 stools the way of making of it you may see in my Doron Medicum lib. 2. cap. 7. sect 16. this Purge I repeated every third or fourth day for about three weeks time for purgers ought to be used in all the species of a Vertigo if the matter sending forth those vapours consist in the first passages Or if such an evaporation arise in the Head from impure blood mixed with choler as here it was apparent from whence these impure vapors have their Original 9. In the intervals of purging I ordered 8 or 10 drops of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack to be given twice a day in this following Juleb Take syrup of the juyce of Endive syrup of Succory of each one ounce syrup of the two opening roots half an ounce waters of Wormwood and Succory as much as is sufficient mix and make a Juleb At night I ordered the Pulvis ad Vertiginem Cratonis to be given in this following Electuary Take Conserve of Roses and of Marjoram of each an ounce and half flowers of Peony Citron peels Rob of Currans of each half an ounce Canded Quinces one ounce Pouder of Amber of Coral and of Coriander-seed of each one Dram Fennel and Peony Roots of each half a dram Mastich a scruple with Syrup of the Conserve of Citron Peels make an Electuary of which you may give the quantity of a Chesnut at a time 10. As to his Diet I ordered things which bred but few Vapors as Fish of gravelly places Coneys and such like to be eaten with sower sawce and in all his Drink that some few drops of Oyl of Sulphur should be put because all acid things chiefly Oyl of Sulphur not only hinder the rising of Vapors but greatly strengthen the Stomach and the other Viscera and so cool the blood whereby the generation of the matter causing the Scotoma is certainly prevented by this means the Youth was in five weeks time Cured II. A Vertigo arising in a Flegmatick Habit of Body with weakness of Sight 1. This hapned in a Man 48 years of Age of a cold moist and flegmatick disposition who had for 3 or 4 years been at times much afflicted therewith 2. The Cause from all the Symptoms that did appear was a repletion of the Brain by a cold and watery humor pituitous and serous every where filling the windings and spaces of the brain thereby generating plenty of Wind so that when the Head was moved the humor being stirred and following the motion of the Head as we said before of the Spirits the Vertigo would be excited and he complained of a fluctuation within his Skull as he thought for without doubt there was great plenty of the Humor moreover he had signs of Phlegm abounding in all parts of the body 3. Seeing all the preceeding Symptoms I much feared least it should terminate in an Epilepsy Apoplexy or Carus because the Paroxism would now return often and be of long continuance forasmuch as a Vertigo of this kind is wont to terminate in those dangerous Diseases now this it does not by simply cooling and moistning the brain but by the immense plenty of the humor the which in such as have dyed of an Apoplexy we have found the Skull being opened and Authors Report that in some it hath come forth by Floods moreover I also much feared blindness because it does often arise from Wind and a Fluctuation of the said humor to the Optick Nerves 4. In order to his Cure I considered fiâst that the cause ought to be removed which was the Flegmatick habit of the body and watery quality of the blood secondly that the brain and its windings might be freed from the ventosity and humor abounding thirdly that the parts already afflicted and weakned might be strengthned 5. As to the first intention of Cure I prescribed this Clyster Take fat Broth a pint Tincture of Colocynthis an ounce and half Oyl Olive two ounces Oyl of Anniseeds a dram mix for a Clyster This Clyster I caused to be repeated every fifth or sixth day Every morning fasting I gave him two or three spoonfulls of syrup of Juyce of Pellitory of the Wall made with Honey which I ordered to be continued for six weeks Every fourth day I purged him with the Tinctura Phlegmagoga Grulingij which evacuated him notably and spent the watery humor largely See it in our Pharmacop Lond. lib. 4. cap. 7. 6. But that we might as well strengthen Nature and help her in her Acts as altogether weaken by purging I prescribed the Electuarium ad Tabidos to be taken to the quantity of a Nutmeg in the intermediate days of purging and now and than to take a glass of choice Wormwood Wine whereby the sick might be refected and comforted and every other night
Scab or Exulceration spreading over his whole Legg 2. The Pimple was black the Exulceration lasted two years but was removed by the application of hot Ashes and so was cured the ninth year 3. Now for two years he was not troubled but seeing he had a weak Stomach though not exulcerated he suffered want of Appetite and when Dinner was delayed he fell into a Vertigo and pain of the Head he could not use his Faculty of Imagination nor continue a Discourse upon any thing but presently he forgot 4. I shall give you my Opinion concerning his Temperature He is of Constitution cold dry and melancholick which I prove from his slenderness costiveness and want of Hair his Muscles are small his principal Members as his Heart is cold his Pulse slow and rare he is fearfull his Liver dry and hot and yet that heat do's not exceed the coldness of his Heart 5. That he has a dry Liver it appears because his Veins are small and straight That he has also a hot one is clear for he has been sick of Feavors which proceeds from Choler and those Pimples shew an Adust humor 6. His Brain Temperate for he is shamefac't and his animal Operations good he abounds in heat He is temparate as to siccity he is moderate in his sleep and his Stomach always cold 7. His custom was always to take Medicines but he was inordinate and kept no good time as to his Studies in Winter he often sate with cold Feet to which he added slothfulness and never gave himself to Exercise 8. The Causes and Symptoms are next to be enquired into from whence the Indications of Cure arise Three things he suffers about the Stomach first weakness the Cause of this is Intemperateness for neither soon nor well does he Digest therefore is the Distemperature from cold 9. Secondly He suffers also want of Appetite because coldness is the Cause of want of Appetite for the matter which before was evacuated by the Legg runs back to the Stomach and chiefly a Salt Rheum from whence there is a loss of Appetite 10. Thirdly When he does not Dine soon it presently comes to a swimming in the Head this is a Symptom of the Stomach for it is done by consent as Vapors arising from the Stomach for the Appetite craves adust humors from the Liver which coming to the mouth of the Stomach ascend up to the Head from whence Avicen To suffer Hunger is to fill the Body with ill Humours 11. He suffers pain in his Forehead and this grief is from the Stomach The Animal Operations of the principal faculties of the Soul are diminished he cannot use his Imagination nor speak well the cause is some cold intemperature of those parts 12. It may be questioned from whence comes this Intemperature from the paucity of the Spirits and evil Concoction in the Stomach from thence the Liver is adust and so the Heart is cold whence is a paucity both of Vital and Animal Spirits 13. Another reason for the intemperature of the Spirits is for that the Liver generates blood that is cold from whence also humors that are dull and cold arise it is doubtless originally from the Intemperature of the Stomach for the adust Humors are cold and sharp and so are the Rhumatick 14. Secondly the cold Intemperature of the Brain comes not only from the paucity of the Spirits but also from the intemperature of them 15. The Curative Indications or Symptoms are taken from these which are Evacuation and Alteration the matter is to be evacuated and the Stomach to be altered by somewhat that is contrary 16. He must Evacuate all first and afterwards warm the Stomach by the way of alteration increase the Spirits and make them warmer these are augmented when the Stomach is prepared to digest and the warmness of the Liver is remitted 17. There is need to warm the Stomach and to cool the Liver but there is nothing to be done to the Head although the Liver is hot yet I would not open a Vein lest there should follow a paucity of Spirits I would have you to loosen the Belly with Cassia or Hiera for we have seen your Urine that 't is red and crude thin and full of many Excrements 18. They may be concocted with the Syrup of Fumitory Honey of Roses Decoction of Chicory and other things They may be evacuated by Rhubarb and Confectio Hamech and the Evacuations should be repeated according as there is occasion 19. Afterwards to procure an Appetite I would annoint it with the Oyls of Spiknard Mastich Mint and with Spices somtimes I would administer Sugar of Roses with the Species Aromaticum Rosatum 20. But for change it is better to apply somewhat outwardly Let him not go into hot Baths unless in September when he does use these let the Liver be annointed and strengthned with the Oyntment of Sanders premising Embrocations of cold Distilled Waters for the cooling of the Liver Scholzij Consul Med. Obs 311. XXXVI A Vertigo with Pain at the Stomach 1. There are four things to be done that we may prevent the Vertigo and other Maladies which proceed from the repletion of the Head First all Causes are to be avoided which fill the Head with Fumes or stir up the Humors Secondly if Humors abound in the Head they are to be brought thence or diverted Thirdly the Vapours are to be dispersed and the Head strengthened Fourthly that some Preservatives be administred for the Vertigo and Apoplexy 2. First there is nothing certainly fills the Head more than mid-day sleep and drinking after Supper in sleep after meat gross thick and very dark fumes fill the Head in that abundance as in a Furnace in which wet Timber is laid and the Head being full of Vapours the whole Body is weighed down the Man is made sadder a Vertigo is near at hand and also somewhat that is Apoplectick 3. And although to dryer Natures mid-day sleep is not inconvenient or dangerous nevertheless it cannot be any waies profitable to those who have not a little of repugnant and unwholsome humidity in the Stomach and there is a difference between fumes which come from dry Timber and what come from wet 4. Moreover if cold drink be always taken after meat and the Stomach belch many fumes are exhaled chiefly great quaffing before sleep and long feasting and banqueting are pestiferous and hurtful both to Head and Stomach nor can the mouth of the Stomach be closed for when it belcheth or is any way disordered and then endeavours to take some repose what otherwise can follow but a repletion of the Head and a Catarrh then the Vertigo also troubles 5. Great cares and weighty affairs do extreamly encrease this Distemper if attended immediatly after eating so also meats that beget fumes and too great a quantity of liquor or large drinking 6. It is requisite such be avoided by those who desire not to be troubled with Catarrhs or a Vertigo as also those
make a pouder Divide it into ten parts take a dose twice a day or twelve sows or Wood-lice bruised and White-wine put to them let the Juyce be wrung out make a Draught let it be taken twice a day 51. Now whilst these Medicines are inwardly taken it will not be amiss sometimes to raise Blisters with Vesicatories in the nape of the Neck and behind the Eares for so the serous and sharp humors are very much drain'd from the head 52. Besides Sneezing pouders and such as expurgate Rheum from the head often afford very considerable help 53. The drawing away of Blood from the Hemorrhoidal Veins of the Foot should sometimes be repeated yea and the Distemper requiring Plaisters and Cataplasms are advantagiously applyed to the Soles of the Feet It is also profitable to apply drawing Medicines about the Calves and Thighs Willis de Convulsivis Cap. 5. Observ 5. LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss The Chapter of the Vertigo continued Numb 20. L. A Vertigo with troublesom sleeps 1. John Elinger fifteen or sixteen years of Age was taken with a Vertigo and every Night he vehemently cryed out for that he was troubled with terrible things in his Sleep as if he should fall from some high Mountain 2. He was delighted in drinking of sharp or austere Wine and oftentimes suffered a relaxation of the Uvula and moreover he was afflicted with a vehement pain of the Head so that he was forced to keep his Bed for two days together 3. His Urine was very Cholerick thick troubled full of Sediment and a Spume or froth on the Crown thereof 4. I prescribed him the following Julep to be taken in three Mornings fasting Take Syrup of Staechas syrup of Succory with Rhubarb of each two ounces Oxymel simple Honey of Roses strained of each six drams Aqua Langij one ounce Waters of Endive and sorrel of each two ounces Vervain and Rose-water of each one ounce and half mix them for a Julep 5. Afterwards these following Pills Take Pilulae Arabicae one dram with syrup of Staechas make nine Pills They profit much and in the heat of Summer he took this mixture Take Conserves of Roses and of Wood-sorrel of each an ounce mix them 6. Notwithstanding he had all this while a notable weakness in his Limbs with a Griping of the Bowels and pain of the Head besides his Vertigo so that he was not able to Rise from his Bed also he was bound in his Bowels for four days past with a very great Thirst 7. I prescribed this Decoction following with Prunes Take of the best Sena Raisons of each one ounce white Tartar two drams three of the Cordial flowers Roses excepted of each one Pugil seeds of Anise and Fennel of each one dram Ginger five drams Mallows Herb Mercury flowers of Camomil of each one handful Water a sufficient quantity make a Decoction with Prunes 8. For the Comforting of his whole Body he used this following gross Pouder Take the Aromatick species I suppose he means Cloves Mace Nutmegs and Cinnamon cut small two ounces Coriander Comfits Lozenges of Diarrhodon Abbatis and of Diamargariton frigidum Citron Peels candied of each five ounces mix all well together and make a gross Pouder by beating in a Mortar By the use of these Remedies he was made perfectly well Gabelchoveri Cent. 4. Observ 1. LI. A Vertigo arising by consent from the Stomach 1. A Senator of Herrenberg twenty eight years of Age complained of a Vertigo which he plainly perceived to arise from Vapours ascending from his Stomach to his Head 2. Of other parts of his Body he made no complaints his Urine was well coloured and frothy 3. I prescribed him these following Pills Take Pilulae Aggregativae one dram Diagredium three grains with syrup of Staechas make fifteen Pills the which he swallowed with six drams of Syrup of Roses Solutive 4. Morning and Evening he washed his Feet in the following Decoction Take Aron leaves Thyme Ground-Ivy Camomil flowers Water-Cresses boyl all in a sufficient quantity of Water to wash with 5. In his Food he used Pouder of Nutmegs and going to Bed he eat Carraway-seeds moistned in Vinegar of Roses and dryed again By the use of these things with a Regular Diet he was in a few days made well Gabelchoveri Cent. 4. Observ 56. LII A Vertiginous disposition with other Symptoms 1. A Noble Youth about eleven years of Age being afflicted from his Infancy with an Imbecillity and weakness of the Head was at a certain time taken so ill after Sleep w th the abovenamed Distempers together with a Stupefaction of the parts of Motion that he was not able to hold his Head upright 2. Sometimes after Eating he was seized with the sudden Dejection of his Strength a pain in his Eyes and a darkness of his Sight his whole Body was consumed with an Atrophia his Urine was crude the pain of his Belly great his Appetite was but small without heat and thirst and his Pulse but slow 3. Now the Reason or rather the Cause from whence this Imbecility or Weakness of the Head did proceed is for as much as there is a Penury or lake of Spirits by their Refluctuation to their proper Fountain and Center and that occasion'd by Sleep they are not so quickly and readily distributed and diffused again through the Organs of the Senses 4. There was a kind of Stupefaction upon all the parts of Motion because they need and require a greater flowing in of the Spirits than the Organs of the Senses from whence we may perceive that the same part having the same Nerves oftentimes can Retain the Sense without Motion 5. The contrary whereof falls not out unless there be one Nerve to Communicate Motion and another to Communicate Sense which thing is manifest in the fabrick of the Eyes 6. Why there was a sudden Dejection of the Strength after Eating appears from this the native heat being so weak as not to digest the Food Communicated crude Exhalations to the Principal parts which serve the Animal and Vital Facultys where chiefly in the Brain this accession of Weakness was bred as in that part least Capable to bear external Injuries because of the want and Penury of the Spirits 7. There was also a pain of the Eyes with a darkness of the Sight whereas this Evil did arise by consent of the Ventricle affecting with pain sooner the foreparts than the hinder parts perhaps because the Brain is more Capacious and soft and so more fit to Receive the Impression of Vapours 8. And there chiefly the Emunctores do concur to the separation of the Heterogenous matter from whence also a dark Sight is not difficully demonstrated while the weaker Animal Spirits are whirl'd about contrary to their Nature by the flowing in of the crude Exhalations 9. The whole being consumed with an Atrophia did proceed from the Imbecillity of the Concoction of the Bowels from whence came the crude Urine and Blood
care what I was answered that there was Mutton in the House and I caused two little Stakes to be broiled for me upon the Coals which was done and I eat it up and I drank after the same a draught of Ale and then reposed my Self to Rest This was more than I had done before from the beginning of My Sickness this continued for some days I drank dayly the Wormwood Wine a quarter of a pint or half a pint a day and my Appetite continued and I eat and drank freely and slept well and had in my own Soul again the Assurance of Recovery 18. Upon the Consideration and Experience of these things My Heart rejoyced in God My Saviour and my Soul gave Thanks unto him for his numberless Mercies Saying O God who art the God of Truth and Faithfullness the Preserver of the Just and of all that put their Trust in Thee Thou art the strong God a Refuge for the Afflicted the God of Health and Salvation and My Fathers God I know Thee therefore My Soul shall Trust in Thee for Ever I have taken Thy Name upon Me I bear the Character of Thine Holiness and the Seal of Thy Forgiveness so that I cannot but Acknowledge Thee I have proved Thy Loving Kindnesses of Old I have seen the Goings forth of Thy Salvation in former times therefore shall not My Soul despair But Thou O God of Mercies hast renewed the Seal of Thy Covenants Thou hast given to My Soul fresh assurances Of late even but Yester-day when Pangs did Surround Me when the Anguish of Death did take hold of Me even then I cryed unto Thee and thou heardst Me. When I said surely I shall Dye My Torment is greater than I can bear yet then secretly did Thy Right Hand sustain Me. I poured forth My Complaints unto Thee and Cryed unto Thee the Deliverer Thou sent forth Thy Saving Health in an acceptable time For I certainly knew that Thou wouldst hear Me and therefore My Soul put its Confidence and its Trust wholly in Thee O My Lord and My God For this Cause My Soul shall exult in Thy Goodness and make its boast of Thy Mercies nor so long as I have Breath will I cease to give Praise to Thy Holy Name But surely Thou still provest those whom Thou Lovest Thou still Tryest them Thou Visitest Thy Children with Afflictions to see how They will Receive it from Thine Hand To see whether they can accept of it as Their Dayly Bread and be as well pleased therewith as with Treasures But Thou O My God hast Taught Me Thou hast Instructed My Soul in Afflictions Thou hast Taught Me to draw the more nigh to Thee in the day of Distress What shall I give to Thee O Lord for all Thy Mercies for all Thy Secret Love and for Thine innumerable Favours towards Me I will offer up a Heart wholly Devoted to Thy Love a Soul Burning in the Flames of Thine Zeal a Body only destinated to Thy Service I will consecrate My whole Self an Oblation upon Thine Altar that I may be a Sacrifice of sweet Savour and become Thine intirely for Ever Now My Soul knows that in Thee only is Life and Health because Thou O Lord art that Eternal Fountain from which all the Streams thereof Flow. Thou art the Fountain of all Mercies and Goodness of all Loving Kindnesses and Forgiveness with Thee O health of My Soul there are yet innumerable Mercies reserved in store Wherefore then should I fear Or Why should Thy Servant doubt Why should Terrors Affright Me Or Pangs make Me to Dispair When I consider Thy Faithfullness through all Generations Thy Tender Mercies in Antient times and Thy out-goings of Old My Soul is bowed down before Thee How the Angel of Thy Presence accompanied the Children of Thy Love and Thy Mighty Power went before them How Thou broughtst them out of the Iron Furnace and Redeemed them from the Power of the Children of Oppression and said unto them fear not serve Me. Yet after all this They Dissobeying Thy Voice and with innumerable Rebellious provoking Thee Thou still stretched forth Thine Hand to have Mercy upon them Surely Thou art a God that changest not I know that time cannot alter Thee therefore will I forever put My Trust in Thee O all ye Powers of My Soul Trust in the Lord and Fear not but Praise and Magnify his Great and Holy Name for Ever and Ever Amen 19. But to proceed after this beginning of Amendment My desire was insatiable after the Wormwood Wine of which I notwithstanding drank but a small proportion every day by which I felt My Stomach continually bettered However I was very Cautious of taking it too Liberally or any way to satiate My Appetite after it for that I feared if I began once to loath that which was the dayly cause of My Appetite if My Appetite should afterwards fail that I should be then left without Remedy I continued long in this hopes of Amendment but for about fourteen days it was very apparent 20. At the end of about ten Weeks My Feaver and Diarrhoea left Me at once after which the Catarrh Tumor of the whole Collum and continual Sweating increased prodigiously by means of which My Appetite again decayed and My already extenuated Body wasted more and more every day till my Condition became very deplorable in the Eyes of all that saw Me The Catarrh now became more troublesome and because that long evacuation by Stool was now of its own accord stopt without doubt the Watery humor partly was exhausted by the Mouth and partly by Sweating and part of it fell upon the fleshy parts of the Collum thereby causing a most extream Swelling of all the parts thereof 21. In order to the taking away of the Catarrh I thought of two things the one was to Shave My Head and to apply thereto a Cephalick Emplaster with some powerful drawing things The other was That because I had for some Weeks taken Laudanum without Inconveniency to make some considerable Increase of its Dose upon this special occasion These things were accordingly done and by the same I received very much benefit for though the Catarrh was not wholly taken away yet I felt not that perpetual tickling of Rhume as before nor was I troubled with much Spitting also hereby I rested exceeding well But as I found good one way I found evil another for the Tumor of the Collum waxed greater and greater and the Diaphoresis was apparently inlarged which in the Eyes of some Physicians present was an incurable Symptome 22. In the mean season I was not unmindful of the other Symptoms Outwardly the Neck was extreamly swelled so that the Head could not be turned on either side without extream pain for this I caused it to be well bathed with the Powers of Amber Morning and Night and kept it warm with a Flannel five or six times double this gave Me sensible ease The internal parts which were Tumified
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
Woman having lately lain in by taking cold was seized with a vehement Catarrh but she being Hysterick instead of the foregoing Antiscorbutick Water I prescribed the following Anti-hysterick Water 17. Take Cows Milk six quarts Tansy Featherfew Motherwort of each four handfuls stinking Arrach three handfuls Castoreum sliced and bruised four ounces the spleen of an Ox dryed sliced and bruised 6 ounces Nutmegs bruised one ounce distil in a glass Alembick in Balneo Mariae to dryness which cohobate three or four times upon the faeces distilling always to dryness and taking Care of Burning in which distilled Water dissolve Volatile Salt of Hartshorn and of Amber of each half an ounce This was mixed with the Guajacum Diet two or three ounces at a time and drunk as aforesaid 18. Another person subject to a Leipothymia or Swooning had been obnoxious to a fierce Catarrh for nine Months who was Cured with the former Medicaments save only instead of the Antiscorbutick Water before mention'd there was mixed with the Guajacum Diet one ounce or two of Angelica Water the greater Composition also I ordered the said Water upon any fainting or illness at Heart to be taken one ounce or two alone by which means she became perfectly well 19. Lastly a noble Lady of about thirteen years of Age having been for two or three years past afflicted with a Scorbutick Catarrh being sometimes better sometimes worse by following the Directions first above written was perfectly Cured in two Months time X. A Catarrh with a Vehement Pain of the Head in a cold and moist Constitution and a Scorbutick habit of Body 1. This befel a Woman of about fourty eight years of Age who was of a lusty Body fat and corpulent smooth soft Skin Flaxen colored Hair and one that seemed to be made rather for Ornament and Beauty Sake than any other purpose her Urine was small in quantity thin clear and somwhat palish 2. This Disease had afflicted her for about 18 or 20 Months the Catarrh was very troublesom to her for sometimes she would be in danger of Choaking her Head-ach was apparently a Cephalaea and probably might arise by consent from her Stomach for her Stomach was often out of order weak and the digestive Faculty almost overcome 3. The whole habit of her Body abounded with a cold and watery humor and sometimes out of her Stomach would she spontaneously cast a pint or more of clear Water without any praevious Sickness of that Bowel or any disposions to Vomit and somtimes she would have a Sickness at Heart as if she would Dye away immediately 4. These last Symptoms were great demonstrations of a Scorbutick habit which Disease is called Stomacace in Greek as if one should say the Stomach Disease however to confirm this Opinion she had wandering redish or violet colored Spots appearing at times all over her whole Body chiefly in her Arms Thighs and Leggs 5. The Cause of all this Disease was the fluxion of the Acid Salt in the Blood by reason of which there was a Coagulation as it were of the thicker parts of the Blood and a too plentifull Separation of the Serum which Serous juyce was emptied into Various parts of the Body in its passage or circulation for as much as the Blood being weakned and undon in its Crassis it was unable to cary with it its Serum as it ought to do and so to convey it to the Reins as its proper Receptacles 6. Hence it came to pass that part of that Serum was emptied into the Stomach whence its exceeding moisture part into the Vessells of the Lungs whereby she had withall some shortness of Breath part into the Cavities of the Brain whence also those many excrements which she avoided partly by the Palate partly by the Nose 7. This Disease had been of a pretty long standing which made it so much the harder to Cure for as much as the whole Body seemed to be contaminated with that Acid juyce moreover the whole habit was cold and moist and such Diseases never admit of the easiest cure However I did not dispair since her Age was not extream nor was her Strength much impared and she her self was of an observant willing chearfull and believing Mind which in this Câse is of no small advantage to the regaining of Health nor could we perceive the Nerves to be any way afflicted 8. Truly the Disease is complicate and therefore so must be the Indications of Cure for though the Catarrh be the principall mattter afflicting yet with such things as are proper thereto we must always mix Cephalicks and Antiscorbuticks not forgeting also somtimes to mix with them Antithydropicks 9. And as the cause of the Disease is an acid Salt dissolved in the Blood and for the most part fixed it is necessary not only to begin but also to continue the Cure with such as are Alcalies and chiefly such as are Volatile and somtimes also in this case nitrous Salts may not be amiss if given in a fit time and by a Wise Hand 10. For they not only in part absorbe the acid Salt in the blood but certainly makes the flammula Cordis much more clear and also so comfort and strengthen the Blood in restoring it to its due Crassis that it may be able to carry along with it its Serum to empty it by the Emulgent Arteries into the Reins 11. That these things might be both securely and pleasantly accomplished I prescribed the Lunar Pills to be given for a while twice a Week and afterwards but once a Week Rhubarb which Momanus so much commends against Feavers I found of great use here being taken for a pretty while after the ceasing to take the Lunar Pills 12. Take Endive water a pint choise Rhubarb half an ounce make an Infusion in twenty four hours then strain out by pressing the dose from one ounce to three or four every morning according to Age and Strength This being given long opens Obstructious carrys off the Morbifick Matter though it be never so gross viscous and strongly impacted in the Body but it ought not to be given over till the Obstruction is wholly removed 13. Also for change of the Purging matter by reason the Disease was stubborn and of long continuance I now and than gave her Decoction or Tincture of Colocynthis which evacuated and dryed the Head marvellously 14. This following Pouder I gave her to half a dram or two scruples she took it mixt with Conserve of Roses every Morning and Night in the intervals of Purging Take Mastick Olibanum of each an ounce and half Amber one ounce Musk one dram and half Ambergrise half a dram make all into a fine pouder and mix them I put in the Perfumes for that they were greateful to her Moreover from the use of this Pouder she Confessed she received a very great Benefit 15. By the Nostrills I derived the offending matter by proper Errhines and Sternutatorys The Errhine I exhibited was this Take
dissolv'd in Pauls-Betony water or water of Cardus Benedictus the best time for taking of this is in the Morning or four houres before Dinner 24. For the good of the Brest as well as the Ventricle and Spleen use Oxymel a discription of which follows Take River water eight pound the sharpest Vinegar one pound pure Honey two pound boyl them on a slow fire till four pound be Consumed let them be alwayes Scumm'd and in the Decoction put Cinamon pulverised two drams tied up in a rag which keep in a glass Bottle These Medicines I have prescribed for supporting the strength of the Body and for weakning those praeternatural Indispositions which do so much afflict it Scholzius ex Cratone Cons 79. LXXIII A salt Catarrh upon the Lungs 1. I understand that you are afflicted with a grievous salt Catarrh which distills upon the wind-pipe and Lungs and is the cause of ulcers in the Lungs which are also accompanied by gentle Feavers with a great wasting of the whole Body 2. These distillations encrease greatly both Spring and Fall for the inequality of the Air of these seasons whereby the Bodies that are inclinable to a Consumption are greatly afflicted as witnesseth Hippocrates who Calls Autumn an Enemy to a Consumption whether you understand it in those that are actually in a Consumption or those that have any diâââsition of body to fall into that disease 3. Now to Check those Evil habits I shall Use this threefold Means Diet Pharmacy and Chirurgery 4. Choose your Air temperate in active qualities or at least of a moderate Coldness and in passive qualities dry shun an Air that is windy rainy or extream hot or Cold. 5. Beware of the beams of the Sun and Moon these encrease the distillation let the Head and Wind-pipe be defended by Cloaths that it may not be heat or cool'd to much 6. Let your Exercise be moderate and without any violence and endeavour to Evacuate the superfluities of the Ordure and Urine 7. Take your sleep at Night not in the Day for that is bad let him Sleep seven hours at night with his Head raised and well Covered at least two hours after Supper 8. Let him shun Copulation and the troubles of the mind let his Bread be of the purest Wheat well levened but without Salt his Meat of an easy digestion and of a good nutriment having but few superfluities such as are Kid Mutton Veal c. and of Fowls as Phesants Quails Woodcock c. But Fishes are to be avoided 9. His Bread may be made of Wheat Barley Rice Millet or Turky wheat and Eggs but meat at night is not Convenient because Supper should be much lighter than Dinner 10. You must not Eat old but new Cheese and Milk you may take any way as boyled with Rice and rear Eggs. 11. But if you must needs Eat Fish let them be such as are taken in gravelly places and are scaly 12. Garlick Onions Leeks Radishes Salt and Sowr things are to be avoyded 13. Let his Drink be a Decoction of Coriander-seeds sweetened with sugar as to the Medicaments to be taken Spring and Fall let him take this heating digestive in the morning for ten days together Take syrups of Poppies Violets of each two ounces Violet water the waters of white Popular-tree and Colts foot of each two ounces mix them 14. Let the Body afterwards be purged with the following Medicament Take choice Manna three ounces with a pectoral decoction in which must by boyld Agarick trochiscated two scruple 15. If he spitts Blood or if he spitts none yet I at Intervals Commend letting of Blood in the begining of the spring at the right Basilica this will preserve from spitting of Blood 16. Morning and Evening if he spits Blood let him take Philonium Persicum or such a quantity of our Electuary against spitting of Blood which is a wonderfull thing Take seeds of white Henbane white Poppy of each ten drams Terra sigillata red Coral of each five drams old Sugar of Roses a sufficient quantity mix and make an Electuary 17. Or let him Lick of this Electuary Take Lohoch of Purslane diatragacanthum fine Bole of each one ounce with a sufficient quantity of the syrup of Poppys make an Electuary 18. Some times after going to bed let him take this Pill for stopping the Catarrh and the Blood Take the Pills of Hounds-tongue eight grains make one Pill and let the Head be purg'd by turns with the Pills prescribed in the former Counsel 19. Let the Catarrh be diverted with Ligatures and Frictions of the Arms and Thighs and by putting Cupping-glasses without scarification to the Buttocks as also by washing the Leggs in this Bath Take red Roses the flowers of Water-Lillies Violets Betony Camomil of each one handful boyl them in a sufficient quantity of River water and therewith wash the Leggs 20. By this secure and safe Medicine the Catarrh is forc'd back to the superficies of the Skin of the Head Take Cantharides their Wings and Heads being cut off one dram one Fat Figg a little leaven Vinegar of squils make a past And the Head being shaven apply it in the morning to the Coronal Suture let it continue for eight hours 21. When it is sufficiently Blistred let the water out with an Instrument for that Use and anoint the place with Butter and then lay on a Cole-wort leaf heated on the ashes this must be done Morning and Evening lest the parts close 22. But if this prove Ineffectual make a Cautery about the beginning of May in the Coronal suture the Hair being Shaven and the place mark'd with Ink burn it with a hot Iron to the very Pericranium then dip Flax in the white of an Egg with Rose water and Vinegar afterwards for eight hours apply Butter beaten with a Cole-wort leaf and so Morning and Evening keep the Plaster till the Scabb fall off which being done put therein a white Pea and over it an Ivy leaf and so the place shall be kept long open 23. By this remedy many persons Phthisical have been Restored to their former Health and though this Medicament may be loath'd yet it is most safe and stops the distillation of the humours upon the Wind-pipe 24. I prescribed in the foregoing Counsel a Restaurative Electuary of the flesh of a Capon and Partridge which Morning and Evening three or four houres before meat he should Use to the bigness of a Chestnut 25. I also advise that he Drink in May Asses-milk Goats-milk which although it begets Vapours yet there can be nothing better to mitigate the distempers of the Lungs and a hot and fierce Catarrh taking at the first four ounces and so proceeding by degrees to a pint mixing it with a little sugar 26. And that the Milk may not be Corrupted take a Milch Goat into your Chamber after you have drunk the Milk thus ordered you must not presently Sleep nor use any Bodily exercise 27. Those days he is troubled with
Eventilated if for that Cause great disorders follow and from this most common Cause a distemper greatly Epidemical should be excited 22. As to the Symptoms Joyned with this Disease a Feaverish Intemperature and whatsoever belongs to this the heat of the Praecordia Thrist a spontaneous Weariness pain in the Head Loins and Limbs were induced from the blood growing hot and not sufficiently eventilated 23. Hence in many a part of the thinner blood being heated and the rest of the Liquor being only driven into Confusion a simple synochus or Feaver of more days was Caused and this for the most part ceased within a few days 24. But in some endued with a vitious disposition of blood or evil habit of body this kind of Feaver arising from the same Cause quickly passed into a very dangerous putrid Feaver and often Mortal 25. The Cough accompanying the Feaver with a Catarrh draws its Origine from a serous humour heaped together in the blood by reason transpiration was hindred for a long time and then an Effervescency being risen droping forth more from the little Arteries gaping within for when the Pores are restrained the superfluous serosities in the blood being wont to evaporate outwardly are poured fourth on the Lungs by a proper Castration or Cleansing of the blood wherefore by taking Cold as they usually call it that is from Transpiration outwardly being hindered for a long time the Cough for the most part is stirred up 26. And for a foregoing Cause to this Distemper the flowing forth of the Serum into the mass of blood hath for the most part the cheif place 27. For from the cold hindring the scorching of the Blood or the provision of the Bile and prohibiting the Breathing forth of the watery humour there was a necessity that very much of the serous humour should be heaped up in the Blood 28. Wherefore when the Blood flowing in the Spring conceived an heat the flowing forth of the Serum and a pouring of it on the Interiour parts was wont to Cause first the Cough as the proper symptom of this Disease 29. And those whose Blood was more dilutââed by the mixtion of the Serum and who were greatly obnoxious to the Cough and a Rhumatick Disease were Cured with less trouble of the feaverish Distemper 30. The Prognostick of this disease concerning private persons is for the most part easy that one may deliver the Event from the first Assault for if this sickness be Excited in a strong Body and before Healthfull and that the Feaverish Distemper be moderate and without any grivous and horrid symptom the business is free from danger and the distemper is to be accounted of no great Moment as that commonly is of catching cold neither needs a Physitian be Consulted nor Remedies unless that which is trivial and ordinary be Administred 31. But if this Distemper happens in a weak and sickly Body or with a bad provision or that the Feaver being transmitted into a Putrid Feaver or the Cough growing grievous Induces difficult Breathing and as in were a Tabid and Consumptive disposition the event of the disease is much to be suspected and often terminates in death 32. The common Prognistick that was taken from hence concerning the future state of the year contains nothing to be feared or ominates any great ill 33. By reason of the unequal temperature of the year the great heats and then excessive Cold we might fear Diseases to arise from the discrasy of the Blood yet we need neither from the present Condition suspect any notable deprivation of the Air or Infection with poysonous Breaths that from thence may be had any Judgment of the plague or Malignant disease to be at hand 34. As to what belongs to the Cure when this disease is more lightly Inflicted its Cure for the most part is left to nature for this Feaver when it is only a simple Synochus is wont to be Cured within a few daies by a sweat wherefore by a copious sweating the third or fourth day for the most part the heat and thirst the weariness and heavy pains are allayed then the Cough being longer protracted by little and little afterwards Remits and at legnth the sick leisurely grows well 35. If this Disease hath rooted it self more deeply there is need of fit Remedies and an exact method of Curing the Feaver growing worse is to be healed according to the Rules to be observ'd in a putrid Feaver but with this difference never the less that because transpiration being hindred and the suffusion of the serous humor on the Lungs are cheifly in fault therefore Diaphoretick and pectoral remedies are of more frequent use for these Restrain the flowing of the Serum from the vessels within or by opening the Pores convey it forth of doors or precipitating it from the bosom of the Blood send it forth by the Urinary passages 36. Therefore the method of Medicine for this Disease being brought into the worser sort Respects both the feaverish Intemperance for curing which you are to be directed according to the Intentions shewen in the putrid Feaver and also the Rhumatick distemper which letit be secondary and not every expectorating remedy or those used against a Cough are to be admitted however but of that kind only which do not encrease the Feaver 37. The forms of these and the means of Curing are to be sought from the precepts generally delivered for the Cure of the putrid Feaver and of the Cough 38. The helps which now by frequent Experience are commonly said to Effect a Cure of this Disease are sweating or provoking of sweat and letting of Blood For the vessels being emptied by this or that means both the immoderate heat of the Blood and the abundance of the Serum are Restrained Willis de Febribus cap. 17. LXXVIII A Catarrh badly Cured 1. A delicate and religious Maid tall and slender begot of a sickly Father and obnoxious to the most grievous Distempers of the nervous kind about twenty years of Age was troubled for many dayes with the Head-ach very cruel and Periodical at length at the time of the Winter Solstice 1656. the Pain of her Head ceased but instead of it a mighty Catarrh followed with a thin and plentifull Spitting as also an ulcerous Distemper of the Nose and Throat 2. After she had for some time endured this affliction by the prescript of a certain Woman receiving the Fume of Amber by a Funnel into her Mouth she was suddenly Cured viz. the Catarrh or violent Rhume ceased suddenly but from thence she complained of a notable Vertigo with a Pain in the Head and a tingling noise in the Ears 3. On the third day the tendons of the hinder part of the Neck were pulled together that her Head was bended forward and somtimes backward and of one side somtimes it continued still and unmoveable 4. After a while the same kind of Convulsive distemper invaded the outward Members and Limbs of the whole Body her
spoonfull or two of the oyl of sweet Almonds in a little warm drink or secondly in the place of this two spoonfuls of our Asthmatick water Thirdly let there be taken somtimes a little of the syrup of Jujubes or fourthly use the folowing Morsels 2. Take species diatragacanthon frigidum diaireos simplex of each four scruples the flower of sulphur a scruple Citron-peels candied and cut very small six drams white sugar dissolv'd in Pauls Betony-water four ounces make morsels to which add four drops of the Oyl of Citrons 3. Fifthly but if any danger threatens from thinness and saltness use the following Rouls Take of the seeds of white Poppy three drams and half the water of Colts foot one ounce of Pauls Betony of Roses of each half an ounce make an Emulsion in which dissolve three ounces and half of white sugar to which add species Diatragacanthon frigidum one dram and make Rouls according to Art 4. By these he began to grow somewhat better but fearing a Relapse he desir'd me to give him somewhat that might purge the Body comfort and strengthen the Bowels as a Nodul put in wine a draught whereof he may take at dinner and supper 5. Take Mechoacan ten drams yellow Sanders four scruples Roots of Bryony half an ounce Nutmegs two drams leaves of Sena half an ounce white sugar Candy two drams oyl of Cinnamon one dram Grains of Chermes two scruples Citron-peels dried one dram and half mix and make a Nodul 6. Secondly he may use Morsels one whereof is to be taken at once Morning and Evening Take the salt of Coral one dram and half Pearls prepared half a dram Citron-peels candied one ounce Conserve of Rosemary flowers two drams white sugar dissolved in the waters of Cinamon and Roses four ounces and half oyls of Citrons seven drops of Annis three drops of Nutmeg expressed Confectio Alkermes of each one scruple make Morsels according to Art and guild them 7. Thirdly let the following plaister be applied to the Region of the Bowels Take pouder of Nutmegs one dram and half Amber one dram Mastich two drams roots of Bistort Frankincense Pomegranate peels Myrrh red Roses of each two scruples Blood-stone red Sanders of each half a dram Plaister of a Crust of Bread of each three drams oyl of Quince of Turpentine ship-Pich and Wax of each a sufficient quantity make a Plaster quadrangular-wise which spread on red silk 8. Fourthly the person may use the following water in the place of Morsels to the quantity of one spoonful Take Aqua Vitae 3 ounces Cinnamon Water one ounce mix them and therein dissolve Confectio Alkermes one scruple the salt of Coral one dram Work it well and then filter it through brown Papper and by these Medicaments the person Recovered Ex Grulingij Cent. 1. Observe 22. LXXXV A Catarrh falling from the Head upon the Jawes accompaned with a difficulty of Swallowing by reason of some internal Tumor 1. A Gentleman of a flegmatick Constitution having a Cold moist Brain it being a very wet and rainy Winter was miserably afflicted with a Catarrh which fell upon the Head to the Jaws and Pallate where there was bread such a Tumor that the person was in danger of Suffocation 2. The following Remedies were prescribed to be taken Take the plaister of Melilot Barly-meal Lint-seed of each two drams Faenugreck one dram and half one yolk of an Egg flowers of Camomil two drams oyls of Chamomil of Violets and Wax of each half an ounce make a Plaster and apply it warm to the Neck 3. Take oyl of sweet Almonds Camomil of of each one ounce Oyntment of Marshmallows one ounce and half oyl of Anise eight drops make an Oyntment wherewith the Neck may be anointed before the application of the Plaster 4. Make a Mucilage of the seeds of fleawort with Rose-water one ounce and half the seeds of Quinces three drams the syrup of Liquorice and of Violets of each half an ounce syrup of Mulberries two drams honey of Roses half an ounce Oyl of sweet Almonds two drams Oyl of Anise three drops white sugar Candy two drams Sal Prunellae one scruple Self-heal water half an ounce mix them and let him lick now and then thereof 5. Now for stopping the Defluxion and for strengthening of the Head he may take Mastich Mace Citron-peels Camomil flowers of each two drams Gum of Juniper Frankincense Cloves Rose-water macerated and exsiccated of each one dram red Roses Myrtles Amber of each half a dram let them be pulverised and being put between two silks make a Cap for the Head Ex Grulingij Cent 1. Observ 24. LXXXVI A Catarrh Cured with the use of Tobacco 1. A certain great Man was subject to a Chronick Catarrh which was taken away with pouder of Tobacco snuffed or drawn up the Nostrils and a decoction of Sassafras for his Drink after other things had been used in vain 2. The preparation Take Tobacco leaves one dram and half Marjoram one scruple Musk one grain make a fine pouder to which add a few drops of Oyl of Anniseeds Thoneri lib. 2. Observ 2. LXXXVII Of the mighty power of Tobacco observed in Curing Catarrhs 1. There is no Plant in the World for its many excellent Virtues in removing all kinds of diseases both internal and external that deserves such an Elogy as Tobacco especially in Catarrhs and Rhumes the fume and powder thereof being exhibited it s Fume satisfies the Appetite and removes hunger by the virtue of this Plant persons have fasted three or four dayes without any discernable hurt 2. It is fit then to enquire into the Cause of such a strange Effect seeing it appears somewhat disagreable to reason that any alliment should be conveyed to the Stomach from its fume 3. Nicholas Monardus a Spaniard tells you the Indians somtimes wandering in the desert places and wanting food have deceived their craving appetites by Chewing the bigness of a large Pea of Tobacco and have continued a Journey of four dayes without Meat or Drink and yet without any sense of hunger and thirst and ascribes the Cause of this to a watery kind of flegm drawn from the Head by the Operation of Tobacco which being swallowed serves instead of Nourishment 4. But a more occult Cause may be assign'd than this viz. a certain ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã or stupefactive quality making an impression upon the mouth of the Stomach which inables the person to abstain from Meat and Drink till its Energy is spent and then the Appetite returns 5. The root thereof mix'd with the Conserves of Roses and Violets has been given to extinguish Thirst and it is not unlikely it can produce this effect For there are little Nerves belonging to the Jaws which reach the mouth of the Stomach which being stupifyed there remains no sense of Appetite Thoneri lib. 2. Observ 3. LXXXVIII A Catarrh from pituitous Humours 1. A certain Gentleman being subject to shortness of Breath and a Catarrh I
much spoken of by the Antients and Corrected and made better by Forestus and by me found experimentally Usefull 4. Take the seeds of white Poppy one dram and half gum Tragacanth Arabick meal of Orobus of each one dram and half the seeds of Althaea Purslane Cucumbers Melons Citruls and Cotton-seeds of each two ounces and half the Ashes of water-Crabs white Coral burnt Amber Liquorish of each one dram and half sugar-penides the weight of them all mix them and make a pouder and let him take it with the syrup of Jujubes and Poppies of each one ounce and half Julep of Violets ten drams 5. Every other day let him make use of these preservative Rouls against a Consumption or wasting Take fox lungs prepared the flowers of Sulphur prepared of each half a dram old sugar of Roses one dram and half Pine-nuts sweet Almonds blanched of each one dram sugar Penides dissolved in the waters of Pauls Betony and Scabious of each a sufficient quantity mix and make Rouls 6. For the same Intention the following Liniment is directed Take Vnguentum Resumptivum three drams Oyl of sweet Almonds Oyl of Violets of each two drams Mucilage of the seeds of Althaea Tragacanth extracted with the water of Violets of each one dram Saffron bruised half a scruple Musk three grains with a sufficient quantity of Wax make a Liniment 7. But if his Cough be very troublesome he must take two spoonfuls Morning and Evening of the following mixture Take Oxymel of Squills three drams Aqua vitae well Rectifyed Aniseed-water spirit of Juniper of each one ounce species Diaireos Solomonis half a dram Oyl of Anise five drops Laudanum three grains choice Musk two grains white sugar Candy three drams mix them well and strain taking the straining off at one time he may take over and above one Tabulet of species Diatragacanthi frigidi Jo. Petrus Lotichius Obs 1. cap. 1. lib. 3. CXXV A Catarrh falling upon the Stomach 1. The Catarrh is a moist vapour which assaulteth the Head and afterwards falleth down again into the Stomach where it Ingrosseth and Corrupteth this moisture hath its beginning of the moisture of the Lungs and untill such time as the Lungs be discharged thereof the Catarrh will continue in its force 2. This Disease reigneth move in Flegmatick and Melancholy Bodies than in any of other Constitutions such as are troubled with it are not long lived because their Lungs consume by little and little and thereupon they are troubled with the Ptisick and consequently they perish if they be not quickly Relieved 3. Take Pulmonaria and Sena that is fresh and new Infuse them in wine and water over a small or gentle Fire till the wine have drawn out the Vertue then strain it and put thereunto our Quintessence and keep it close in a glass Let the Patient drink thereof every Morning three ounces luke warm for twenty days together let him Eat good nourishing Meats 4. If the Patient be weak you shall give him new-laid Eggs and good White wine If the humidity be perceived not to be quite expelled and evacuated then give him our Aromatico afterwards comfort him again with Restauratives and Cordials to make him strong 5. This method of curing this Disease differeth from the common course Physicians take who would Cure it by Diet Bleeding Mollifying Liniments and by causing them to spit and such like which are means rather to augment then diminish the Catarrh Phioravant LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss The Chapter of the Catarrh continued Numb 56. CXXVI Another Cure of the said Disease 1. If you would cure this Disease use these five things 1. Our Electuario Angelico 2. Our Quintessence solutive 3. Our pilulae pro descenso 4. Oyntments for the Stomach and Head 5. Our Quintessence Vegetable 2. The Electuary cleanseth the Head and Stomach the Quintessence solutive evacuateth the Body the Pills take away the cause of the descension the Oyntments dry and the Vegetable Quintessence preserveth the Body from all ill and noysom maladies 3. The Electuary must be taken first in the morning the Quintessence solutive you must take a spoonful of in the Morning in a little Broth and sugar keeping a good Diet this is to be done for four or six days then take the Pills in the Evening and in the mean time anoint the Head and Stomach with the Oyl of Wax and drink every Morning a little of our Quintessence which if you do use continually there is no doubt but the Body shall be freed from many troublesome maladies 4. There was a certain Woman of the age of fifty eight years who being grievously afflicted with a Catarrh was cured by the use of our Aqua preservans taking it Morning and Evening and by anointing the Stomach with our Balsam 5. One that was troubled with a Catarrh and a Stitch in his side was thus cured He took Our Aromatico twice then he took every Morning of our Quintessence solutive with the Broth of a Capon for seven or eight days together and every night when he went to bed he anointed his Stomach with Oleum Incombustibile and thereby was soon Cured 6. Another woman having a Catarrh with a pain of the Head and Stomach stoppage of her Menstrue's and loss of Appetite was thus helped first she took two doses of our Pilulae Angelicae then she took every Morning a spoonfull of Quintessence solutive with Broth and Sugar for five or six mornings together after that she took every morning one spoonful of our Aqua praeservans by these Medicines she was cured in a short time Phioravant CXXVII A Catarrh suffocative with an Ischuria 1. A Reverend Father aged sixty one years of a hot humid Nature hansom Feature and full well-set Body being given to Wrestling Ball-playing and Bowls would be apt to heat himself and Sweat much which course he took for about some eight or nine years 2. Afterwards upon a certain day he grew hot and in the night following when he should have taken his rest was taken with a suffocative Catarrh for the space of a quarter of an hour by which assault getting upon his Knees in his Bed he recommended his Soul to God with folded hands 3. He could scarce speak one word his Breath was so stop't and the Flux so impetuous at the end of which a most cold and an exceeding great sweat all over with which the Bed and the Cloaths were wet a continually weakning of the Body dayly follow'd after that first assault 4. When the Evening drew on and the time of sleep approch'd he was surprized with so great a Terrour in the months following that he durst not rest one moment except attended by his Freinds until in time he had accustom'd himself to a symptom cunningly creeping upon him 5. Twice or thrice yearly it came again upon him in like manner in his Sleep the chief occasions whereof were still almost either Anger or Sorrow and its declining was
mistakes in Meat especially troubles of Mind Cares and Drinking of Wine being also born of Parents who were troubled with Catarrhs was taken with a distillation from the Head into the whole right side of his Body with a certain unmoveableness of the Tongue the Arm and Leg of the same side 2. All these Accidents were Cured by convenient Medicines only a certain heaviness sence of weight in the Arm and Leg of the same side remain'd hindering him that he was not able to go through with his usual Dutys 3. Besides he complained of a certain impediment of the Head insomuch that when he cast his Eyes up or down to the right or to the left and placed his Head again in its natural position he remain'd as if he had been stupid and in a swound yea and would stagger sometimes 4. For the remedy of which although he had Cauteries or Issues upon the hinder part of his Head and his right Arm yet no remedy redounded from thence and sometimes also in Vain he used the Bath waters 5. Prevotius with fortunate success advised him to take Physical Wines to use Turpentine with the Oyl of Castoreum the Decoction of Box-tree China viscus quercinus Mastich-Wood with Sage and Chamepytis besides Treacle with Sugar of Roses 6. And for outward Medicines he applyed Goose-grease with she pure Spirit or Oyl of Rosemary upon Scarlet Cloth to the nape of the Neck Velchius Obs 14. CXXXVI A Catarrh with a Cough 1. A Catarrh and a greivous Cough happen'd to a Gentleman about the twenty fifth year of his Age what he brought up he evacuated with vehemency so that nothing remain'd within him it kept him four years 2. Hellebor did not agree with him but a moderate Dyet to make lean his Body to eat Bread abstain from Bitter Salt and Fat things from the juyce of Silphium or Benjamin from all raw Herbs and to walk much took no Milk but drunk pure Oyl of Sesamus mixt with pleasant Wine 3. Hence it is manifest that the Catarrh proceeded not so much from the multitude of Excrements in the whole Body or in the Brain either as from the intemperature of the Brain it self so that the Excrements caused not the Intemperature so much as the Intemperature the Excrements 4. For if the Excrements had been the first cause of the Distemper purging would have been medicinal but because the first original was Intemperature and an intemperate Brain from which the very food which he took unadvisedly contracted the matter of the distillation Hellebor was not advantagious but abstinence from meat and to pine away with hunger 5. For the aliment so detracted from the Brain causing a want there remain'd less matter to distill and the Brain through abstinence from food was exsiccated and in this manner it fell out that the moist intemperancy of the Brain was stopt 6. Besides he receiv'd hurt from hot sharp salt and fat Meats for such besides their heat are of that quality to whet the passages of the Breath and cause Coughing for sharp things are unpleasant to the Stomach Salt things cleanse and knaw and salt causes moisture 7. The juyce of Silphium or Benjamin was hurtful because 't is very sharp or biting hot and windy by which the Head was made hot and filled again with humors and therefore the distillation run more raw Herbs were hurtful because by them the thick humour Replenishing the Head is elevated the drinking of Milk was not convenient because offensive to those who are troubled with the Head-ach and that for the same reason because it easily excites sorrow in them and therefore by those troubled with Catarrhs are to be avoided 8. Much walking was necessary for it causes dryness but we must include in due season for any man troubled with such distempers walk to much he perceives more hurt thereby then if he move not at all 9. Rubbing also and moderate watching was advantagious his Food was Bread every manner of way wholsom and harmless except taken with immoderation he drunk black wine because in my opinion it makes the moysture of the body not so fluent as white Wine doth but this I Question because 't is much more replenishing then white wine and and purges less by Urine and Sweat 10. He likewise found relief by a potion of sweet wine and pure and green Sesamus good wine is pleasant and convenient for those that are troubled with the Cough and those troubled with hard excrements also Sesamus by reason of the sweet humour which it produces which potion is more fit for the passions of the Breast then for a Catarrh proceeding from the Intemperature of the Brain for it could give but small relief to the Brain but 't was so far beneficial that nothing of the distillation remain'd within Vallesius Comment in loc citat SCHOLIA The THEORY of the CATARRH By W. Salmon the Author of this Work CXXXVII The Pathology of the Catarrh and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Name It is called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Latin Catarrhus and in English Distillation of Rhume 2. The Definition A Catarrh is a flux of Rhume to the Throat and Mouth coming sometimes from the Head sometimes from the Lungs sometimes from Stomach translating the preternatural or superfluous juyce to various parts of the Body as the Eyes Ears Nose Joynts c. 3. The Kinds A Catarrh is commonly but two-fold one in a sulphureous saline discrasy of the Blood or a hot and moist habit of Body the other in a saline sulphureous Dyscrasy of the Blood or a cold and moist Constitution of the Body in which latter Case it is for the most part Complicated with the Scurvy in the first Case the flux of Rhume is for the most part thin being rarifyed by the two great heat of the Body in the latter Case the humor or Rhume is for the most part thick being condensed by reason of the too cold habit and disposition of the Body CXXXVIII The signs whereby a Catarrh may be known 1. The Pathognomick sign or sign peculiar unto and accompanying this Disease is the flux of Rhume to the part or parts afflicted in the Mouth it is known by the perpetual filling with a moist humor either thick or thin and a continual disposition to Spit in the Nose and Eyes by a continual running of them upon the parts of the Throat as the Tonsilae or Amygdallae the Pharynx or Larynx the Gums Joints c. 2. It is known by the Tumor or Swelling of the part and for the most part is accompanied with Inflamation and pain 3. If the flux be to the Mouth and Throat it is either gentle or violent if it be gentle it Causes only a continual Spitting but if it be fierce or vehement it causes a dangerous Suffocation or at lest an Obstruction of the Lungs from whence often ensues shortness of Breath difficulty of Breathing and a vehement Cough 4. If it falls
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
grains at a time which was Administred once or twice a week according as the Exigency required 7. But whereas the Epilepsy fell in a Scorbutick habit of Body Antiscorbuticks were Essential to this Cure without which it could not be well performed 8. Take spring water twenty pound Guajacum sarsa sarsafras of each half a pound boyl all together to the Consumption of a third Coriander-seed Rocket-seeds Mustard-seed of each three ounces put them in just at the last boyling let the Liquor stand till it is almost cold then strain and add these following things Juniper-berries bruised half a pound juyce of Scurvy-grass Brook-lime and Water-Cresses of each ten ounces mix them together and with a pint of Ale-yest work them all up and having done working let it be put up into Bottles as you did the diet in the former section 9. The constant taking hereof will alter the habit of the Body and by degrees take away the Scurvy and be the cause of the rooting out of the other Diseases also 10. For if an Epilepsy comes upon a Scorbutick habit it is Impossible it should be cured till the evill habit be clearly removed 11. He also drank now and then in his Broth a few drops of Tincture of Antimony which has an Essential power against this Disease 12. Lastly over the futures of the Head I caused to be applyed Franciscus Valesius his Epileptick plaster and in a short time he became well this Caution is alwayes to be obsered not only in the Scurvy but in all other Diseases concomitant with the Epilepsy that those things good against those Diseases be always mixed with Antepilepticks X. An Epilepsy in young Woman from a disaffection of the Stomach 1. This Disease had long layn hid or secret nor did it make it self manifest till it had got singular advantages on the Animal spirits afterwards it assaulted the young Woman after an exceeding violent manner and with so great a pain and weakness of the Stomach that she her self nor the standers by thought she would live 2. Somtimes she was so sick as to Vomit a great deal of green Choler and somtimes a great deal of tough viscous and yellow Flegm after which she would be well for several days as if she ailed nothing 3. From whence it appeared that the Cause was really lodged in the Stomach upon her next complaining I provided for her the following Dose Take Infusion of Crocus Metallorum six drams salt of Vitriol two scruples mix them and give it her warm this gave her eight or nine several easy Vomits 4. This vomit I repeated the fourth day following after which I gave her several specificks as the Tinctura of Luna spirit of Harts-horn and salt of Harts-horn spirit of Sal Armoniack and such like all which were of a singular good Use for the pain of the Stomach 5. After these things were done her Courses came down nor were they stoped any more 6. To her feet I applyed Blisters which made a good Revulsion of the matter and I now and than caused her to take a Glass of spiced wine upon any Illness or faintness of the spirits cheifly that of Pope Adrian whereby the weakned Nerves are restrained to their former strength 7. Her diet was that common to the houshold nor could a little Irregular diet hurt her by Reason she stayd not long upon it 8. Nor can indeed change of diet create any evil habit of Body nothing can do that unless it has been long used because the Stomuch being nourished and cherished by things which it likes poduces a good and laudable Chyle and a good Chyle a good Blood whereby health of Body is attained at last 9. This young Gentlewoman by looking upon another wishly at the time of her falling down caused her also as it was thought to fall into the same Disease and some think it is done by the Effluvia of the Eyes wherein the Venom of the Disease is secretly conveyed 10. But whether it did or not I will not here determine though it is the absolute opinion of many great Phylosophers and some Circumstances are so strange that a man can scarcely misbelieve it without doing a great deal of violence to his Reason and Understanding 11. Much such an Example does Platerus give in his observations which thing is well worth the Considering XI A simple Epilepsy Originally in the Brain 1. A Youth fifteen years of Age had been more than six or seven years obnoxious to an Epilepsy he was of a fresh colour sanguine Complexion great high spirit and of a singular Wit and Ingenuity 2. The disease crept upon him by little and little the fits being very gentle at first afterwards more Extream when they had held him about two years time they left him for a year of their own accord without Physick but by being accidentally frighted after an Interval of about fifteen months space they afflicted him again with an exceeding deal of violence 3. The youth was sensible of the fit before it came and would Cry out Oh 't is now a coming when he was come to himself again he would declare how its approach was 4. First he felt a lightness and swiming in his Head which made all things seem as if they turnd round presently after his Head would be dull and heavy and he would suddenly be taken with a Convulsion as though his Neck and Soulders would be drawn together whereupon he immediately fell with violence foaming mightily at the mouth 5. I beheld him in several of these fits but that which is more Admirable is that these fits should visit him four or five times in a week and somtimes two or three times a day and then all of a sudden so to leave him that he should be without them for a month or six weeks together 6. For which space of time he would seem to be perfectly well being as merry and brisk as if he had never ailed any thing and then of a sudden without any known or praevious Cause to fall into the same again with all the force and vehemence immaginable 7. The reason of this Phenomenon I might give here but I design to do it in another place to which I shall refer you however the method of the Cure and by what I perform'd it was as follows 8. In the first place I caused Blisters to be laid to the soles of the Feet because they universally and also in a special manner derive from the Head 9. His head being shaved was morning and evening anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression two ounces Liquid storax Chimical Oyls of Amber Rosemary and sweet Marjoram of each two drams Chimical oyls of Lavender and Sage of each one dram mix and make a Balsam for the Head with which it was anointed morning and evening for near half an hour together before hot Embers 10. After which was applyed over the whole Head the Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus
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-siâkness 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
the roots of Peony that is fresh two ounces make a Potion 6. Let her take another day this Bole Take Methridate one dram the roots of Peony pulverized one scruple and a little Sugar mix them 7. Afterwards let her hold these Tablets in his Mouth Take juyce of Liquorice six drams choice Cinnamon two drams Ginger one dram Mace Clove-gilli-flowers Nutmegs Cubebs of each half a dram seeds of Peony one dram sugar Candy four ounces let them be made up with the Infusion of Gum Tragacanthum 8. Put the following Pouder in a Cucupha and then wear it all Night Take Mastich half an ounce the roots and seeds of Peony of each two drams roots of true Acorus Citron-peels dry Galangal of each one dram flowers of Rosemary of Sage of Peony of each half a dram Mace Clove-gilli flowers of each half an ounce Schaenanth Spicknard the Wood of Aloes of each one scruple make a pouder 9. Let her take every Week the usual Pills Take Agarick two drams Mechoacan and our Bryony of each one dram and a half Turbith the best Aloes of each one dram the roots of Asarum Cassia Lignea the seeds of Basil Peony of each two scruples Ginger Clove-gilli flowers Schaenanth Saffron of each one dram Sarcocol half a dram with the juyce of the roots of Peony make thereof a mass 10. Use this following Electuary by turns taking one dram and a half thereof Take the Ashes of Swallows Asses hoof and the Skull of a man calcined roots of Peony Misleto of the Oak of each two drams the roots of Pyrethrum one dram leaves of Hyssop Polymontane Dittany of Creet flowers of Staechas of each half a dram the seeds of white Bryony Basil Clary Bastard Lovage of each one dram Spicknard Mace Cubebs of each half a dram of both kind of Coral two drams the Rennet of a Hare one dram with the syrup of fresh Peony a sufficient quantity make an Electuary 11. The use of these being continued for almost a whole year she was freed from her Paroxysms Now when she was thought to be perfectly recoved she partly of her own accord and partly by my advice Married if peradventure thereby her Terms might be provoked 12. Though for some time living well and in a good habit of Body in her Married Estate yet she still had not her Terms for which Cause I ordered her a Pessary which was not convenient to be used before her Marriage 13. Take roots of Asarum Agarick of each two drams Myrrh the leaves of Rue dryed and Marjoram of each one dram the seeds of Peony half a dram Nutmegs two scruples bruise them all together and make them up with Rosemary-flowers and add thereto the Gall of an Hog one dram make Pessaries 14. By the use of those Medicines in the place of the Menstrua a wheyish sharp kind of humor Issued forthwith Extream pain about her flanks yet scarcely any thing Bloody appeared 15. This person thus restored after a year fell again into the Epilepsy by reason of a new Terrour a vein was opened in the Arm first and in the Foot the following day 16. Afterwards she was thus purged Take roots of Liquorice Peony of each half an ounce roots of Asarum two drams Polypody of the Oak three drams Carthamus two drams Epithymum half a dram Turbith one dram Anni-seed one dram and a half Flowers of Staechas Broom of each one pugil make a Decoction in which infuse Agarick Trochiscated and Rhubarb of each one dram Ginger spicknard half a dram sal Gem three grains Oxymel a sufficient quantity make a Potion 17. And this following bitter purgative Electuary was used by taking one dram and a half with the syrup of Peony Take Hiera of Hermes and Logadius of each half a dram Diaphoenicon Diacarthamus Diasenna of each two drams with Oxymel of squills make thereof an Electuary 18. And use successively now and then Tablets and somtimes the following Electuary from one dram to a dram and half Tablets Take Basil seed Clary Peony palma Christi of each one dram and half Misleto of the Oak Peony of each one dram Coral of both kinds one dram and half Asses hoof calcin'd and the fore-part of Mans skull calcin'd of each half a dram species Diamargariton frigidum one scruple sugar a sufficient quantity dissolv'd in the waters of Betony and Peony make Tablets 19. The Electuary Take roots of Peony Pentaphylus Tormentilla of each three drams round Birth-wort Gentian Pyrethrum of each one dram the leaves of Polimountan Golden maiden-hair Penny-royal Birds-tongue Time of each half a dram seeds of Peony Basil Bastard Lovage of each two scruples Cubebs Carpobalsamum Cardamoms of each one scruple the Ashes of swallows and spicknard the Raspings of Harts-tongue of each half a dram sugar dissolved and boyl'd with the juyce of Peony four ounces make an Electuary 20. She was for a long time freed from the Paroxysm by the use of these things But very easily and on any light occasion such as the Checks of her Husband her fits returned when she remained any time without frights her Paroxysms return'd not so often at length being suddenly taken or stricken and her Temples being hurt not long after Died. Platerus lib. 1. Observ 21. LIV. A dayly Epilepsy which had its Original from a Tumor in the Hand afterwards turn'd into an Vlcer 1. A certain Man had a Tumor in the Palm of his Right hand under the root of his little Finger with a pain which with the Tumour did grow after a few days being sadly afflicted he was taken with an Epilepsy that did cruelly shake him whereby he was deprived of his senses 2. The fit being over he took the usuall Medicines in that Case But the Paroxysm returned after a fortnight and again within a Week for which the following Cure was ordered 3. He was Purg'd thus the 13 of August 1601. Take the roots of Peony two ounces Polypody one ounce and a half the leaves of Sena two ounces Epithymum half an ounce Fennel-seed two drams Fumatory one handful make a decoction in water and wine to be taken three several times 4. Afterwards he used the following pouder Take the skull of a Man beaten to pouder two drams the roots of Peony Asses-hoof of each one dram and a half the Ashes of Swallows one scruple Misletoe of the Oak half a dram the raspings of Ivory one dram sugar to the weight of them all make a pouder and let him take thereof a spoonfull every morning drinking over and above the water of the flowers of Peony one dram and a half 5. He was purg'd afterwards the third of September after this manner Take Tartar two drams Diagrydium half a scruple Annis-seed half a scruple roots of Peony half a dram White sugar six drams make a pouder to be taken at three several times 6. On the 12 of September he began to take the following Electuary Take the fresh sea-Oniyon cut the best Honey of each
which are boyl'd Capital herbs such as Ditany the leaves of Sena Roses Sage Marjoram Betony 19. Soap also is Medicinable the description whereof is as follows Take Castle-soap four ounces white Agarick two ounces Cinnamon Cloves Orrice of each one dram and a half Camphire half a scruple let there be a sufficient quantity of Soap with Marjoram water 20. And always two days before the use of the lye let him chew between his teeth the bigness of a Bean of the grains of Mastich and let him spitout about an hour the flegm that descends into his Mouth he may attract the following Liquor into his Nostrils whereby they may be cleansed 21. Take Marjoram-water three ounces the pouder of Orrice-root mix them sometimes he may use the following Gargarism Take decoction of Hyssop one pound Vinegar of squils one ounce mix them 22. And for a suffumigation let him throw white Amber on live Coals of Fire or pure Frankincense 13 On the very top of the Head in the place of the Coronal future let him sprinkle at night before he steeps the following pouder Take Gum Juniper Frankincense white Amber of each one dram Nigella grains of Peony Terra sigillata of each one dram and half bruise them and make a subtle Pouder 24. Prepare also a perfum'd Pill to be carried in the Hands and held often to the Nostrils Take pure Labdanum one ounce styrax Calamitae half an ounce wood of Aloes Gallia Moschata Cloves of each one dram Myrrh Frankincense of each one dram and half Marjoram-water a sufficient quantity make a Pill to which add Musk five grains 25. Always anoint the Temples and Nostrils before sleep with Treacle dissolved in Aqua Vitae 26. Now because the Falling-sickness is a Disease difficult to be cured chiefly in that it is accompanied with the pain of the Cholick in this young man we shall add present remedies besides these before mentioned which will undoubtedly work the Cure 27. The first Experiment is let him take by turns the Diuretick pouder whereby the whole Body shall be purg'd and the matter diverted from the Head Take Germander Ground Pine of each half an ounce Sage Betony of each six drams Gentiana two drams madder of each half a dram seeds of Anniss Lovage Parsley of each two ounces being all beaten make a most subtle Pouder one dram for a dose in Broth. 28. The vinegar of squils is most wholsome one great spoonful for a dose afterwards let him walk the decoction of sassafras either in water alone or in wine is singularly good a peice of Aloes is to be carried about so that it may touch the skin 29. The skin of a Wolf is of good use that part which is near the Back being cut in the form of a girdle two Inches broad gird about the Bowels and Loins so that it may touch the skin the hairy side being outwards 30. As soon as the Foal comes into the light it casts by Vomit a certain kind of matter which if it be not suddenly snatch'd up the dam her self swallows it this matter being dryed and poudered by certain experience Cures the Falling-sickness which is a wonderfull thing indeed 31. Our common Venice Treacle is a very proper remedy for this Disease so as by that alone many have been cured 32. There is also a most admirable water and of singular vertues commonly called Treacle-water being Phylosophically prepared causes plentiful sweating and makes a wonderful change in the whole Body for the better by vertue of which the Disease is overcome a description thereof you may see in the new London Dispensatory lib. 4. cap. 1. sect 51. and 52. 33. Oyl of vitriol taken five drops at a time in the morning fasting for many days together has cured many men of this Disease so also Bones filed and reduc'd to a fine pouder adding a small Portion of Cinnamon The bones best to be used in this Case according to Galen are those of humane kind and of them the skull is preferable Dose one dram in the morning for many months it has no ill tast Scholzius ex Donzillino Cons 38. LXIX The Falling-sickness cured by the use of Guajacum 1. The preparation of this Wood Take shavings or Raspings of Guajacum one pound put them into a Copper diet-pot tin'd over within or into an Earthen pot well leaded or Glazed having a narrow mouth so large as to hold 16 pounds more or less Affuse on this wood fair water twelve pounds let it simper over a gentle fire for twenty four hours then boyl it to the Consumption of one half then strain through a Cloth and reserve it under the name of the first decoction 2. The second Decoction Take the same wood again put it into the same Diet pot or Vessel and add to it four ounces of fresh Wood on which affuse twelve pounds or pints of fresh water Infuse again as before twenty four hours and then boyl to the Consumption of one third part viz. four pints which strain as aforesaid this reserve under the name of the second or latter Decoction 3. Before the use of these waters it is convenient that the Body be purg'd and that at fit times with pil Cochiae and pil de Agarico with the pouder of Ginger of each two scruples which make into five or seven pills according as he can swallow them 4. But for three or four days before the taking of these Pills the pituitous and thick humours are to be prepared for the better evacuating of them by taking every morning Syrups viz. Honey of Roses strained and syrup of Staechas of each one ounce mix with syrup of Germander three ounces this done let the former pills be taken in the night after the first sleep 5. The time more commodious for purgation is in the spring when all sorts of Cures are more easily perform'd the Air being purer and warmer then the decoction of the wood will have the better operation in order to the Cure of the Disease 6. The Quantity of the Decoction to be taken every other day after purgation eight ounces more or less of the first decoction are to be drunk warm and that about eight a Clock in the Morning so much likewise more or less may be drunk at four a Clock in the Afternoon let him be in bed when the first decoction is drunk and if sweating be designed let him lye two hour less or more in bed it is not to be wondred at if the sweat presently break not forth which always it doth after one hour or two and then to be wiped off with linen cloths 7. In the mean time before sweating it is necessary that you dip a Cloath in the first Decoction being warm and therewith to foment the whole left Leg for that the first cause of the Disease seems to lye there and it is not to be slightly done seeing it wonderfully draws forth the evil quality of the parts affected and strengthens them so
the extention of the Foot by which in the space of a few Weeks it was by Gods Blessing reduced to its former natural state of strength and eveness Gregorius Horstius Tom. 2. Lib. 2. Observ 22. LXXXIX An Epileptick Convulsion 1. My Son of about twenty years of Age of a Melancholy Disposition being for some time afflicted with a continual malignant Feaver was at last happily freed therefrom but when all appeared to be well and he seem'd to be perfectly recovered he was all on a sudden taken with Epileptick Convulsions 2. Sometimes his Legs only were at certain intervals molested when the Paroxysm siezed him he made such a Snorting noise that he could be heard in the very Streets in these Fits he was in great danger of Suffocation 3. When I had pondered the various circumstances and first his Melancholy disposition I began to observe That these Symptoms did not depend by an Ideopathy from the Brain but by a Sympathy from the Hypochondria under which the Mesaraick Veins lurketh an abundance of vitious Melancholy humours mixed with Choler and Flegm from the fermentation of which is excited a certain kind of putridness 4. And from those malignant and corrupt Vapours invading the Brain and Nervous parts and irritating the expulsive Faculty by their inimical quality Convulsive Motions are excited 5. In this opinion I am confirm'd not by frivolous guesses and conjectures for the Paroxysm returning he was astonished like a Man Thunder-struck for six seven eight or twelve hours without Speech 6. Perceiving also a great pain in his Head as if his Brain were tyed with a strong binding moreover he felt a vehement heat and burning throughout the whole Body which did shew his feaverish disposition he perceived this heat to arise first about the Region of the left Hypochondria from whence Vapours effumating imbued with an evil quality became the Authors of so great a mischief 7. Now it will seem very consentaneous to Reason for the better mastering of this Disease to evacuate those vitious Humors to open Obstructions and to repel the Malignities 8. And to that end several purgative Medicines were used by some famous Physicians to eradicate this Distemper but all in vain 9. I tryed the opening of a Vein in the left Arm and the Splenetick Vein being opened it afforded him no small relief for from thence a fiery kind of vapour was substracted which seem'd to stick to the left Hypochondria 10 When I saw this Disease would not yield to so great a force of various Medicaments then I concluded this affect to have some relation if not an Identity with an Epidemical Disease of Hassia called in High Dutch Die Kirbelsucht proceeding from the corruption of the serous juyce with the cholerick humour and other mixed humours complicated with the Convulsive motions 11. From whence I directed the Scope of my Cure towards the destroying that malignant poysonous humor in which I had very happily a salutiferous success and event 12. Take swallow-wort Devils-bit Elecampane Male-peony gathered in the decrease of the Moon but I rather think in her increase Cloves of each a dram and half Bay berries half a dram flowers of Rosemary Sage Thyme of each fifteen grains species Plirisarchonticon Diamoschi dulcis Dianthos of each half a scruple mix and make a pouder of which one dram is to be given at a time in Peony and black Cherry-water of each an ounce and a half 13. I could scarcely perswade or force the Sick to take this Pouder both nauseating of it and being of a suspitious or diffident humor after the manner of such as are Melancholy At length he was prevailed with and he took it lying in his bed all day till night without Speaking his Eyes shut much like to one astonished or amazed 14. When I went to see him I enquired concerning the success of the Medicament he Answered that he felt only a hard binding or squeezing of his Head which continued for some hours as if the whole substance of the Brain would burst forth by his Eyes Nose and Ears Or as if his Head was compressed or bound together with Cords 15. I perswaded him to continue the use of this Pouder for some Mornings for as an old Oak is not to be removed by one blow so a radicated Disease is not to be overcome by once taking of a Medicament but it is to be withstood by our whole strength 16. So neither can one Dose of the said Pouder having an Alexiterian force prove so miraculously effectual unless all the Symptoms were so overcome and profligated as never to return any more There are some few who look up unto God and to his hidden Divine Power for the healing of their Distempers all others endeavour in vain what Medicaments soever they use Thonerus Lib. 2. Observ 1. XC The Falling-sickness with a Bastard Palsy 1. A certain noble person about the age of thirty five had such an indisposition of the Stomach as that he could not digest his Food well he was troubled with Eructuations or Belchings with a disposition and offers of Vomiting a pain of the Stomach and a loathing whom a violent Cholick also siezed with a black Jaundice Epileptick Convulsions and a painful Palsy both of the Hands and Feet 2. Afterwards the Crudities of his Stomach the flatulent Hypochondriack affection the obstructions of the Belly and the pains of his Joynts encreasing his Animal Vital and Natural Powers were chiefly hurt 3. At length a Tenesmus or a desire to go to Stool with the exulceration of the Intestinum Rectum or Arse-Gut towards the end continue still as yet to afflict him 4. Now a Prognostick being made it may be concluded that the hurt is very grievious and great because of the operations of divers principal parts governing the whole and that it was diurnal because of the continuation of the Cause and also that the Disease would be with difficulty perfectly cured because of the resistance of the morbifick Cause Nature being debilitated and so not capable of helping and encreasing the efficacy of the Medicaments besides the imbecillity of the Members which appears enough in those contracted and resolved parts 5. Yet nevertheless there is no Cause for Dispair seeing because of age the Nature of the whole Compositum seems strong and lively 6. Afterwards we must have respect to the Indication as first that the peccant matter about the Vessels of the Concoction be prepared by degrees secondly being prepared that it be evacuated by turns thirdly that Care be taken to prevent the generation of new matter fourthly that being translated to the habit of the Body it be asswaged softned and discussed fifthly that the grievious Symptoms may be corrected as much as is possible 7. For the first and second other Physicians for I was not called from the beginning did endeavour by various Medicines both to attenuate the peccant matter and being prepared to evacuate it as well by the inferiour as the
2. I gave him two doses of Emetick Wine each containing two ounces and a half then afterwards three drams of the following Pouder for six Morning doses in the time of the new Moon be taken in a convenient Vehicle 3. Take the roots of Male-peony Valerian Misleto of Hasle of each two ounce I was told that not long after by these he was perfectly cured Binningerus Cent. 4. Observ 49. CXXXVIII An Epilepsy in a Boy c. 1. A Boy for sixteen days together was every day taken with an Epilepsy most able Physicians believ'd that it was caused by the Motion of the Head but the more Medicines that were exhibited the more the Motion encreased so that in twenty four hours he had many fits though slight ones because there was a small commotion of the Head with foam about the Mouth 2. When they perceiv'd that the disease was not through the trouble of the Head but by consent from the Ventricle they desisted and forbore tormenting him with Medicines and gave him only Corroboratives so the Boy became perfectly well Trincavella Lib. 5. Cons 25. CXXXIX An Epilepsy in a Boy and in a Girl 1. A young man in a trance was taken with a violent Epilepsy his Face was red and swelled 2. The fit lasting to the third hour by my advice the Cephalica of the left Arm was open'd from whence the Blood broke out so violently that within some hours the whole might have been extracted 3. Immediately the fit left him and within three days space he was made whole without a relapse See Rhodius lib. 1. Observ 64. 4. A Girl about twelve years old was often taken with an Epilepsy 5. But being taken with a Pleurisy she was let Blood and from that time she was never taken with an Epilepsy See Riverius Centur. 4. Observ 38. CXL The Falling-sickness in a young Man 1. A young Man about five and twenty years of Age used to be taken for several months with the Falling-sickness 2. One of the Arteries of his Temples being let Blood by me we were in expectation that he would be well within four Months but he by drinking of Wine familiar to him brought the disease again upon him 3. A man aged forty three years was often used to be taken with Fits working from the Fingers end to the Forehead of which decease giving my advice because he was ruddy and a drinker of Wine I cut the Artery of his Forehead taking away from him above four ounces of Blood 4. But the Vein being open much Blood issued out by which accidental evacuation after many days he became well and appeared as free from his Distemper 5. A very Melancholy young-Man about ten or fifteen years old was taken with a violent Disease for the space of ten twenty or thirty days with a kind of Air or Vapour running from the inward part of the Arm to the upper parts but was much eased by opening the shining Veins in his Forehead Severinus Med. Eff. p. 46. CXLI Another young Man troubled with the Falling-sickness 1. A young man fifteen years old was Diseased about the privy parts afterwards when the violence of the pain fell into the left side his Spleen was immediately pained and so was his Brain which made him fall into the most violent fits of an Epilepsy when the Region of the Spleen was pained it siezed upon every Finger 2. Among many Medicines nothing was equevalent to Wine Chalibeated or Helleborated by the use of which he immediately cast up so much black Choller that at last he came to himself Tulpius Observ Lib. 1. Cap. 9. CXLII A Woman troubled with an Epilepsy 1. I observed in a Woman troubled with the Epilepsy strange shapes of Worms coming from Italy she most greedily and often drank of the Water she met with when she was thirsty 2. The Epilepsy was most violent with a swelling and black colour of the whole Body 3. Antepilepticks did her no good at length by the frequent use of my Mercurial Pills she avoided abundance of Worms of various colors as soon as they were cast out of the Body the Epileptick Fits ceased Bartholinus Hist 7. Cent. 4. CXLIII Of Epileptick persons c. 1. Commonly using the Oyl of Amber in Epilepticks Convulsives and persons subject to Vomiting who being full of filthy matter by the falling of a Catarrh into the Brest I observed them not only odious to the Sick but to all that were present being loathsom by reason of the ill savor of the matter cast forth whether they used anointing outwardly and Medicines inwardly Pills or any other thing 2. Now for some years I have used the Balsam Peruvianum with things most beneficial for the Sick I know Chymists now correct that and take away the ill savour thereof by using destillation after washing but I found the Medicament was much weakned with that washing and that it gave little relief afterwards 3. Wherefore I think it better to use the said Balsam or pure Syrian simple since we know how to destil the Oyl of Amber strong without any ill savour Heer Observat 17. CXLIV A remedy for the Epilepsy 1. The efficacy of the extracted spirit from Mans Skull is most certain for the Cure of an Epilepsy in a Child if five or six drops be given and more may be given to those more grown in years 2. So also the Volatile Salt which is found in the distillation of the same Liquor See Reusnerus Obs 154. in Epis Velschij SCHOLIA The THEORY of the EPILEPSY By the Author W. Salmon CXLV The Pathology of the Falling-sickness and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã in Latin Epilepsia Morbus Comitalis Morbus Sacer Morbus Puerilis also ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Morbus Herculeus and in English the Falling-sickness 2. The Definition The Falling-sickness is a convulsive Motion of the whole Body coming by Fits depriving the Sick both of Reason and Sense wherein the whole Body is contracted Galen calls an Epilepsy always a Convulsion but improperly For it is not a true Convulsion but a Convulsive Motion of the Body wherein both all the external and internal Senses are abolished 3. The Kinds or Differences First it is either Idiopathetick or Sympathetick if it be Idiopathetick the Cause is primarily in the Brain it self if it be sympathetick to wit by Consent it is either from the Stomach or other Viscera or in the extream parts secondly it is either Recent to wit but newly begun or Inveterate of long standing thirdly it is either mild or else strong and vehement fourthly it is either Periodical coming at a certain time or Irregular coming now and then at unawars fifthly it is either Accidental or Hereditary sixthly it is either in Infants or in people of years all which differences have some thing special in them in respect of the Cure the parts afflicted are primarily the Brain afterwards the original of
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
concluded That the middle of the Brain is always the primary Seat of the Epilepsy and that originally the morbifick Cause is stored up in that Region 30. But the Distemper growing inveterate it gradually spreads it self through the whole Brain enlarging its dominions after a wonderful manner scattering the Morbifick Matter every where up and down which subjects the whole much like Garrisons in Conquered Countries keeping the vassallated people under subjection 31. Its dominions being enlarged through the whole Head extends it self likewise to the nervous Appendix so that the semination of the Disease like lightning is diffused thorough the whole nervous Systeme but sometimes one Nerve is more affected than another whence Convulsions follow sometimes in one part somtimes in another 32. And if the nervous System be universally a like affected the Convulsion generally affects the whole Body 33. The Cause why Epilepticks fall down with violence is partly from the surprize and sudden coming of the fit whereby all their Reason and Sense is taken from them and partly from the Convulsion of the Nerves adjacent to the Head which being strongly contracted the whole Body is vehemently carried forth and falls violently 34. From these Contractions other parts become swelled and tumifyed as the Lungs maxillary Glandules both upper and lower out of which the Lymphatick Juyce being strongly pressed and squeesed forthwith the Spittle appears like foam at the Mouth CXLVIII The Prognosticks of an Epilepsy 1. The Epilepsy is a Disease hard to Cure if it be inveterate or of long continuance it is so much the more difficult and the Idiopathetick is harder to Cure than that which is by consent 2. That which is in Infants is of all the easiest to Cure and much more easy while it is Recent the Child having had but few fits 3. That which is Hereditary is never to be cured and antient Physicians were of the opinion that if it happened to people which were much in years that it was also incurable but experience has contradicted that 4. For we have known people above fifty years of age Cured but we confess it has been with great difficulty 5. In some persons it is cured without the help of Physick in whom siezing upon them young it has continued ten twelve or fourteen years but at their arriving at puberty or ripeness of age or in Virgins at the coming down of their Terms the Disease of its own accord has left the Patient 6. Though in this Case I am very apt to believe that there might be some congruous and benevolent Directions in Heaven of the principal Stars or principal Significators which might be adjuvant to the Native at that time 7. If all the Functions be abolished the Convulsion vehement and strong the Paroxysm of long continuance and Excrements flow forth of their own Accord the Cure will be exceeding difficult 8. If it comes from external Causes or evil Diet Surfeiting or Drunkenness the Convulsion mild and the fits not long the Disease will not be very difficult to Cure 9. Hippocrates says That an Epilepsy coming in Boys at fourteen years of age and in Girls before twelve is curable but after the age of twenty five it is incurable as appears by his Sect. 5. Aphor. 7. and of this opinion is Galen but the latter part of this Prognostick as we said before is not always true 10. A strong Epilepsy often kills the Patient in the fit or else turns into an Apoplexy by reason of the strength of the Symptoms whereby there is a great Concussion of the Brain and a profligation of the strength of the whole Body 11. Riverius tells us a strange kind of Story that somtimes the Concussion of the Brain will be so great in the fit that some pieces of the Bones called Processus Mamillares will come out of the Nostrils 12. If the Falling-sickness comes of Melancholy it commonly degenerates into Madness by which means the morbifick matter offends the very substance of the Brain it self whereby being corrupted it obfuscates or darkens the Animal Spirits whence comes a Melancholy Dottage 13. If the Epilepsy proceeds from a thick Lymphatick Juyce it for the most part degenerates into an Apoplexy or Palsey 14. If a Quartan Ague or a violent burning Feaver comes upon an Epilepsy it commonly Cures it because by the vehemency of the heat the Morbifick matter comes to be dissolved rarifyed and discussed 15. If the fits are often repeated and every time grow stronger and stronger the Animal Faculties will be quickly obliterated by reason of which the Vital Spirits come to be tainted from whence the Vital Functions comes by degrees to be profligated 16. And this seems to be by consent of the Nerves serving the Praecordia so that at length the whole Body languishing the Pulse being quell'd the Vital flame is not long after extinguished 17. The reason why this Disease often ends in a Palsy Madness or Melancholy is from the conformation of the Brain being depraved by the manifold and tumultuous rushings forth of the Animal Spirits whereby its natural state is so perverted that the morbifick Particles of another kind are admitted whereby the Animal Spirits are either fixed or become dull and sluggish being depressed by the Morbifick matter afflicting 18. If the Falling-sickness happens to Children and they be not freed from it about ripeness of age being overcome by a new and natural fermentation of the Blood the Disease will continue and 't is much if it be not incurable to Death CXLIX The Method of Curing the Epilepsy and first of the Cure of Infants 1. The Cure of the Falling-sickness in Children differs something from that in elder people for that in the latter strong Evacuations are commonly used which we cannot do in Children nor indeed is there that need and necessity because such a heap of morbifick matter cannot be supposed to be in them as is in those of elder years 2. The chief things we use to Children are Revulsives Discussives and Specificks 3. For Revulsion Blysters may be applyed to the nape of the Neck or behind the Ears or an Issue may be made behind the Ear whereby the Morbifick matter is plentifully drawn away or the Seton may be applyed to the nape of the Neck which may run for two three or four Months 4. Blystering Plasters also applyed to the soles of the Feet may be very profitable for by reason of the consent of parts they sometimes Cure to a miracle 5. Issues a so in the Arms and Legs are also approved of by many Learned and Experienced men if the Child be two or three years old Cupping-Glasses with Scarification may be applyed to the Shoulders Loins or both 6. I knew a Chyrurgian which lanced the Head and cut many deep flashes even to the Cranium whereby the Child bled extreamly after which he healed them forthwith up again upon which the Child recovered and had no more fits 7. If the Paroxysm be
thereof be from Worms it is known by these following signs The sick oftentimes grates their Teeth and that many times or for the most part in their Sleep there are also many sower Belchings which by little and little filling the Mouth with an acid humor the Teeth be set extreamly on edge as if they had been eating of sowr things and commonly the Breath stinks or smells not well 2. They are often taken with a trembling of the extream parts and many times are affrighted and vehemently cry out in their Sleep there is also an Itching of the Nostrils and end of the Nose causing a great desire to rub the same about Evening or in the Night time the sick is troubled with much spitting somtimes there is a great heat and flushing in the Face and that of a sudden with a pain and gnawing of the Stomach and Bowels 3. And in some persons there is a contraction of the Muscles of the Abdomen with a grumbling of the Guts and torment costiveness of Body dry Cough Hiccough or some ill tast in the Mouth and somtimes the Worms are seen to come away in the Ordure or Excrements voided by Stool and in some persons there is an ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã of some particular Member in others an ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã of the whole body the body pining away by reason the most of or the principal nutriment is devoured or consumed by the Worms which Nature had otherwise designed for the nourishment of the Body 4. The Cure is not difficult especially if the Disease has been of no long continuance but if the true cause of the Epilepsy is from Worms unless the Sick can be freed from them he will never be cured of his Epileptick Distemper 5. If the Disease be caused of Worms and it has been of a very long continuance then although the Worms which seem to be the Proeguminine cause be taken away yet will not the fits leave the Sick for that by the long continuance of the Distemper a new nearer cause will be generated And this I had twice experience of in two Children who being afflicted with Epileptick Fits arising from Worms for 8 or 9 years together that although I perfectly freed them both from the Worms yet the Epilepsy left them not till much more means was afterwards used whereas another person troubled with the same Disease arising from the same Cause having been but a little while troubled therewith by freeing him from the Worms he was perfectly cured of his Epilepsy also 6. The Cure ought to be performed by mixing Antepilepticks with such things as kill and expel the Worms Take Mercurius dulcis a scruple salt of Mans skull fifteen grains saccharum saturni three grains mix for a Dose to be given at night going to bed purging the Sick the next Morning with a fit Dose of the Infusion of Sena and Carraway seed 7. The following thing is commended by Sennertus Take fine Aloes washed or extracted a dram and half scammony Troches Alhandal of each half a scruple distilled Oyl of Wormwood two drops Oyl of Myrrh and Zedoary of each one drop mix and make a Mass of Pills Dose from a scruple to half a dram in the Morning fasting but if the Body of the Sick be difficult to work upon it will be better to take it over night or about Mid-night 8. If the Worms lye really in the Bowels and not in the Stomach it will be good to give the Antepileptick Medicament by the Mouth but the Medicine killing the Worms by the Fundament in form of a Clyster As Take pouder of Mans skull a scruple salt of the same six grains Oyl of Rue two drops Conserves of Roses two drams mix and give it over-night the next Morning give the following Clyster Take Mutton-broth a sufficient quantity according to the Age of the sick Tincture of Colocynthis from an ounce to two ounces sal Armoniack two drams mix them and give it warm it is an excellent thing 9. After sufficient purging with any of the aforegoing Medicaments or others that may be proper for the same or with Mercurius dulcis which as Sennertus saith may be given from sixteen grains to a scruple or more you may exhibit the following specifick Take Elks-hoof prepared six drams Mans skull prepared four drams Ox horns prepared Diamoschu dulcis red Coral Pearls Emeralds Crystals all prepared Terra sigillata of each two drams seeds of Nigella of Rue of Peony white Ditany Nutmegs Misletoe of the Oak salt of Harts-horn of each one dram roots of Peony Harts-horn prepared Pea-cocks-dung Scordium Marjoram Coralline of each three drams Musk and Ambergrise of each half an ounce mix all in a fine pouder Dose from half a dram to a dram in black Cherry Wine 10. Take salt of Mans skull Mercurius dulcis choice Rubarb Musk Ambergrise of each fifteen grains extracts of Sena and Rubarb of each half a dram mix them together for a Dose and give it at night going to bed with this I cured a Maiden Gentlewoman being given but six times at due intervals having been above three years afflicted therewith CLIV. The Cure of a pure or simple Epilepsy present in the fit 1. The Cure preventive of an immediate impending Paroxâsm is performed in the opinion of some great Physicians by adhibiting one Pill of Laudanum Opiatum to four parts of which one part of Oyl of Camphir is added or these following Antepileptick Rouls Take pouder of Peony-roots gathered in a fit time one dram Magistery of Pearl and red Coral Mans skull prepared Misletoe of the Oak of each a dram and half white Sugar dissolved in Tile-flower water a sufficient quantity make according to Art a Confection in Tablets 2. Or you may exhibite four or five drops of the Essence or Powers of Castoreum in a glass of Tile-flower-water Or in defect thereof two or three drops of choise Oyl of Amber or twenty or thirty drops of the Powers of the same in the Epileptick Water of Langius or Aqua Vitae Matthioli Or this following draught Take the Epileptick Water of Langius one ounce syrup of Peony almost half an ounce spirit or Oyl of Vitriol four five six or seven drops mix them to be immediately drunk 3. Or you may give a spoonful or two of this following Potion Take Waters of the flowers of Peony of the Tile-tree of Wall-flowers of Herb-Trinity of each an ounce and half Essence of Peony one dram salt of Mans skull twelve grains salt of Vipers five grains syrup of the juyce of Peony half an ounce mix them for a draught Or Take Tincture of Castoreum and of Peacocks dung Tincture of Arabian Mummy of each a dram black Cherry Wine four ounces mix them and drink it having taken just before it a dram of choise Venice Treacle 4. The Cure in the Paroxysm First let the position of the body of the Sick be rather upright than otherwise and rather in a light and chearful
Oak Peony roots of each one ounce Castoreum Sage of each half an ounce Bay-berries Mans skul burnt of each one dram Venice treacle Mithridate both of the best six drams clarified Honey two pounds mix them for an Electuary Take Pulvis Arthriticus Paracelsi two ounces clarified Honey a sufficient quantity mix and make an Electuary it is an excellent purge for this purpose the pouder here ought to be prepared with Mans skull levigated instead of other bones 13. Purging extracts In this cause Quercetan's Extract of black Hellebor is a very admirable thing so also the Extractum Benedictum in Our Pharmacopoeia Or this following Take extract of black Hellebor a scruple resin of Scammony five grains Volatile salt of Amber ten grains Chymical Oyls of Rue and Amber of each two drops Oyls of Cinnamon and Cloves of each one drop mix them for a dose 14. Purging Morsels Take Gummy Turbith three drams Diagrydium one dram and half resin of Scammony two scruples Cinnamon Ginger Nutmegs Galangal of each half a dram red Coral prepared half a scruple conserve of Peony half an ounce Oyl of Sage six drops Sugar dissolved in waters of flowers of Lilly Convally and of the Lime tree a sufficient quantity make Morsells dose half an ounce In our Pharmacopoeia and Doron you will find some of Mynsichts very excellent for this purpose 15. Purging pills Take Pil. Cochie two scruples Pil. Arabicae one scruple Troches Alhandal three grains Oyl of Sage one drop mix and make twenty five Pills Or Take Extract of Pil. Cochiae half a dram or two scruples Extract of black Hellebor five grains Oyl of Rue one drop mix and make fifteen Pills But among all the purgatives Extract we know none better than Our Family Pills which we have constantly Used with wonderful success It is a Medicament that caries off all humors works briskly and yet without griping or making sick unless the Stomach be very foul 16. From minerals c. Some purge with Lapis Armenius given in three scruples and mixt with Hira picra verum in Comitialibus inveteratis dixit Sennertus nullum adeo efficax medicamentum invenisse ut hoc medicamentum purgans multósque se novisse desperatos ab alijs medicis vel hoc solo persanatos fuisse Among Chymick and metalick Medicaments Antimony and the preparations thereof are highly commended as the Vitrum Flores Crocus c. of which latter the Aqua benedicta Rulandi is made Mercurius Vitae also is in great Estimation among some Physicians but it ought to be well prepared and very cautiously given 17. Whichsoever of the Medicaments here enumerated or any other of like kind not here named the Physician shall be pleased to make use of they are not suddenly to be given over but to be long used as Galen himself admonishes in his counsel for the Cure of an Epileptick Child where he commends a Medicament of squills to be used at least for forty days Oxymel of squills prepared with Vinegar Or rather the juyce of squills with Honey in an Epilepsy whose seat is in the Genus nervosum is very much praised being continued to be taken for forty days or more from two drams to two ounces before dinner and in strong bodies also before Supper a proper Purge being taken in the use hereof once a week 18. Among simple Medicaments Trallianus commends the roots of Pyrethrum being beaten into pouder and taken with Honey a spoonful thereof being taken at a time till eleven spoonfuls are taken at certain intervalls experientia inquit probatum est auxilium ne ipsius utilitatem contemnas But squills Pyrethrum and such like hot Medicaments are not to be given but in bodies of a Cold humid and Pituitous constitution or where the Cause of the Disease shall pertinaciously adhere to the inferior Venter and then also if they be mixed with Specific ksor proper Antepilepticks they will yet be so much the more powerfull 19. Now if by the continuall use of Medicaments the appetite to food should be hurt that at length as the disease by degrees is overcome will return again of its own accord yet however in the mean season it will be prudence in the Physician at certain Intervalls to to desist from the other Medicaments and to exhibit such things as may corroberate or strengthen the Stomach for if that be overturned or weekned it can never perform its duty in the Concoction and alteration of the designed Medicaments whereby the greatest part of the labour pains cost and Medicines will be bestowed in Vain 20. The second part of the first Intention is performed by Sudorificks which send those noxious humors through the pores of the skin which lay beyond the reach of any purgative or Vomit Here the Decoction of Lignum Guajacum has place and indeed it is no mean thing for as Jacchinus testifies by the use hereof with a drying and extenuating Diet many Epilepticks have been perfectly cured but the Use thereof was continued not only for some days but for some weeks Others there are which as highly commend the Extracts of Cardus Ben. Calamus Aromaticus and Gentian and it is known by certain Experience that the Decoction of those three being taken for an hundred days together has cured highly Scorbutick Epilepticks who had been given over as incurable by several eminent and Learned men but then during the whole time of drinking of that Decoction they did continually every day all day long chew Gentian in their Mouths which of how great vertue that alone thing is in the Cure of this disease I dare not be bold to say to speak the whole truth least I should be thought to Romance if any one will but please to make the tryal they may perhaps in less than a weeks time see the reason of the thing 21. Antepileptick Sudorificks Quercetanus in his Pharmacopaeia dagmatica restituta cap. 8. has this following preparation Take raspings of Box-wood two ounces and half raspings of Juniper-wood roots of Peony Misletoe of the Oak of each an ounce and half Lignum Rhodium Harts-horn of each five drams Ivory China roots of each half an ounce seeds of Card. Ben Citron peels of each an ounce digest twenty four hours in warm Peony water eight pints boyl to the consumption of a third part and at the end of the boyling add flowers of the Line-tree and of Lilly Convally of each two pugils then strain it out for use dose five or six ounces Bezoar stone also Pulvis exchelis Cancrorum compositus and Bezoar minerale are of good use To these add decoctions of Sarsa parilla of China of Sassafras of the wood of Misletoe of the Oak roots of Cink-foil and Tormentil with other things of like nature Or this of Sennertus Take raspings of Guajacum one pound Misletoe of the Oak three ounces Peony roots one ounce Fountain water twelve pints infuse all twenty four hours boyl to the consumption of a third part and then
preserve him for the future from such like Accidents and therefore I ordered the following Diet to be taken as his ordinary Drink Take spring water eight quarts Juniper berries well bruised four ounces Liquorice rasped Figs slit Raisons of the sun stoned Currants of each two ounces Caraways bruised one ounce Fennel seeds half an ounce boyl all together to the Consumption of about three quarts then strain let it settle well decant the cleare and sweeten it with white Sugar then bottle it up and let him drink it as his ordinary Drink 8. But because I saw there was a preternatural matter lodged in the Stomach which ought to be taken away and which continually afflicted him and oftentimes stirred up such like fits as the former I evacuated his Stomach with the following Dose Take Carduus water a pint Infusion of Crocus metallorum one ounce Salt of Vitriol two scruples mix them for a draught This wrought effectually with him so that he evacuated both upwards and downwards a very large quantity of filthy green and otherwise discoloured matter this dose was twice more repeated upon every fourth day 9. And that we might be sure to take away the proximate cause wholly I ordered him to take of my Family pills with Aloes once a week for six or seven weeks together which he exactly performed whereby his Body was perfectly cleansed and all that matter which formerly used to Gripe him was now perfectly taken away whereby the cause of the Convulsion was radically removed 10. However I was not wanting as to the Convulsion it self and therefore I caused all the Convulsed parts and other parts in which was any weakness or feebleness to be bathed Morning and Night with the powers of Amber these things had indeed such an Effect upon him as that he was never after troubled with any more Convulsive fits though yet the wind would sometimes a little disturb him but nothing like as in former times 11. However to prevent this I caused him constantly Morning Noon and Night to take of this following Electuary Take Electuarium ad Tabidos four ounces pouder of Bay-berries half an ounce powers of Carraways of Rosemary and of Sassafras of each three drams mix them dose as much as a hazle nut drinking a little glass of warm diet before mentioned or of mul'd Sack after the same 12. His Back-bone from the Vertebrae of the Neck to the Os Coccygis as also the whole region of of the Abdomen were more especially and carefully bathed with the aforementioned powers of Amber twice a day for about fourteen days he by using these meanes was perfectly restored to health so as that his fits never returned any more 13. By this very method I cured two other Men and one Gentlewoman which were all afflicted in like manner with Convulsions proceeding from the Wind Cholick they were all so admirably cured and restored that none of them except the Woman had a second fit after we had began to attempt the Cure and she had but one fit after which is a thing worthy the remarking Also one I cured simply by taking some few doses of my Family Pills and bathing all the places affected with only the powers of Amber used as aforesaid morning and night II. Convulsions caused in a little Boy from Worms 1. A Child of about seven years of Age often fell into Convulsion fits and no cause could be discerned whence they should proceed several Physicians and Doctors were sent for yet so abstruse was the reason of those fits that they could discover nothing from whence they could proceed however they attempted the Cure and many things were given but all in Vain although the meanes was continued for some months together 2. At length I was desired to give the Child a visit which was in the absence of the Paroxysm but to all appearance he ailed nothing except when I came near him I found his Breath to stink most egregiously I enquired of his Parents whether that symptom had been from his Birth or only came lately by Accident and they told me that they had not observed it in their Child for above five or six months which made them also concern'd whence that should arise 3. I further enquired of them if the Child never complain'd of his Belly-aking they told me That was ordinary with him every Morning and the only complaint which he had which they thought proceeded from wind in his Stomach for that after eating he was wont to be very well again except at such times as his Convulsion fits seiz'd which was always at uncertain hours 4. Upon this I conceived that all the former Doctors and Physicians had hitherto perfectly mistaken the Cause I then told his Parents that I much feared that the Child was troubled with Worms and therefore enquired again whether he had ever voided any or not they answered me No never any such thing being observed to come from him 5. However I was strongly perswaded that Worms were the chief causes of that Convulsive disposition and this I was the more perswaded to because by his Friends relation he would not only startle much in his sleep but those Convulsive fits would also seiz him when he was fast asleep which to me was no small argument of Worms 6. I provided therefore against them and in the first place I ordered the Parents to give the Child of my Family pills with Aloes for that I knew by manifold experience that no better Medicament could be given in the World to remove that cause they were given three little Pills at a time and the second dose brought away two large worms above seven inches long by Vomit and by Stool he had six or eight such other Worms besides a great number of little small worms of about an inch long 7. I ordered the use of these Pills to be continued so long till the Child ceased to evacuate any Worms at all which was not till he had taken the ninth dose after that he avoided no more the number of great Worms which he avoided was about seventeen the number of the lesser they were so many could never be told he took the Pills however thirteen or fourteen times for security sake but after the ninth dose no more worms came away the doses of the pills were repeated after every third or fourth day they wrought very well and without the least griping of the Bowels of of the Child 8. Outwardly I also caused the Stomach and Belly and all the Convulsed parts to be bathed morning and evening very well with the Powers of Amber which was don for six or eight days together and by the use of this means the Child was perfectly freed from all his Convulsion fits and from thence forth rested very quietly in his bed without any disturbance in his sleep as formerly 9. However for comforting and restoring the tone of the Inwards parts and to prevent the breeding of more Worms for the future
the whole nervous systeme was throwly heated and the cause of the Convulsion dissolved which by a Cart load of Internal medicaments could never have been so exquisitely and so suddenly performed moreover the Nerves themselves were mightily corroborated and strengthen'd 10. But during all the time that this was a doing outwardly inward Medicines were not wanting to be used for I sent down also with the said powers of Amber the spirit of Saffron which she much desired and confest she found much good in the powers of Cloves and the Potestates Convulsivae and Nervosae which I ordered her to take either as her Stomach liked or alternatim in Sack as aforementioned these things she failed not to perform and in one months time became perfectly well beyond mine or her Friends expectations 11. But whereas she was troubled with an extream watching so that for some times she could not sleep for two or three days and nights together I ordered her now and then to take in the evening twenty five thirty or forty drops of my Guttae Vitae in Sack and so repose upon it which she did several times and in a short time removed that troublesom symptom moreover after that she became well I ordered her to continue for some time the use of the former internal nervous Medicaments and matutine reception of the Elixir proprietatis VIII Convulsion fits in a Child proceeding from Worms 1. The exquisitness of the cure and the speedy performance thereof makes me to insert this example A little Boy of four or five years old was of a sudden seiz'd with Convulsion fits and that without any praevious cause that his Relations or by-standers could apprehend these fits had afflicted the Child for about two months coming somtimes once in two days and somtimes once a day and somtimes twice a day 2. A stranger accidentally seeing the Child advised its Parents to give it of my Family Pills two at a time every Morning fasting or every other morning according as they found them to work and to continue the use thereof for a week or longer they did so the Pills purged the Child without any Pain and in about ten or twelve days time brought away about fourteen long worms a span or more in length after which the Convulsions ceased of their own accord and the Child presently mended and grew exceeding well upon it 3. This thing was don some years since but of late Mr Hollier told me he gave them to a young Girl who had not been well and the cause of whose Disease seemed to be very abstruse one or two doses at most brought a way from her several hundreds of Worms after which she persently mended and grew very well IX Convulsion fits attended with a Lethargy which were Mortal 1. A young Maiden about seventeen years of Age was seized with Convulsion fits as it was thought by taking cold in the Snow being put to Bed some of the Neighbour-hood advised her Parents to make her drunk with Brandy in hopes of a Cure it was don and the Maid drunk about three quarters of a pint or better of that liquor whereupon being overcome with it she became very sick and afterwards went to sleep the next day the Creature awaked not about noon they disturbed her but she desired still to sleep 2 Hereupon I was sent for because they feared their Child would dye when I came to her another Convulsive fit seized her again which after a while went off but the sick remained sleepy after this manner she continued for a week or more 3. Considering her condition I presum'd it to be a Lethargy which accompanied the Convulsion they desired my help but truly I plainly told them I knew not well what to do however outwardly I advised to bath all the External parts Head Temples Vertebrae of the Neck and Back-bone as also the parts afflicted with the Convulsion with Powers of Rosemary which was don but no amendment succeeded this was don for about eight days but the Lethargy still increased as for internal Medicaments we could get nothing down her Throat It was once attempted but she was in danger of Choaking so that for the future we totally desisted to offer any thing of that kind 4. Upon the fourteenth day after her first seizure she was taken with her last fit upon which by reason of the Extremity thereof she expired after she was dead above half a pint of matter not much unlike thick Milk came as I suppose out of her Head by her Nostrills which smelt as strong of Brandy as if it had been Brandy it self which gave me a satisfaction that the Brain was hurt therewith and the Animal spirits being confounded were overcome whence proceeded her Lethargy drousiness stagnation of the naturall juyces and obstruction or rather a suffocation of the Vital flame XX. Convulsion fits arising from Excessive pains of the Gout in both Feet and Ankles 1. A Woman about forty years of Age having been for about three or four years past troubled with the Gout was at last so exceedingly afflicted therewith that she became bed-rid This pain by reason of an accidental taking of Cold it happening in the middle of Winter was increased and raged to that extremity that the sick fell into Convulsion fits which vehemently afflicted her 2. I was forthwith called to her assistance where her Husband related to me the whole progress of her Disease which was very strange and admirable a Physician and Chyrurgian which had been before me had taken away from her at four several times and all in the space of eight days above forescore ounces of Blood hoping therefrom for amendment and Cure but the sick instead of growing better upon it grew worse and worse every day and at length became as is before related Convulsive 3. Moreover she was afflicted with an obstruction of her Courses which by no artifice they could provoke so that the condition of the Gentlewoman seemed to be desperate upon this I caused the parts afflicted to be well bathed with my Guttae vitae and then applyed over the same my Emplastrum Arthriticum inwardly I gave this Bolus Take Venice Turpentine a dram Venice Treacle half a dram Extract of Thebain Opium two grains Oyl of Vitriol ten drops mix altogether for a dose this she swallowed and drank after it a little Glass of Rhenish wine and sugar This was again repeated at night and given twice a day for four days by which the sick had wonderful ease and the Convulsion fits much abated moreover her Terms which had been obstructed for more than fourteen months were provoked and came down very well 4. A little respite from the Paroxysm being obtained I gently purged her with my Family Pills the which she took once a week for six or eight weeks together by the use of which she confest her Body to be exceeding well cleansed and they procured to her also an exceeding good Stomach so that she eat
revived again in less than half an hour after she was taken with Convulsions fits My advice being accidentally present was desired the Face of the Child was all over black as it were and its whole body trembled in the middle of the fit about a spoonful of water fell out of its right Nostril 2. I immediatly advised to the following thing Take Oyl of Cinnamon one drop mix it with a little Virgin honey very well to this add six or eight drops of the Blood squeeZ'd out of the Navel-string and a spoonful of brest Milk mix them and give it the Child This was done and the Child was forthwith restored I ordered it to be repeated and also to be given if the Child should have any more fits in the fit The Infant had a second fit but by three or four times giving thereof was perfectly Cured 3. I cured another new born Babe by the same prescription and have advised it to several where it has always very well succeeded moreover where the Child has been older so that the blood of the Navel-string could not begotten I have cured them by giving two or three grains of the Navel string in pouder which is a singular experiment worth the remarking 4. A Child ten days old was seiz'd with Convulsions which I cured with this Take Breast milk a spoonful or two of my Guttae Vitae four or six drops mix them and give it the Child twice or thrice a day A child two months old was cured with this Take choise Canary half a spoonful of my Guttae Vitae six ãâã eight drops mix them This was given and repeated three or four times a day and although the Infant had four or five several fits in twelve hours space yet by taking of this Medicament it was perfectly recovered 5. Another Child about two or three months old seized with strong Convulsions arising as I conceived from Wind I cured with this Take choice Canary a little spoonful powers of Carraways Guttae Vitae of each six drops mix them and give it this was given about four times a day and in two days time was freed from its fits many other Children of the same Age and some elder I have cured with the same prescription save as their aâe was greater I augmented the dose both of the powers of Carraways and Guttae Vitae accordingly 6. The Oyl of Cinnamon is a specifick in this Case and I have often times given it with admirable success but that is not every where to be got and therefore somewhat else must be substituted in its room if that therefore be wanting I scarcely know any thing better than the powers of Caraways and my Guttae Vitae to which if you add two or three grains of the pouder of the Navel string you will not do a miss I have cured many Children with these things and as far as I can remember never yet so much as once exhibited them in Vain 7. And indeed all those things which comfort the Vitals and refresh or give respite to Animal spirits must be good and proper here such are the Tinctura aurea Tintura Vitae Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi and all Neuroticks of what kind or quality soever yet this is to be understood that by so much as they are made more spiritual by so much the more admirable they are and operate with the greater celerity and certainty and therefore the Spirits Potestates or Volatile Salt of Mans skull or of Elks hoof of Vipers Swallows Magpies Peony Amber c much transcend any gross or terrene preparation of them wherein the Volatile and pure parts are clothed and clogged with the Earthy c. XVI Convulsion fits in a young Lady arising from terror anââffrightment 1. This Lady from a sudden consternation of mind or affrightment was immediately seized with Convulsions so that falling into a fit her whole Body seemed to be contracted from Head to Foot with intollerable Pain or dolour no other apparent cause going before she being one of a very healthful and sound constitution and habit of body and of a pleasant merry disposition 2. These fits came at uncertain times without any order and took her many times at great disadvantages especially upon the least commotion of the mind or disturbance of the spirit Anger or Affrightment as the going over a dangerous bridg looking down from a very high place presence of a Serpent Toad Spider or such like and somtimes also they would seize her in her sleep especially if she was dreaming of any frightful matter They were also so often iterated that in a very few weeks she became as it were a Changling 3. By reason of this Vehement affliction many obstructions were bred in her Body together with a stoppage of her Terms she had also contracted a paleness of Face weakness of the Stomach indigestion nauseousness or lothing want of Appetite hoarsness and Cough with a certain kind of wheezing and in short the whole habit of her Body was altered her strength impaired and her mind in some sort alienated and this purely through the frequency and vehemency of the Disease and long continuance of the Spasmatick Paroxysm 4. Her Friends requested my help and having well viewed the Patient and considered the Disease as aforesaid I began the Cure with purging of her for which purpose I gave her a dose of my Family Pills with Aloes which I caused her to take twice a week for three weeks together with due observation as in other purges after three weeks time I ordered her to take them only once a week and to continue the use of the same for five or six weeks which she accordingly did by which the nauseousness and loathing at Stomach was removed and she was in a little time brought to a good Appetite and to digest her food very well moreover by the same means her Terms were provok'd and made to flow in good order 5. And by reason that in the Absence of the fit she complained of a most Vehement pain of her Head I caused her hair to be shaved off and the common Vesicatory of the shops to be applyed which done and the blister removed I caused it to be drawn three or four days with Colewort-leaves applying the smooth side to the Sore on the fourth day I ordered the rough side to be applyed by which meanes in about thee days more her Head was healed up by these blisters her mother told me she believed above two quarts of humor evacuated 6. In the mean season whilst she took her Pills I was not unmindful of what was further to be done But as I was consulting some of her Relations were for sending for other Doctors especially some of the Colledg of whom Dr. T and Dr. B were sent for with whom although I was not vnwilling to consult for the good of my Patient yet I desired to be excused and that they might act apart but with promise that if things succeeded
her to be liberally bathed over all the Abdomen from the Mucronata or lower part of the Sternon to the Os Pubis for about half an hour with the said Powers or Amber and her Belly to be covered with hot cloaths ãâã warm as she could endure them this was repeated every third hour for eight or ten times and through the Blessing of God this miserable Creature was saved from the jaws of Death XXII Convulsions arising by Consent from Pains in the Stone 1. This Man having been for many years afflicted with the Stone and Gravel at length the Pains became so exquisite as to excite Convulsion-Fits and that in an extream manner the man was of a gross or fat Body and of a long time used no kind of Exercise but eat well and drank freely and that a thick kind of foggy Ale which doubtless left Recremenâs enough in all the principal Passages from which Causes without doubt his Disease had its Beginnings 2. In the first place by reason of the fulness of the Body and the great Repletion of humours I thought fit to purge him the which I did with my Family-Pills as being a Medicament proper and specifick against the Stone it self and of which I have had Experience in several Persons in that Disease among the Rest one Andrew Beech of New-Castle in a Lâtter to me dated 18th of April 1682. gives this Commendation Honoured Doctor I have sold your Family-Pills for divers years and have often taken of them with good Success I believe under God they have been an Instrument of my Preservation for these three or four years last past But of late especially I have been troubled with the Stone and by taking of your Pills I have voided many Stones and some of them of a prodigious Bigness to come through a mans Yard These are the Gentleman 's own words in his said Letter however I have a Cloud of other Experiments of the same kind which enduced me at this time to their Exhibition I ordered him to take them every third or fourth day by the use thereof for six or seven times there was not only a large Evacuation of corrupt putrid and evil humours but also a Production of several small Stones about the Bigness of Wheat-Corns and some of them somwhat bigger to the number of Twenty three 3. In the Intârvals of Purging I caused the Reins of his Back the Pubis and Perinaeum to be very well anointed twice a day with the Blood red Oyl of Scorpions and inwardly the Powers or Tinctures of Castoreum from twenty to forty drops to be given in this following Wine Take Old Rhenish Wine two quarts large Onions extreamly thin sliced or spread small six ounces digest forty eight hours and keep it for use He took four ounces of it at a time Morning Noon and Night with the Drops of the Powers and somtimes of the Tincture of Castoreum aforesaid 4. But by reason the Convulsions came often and held him very strongly we were forced to have recourse to Opiates amongst which I exhibited at first two grains of my Laudanum at bed-time in a glass of Rhenish Wine and Sugar this was done four times The fifth time I gave him three grains and continued that for four other Doses the ninth Dose I gave him four grains which I continued for a week and once a week increased his Dose a grain till it came to ten grains the which Dose I gave him five or six weeks together By this assiduous use of Laudanum not only the Pains of the Stone were mightily diminished but also the Convulsion-Fits were wholly abated 5. However the more absolutely to secure our Patient against these Convulsive-Motions I caused him to be bathed all over twice a day with this following Mixture Take Powers of Amber Powers of Oranges of Limons of Marjoram of Sage of Penny-royal of each three ounces Powers of Juniper-Berries of Rue of Caraways of Aniseed of each three ounces of Rosemary Sassafras and of Castoreum of each one ounce mix them with this Mixture he was bathed twice a day from Head to Foot for ten days but more especially the Convulsed Parts Hereby the Genus Nervosum was mightily comforted and refreshed and the Cause of the Spasm in some manner discussed 6. But as it was apparent that the Stone was the prime Cause of this pestiferous Evil so it was our Care to use powerful Lithontripticks for this purpose I ordered the four following Medicaments all of them singular specificks and of great Force in this Disease to be used by Course 7. A lithontriptick Liquor Take Rhenish-Wine two quarts Hydropiper-Water a quart Large Onions shred small six ounces Opium two ounces Pouder of Winter-Cherries one ounce and half House-Radish Root scraped Mustard seed bruised Sal Prunellae of each one ounce Salt of Tartar Volatile Salt of Millepedes of each six drams mixt digest twelve or fourteen days and express the Liquor which keep close stopt for use Dose two ounces 8. A lithontriptick Pouder Take Millepedes in pouder two ounces Egg-Shells calcined ten days in a Potters Furnace Winter-Cherries in fine pouder of each an ounce and half Sal Prunellae Opium in subtil pouder Volatile Salt of Harts Horn Volatile Sal Armoniack Salt of Vrine of each one ounce Salt of Juniper-Berries one ounce mix all in a fine Pouder and keep in a Silver Box with a good Skrew to keep it from the Air. Dose from a Scruple to two Scruples Morning and Evening 9. A lithontriptick Electuary Take Venice Turpentine four ounces Opium extracted Extract of Liquorice of each two ounces Liquid Storax Pouder of Millepedes of Winter-Cherries Egg-Shells calcined Sal Prunellae of each an ounce Volatile Salt of Millepedes Oyl of Juniper-Berries of each an ounce mix and make an Electuary to be kept in a Box with a Skrew Dose from a Scruple to half a Dram once a day in a fit Vehicle 10. A lithontriptick Spirit Take Rectified Spirit of Wine three pints Oyls of Sulphur of Vitriol and of Salt of each four ounces mix the Oyls first together then mix them with the Spirit of Wine by little and little till all is put in shake all well together digest for three months then distil in a Glass Alembick or Cucurbit with a very Gentle and Gradual fire that the Subtile and Volatile Spirit only may come over leaving a thick Magma at Bottom of the Substance of Honey or Consistence of a soft Extract In this Distillation you must be cautious your Fire be not too great for if it be it will force over all the Magma or Faeces with the Spirit and then your Labour will be lost and all your Work spoiled 11. This Spirit is of most Subtile and Volatile Parts and a specifick in all Diseases of the Brain whatsoever as well as in Diseases of the Reins It is a Specifick not only against the Stone whether in the Reins or Bladder which by its assiduous use it radically dissolves but
small Pulse heart-burning desperation Convulsion of the Jaws shortness of Breath distortion of Eyes a notable grinding of his Teeth all which were joined with a vain endeavour to Vomit and argued either that he had taken Poyson or that he had a worm in his Entrals 3. Wherefore he drank store of Oyl blood-warm by help whereof he vomited abundance of eruginous or Verdigreece colour'd Choler with exceeding great straining and so was freed from his present oppression after two months were over his fiery Liver being habitually distempered and apt ro breed a like humor raised the same yea a more dreadful tragedy 4. For he raved three whole days together was speechless and vomiting up the same kind of humor by help of Milk he was freed from his fit 5. The original of this Malady was ãâã into and it was the unanimous opinion of all the Physicians That it did proceed from a hot distemper of his Liver which bred this pernicious and venomous humor 6. Remedies are provided ãâã strengthen the Liver and withal to temper the dryness and asswage the Inflamation thereof a cooling diet and a due order is prescribed in all the six non-natural things 7. Cooling potions are given him to drink and like Medicaments ate outwardly applied Baths of fresh water are injoyned whey is given qualified with store of cooling simples 8. A Vein is opened in the upper and lower part An Issue is made in his Legg Leeches are frequently applied to the hemorrhoidal Veins 9. Lastly nothing is left unattempted but all in vain For every month the Convulsion returned attended with cruel symptoms 10. In conclusion this Lion-like Disease was conquered by Blood-letting celebarated in the Salvatella vein of the right Hand which being sparingly practised every month he was perfectly cured of his Convulsion Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 40. XLVI A Convulsion in a Infant 1. An Infant its former Nurse being dead did suck the Milk of another whereupon his whole Body was defiled with many Ulcers Physicians being advised with said the Milk of this second Nurse was exceeding good because the Woman had all the signs and qualifications of a good Nurse 2. I being sent for was of a contrary mind because she had her Courses For this blood being moved provokes Lust troubles the Body heats the humors pollutes the pure Blood which is to make Milk and when the Blood flows in its monthly Course the Milk is abated because the substance of the Milk and the Courses are one and the same 3. For this cause ugly colours loathing of Meats vomitings loosness of the Belly slight Feavers pustles upon the skin and Ulcers arise since by the mixture of most filthy Blood collected for the monthly evacuation the other Blood which was provided before for the Infants Nourishment doth contract such a pollution that it puts on the nature of Poison rather than of Nutriment 4. Hence Infants have their Epilepsies Convulsions shortness of breath leanness and other grievous maladies since from the Womb to the Dugs there is a very great entercourse and sympathy These things being propounded in consultation the other Physicians recanted their former Judgment and ascented to me 5. Then was the Infant delivered to another Nurse that was not menstruous by her to be suckled hence it came to pass that for a month together the Infant having used this new Milk became fatter and the Ulcers being dryed and covered with Scars it grew more goodly and recovered its former habit of Body Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 118. XLVII A Convulsion arising from Worms 1. Trincavallus a most substantial Author relates That he had seen Children so troubled with the Worms that they were convulsed backwards so that their Heels did almost touch their Heads 2. When I first read this Authors experiment I exceedingly wondred at it hardly believing that the Leggs could be so far bowed backwards as to touch the Head when being once called to cure the Son of a certain Gold-smith I find him taken with this kind of Convulsion which was accompanied with shaking Anxiety and a mighty Belly-ach at fits 3. I was amazed at the strangeness of the Example suspecting that he was poysoned I gave him Treacle returning home I presently called to mind the story of Trincavallus 4. Anon after I went to see the Patient I made him a Clyster of Milk and Sugar and after that I gave him a Clyster of Milk Aloes and the juyce of Garlick 5. I gave him six Pills of a dram of Aloes and a scruple of Dittamnus with half a scruple of Treacle being hereby sufficiently purged he was never the better 6. The next day following I caused him to take three Pills made of Snake-Wood Aloes Myrrh with Juice of Wormwood and Mints and the Gall of a Bull. 7. After he had taken them he saints away and being griped he voided with his Dung two black round Worms and beyond hope recovered of this grievous Malady Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 2. Observ 34. XLVIII A Convulsion happening in Winter-time 1. An exceeding bold Dutch-man in the middle of Winter went into the River contrary to the advice of his Freinds and staied therein half an hour after he came out his yard was so writhen and distended by way of Convulsion that as often as he made water he pist in hâs own Face unless he held his Hands at his Navel to keep the Urine off 2. This Disease arising from an external Cause viz the Coldness of the Water was in a months time cured without any Remedies respecting the whole Body 3. For after a Fomentation made of a Decoction of Betony Rue Sage Bazil Peny-royal Calamints Staechas and Rosemary and a Liniment made of Oyl of Aniseeds of Turpentine Earth-Worms of Foxes Castoreum Rue with Aqua vitae and strong Wine his yard by little and little returned to its former Condition Zacut. Lusitan Prax. admir Lib. 3. Obser 114. XLIX A Convulsion in a young man from drinking Wine 1. I shall recount a prety-conceited but yet a mortal Story being sent for some years ago to visit a Master of a Tavern or Inn as I alighted from my horse two Scholars came and met me very ingenious Persons both they knowing me were ready enough to speak yea very talkative but being benumed in their Legs elevated in their Mind not able to speak plain like Fools and Mad-men they gave a Bowl full Wine to my Foot-Boy to drink 2. This being done one of them being in a Chair made this merry Discourse for he was well seen in Humanity said Wine is the sweet Milk of Venus so faith Apuleius in his Golden Ass it is the Milk of old men as Avicencia saith if is a rare Help for such as are sad melancholick and fly the Company of Men for it cheers the Heart of man according to the Scripture and since it is exceeding like unto our Nature it quickly breeds brisk Spirits with the scarcity whereof those that are troubled they
vomiting 5. By and by the same distemper being leasurely translated to the superiour parts excited ânsensibility to which shortly after convulsive motions succeeded in the whole body and that so strongly that the sick party could scarce be held by three or four strong men 6. These kind of fits were at first wandring and only occasionally excited they would come as often as the pain of her Breast was excited by some manifest cause afterwards these Convulsions did more often infest her and at last became habitual and periodical twice in a day to wit they were wont to come again constantly at so many set hours after eating 7. And when after this manner the sick person had been miserably afflicted for six months she began at length to be troubled and molested with a Vertiginous Distemper of the Head exercising her almost continually for which malady when a fomentation of Aromatick and Cephalick herbs had been a good while administred to her Head she became better as to the giddiness but then she was perpetually infested with a new and admirable symptom viz. an empty cough without spitting night or day unless when she was overwhelmed with sleep 8. After this worthy Virgin had tryed without much benefit divers Medicines and remedies prescribed by several Physicians she was at last helped by making use of the most temperate Bath at the Bath then being presently married after she had conceived and was brought to bed she grew well by degrees 9. If the reasons of the whole Disease and its accidents be enquired into without doubt the convulsive distemper was first of all excited from the tumor or pained place of the Brest the cause of which was partly the most sharp sense of Pain being impressed from its fibres and nervous parts and partly from the Heterogeneus Copula being affixed on the spirits inhabiting those fibres and Nerves 10. For truly it may be suspected that the most sharp humor impacted in the tumor which perhaps had in some sort flowed thither by the passages of the Nerves being repercussed by the use of Topicks had entred the fibres and nervous filaments or little strings disposed thorough the whole border or neighbour-hood and so the Heterogeneous and Explosive Copula had struck upon the spirits for the shaking off of which as often as by Pain they were excited they entred into convulsive explosions and together with them other Spirits flowing within the neighbouring Nerves by consent of the forms as it often happens were exploded after the same manner 11. Then the convulsive distemper when it first had begun in the extremities of the Nerves being continued through their passages even to the Head was wont to cause the insensibleness and from thence leaping back upon the whole nervous system the convulsive motions of the limbs and all the members were excited 12. The fits about the begining of the sickness being excited after this manner By reason of Pain from the distempered part were carried secondarily to the Brain and its appendix But afterwards when the spirits inhabiting those places being often explosed by sympathy had so loosened and weakned the Pores of the containing parts that there lay open a passage within the same for all Heterogeneous particles to enter with the Nervous juice the convulsive Procatarxis or more remote cause also increased in the Head 13. And the spirits inhabiting the Encephalon being infected with an Heterogenous Copula they themselves begun the convulsive fit or at least afforded the first instinct to its assault which did return for the most part at such set hours after eating because the morbifick matter was carried in together with the nervous juice almost in an equal dimension 14. In truth in such cases where the Convulsion being general doth possess almost all the parts of the whole Nervous system successively we may suspect that the animal spirits had contracted an Heterogenous and expulsive Copula in the whole nervous stock which when it is risen at the set time to a fullness incites the spirits themselves at the appointed time in like manner to explosions and the same explosion being begun some where is propagated in order to all after the manner of a fiery enkindling 15. As to that empty Cough which succeeding the fomentation of the Head exercised this sick person almost incessantly for many months it seems that this symptom should depend altogether from the nervous origine being distempered and not at all on the stâffing of the Lungs for she did not avoid any thing with the Cough 16. And if at any time that force of Coughing was violently restrained presently she was troubled with the sence of choaking in her Throat so that it is very likely the morbifick matter laid up near the nervous origine being rarifyed and stirred by the fomentation entred more deeply into the heads of the Nerves appointed for the Lungs and stirred up in their fibres and filaments perpetual Convulsions after the like manner as when the nervous juice which waters the fibres and tendons of the Muscles being made sharp and degenerate induces to those parts continual leapings and contractions 17. Hence when a Convulsion or spasm was stopped in some branches of the distemper'd Nerves so as she could not Cough presently the convulsive motion runing into other branches of the same neighbouring Nerve stirred up that choaking in the Throat I will here propose another example of a Convulsion arising from the extremitys of the Nerves being affected Willis de morbis convulsivis cap. 6. Observ 1. LVI A Convulsion in an ancient Gentlewoman 1. A noble matron of fifty years of age after her Courses for about half a year had left her she began to complain of a pricking pain in her left pap then afterwards that distemper leaving her she was ill about the Ventricle for there arose a hard and schirrous tumor with a sad pain 2. Upon this came an inflation of the Stomach with difficulty of Respiration a nauseousness and frequent vomiting then the Disease encreasing with a more sharp pain runing about here and there she fell into convulsive distempers of the Ventricle 3. In that place she was almost continually afflicted with Convulsions variously runing about just as if her Ventricle had been torn in peices besides a constant perturbation of mind with thirst and watchings and frequent deliquium of spirits and as if she had been just dying all which symptoms she plainly perceived to arise from that tumor in her Ventricle 4. They saw that all vomitory cathartical antiscorbutical and Hysterical Medicines did her no good but were rather hurtful and troublesom she received some benefit by letting Blood by Leehes and by the use of Asses-milk And by the long drinking of Spaw-waters she was much eased 5. The aforesaid symptoms which commonly are ascribed to the Hysterical passion and the vapours from the Womb here plainly appear to have proceeded from a tumor arising about the bottom of the Ventricle 6. For that the Blood
its whole mass with Heterogenious and Explosive particles and for that reason irritating the whole processes of the Nerves and the nervous bodys into vniversal Spasms or Couvulsions and those either continual or intermitting Willis de morbis Convulsivis cap. 6. Observ 3. VIII A Convulsion proceeding from a Feaver 1. This distemper in this Maid being accompanied with a frequent humid Cough was at first thought to be only a Cold but within few days this Cough plainly became convulsive so that whilst she coughed the Diaphragma being carried upward and with a renewed Sistole held so long a time that she made a great noise as if about to be suffocated 2. Then this little Maid growing more apparently feaverish complained of thirst and heat and lay all Night without sleep with a mighty agitation of her Body and began to talk idly as if her Coat had fallen into the water and when all things grew worse she began to be tormented with convulsive motions first in her Limbs by and by in her Face and then in her whole Body 3. The Paroxysms coming by often turns twice or thrice in an hour did most grievously trouble her so that this little wretch within the space of twenty four hours after the convulsive distempers began to grow more grievous her Animal spirits being almost quite spent she dyed 4. Whilst the convulsive fits tormented her her Pulse was very much disordered and often intermitting also a frequent vomiting molested her 5. Being sent for to visit this Maid also too late a little before her Death when I could contribute nothing to the prolonging of Life I endeavoured what I could to find out from her death the knowledg of the aforesaid Disease 6. Therefore having procured leave to dissect her Body the reasons and marks of the symptoms chiefly urging in this Feaver more clearly appeared 7. Opening therefore first the lower Belly I found all the Bowels in it sound enough and well furnisht the Ventricle although tryed with empty vomiting contained nothing besides the liquour lately taken in at the Mouth For neither in it nor in its Appendix were Worms or sharp humors found which are wont oftentimes to give Cause to these kind of Convulsions 8. The small Guts were in many places mutually involved to wit the Convex superficies of one part was thrust into the Concave of another as into a sheath and hid far in it which indeed I judg to have happened wholly from the convulsive Motions of those Bowels 9. For whilst by reason of the vehement Convulsion excited from the nervous Origen the opposite Fibres being drawn together did work the same Intestine into contrary Motions it easily happened that one part of the Intestine of the Ilion being carried upwards might run into the hollowness of the other being snatched downward 10 The Thorax being opened the Flesh of the Lungs appeared very red and as it were sprinkled with Blood yea in some places as if it were livid and almost black out of the same wherever it was cut there flowed a thin and frothy Matter 11. Certainly this shewed that the feaverish Matter or the serous Impurities of the boyling Blood being soon impacted in the Lungs do so stuff up their Pores and Passages that the Blood it self being in its wonted and free Circulation there stagnated and being extravasated did excite a certain Inflamation 12. We found no less clear Track of this so deadly Disease in the head For the Shell of the Skull being removed presently the Vessels creeping through the Miningae were seen to swell very much with Blood as if almost the whole mass of Blood were gathered together in the head 13. For the Veins being cut or broken about the inwards of the lower and middle Belly little Blood flowed forth Besides those Membranes which cloath the Cerebel and being higher spread divide it from the Brain being sprinkled in very many places with extravasated Blood were noted to be of a black-purple Colour that it was not to be doubted but the Phlegosis or Inflamation round about excited was the cause of so cruel infesting Convulsions 14 These Coverings being taken away the Substance of the Brain was seen to be altogether moist and waterish abouâ measure with a watery humour yea its Râad or Bark being taken off all the Ventricles were full of a limpid or clear Water of which kind of very clear Liquor there was judged to be more than half a pint 15. From these Appearances the Pathology of the aforesaid Feaver is collected easiây to wit in this Sickness as also in many others the Blood feaverishly growing hot presently deposes its Recrements both into the Lungs and into the Brain 16. Wherefore a serous Colluvies or watery Heap did presently overflow the Constitution of either then because the Blood being hindred both here and there from its due Circulation it began to grow into a very great Heap about the Confines of the affected Parts and at length to stagnate and to cause as it were a Phlegosis or Inflamation 17. Hence by reason of the Serum being plentifully heaped up in the Lungs and baked by the Heat the troublesom Cough with the thick and discoloured Spittle for the most part came in this Disease and by reason of the like Affection excited within the Head the Vertigo Swimming Stupefaction and other cephalick Passions constantly seized on the sick 18. Which kind of Distempers in this little Maid and in her Brother by reason of the infirm Constitution of the Brain before in either of them being made more grievious terminated in an Apoplexy 19. I might easily here propose many other Histories of persons of this Feaver at that time but from these now recited the type of the aforesaid Disease may be sufficiently known 20. But because the same Feaver happens almost every year on some predisposed and perhaps by reason of an evil Constitution of the year may hereafter at some time become Epidemical it will be worth the while to represent some Method about its Cure 21. Concerning which first of all take notice That in this Feaver no Critical days were to be observed as in the vulgar continual Feavers For the Blood as soon as it began to grow hot poured out a part of the morbifick matter as yet crude and not overcome from its Embraces to the Head or Breast 22. Wherefore it were vain to expect that the Blood should suffer the Heterogenous Particles to be heaped together in its mass to a fullness that from thence a flowring or putting forth arising at the set Intervals of time it might thrust the same subtilties out of doors 23. Yea rather this growing hot glows not with a great and open burning but like a Fire covered over with Chips sends forth a moist smoak or breath rather than a Flame But so that from thence by reason of the nervous juyce being depraved soon in its disposition and not rarely because of the Lungs being stuffed with the consumptive matter the
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 Convuâsions 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 Dâsease 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
suffocation follows and from thence death now the Convulsion is not the cause of Death as to the hurt don to the Nerves but the suffocation by reason of the Convulsion of the Nerves and Muscles ordained for breathing 8. By so much the more vehement the Convulsion is by so much the more dangerous it is the farther the Convulsion is from the Brain so much the less dangerous it is 9. A Convulsion is much more easily cured if the Brain be only affected by consent than if it be essentially and primarily affected Hippocrates also saith sect 5. Aphor. 1. that Convulsions caused by taking of Hellebor are mortal and this I saw experienced upon several persons at one time who had taken Hellebor for the Worms 10. A Convulsion arising from the Iliack passion is dangerous especially if it be accompanied with the Hicâough so also if swooning immediatly follow it 11. Convulsions arising from extream Pains of the Bowells or parts adjacent to the lower Viscera are evil sect 7. Aph. 67. and the reason is because the Brain is forthwith drawn into consent 12 Convulsions in continual Feavers where the sick is very weak especially if they seize upon the Lips Nostrils Eyes Eye-Lids Eye-Brows or Parts near them foreshew that death is at the Door 13. Convulsions arising from continual watchings or long fasting are mortal for that there is not only a diminution of the animal Spirits but an almost abolition of the natural heat and radical humidity which ought to conserve and support the Spirits 14. Lastly Hippocrates saith Sect. 5 Aph. 2. that Convulsions proceeding from Wounds are pernicious more especially if they be near the Brain for there is danger from the great Inflamation of Mortification of the Part and from thence Death CXII Of the Cure of a singular Convulsion or Cramp 1. The Cramp as is for the most part caused of Gold afflicting the Nerves and Muscles of the Part so it is to be cured by the help of such things as warm and comfort the same having also a specifick Property to be assistant to the Nerves 2. In the first place if the Body be full of evil humous you may purge the Patient with my Family-Pills or with the tincture of the same and because we must prosecute the Cure according to the Indications which offer themselves you may know the strength or debility of the Stomach and accordingly give things cleansing or strengthening if the Stomach be foul you may exhibit a Dose of my vomiting Lozenges which may be given from fifteen to thirty grains according to age and strength yet they may be taken in the Morning fasting and let a good quantity of broth or posset-drink be prepared to be taken they will work well and call the offending humor from all parts of the Body and after they have cleansed the Stomach upwards they will then work admirably well and purge the Bowels downward 3. This being done a Diet of Neuroticks ought to be prepared after the manner of a constant Drink but because that may be troublesome I shall advise to somthing which may with more ease and conveniency be done and what Experience has confirmed to me will be of great advantage to the sick and that is the Queen of Hungaria's Water a Medicament scarcely inferior to any let it be taken constantly three times a day a little before eating viz. Morning Noon and Night and oftner if the Patient so pleases in a glass of Sack or of some cordial Water 4. This being taken for about 10 or 12 days the sick ought to use sudorifick means by taking inwardly English Bezoar Bezoar mineral Bezoar animal Electuarium ad Tabidos Powers of Vipers or our Guttae Vitae mixt and made up into a Bolus with the choicest Venice Treacle or dissolved and given in Spirit of Saffron or in this following Compositum Take Spirit of Saffron two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Salt of Vipers eight grains mix them for a sudorifick Dose Or this Take choice Cinnamon-water an ounce Syrup of Citrons six drams Powers of Vipers twelve drops mix for a dose Or this Take Treacle Water two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram Guttae Vitae ten drops mix for a Dose to sweat withall 5. But during the time that all these things are doing we must not be unmindful of the application of Topicks to the part affected without which almost all other things will nearly be done in vain for this purpose we commend to the sick the Queen of Hungaries water a most excellent thing to bath withall let the place pained be bathed therewith thrice a day and let it be done almost half an hour together it is a Medicament of great Vertue and has cured hundreds 6. But that which transcends all others things and which we can commend upon our own manifold Experience are the Powers of Amber a Medicament never to be sufficiently praised for by the single use of this alone Medicament I can safely say it I have cured several scores of the Cramp so perfectly as that it never has returned any more I could advise to many other excellent things which I know would not fail also but this being the cheapest easiest to come by and of most approved use I advise to the use of it above all other things and they that shall be pleased to make use of it shall find I have spoken a very great Truth CXIII Of the cure of a general and Primary Convulsion 1. The first essay which Authors make towards the cure of a Convulsion is to evacuate the Corrupt and morbifick humor abounding for which Physicians prescribe many ways as first Blood-letting But this as it diminishes the Spirits and obliterates the strength and vigor of the Body so ought it to be cautiously attempted for in this Disease we ought rather to contrive how to augment the natural forces of the Body and conserve the spiritual parts than to diminish them which this operation certainly doth whereupon death in some immediately followeth as I have two or three times observed from unadvised bleeding in this Disease the Patient dying in little more than half an hour after the cause of which doubtless was the defect and diminution of Spirits Riverius one much for bleeding saith That t is only to be don if the Patient be strong and that it is better to take away too little Blood than too much for that Blood opposes the principal cause of the Disease which is Flegm If this be true in what Meanders of folly do Physicians wander who attempt the cure by this kind of method viz. by taking away that matter which opposes the Disease but these Vanities are so gross and absurd that they are not worth disputing about and so deserve no Answer 2. In an universal Convulsion however evacuations are proposed first Revulsive chiefly by strong Clysters such as are commonly exhibited in Palsies and of which this following may be an example
then the part may be fomented with some of these things applyed warm as Mineral waters simple spring-water Cows milk fat broth of the head and entrails of a Sheep Calf or Kid or Water and Oyl mixed together Or Oyl and Wine which is better Or Oyl alone chiefly that of Violets or of Earth-worms 9. Or you may make the bath and fomentation with this following Decoction Take fresh roots of Althaea Bryony and Lillys of each a pound Earth-worms shell-Snails of each half a pound Mallows Violets Arrach Lettise Coleworts of each a handful Sage Ground-pine of each half a handful Aniseeds bruised four ounces Line-seed two ounces boyl them in water for a Bath to every quart of which decoction add at time of using of it Powers of Aniseeds two ounces Oyl of Tartar per deliquium one ounce mix them together for either a bath or fomentation or both as you see need requires Sulphur Baths are said to have a great vertue to mollefy and relax because nothing is fatter than Sulphur and therefore if you can meet with no natural Sulphur baths near you you may make one after this manner Take spring-water two gallons Salt of Tartar four ounces flowers of Sulphur six ounces boyl them well together for an hour and half stirring it continually being sufficiently boyled you may weaken it with a sufficient quantity of fresh warm water and so use it adding with all also at time of using of it to every quart of the liquor two ounces of the powers of Aniseeds as aforesaid 10. The Contracture being thus first bathed with the simple Spirit or Powers of Aniseeds then with some of the former Baths or fomented as aforesaid it will be then convenient if the Contracture be very strong to apply to it for some time Cataplasms which may be made according to these following forms Take pulp of Turneps white Bread of each a pound Oat-meal half a pound make it of a due consistence by adding Oyl of Earth-worms or Mans or Vipers fat or a little Nerve-Oyl mixing also therewith at time of application with every pound of the pultise half an ounce of the Oyl of Aniseeds but if the Patient be of a very hot constitution and complexion then mix therewith only two drams yet in a cold and moist habit you may encrease the proportion to six drams without any detriment such is the difference of Mens Bodies Or thus Take pulp of Turneps and of Bryony-roots of each two pounds Oat-meal well boyled with Milk to a convenient thickness of Past a pound and half Gelly of Harts-horn Gelly of Hogs feet of each a pound pouder of Orrice-root Venice Soap of each half a pound Barley flower enough to make it of a due consistence mix and make all into a Cataplasm to every pound of which add at time of using Oyl of Aniseeds from two drams to six 11. Some also make a Cataplasm of the Call Mesentery Kidney Liver Spleen or Lungs of a Hog Lamb Sheep Kid Calf c. being newly killed and the said parts or other intrails applyed to the Contracture warm which ought to be kept long on and to be often repeated the good effects of these things will be beyond expectation if the Patient be not uncurable 12. Platerus commends this Cataplasm as a very excellent thing Take fresh roots of Althea of Bryony of each two ounces of Mandrakes one ounce fresh leaves of Henbane which I have known saith he as also Mandrakes do wonders in molifying mallows of each one handful boyl them in Milk bruise them and add thereto Meal of Line-seed two ounces of Fleawort-seed Seeds of Quinces of each half an ounce Hogs and Goose-grease of each one ounce Oyl of sweet Almonds fresh Butter of each half an ounce Barberies two drams Saffron half a dram mix and make a Cataplasm This may be a good thing as the Author says but it would be much better if in stead of the Hogs or Goose-grease you add double quantities of Vipers and Mans-fat and in stead of the Oyl of Almonds and fresh Butter Balsam of Sulphur and Oyl of Earth-Worms adding also at time of using of it a small quantity of the Oyl of Aniseeds as before advised 13. Skins of Beasts newly kill'd pull'd off and applyed are excellent the Contracture being first bathed with Powers of Aniseeds then with the anisated Balsam of Sulphur Fox-skins are specially commended for the purpose and a Goose-skin with the Feathers but the Skin of a Lamb Sheep Kid Calf Bullock Ox c. are not to be despised being all of excellent use a fresh Cats-skin is also praised in this Case but above all a Dogs-hide which some say has so great a Power of resolving or relaxing as to make the contracted Muscle Nerve or Tendons too largely to extend themselves 14. The use of Baths Anointings Fomentations with the applications of Cataplasms and skins as aforesaid having been for a fit time used you may now come to the application of fit and proper Cerots or Emplasters among which the two former have few that excel mentioned at § 7. aforegoing to these you may add Emplastrum de Galbano Mynsichti and his de Galbano Crocatum both which are things of admirable use for this purpose others not without cause commend the Cerot of Ammoniacum of Forestus which he kept as a great Secret for a long time for the dissolving of any hard Tumor you may see it in our Pharmacopoeia Londinensis lately published and the Emplaster of Ammoniacum with Hemlock in my opinion is no way inferior all these Emplasters would yet be much more effectual if towards the end of their making up a proportionable quantity of Oyl of Aniseeds were added as in other Medicines we have directed A Friend of mine and a very ingenious Man a Chyrurgion mightily commended to me the use of the chymical Oyl of Wax either used alone or mixt with other things as Fat of Vipers Mans-Grease c. as a thing which had scarcely any Equal 15. If the contracted Members can be separated by manual operation being otherwise uncurable then though they be not made moveable again the which yet somtimes comes to pass nevertheless another form may be fitted for them which brings a less obstacle to the motion as if the Fingers being extended be stopt they are less prejudicial in catching hold of things than if they be contracted if the Foot remain contracted or drawn upwards being relaxed back again to the ground although by cutting though the Joint of the Knee remain fix't yet it restores the going which before was taken away 16. This we may somtimes do in some places with our Hands or by application of Instuments without cutting forcing the contracted Part down daily not with a great force but by little and little in process of time more and more relaxing the bound-up Tendons and Ligaments and that according to the nature of the Member contracted divers ways as if by reason of the Joint of
the Knee fixt as it often comes to pass the Foot is drawn upwards by continually drawing it down while they sit or are doing any thing or by hanging a Weight to it oftentimes depressing it the which will be neatly performed if two oblong Plates hollow in the middle filled to the Leg and hinder part of the Hips and joyned about the Joint by Interposition of an Engine and turning it as long as the Patient is able to endure the Foot be forced by degrees from the upper Part downwards 17. Also it is conveniently performed in other places after the same manner by an Engine fitted with Screws commonly called a Compress the Figures of which for some particular Parts you may see in my Synopsis Medicinae with their particular Explication and Use because if it be turned by degrees pressing Parts to which it is applied it forceth the fixt Member and because the Engine or Instrument so turned remains immoveable the same doth return and sustain the Member as far as it shall have forc't or thrust it the which we have made tryal of with Success the Instrument being neatly and ingeniously made 18. Moreover if a Finger remains extended a Ring being put upon it which must be contiguous and made fast to another Ring applied on the next Finger whiles this Finger is moved the other which is fixt being continually forced will be at length constrained to yield and bow And indeed all fixt Members if they be very prejudicial in that Scituation they must be continually drawn into a better and less incongruous Form by Force either of Instuments or otherwise as we said even now 19. If the loss or hurt of motion be by a hard Tumor Callous or Skar affixed to the Tendons and Ligaments and by which also there is a compression of the Nerve whereby a Palsy as it were is caused in some other Part there can be no other kind of Cure but by the use of Emollients such as we have above rehearsed but if a Palsey should be caused from a Compression of the Nerve by reason of too hard Ligature or closeness of the compress then the Ligatures must be loosned or the Instrument removed and taken away which done if a numbness or Palsy does still continue the Spirits must be recalled by long and strong frictions and application of Neuroticks and Antiparaliticks and such as are Powers of Amber of Aniseeds of Castoreum and such like 20. Lastly having tryed all external means that are before mentioned in vain before you come to the use of Instruments or Cutting you may make tryal of Mercuriates which have an exceeding great power of Resolution and performing in this kind more than all other things upon Earth however in this Case you must make use of your Mercury Crude as it were to wit either made into an Amalgama with Lead or Tin or kill'd with Spittle or juyce of Limons and then mixt with some proper Cerot or soft Emplaster which has a natural dissolving power joyn'd with it Or you may use Vigo's Emplastrum de Ranis with three four or six times the proportion of Mercury to what is ordinarily prescribed and in the same proportion you may mix it with other Emplastick Bodies you may use it Emplasterwise without danger and the Mercury must be mixt in the proportion aforesaid or else it will perform next to nothing If this does not you must be necessitated either to use the compress with fitted Screws or come to cutting Libri Primi FINIS IATRICA seu Praxis Medendi Salmon's HISTORY of Famous Cures LIBER II. Of Diseases of the Head CHAP. I. Of the Incubus The AUTHORS Observations I. Incubus or Night-Mare 1. A Young Man about twenty five years of age was for several years troubled with this Disease and so great a weight seem'd to oppress his Stomach that be could not stirr any part of his Body it seised upon him commonly between sleeping and waking and so to the apprehension of the sick he strove mightily with himself but when he came to himself he found no member out of its place 2. First when it came it was towards the latter part of the night and he had but few fits which came somtimes once or twice a week in process of time they were more frequent and at length came to that exorbitancy that they would return fifteen or twenty times in a night with a certain kind of fearfulness so that the Patient was not able to endure them 3. The next day he looked pale as if his Eyes were sunk in his Head And as the vulgar phrase is as if he had been hag-ridden 4. He was of a gross and corpulent Body would eat plentifully and drunk freely without undergoing any kind of labour or exercise coming to me he requested my help and I cured him with the following things 5. First I cleansed his Stomach with a fit dose of Crocus Metallorum every other day this was repeated for three times Afterwards I ordered his Body to be purged with my Family Pills with Aloes the use of which were repeated six times taking a dose every fifth or sixth day 6. In the interim he drank constantly this following decoction Take Rosemary Sage sweet Marjoram Thyme Winter-savory of each four ounces boyl them in a sufficient quantity of Spring-water till the quarter part be consumed then strain out without expression sweeten it with double refined Sugar and bottel it up with a Clove in each bottle of which the sick took one every day 7. Moreover I ordered his Stomach to be anointed with Oyl of Mace by expression every Morning and Night and for some few days at the beginning of the Cure Rose cakes dipt in Vinegar of Roses were bound warm to his Temples at Night going to bed by the use of these means the fits were not only suddenly abated but the Patient was in about six weeks time perfectly cured 8. A Maid servant also in the same family was cured of the same Disease by using the same means with very little difference II. The Incubus or Night-Mare in a very aged Man 1. Although this Disease is seldom or never cured in aged people but that for the most part it degenerates into an Apoplexy of which they die yet this in my opinion is rather from the formal than efficient cause For as much as if the Incubus proceeds from a bladder of water in the Brain which I twice saw in persons that died Apoplectick the Disease may be supposed to be incurable 2. But where the formal cause is either from a distemperature of the Stomoach or disaffection of the Spleen whereby an excrementitious Blood or vapours are generated in the Brain in this case I cannot conceive but this Disease may be cured in persons of what age soever provided no other mortal symptom interveen from any other present cause and without doubt this latter is the case of our present Patient 3. For although he was very aged and
thereof and that great oppression or weight upon the Thorax or Brest together with that fast holding of the Body whereby it becomes immovable is caused from a withdrawing or stoppage of the said Animal Spirits which is the fountain or prime cause of the motive faculty as also the near or conjoyned cause by which the instruments of motion perform their operations by the guidance of the sensitive soul which being by some accident obstructed in its passages or as it were cut off for a small moment all motion for so long time ceases through the whole Body And although the Man strives never so much to stir or move himself it is all in vain for as much as the Animal spirit which gives being and life to the motive facultie is for a season cut off and its flux hindred and the suppression of the Voice is from the same cause viz. From that which abolishes the motive faculty 5. Now by reason of the short continuance of the Paroxysm the Disease seems not to be dangerous but should it continue long a suffocation of the Vital flame should certainly ensue for the Animal Spirit being the Breath or Air by which the Vital Spirit is nourished and kept alive should that be but for a little while withdrawn or cut off the said vital flame in a short time after becomes extinct and truly in my opinion a long Paroxysm of the Incubus is the cause for the most part of sudden Death in sleeping and that many that goe to Bed and fall a sleep and awake no more dye by force of this Disease being suffocated and not of an Apoplexy as some have formerly believed And whether this be admitted or no that the Vital Spirit is nourished and kept alive by the Animal Spirit yet the suffocation of the Vital might be caused also in part by other means viz. From the want of inbreathed Air which must infailably cease if the motive faculty be totally abolished in the whole Body 6. Hence it appears that in some the prime antecedent or remote cause of the Incubus may be from the irregularity of using the six Non-naturalls which according to the opinion of Rhases and Avicenna is lodged in the Blood that being corrupted through those irregularities Sennertus thinks it to be from the hurt of the digestive faculty but chiefly from a cold intemperature of the Head or Stomach But truly the Procatartick cause is either from error in Diet long used or a melancholy habit of the mind whereby the Blood becomes excrementitious and filled with crude vapours 7. The Proegumiuine nere or conjunct cause of this Disease is from vapours immediately filling the passages of the Brain or Avenues of the Animal Spirit chiefly about the begining of the Spina Medulla by cutting off of its flux whereby the functions of natural and voluntary motion are immediately impeded and the whole Man and every part of him bound as it were in Chains And this for the most part comes to pass in such where there has been a long antecedent cause who eat and and drink such things as immediately put the Blood and other natural juyces upon a gentle fermentation from whence vapours are generated which in the passages of the Brain fail not to effect those things before mentioned Now what these things are in particular which in every constitution will excite such a fermentation is not easy to determine for in some persons one thing does it in other persons another Some if they eat but an Onion or Leek are certain the next night to be troubled with it Others if they should eat an hundred would never be hurt thereby Some again if they eat but a red Hering would after it be afflicted above measure others can make them their daily Food without prejudice but these things are to be known particularly from Observation and experience and accordingly such as are subject to this Disease should make it their business to avoid the same 8. Moreover the Paroxysm is promoted partly from the position of the Body in those who are subject to this Disease for it commonly seizes them lying upon their Backs seldom when they ly upon their Bellies or Sides and yet I knew one in whom the Disease had such a praevalency that it would as farmiliarly seize him lying on his Side as on his Back as also when they are in a slumbring condition or between sleeping and waking at what time and in which condition the matter is more easily moved to the hinder part of the Head or Brain and the begining of the said spinal marrow XXIV The Prognosticks of the Incubus or Night-Mare 1. This Disease the more gentle it is the less danger of degenerating and the more easy to be cured the more grievous the more difficult of cure 2. It is more incident to Children and young people than to elder and is more easily cured in the one than in the other 3. The more constant and frequent the fits the more perilous and so much the more dangerous if the sick remains in a stupid kind of condition after the fit is gone 4. If it comes from any external cause or continued Surfeit it is less dangerous because the cause being removed the effect will cease 5. That which is essential in the Head is the most dangerous if it is by consent from others it is not of so evil a consequence though in this latter case the cure is for the most part very long and tedious nor does the Disease vanish till the discrasie of the part causing be remedied 6. If it happens in sleep it is less dangerous than if it happens just at the awaking for this latter is nearer to an Epilepsy into which this Disease does oftentimes degenerate moreover it is the more dangerous if the Paroxysm be accompanied with a cold Sweat or trembling of the Heart or if either of them or both of them or a Convulsion or Swooning immediately follow upon the going off of the fit 7. If the Disease be of long standing and frequent and proceed purely from a Distemper of the Brain especially in elder people it presages the falling sickness or the Apoplexy 8. Fat Children and young people having fat Bodies are many times suffocated therewith because in such the matter cutting off the flux of the Spirit is so thick and plentiful that nature can never dissipate it XXV The Therapia or method of curing the Incubus or Night Mare 1. The indications of the cure of this Disease are threefold First the humor or matter cutting off the flux of the Animal Spirits is to be removed which is don by proper evacuations Secondly the Discrasie of the Blood is to be rectified and to be reduced to its prestine state of Health Thirdly to strengthen the parts afflicted and weakned by force of the Morbifick matter And indeed the same order and method and the same medicaments which are used in the cure of the Falling-sickness may be used here though
truly things less in power and virtue may in this case serve the turn 2. The first Indication requires evacuation of the morbifick matter and this is either general or particular 3. The general evacuation is done by such Medicaments as by a Catholick property purge the whole body universally of which kind are all Hologogues and Panchymagogues which take away the Cacochymy either by vomit or stool 4. Emeticks proper in this case are the Gilla Theophrasti vinum Benedictum or the Infusion of Crocus Metalorum the first of which you may give from a scruple to four in Broth or Posset Drink and either of the latter from three drams to an ounce or ten drams according to age and strength which will work well Or you may exhibit from three to five grains of Mynsicht his Emetick Tartar which here is inferiour to no other Medicament and to Children Our vomiting Lozenges which are pleasant and work most effectually to the intention to strong and rustick bodies you may exhibit two or three grains of the Vitrum Antimonij in a little Conserve of Roses or of Barberries or in some other vehicle as the Patient likes these things you may give if you find the Stomach to be afflicted or the remote cause to be Gluttony Drunkenness Surfeiting c. wherein it is fit that the matter should be evacuated by vomiting for without an effectual cleansing of the Stomach no success in the cure can be expected 5. Catharticks proper here are Pil. Rudii Pil. Rufi Aggregativae Cochiae maj min. Our Family Pills which are inferior to none of them our Royal-Pouder or Pil. Panchimagogae vegitab which works gently and pleasantly all of which may be given from twelve grains to four and twenty but you ought to beware that the Body be not bound least evil Symptoms succeed if so you must provoke Stools by a Clyster as shall be directed in the following Paragraph Moreover we commend our Catharticum Argenteum as a Specifick against this Disease and most other the Diseases of the Head for that it evacuates powerfully the morbifick matter and may be given from two scruples to two drams according to the age and strength of the Patient with due Government of the Body during its operation Platerus commends this Take Species Hiera Galeni half a dram Aggregative one scruple with Syrup of Staechas make Pills Or this Take Liquorish half an ounce Raisons one ounce Aniseeds two drams and half Cordial-Flowers one pugil Epithymum Sena of each half an ounce boyl them and add to the straining Rhubarb one dram Bark of black Hellebor prepared half a dram if the Patient be strong you may encrease the quantity of the Sena Ginger Grains of Paradise of each half a scruple strain it and give it with half an ounce of Syrup of Roses Or you may give other Potions with Diasena or Pil. Cochiae evacuating at diverse times the matter offending Or this Take Species Hierae-Archigenis one dram black Hellebor prepared one scruple Agarick Rhubarb of each half a dram Epithymum a scruple Peony-seeds and roots of each half a dram with Hony of Squills make a Mass Dose from a scruple to two scruples as strength will bear it and let them be given fasting before Dinner or Supper 6. But if the Body be bound as aforementioned 't will be necessary to give a Clyster to open the same that the Cathartick Medicament may operate the more pleasently and safely for this purpose you may use this Take Diacatholicon six drams Diasena solutive one dram Oyl of Cammomil three ounces fat Mutton-broath a pint mix them strain and exhibite it warm Or this Take Decoctum commune a pint Infusion of Crocus Metallorum Virgin-Honey Oyl of Roses of each an ounce mix them for a Clyster to be given warm as aforesaid If the Body abounds with Wind you may make it thus Take a strong decoction of Juniper-berries a pint Infusion of Crocus Metallorum three ounces Honey two ounces which let be first well mixt with Oyl of Aniseeds ten drops and then added to the other things and so exhibit it warm 7. The Body and Head having been thus generally cleansed by an orderly and methodical administration of the former things we may now come to particular Evacuations whereby the Excrements of the Head may be purged away by Errhines Sternutatories Gargarisms Masticatories c. all which as well as the former Evacuations are often to be repeated by Intervals maximè saith Sennertus cum metus est ne in alium affectum hoc malum transeat But of these kinds of operations we need not be particular or long in this place having shewn Examples enough in some of the foregoing Chapters of the former Book to which I shall referr you 8. The Second Indication is to amend the Discrasy of the Blood which is done by such things as take away its evil quality and this is done chiefly by the exhibition of volatile things such are the Powers and Salt of Harts-horn Powers and Salt of Vipers Powers and Salt of Mans-skull with other things of like nature Take Conserve of Roman-Worm-wood two drams volatile Salt of Peacocks-Dung ten grains mix them for a Dose to be given at Night going to bed Or this Take Conserve of Rosemary-Flowers two drams Salt of Mag-Pies choice Musk of each fourteen grains mix and make a Bolus to be given at bed-time Take Electuarium ad Tabidos half a dram volaetile Salt of Swallows a scruple Musk ten grains mix them for a Dose Or thus Take Electuarium ad Tabidos half a dram volatile Sal Armoniack Salt of Harts-horn and volatile Salt of Amber of each six grains Oyl of Rosemary two drops mix them for a Dose Or thus Take Mithridate or Venice Treacle a dram Salt of Vipers or of Mans-skull five grains volatile Salt of Mag-pies three grains mix and make a Bolus There are many other things which are excellent against this Disease but truly exceed not in Power and Vertue the Powers and volatile Salts of Vipers and of Mans-skull whâch admirably resist the Disease in the very Essence thereof and so perfectly rectify the Blood as to free it from all heterogene matters causing this Malady And therefore the Pouder of Vipers is of excellent use for this same purpose and being given to one dram and the Patient sweating upon it expels the noxious humors by Sweating through the pores of the Skin and produces such a purity in the Blood especially being several times used that it will not easily degenerate again To these things add the Tinctures of Coral and Amber 9. The third and last Intention is vital to wit the confirmation and strengthning of the Parts afflicted which is done either by Internals or Topicks 10. Internals ought to be Specificks to the Parts afflicted and such are all Cephalicks and Neuroticks and indeed all such things as we have prescribed as Specificks in the cure of the Epilepsy but that we may not leave you in the dark
wholly forbear Wine abstinence only from which has cured these Diseases 10. And let his Drink be either Barley-water or ordinary Ptisan in which Cinnamon or Nutmeg are steeped or a dilute decoction of Guajacum which they call a Botchet or Metheglin wherein Sage has been steeped 11. Let him use Meat of good juyce and sparingly somtimes roast somtimes boyled that it may neither altogether dry nor over much moisten when by means of good Diet and the aforesaid Medicaments his Body shall seem not so much to tremble and so the humor will be prepared and the antecedent cause evacuated then it will be good to use Baths wherein Cephalick roors and herbs are boyled or a Balneum Vaporis thereof composed wherein for some days together in the Morning his Body is to be rubbed till the Sweat runs down 12. And when he is dryed let him be laid in a warm Chamber wherein all his Back-bone must be anointed with this following Oyl Take Staechas Rosemary-flowers Sage Marjoram Primroses of each one handful Bay-berries and Juniper-berries of each half an ounce Nutmegs Ginger Cloves Pellitory of Spain of each three ounces all being bruised sprinkle thereupon a pint of Aqua Vitae then pour thereon common Oyl a pint and half let them boyl together over a gentle Fire till all the Water be drunk up press out the Oyl and reserve it for the use aforesaid and never leave this Course till his trembling be quite gone 13. If haply during the Cure any suspition of a distillation shall arise which may concur to foment the Trembling It also must be dryed with Millet and other fryed Seeds and with a Fumigation Or if it prove very troublesom it may fitly be derived by Errhins or a Nose-Liquor Johan Fernelius Couns 16. XVI A Trembling with a Heaviness 1. A certain Gentleman in a Letter propounded his case thus to the learned Fernelius I began to feel a great illness with a Trembling of all my Members especially after meat and sleep a pain goes from the middle of my Hip directly to the Brain comprehending all the right side of my Back-bone and reaching to my Arm on the same side and all my Members remain heavy so as not to be moved and to desire nothing but sleep especially after meals 2. And I feel through the whole habit of my Body a certain fluxion under my skin of Waters which somtimes makes a tumult like a swift Torrent and somtimes they run slowly so that you would say it were only the elevation of a thick Vapour through the nervous Parts as far as to my Gums 3. Now my Head is frequently vexed with coldness as also other outward Parts of the Body nor can I long stand upright nor endure to stand still and the right side of my Body seems absolutely fallen away and pined 4. The Answer of Fernelius A frequent distillation falling upon the Muscles Nerves and Membranes especially on the right side is one if not the only Cause of all these Symptoms which are declared in your Letter as of heaviness and pain which is in your Back Arms Hands and right Hip whereunto is added a weakness of your Body by reason of the ill constitution of the Stomach and Bowels for they are obstructed and impure nor do they conveniently nourish the Body 5. And the causes are Frustration of Concoction and the Head especially but the whole Body withall clouded with Vapours and wonderfully burthened 6. In this Variety and Contrariety of Infirmities a light and a gentle Cure must be undertaken which may cleanse the Head and Nerves and as little offending the Stomach and Bowels as may be 7. In the first place therefore the whole Body must be purged with this following Syrup twice a Month which is compounded with respect to all the premisses Take a Syrup made of Cephalick Hepatick and Splenetick Medicaments with three ounces of Sena and two drams of Agarick 8. Five or six days together after purging take fasting at least two hours before meat one of the following Lozenges Take Pouder of Diamargaritum frigidum and Electuarium laetificans Galeni of each half a dram Shavings of Ivory and Harts-horn and choice Cinnamon of each a scruple white Sugar dissolved in Rose-water three ounces make an Electuary in Tables or Lozenges weighing three drams a piece 9. Also these dry Remedies following are to be used to purge and strengthen your Head Flegm must be drawn out at your Nostrils by the Juice of Marjoram and Beets or some strong Sternutatorie 10. Your Head must be dryed and strengthned by the ordinary Bags and as for the coolness and weakness of your Nerves if any thing help you it must be a Decoction of Guajacum used at meals in stead of Wine in the Morning to sweat upon which sweating if your strength will not bear at least your whole Body must be rubbed pretty hard soon after sleep with hot and dry linnen cloaths and afterwards with moderate Exercise let all your Joints belong warmed and strengthned 11. After you have been purged two or three times by the Syrup if your Joints prove not sufficiently firm and strong use dry Baths or Bath-stoves which have a mighty Faculty to dry and strengthen the Nerves 12. They must be made after this manner Take Juniper-berries Roots of Acorus and Elecampane of each two ounces Sage Betony Marjoram Staechas Bays Wormwood Origanum Calaminth Rue Cammomil Melilot Dill of each a handful Aniseeds Fennelseeds of each half an ounce boyl all in Water and white Wine pour the decoction on a hot Tile and receive the Vapour in a Hogs-head or other covered bathing Vessel till your Body grow hot and the Sweat run out 13. If you cannot easily endure the Stove at least lie in your Bed in the Morning very well covered and let hot Stones extinquished in the foresaid Decoction be laid to the Soles of your Feet 14. And thus as you lie you may gently sweat and let the Sweat be wiped off And this Course must be continued till your Nerves be sufficiently firm and strong 15. As to Diet eat but twice a day and that sparingly that your weak Bowels may not be overwhelmed let your meat be of good Juyce and easy of Digestion such as all Men are wont to commend 16. Eat no Fish or a very little no Beans or Pease or the like Abstain also from Fruits and Herbs that are raw from all Suppings and Broths and from all those things which overmuch fill and moisten the Body 17. Use Wine that is neither very vaporous nor strong but thin and plentifully allaied with pure Water least it trouble the Brain and Nerves Abstain from all other Drinks and use that soberly and sparingly because nothing does more cool and moisten the Nerves and oppress the whole Body with heaviness than overmuch pouring in of Drink 18. After meals you must sleep long except noon-day sleeps which must be avoyded Johan Fernelius cons 17. XVII The involuntary
no such effects succeeding it that may be imputed rather to their strong habit and constitution of Body or somthing which happily was taken in beforehand which so clothed the Nervous tunicles of the Stomach and other passages as that it could not so immediately have its effects till such time as its greatest power was lost in the passage through the Body 5. Another Antecedent cause are the fumes of Cinnabar and Quick-silver which excite a Tremor after such an admirable yet silent and insensible manner that it is not easy to apprehend the true reason thereof and this is daily evident in such as are Gilders and deal much in Quick-silver or daily handle it with their Fingers I have known some persons who having been much concerned with Quick-silver that have been so enervated and seised with such a Trembling withall that they have totally lost the use of all their Limbs And indeed the Fumes of Arsenick and of other mineral Poisons being received up the Head by the Nostrils have produced the same thing to which somtimes other evil symptoms have been added 6. Another cause which we may lawfully assign even from experience it self is sudden fear or joy either of which being extream so profligate the Animal Spirit that suddenly it recovers not it self again I knew a certain Merchant who upon the hearing of the loss of a Vessel in which he had a considerable Cargo was struck into such a consternation that Immediately a Tremor seised him all over from Head to Foot nor was the Man scarcely himself he continued in this condition eight days and then died Trembling Another being frighted with the apparition as he thought of some Daemon or Ghost was immediately taken with such a Tremor as lasted upon him a week or more On the contrary an elderly Woman of about fifty six years of age having a Son absent about twenty two or twenty three years beyond Sea comming home and knocking at the Door she having no intelligence thereof before hand her Son calling upon her and she knowing his voice fell into such an Exstacy of Joy which so enervated her that she could not hold one joint nor yet speak plain to him and in the excess of this passion being as it were infinitely transported with kindness suddenly Died. And I have known several others who being transported with a sudden excess of Joy have been taken with a Tremor beyond imagination which has lasted many days 7. Another eminent cause and what is very common are too violent vomits and purges which forcing nature beyond her strength so profligate the Spirit and enervate the whole Man that many times he is taken with such a weakness and Trembling withall that the force of no Cordial or restorative could be able to retrieve the mischief in many weeks after but as to this we shall say little more for that when Medicaments so much exceed the strength of nature and in stead of helping hurt her they approach very near to the nature of Poyson and act the part of an Enemy not of a Friend so that in this case they may in a manner be considered as Poysons though not absolutely so in their own natures yet so in respect to their evil Effects consequent 8. A Tremor somtimes also is caused from the excessive loss of Blood whether taken away by Accident or by Art A young Woman upon the supposition of a Pleurisy was twelve times let blood and lost at those several times about two hundred and twenty ounces of Blood by means of which she was taken with such a Tremor or Trembling that with the greatest help of Art and Industry of the Physician which afterwards attended her she was not perfectly recovered out of it in sixteen weeks time A Soldier of about five and forty years of age was taken with an extream Hemorrhage so that he bleed about a quart somtimes three pints at a time before the flux could be stopt this bleeding being often repeated though at last it was perfectly stopt yet left behind it such a weekness and Tremor withall as could never be taken away to his dying day although he lived above seven years after it with much Temperance and Sobriety 9. Somtimes it is caused in a Part from the hurt of some of the Vessels thereof by a prick or cut or contusion by means of which the animal Spirit is in part frustrated or cut off and this is when some principal Nerve Tendon or Artery or some or all of them are cut in sunder or otherwise obstructed with some heterogene matter whereby the flux of the animal Spirit is frustrated cut off or turned aside some other way This is manifest in several Persons who having been in the Wars have met with variety of Wounds in several Parts of their Bodies which notwithstanding the dexterity of the Artist's healing of them have a manifold Tremor as a perpetual Remembrance of their former Adventures though probably the said Tremor in some of them might be caused partly through loss of Blood and partly through the hurt of the Vessels thereof 10. Lastly a Tremor may be caused either in the whole Body or in a part from an overstraining of the same by some act of violence either of lifting thrusting or pulling beyond what Nature is able to bear and though many Examples of this kind are not easy to be produced yet some such I have known but the error is seldom of long continuance and easie to be retrieved Hetherto of the antecedent procatartick external or remote cause of this disaffection we come now to speak a word or two of the proeguminine conjunct or nere cause 11. Now strong Liquors as Ale Wine Brandy c. contribute to this affect by weakning both the animal Spirit and the Nerves too much of any thing as the Proverb is is good for nothing the Sun is the Fountain of Light yet possibly by long gazing upon it you may be made blind the same it is in the use of all spirituous and cordial Liquors being taken in due measure and proportion they chear the Heart and revive the Spirits but taken to an excess they are so far from contributing to that end that they wholly overturn the Oeconomy of Nature especially being extravagantly and assiduously used for thereby such an intense heat is enkindled as causes not only a diffusion but also a dissipation of the animal Spirit and by the vast quantity which is continually poured in the said Spirit is as it were overturned or drowned at least corrupted and weakned by being immersed in the heat and fumes of the too abounding matter whereby it is in part disabled for performing its wonted operations 12. Thus these Fumes from their intimate mixtion with the animal Spirit also corrupting of it being conveyed thereby to the Brain and Cerebel the Fountain of the said Spirit and root of the nervous production fall by means thereof upon the Nerves where by too much opening of their
So likewise there is made an exâeeding compression of the Nerves when they are vehemenâly extended or strained by Force beyond their natural Composure whereby the Channels of the animal Spirit are straightned or made narrower and so forced to diffuse it self into the adjacent fleshy Parts whence it comes to pass that as soon as there is a relaxation of the extension there is also a relaxation of the Nerve which being defective in Spirits is immediately weakned and taken with a Tremor But this as we said before seldom lasts long for that there being no real obstruction in the Organ there is in short time a new supply of Spirits whereby the hurt occasioned by the Force is again repaired XXII Of the Prognosticks of a Tremor or Trembling 1. A Tremor proceeding from watching want of eating or drinking two much exercise light fear or joy or distemper of the mind is for the most part without danger and when the causes cease it ceases 2. A Tremor coming from an internal cause although of it self it is not mortal or otherwise dangerous yet it is apt to degenerate into an Apoplexy Lethargy Convulsion or Palsy whereby it becomes the more perilous 3. The more vehement the Tremor is and in the more noble Parts so much it is the more evil and the longer its continuance so much the more doubtful is the Cure and if it be on the left side according to Avicen it is yet the more evil for that it is observed that the innate heat of those Parts more easily fails or is diminished 4. A Tremor in old Persons is seldom or never cured because of the great imbecility of the Brain and animal Spirit and for the most part it ends in Death 5. An hereditary Tremor or that which comes from long drinking of vast quantities of Wine Brandy and other errors of Diet more especially in those who have by nature the Organs of the animal Spirit very weak are very seldom cured and they either remain in the same state or it encreases upon them with Age. 6. If a Tremor degenerates into a Convulsion it is dangerous and for the most part mortal unless the Convulsion can be suddenly removed for that as some think there follows a great exsiccation of the nervous Parts whereby the free afflux of the Spirit is prejudiced and from the privation of which an opposite habit is begot 7. A Tremor in a burning Feaver often presages a Delirium for by reason of the ardent heat whereby the Blood is inflamed gross Vapours are mixed with the Spirits in the Brain and Cerebel whence comes a confusion and hurt of the Senses which is not without danger 8. A convulsive Trembling in the extream Parts chiefly in the Hands is dangerous and so much the more if it be attended with a Consumption of the whole Body 9. A Tremor in a slow long or lingring Feaver is less dangerous but in a vehement burning and acute Feaver it is not without peril and in this case if a Delirium follows with a Convulsion it is mortal 10. A Tremor in a Phrensy and Melancholy arising from yellow choler changed into Atrabilis is very dangerous if not mortal because of the malign quality of the humors as Hippocrates in Coacis testifies which are inimical to the original of the Nerves and the whole Genus Nervosum 11. A Tremor hapning to a Woman in Child-bed by reason of the Secundine or After-birth is of very evil consequence for it signifies a putrefaction and malignity of the humors which contaminate the animal and suffocate the vital Spirits 12. A Tremor hapning in an Apoplexy or Lethargy is very dangerous so also if it comes from emptiness or extream evacuation whereby the Spirit is exhausted and diminished and the natural heat dissipated and at length abolished A Trembling of the lower Lip presages vomiting to be at hand XXIII The Therapia or Method of cure of a Tremor or Trembling 1. In order to the cure of this Disease we must have respect to the causes 1. The Procatartick or external causes ought in the first place to be removed 2. The Matter generating the vital and animal Spirits ought to be augmented 3. The Brain Cerebel and Genus Nervosum ought to be corroborated and strengthned 4. The Body and the fleshy Parts if emaciated and wasted ought to be restored and conserved 2. If therefore the external or remote cause of a Tremor shall proceed from great drinking of Wine Brandy or any other external cause or causes before enumerated to which the sick has been accustomed they ought immediately to be removed for otherwise what ever we shall do to promote the Cure will be in vain But whereas we forbid those to drink Wine Brandy c. whose Disease has been caused thereby yet by reason the sudden abrupt and total prohibition of those Liquors might be of immediate evil consequence we must prescribe somthing else to be used in stead thereof And therefore in stead of the Liquor to which the sick has been accustomed let him drink Hydromel Metheglin or Mead but with great moderation and temperance 3. Or in stead thereof he may take this Take Hydromel or Mead twelve quarts Betony Sage Rosemary of each four handfuls sweet Marjoram Penny-Royal Mint of each one handful bruise and infuse four and twenty hours then boyl gently one hour cool strain let it settle decant off the clear and bottle it up with two Cloves split and put into each Bottle Or thus Take fair Water fifteen quarts white Sugar seven or eight pounds pure Sal Prunellae an ounce and half dissolve all together in the Water and make it boyl for an hour being almost coââ work it up with Ale-yest putting into it in a Bag with a Stone in it and these following things Take Coriander-seed Sage Rosemary Marjoram Penny-Royal Mint of each four ounces Ginger bruised Juniper-berries Bawm of each three ounces Jamaica-Pepper Anacardiums of each two ounces Cloves Nutmegs âf each one ounce bruise what are to be bru sâd and let them work in the Liquor two or three or four days the working being over let it stand to grow fine two or three weeks or till you see it is very pure and clear then bottle it up and let the sick take it moderately as their cânstant drink 4. If the Disease proceeds from any venene or poysonous cause you must give such things as are Antidotes against the Poyson and Malignity If it proceeds from pestilential Poyson you may give this following Take Extracts of Saffron Contrayerva Virginian snake-root Gentian Zedoary of each an ounce Castoreum in fine Pouder five drams Bezoar oriental two drams and half Musk one dram Juyce of Alkerns a sufficient quantity to make it into a soft Electuary of this the sick may take the quantity of a Hazel-nut or Nutmeg three times a day viz. Morning Noon and Night drinking after the same a little glass of one of the former Liquors If the Patient be
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 Parsââ 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
became lame and the use of all her Limbs was taken from her after about ten days her Pains vanished and she became absolutely Paralytick 2. Being in this Condition I thought fit to provoke sweating by this following Take mineral Bezoar one scruple of our new London-Treacle half a scruple Venice-Treacle half a dram mix them for a Dose It was given at Night going to bed and the sick sweat well during the time of her sweating this cordial Julep was given her to keep up her Spirits and preserve her from fainting Take Spirit of Saffron of the best Cinnamon-Water of each four ounces Angelica-Water Bawm-Water of each three ounces Juyce of Alkermes Syrup of Citron-Peels of each two ounces mix them Dose a spoonful or two now and then to prevent fainting This sweating was repeated four times at four days distance 3. In the Intervals of the sweating I prescribed these things Take Venice-Treacle a dram anisated Balsam of Sulphur twenty drops volatile Salt of Mans skull eight grains mix them for a Dose to be taken every Morning after which she drank a little glass of the Queen of Hungarias Water well dulcisied at Night going to bed she took this Take Oyl of sweet Almonds new drawn two ounces Syrup of Citron-Peels Syrup of Jujubes of each an ounce and half white Sugar-Candy in subtile Pouder six drams mix them for a Dose to be given at Night going to bed By the use of these things her Cold and Hoarsness were wholly taken off and she was somwhat amended as to her Paralytick Disaffection but yet far from a Cure so that I was forced wholly to apply my Mind to that 4. After therefore that her sweating was over I ordered her to take the volatile Spirit of Sulphur or Vitriol mentioned in the last Observation every day at least four five or six times a day in a glass of choice Hippocras somtimes also in Mead or Wine and somtimes in a glass of Ale as she liked best this she took from forty to sixty or eighty drops at a time as she liked best herself 5. And somtimes she took the said volatile Spirit of Vitriol in a glass of this following Docoction Take Guajacum rasped Acorus-roots of each six ounces roots of Angelica and of Peony of each nine ounces choice Sarsaparilla China of each eighteen ounces Coriander and Caraway-seeds of each four ounces Spanish Juyce of Liquorice three ounces Figs slit three pounds Spring-Water four and twenty quarts boyl all till the Water is half consumed then strain let it settle and bottle it up with a Clove slit and an ounce of white Sugar in each Bottle this she took as her ordinary drink during the time of her Cure 6. Lastly having very well bathed all the Back-bone and the Paralytick Members with the Powers of Amber and of Aniseeds mixed in equal proportion for about ten days Morning and Night and afterwards with Ox-Gall mixed with an equal quantity of the Powers of Rosemary this miserable Creature was in about twelve weeks time restored to her perfect health and strength to the admiration of all that saw her in that her languishing Condition VI. A Palsy in a middle-aged Man arising from drinking cold Water too plentifully c. 1. A Man nere forty years of age by being exposed to extream cold in the middle of Winter and being forced also to drink too plentifully cold Water was taken with a Paralytick Distemper almost of the whole Body so that what with the loss of his Sense of Feeling and impotency of motion he became helpless to himself 2 It would be worth the while to eâquire somwhat strictly into the cause of his Disâase he being of a gross and fat Body and at the first seisure thereof afflicted with a most vehement Catarrh which being imprudently stopt before the morbifick matter was carried off or evacuated presently retreated and fell upon the Muscles and Nerves and this we should now do but that we have determined to treat thereof more amply in another place 3. However we shall not be wanting to the young Artist but will deliver in this place the sense of several learned Authors from the disquisitions of whom 't is hoped the ingenious Favourers of Truth may possible investigate her Foot-steps Thus from a cold Distemper or too much cooling of the Muscles and Nerves but cheifly those Muscles into which the affected Nerves are inserted a Palsy of those Parts whose Nerves are affected is said to succceed for that Cold being a very great Enemy to them either binds them up or condenses them so that the animal Spirit can no longer have a passage whereby their Function ceaseth 4. Now the Disaffection of the spinal Marrow or Nerve is that which deprives it of the animal Spirit the essential Agent of all natural Motions for being so affected it can neither any more communicate to the Muscles the Faculty or Power of moving nor to the sensible Parts the Power of Feeling and the remaining part of it from the place affected even to the part into which it is inserted becomes unprofitable 5. This is true also if the continuity with the part be dissolved for then the passage is interrupted or if the Nerves be so constringed that the animal Spirit which exacts a free passage through the nervous System can no longer flow through or fill it up or not so amply as it ought to do which somtimes happens if the Nerve be prest upon in any part whereby its substance is so condensed that the animal Spirit thereupon becomes interrupted and this is often caused from an afflux of humors chiefly such as are cold and pituitous and sâmtimes by a Blow Compression Ligatures c. 6. And as an Apoplexy which is a Palsy of the whole Body as we shall hereafter explicate is generated from a pituitous or a watery serous cold and moist Excrement of the Brain watering of it or pressing upon the original of the Nerves so this bedewing or otherwise afflicting the Nerves themselves causes a Palsy for falling from the Head not through the substance of the spinal Marrow but either descending through the Cavity of the Vertebrae of the Spina Dorsi which does contain the spinal Marrow and there stopping about the beginning or passage of it or falling down farther through the progress which the conjugations of Nerves pass in their entrance into the Body following the said conjugations and sticking here and there about the Nerves in what place soever this happens whether about the spinal Marrow or about the conjugations or branches of Nerves proceeding therefrom by bedewing or compressing them it produceth a Palsy either of more or fewer Parts according as a more general or particular Nerve is affected 7. For if plenty of humors flow theither in those narrow places and by their weight or taking up of place do compress the Nerves the animal Spirit must necessarily be intercepted in its passages and if this matter be long detained there it becomes
thicker and mucous and also by humecting filling and cooling the substance of the Nerves it destroys their proper Temper in that place and so hinder the free occourse of the animal Spirit so that the said Nerves cannot be filled therewith nor enjoy it whence also by the interposition of this morbifick matter in the place of the first disaffection the other branches of the said Nerve which are carried to and supply other Parts are also frustrated as to the exercise of their Functions so that if the hurt be great there must needs follow a perfect resolution of the Parts unto which those Nerves are communicated and that by so much the more lasting and pertinacious by so much as the hurt of the Nerve is greater and which Authors affirm they have found by dissection to be the true cause of a Palsy proceeding from cold moist and pituitous humors wherein the spinal Marrow has been swelled up with a watery humor so that in this case there is no need to conceit any obstruction in the Nerves which are made up of filaments nor any cavity which may admit that thick humor as some have foolishly thought 8. Also such a superfluous or excrementitious humor arising elsewhere than from the Brain being carried to the Nerves of certain parts or heaped up there does induce a Palsie proper to certain parts which somtimes also mixt with other acid and colerick humors or otherwise putrefying not only by humecting but also by iritating the Nerves does cause Pains and together with them a resolution of the part and somtimes withall ending in Convulsions and this somtimes happens in colick Pains Pains of the Mesentery Torments of the Limbs and other disaffections 9. The same also is thought to come to pass from extravasated Blood falling into these cavities of the Nerves and a long time retained there but this is very rare or seldom seen but a great and lasting pressure of a part caused by a heavy burthen or some other force especially in that place where the Nerves are great or lye bare under the skin may cause a repulsion of the Animal Spirits and hinder its afflux whereby a tingling and stupidity will be induced after a little while an abolition of motion and at length a perfect stupidity of the part into which the compressed Nerve is inserted 10. And this often falls out in lying especially in the time of sleep one part lying long upon another as the Body on the Arm one Foot on the other or sitting long upon the Buttocks in Bed without stirring by which such a pressure is made as oftentimes renders the part immoveable and insensible which the common people call a sleep this if the pressure be very long and the sense return not in some reasonable time causes at length a certain resolution of the part but this compression being sudden and caused with a strong blow upon the Nerve it only causes a stupidity mixe with Pain and a sense of Tingling but not a Resolution or Palsie as it is often wont to fall out in the accidental striking of the Eâbow there where the Nerve lyes almost bare 11. Somtimes also a Palsie is caused from too hard Ligatures of the Members chiefly where a Nerve is contained under the bandage for that the sense of feeling and motion of the part do cease and if the recurrent Nerves be too hard bound there is immediately a defect of speech and at length the voice is totally lost 12. Upon a luxation of the Vertebrae and the bones of other joynts if there be a vehement pressure of the adjacent Nerves a Palsie certainly follows but this seldom comes to pass because the Nerves in those parts for the most part gives way so that other disaffections commonly follow upon such like accidents 13. Somtimes also it comes to pass that a pituitous or serous humor a long time wasting and humecting the Tendons of the Muscles does make them to be too much relaxed whence follows a Palsie of that part but this cheifly happens in those places where many Tendons are carried in a straight or narrow place and void of much flesh as about the bending of the Joynts which are bound and joyned together with Ligaments as it were with Rings as in the regions of the Wrist and Instep where somtimes a humor retained by reason of the straightness of the place many small bones being also tyed together in the Carpus and Metacarpium as also in the Ankle and Instep humecting and relaxing the Tendons causeth that the Hands and Feet do continue Paralytick all their life time after 14. And although the Palsie may be overcome and cease in other parts of the Body yet it remains in those yea when the humor is wasted the Tendons remaining longer than is fit whence for ever after they carry their Hands and Feet hanging and when they strive to lift them up or to lay hold on any thing because nevertheless they can mâve their Fingers or goe yet because they cannot do that by the benefit of the Musches they are wont to cast them up on high by the force or strength of the Arm or Thigh in which also many times appears an eminency like as it were a certain Tumor in the superficies of the Wrist or Ankle arising by reason of Extenuation which is wont to accompany the same the Bones bunching forth there but oftentimes this resolution of the Wrist is accompanied with a Contraction of the Fingers for that for want of nutriment the Ligaments and Tendons labour under an Atrophy whereby being wasted and dryed they become contracted or shortned 15. Hence it appeares that all the Causes of any kind of voluntary motion hurt is either in the organ sending or communicating the power of moving not in the principal part the Brain for men also the Internal Senses would cease together with the motion which comes not here to pass Therefore the cause is in the Nerve or in the Instrument which moveth a Muscle Or in the part which is moved as is already in part explained and shall be more fully in what follows 16. Seeing the Nerves under which name we comprehend both the Spinal marrow and Genus Nervosum which are part of the Brain every where repleat with the Animal Spirit do communicate the faculty of moving and feeling if they be so hurt that they can no more do that then one or more Muscles into which they are inserted looses also their power of moving not being any more able to attract or draw up the Members which they ought to move there presently follows a resolution of the same to wit they becomes feeble and unfit for motion 17. And if the hurt be vehement the sense of feeling is also taken away not only in the Muscle but in the skin drawn over it which receives sensory Nerves from the same Nerve which is hurt But if the hurt be not so great because greater force is required to exercise motion than
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 Mânerals 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
Betony Rosemary Origanum Calamint Staechas Marjoram wild Time of each half a handful roots of Acorus new Orris of each an ounce and half Bay-berries Pellitory of Spain Cubebs Nutmegs the three Peppers of each half a dram flesh of Squills an ounce roots of wild Cucumbers two drams Ground-pine Germander of each a pugil live Sulphur powdered half an ounce Oyl of Castoreum half a pound Oyl of Bays of Rue of each two ounces Aqua vitae half a pint Orange flower-water three ounces the strongest-Wine a quart boyl all these till the Wine is consumed to the strained liquor add Sagapenum Opopanax Bdellium of each two drams Castoreum two drams Mace Nutmegs Storax Cloves Lignum Aloes of each two drams long Pepper half a dram Balsam two ounces Oyl of Liquid Amber one ounce Vnguentum Martiatum Aregon Agrippae of each an ounce Oyl of Tiles of Turpentine of each two ounces Oyl of Mace of lignum Guajacum of each one ounce Oyl of the Pepers of Rosemary of Anise of Salt Angelica of Sulphur of Thyme of each an ounce Oyl of Euphorbium an ounce and half grease of a wild Cat Goose grease of each two ounces Badgers grease three drams Vipers grease a dram Oyl of Foxes an ounce Marrow of a Cows leg two drams juice of Dwarf-Elder Sage Bawm of each two ounces mix all and with a sufficient quantity of Wax melted in the foresaid Oyls reduce them to the form of an Oyntment of a middle consistency Zacutus Lusitanus lib. 1. Observ 34. XXIII A Palsy after Child-birth 1. Though the Palsy be a Disease bred of cold and clammy Juyce yet it somtimes arises from an humor somwhat hot in which case all Physicians grant Blood-letting to be necessary 2. But if the Palsy arise after Child-birth the menstrual Blood being suppressed out of what Part Blood is to be drawn those that write of Womens Diseases do not determine although it is a doubtful Question and full of difficulties 3. I remember that I have seen Women that have had a real Palsy in their Legs when after Child birth their Courses have not flowed in such a measure as might answer to the fulness of their Blood 4. These Women being taken with a burning Feaver the Physicians tormented with Purgations and local Remedies applyed to the Parts affected and exceeding hot Baths being extreamly affraid to let any blood 5. For if Blood be taken from the Arm it suppresses their Courses if from their Feet the Blood will be drawn to the Parts affected and the humors rushing violently down they make the Disease worse 6. But because this Disease took its original from a vapourous matter transmitted from the Womb to the original of the Nerves breeding in them an obstruction stopping the way by which the animal Spirits descend and hindering the sense and motion of the lower Parts and she had not been duly purged after her Child-birth and the Feaver hence arising was urgent and the Woman being ruddy of a musculous and well compacted Body and having broad Veins full of Blood I boldly took a good quantity of Blood from her right Ankle after which Evacuation the cause of the obstruction being taken away she began to move her Feet and so being let blood again in her other Foot her Legs recovered their sense and motion Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 35. XXIV A Palsy in a Man of seventy years of age 1. A certain lusty and strong Souldier being in the seventieth year of his age having in the Eastern Countries served forty years in the Wars and consequently being much wasted and broken with hard marching and labour worn out with watchings and stricken in years he seemed of a thin Body and spare of Flesh yet his Body was musculous his Colour fresh his Veins large and full of Blood and as himself related he had during his past Life been troubled with few Diseases and those gentle which commonly were terminated and cured with bleeding at the Nose to which he was subject at the approach of the Spring all which proceeded from the abundance of Blood as his hot and moist Complexion declared 2. This Man was taken with a Palsy on his left Side which arose as it appears from what had been said from the plenty of Blood obstructing and the moisture thereof slackning his Nerves for he had a deep Redness in his Face and he voided red Spittle mixed with snotty Flegm and that without any Cough or straining 3. Being called to him although in regard of his age the Disease seemed incurable or at least it would continue long yet I entred upon the Cure in this manner having in the first place injected an emollient Clyster I drew Blood from the Basilica Vein of his right Arm. 4. And a great Company of Remedies being prepared to attenuate Heat and strengthen visiting him in the Evening he told me he found some sense in his palsied Arm and Leg. 5. I growing bolder though he was in years opened a Vein again on the following day and putrifyed Blood being voided he said he had his Feeling perfectly in his Arm For which cause since he was better and his bodily Forces were more vigorous the Burthen being taken off and the Passages being opened being let blood again the next day he began to stir his palsied Members 6. And lastly after the fourth blood-letting without any external Medicament applyed to the Parts by the motion of his Arm and Leg it appeared that he was perfectly cured Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 36. XXV A Palsy of the Eye-lids 1. A certain Person travelling in the depth of Winter through the Snow fell into a Palsy of his Eye lids for they lost their sense insomuch that he could not move either his upper or lower Eye-lids for they stuck so closs together that they could not be parted but with an Instrument or with a Mans Nails for him to see 2. This Man after general Remedies respecting his whole Body and Head and diverse particular Applications was chiefly helped by an Ointment made of Balsam mixt with Aqua Vitae Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 59. XXVI A Palsy of the Tongue cured by opening the Veins under the Tongue 1. The Flesh of the Tongue is soft rare lax like a Spunge which is covered with a very thin Membrane common to the Mouth and Palat into which the Nerves of the third and fourth conjugation are disseminated 2. These being palsied and the fault being communicated from the Brain viz. the way being intercepted and stopped by thick Blood and the free Passage both of the moving and sensitive Faculty being hindered a certain young Man fell into a Palsy of the whole Tongue for it wholly lost both Tast Motion and Speech 3. This Man tryed many Remedies which are wont to be contrived for an universal Palsy These things being done he had an Issue made in the Nape of his Neck and drank a Decoction of Ebony many days together 4. He took many times
corroborating Medicaments Apozems Tablets Opiats to the hinder Part of his Neck and behind his Ears he applyed diverse Ointments these things profited nothing 5. But he being plethorick and strong and his Cheeks being red I caused him to bleed twice in the Veins under the Tongue encouraged thereto by the Authority of Avicenna 6. 3. Tract 1. Cap. 7. 6. And if it be conceived that Blood and Moisture are predominant in the Body let the Veins of his Tongue be opened and apply Cupping-Glasses to his Chin c. 7. This being practised the Patient grew better for the Part being refreshed ventilated and assisted by the help of those Medicaments wherewith the Tongue was washed t dissolves and dissipates the subject humor and the Patient recovered Sense Motion and Speech Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 76. XXVII A Palsy of the Gullet coming upon a burning Feaver is cured by drinking of Wine 1. Dioscorides the admirable Interpreter of the nature of all things Lib. 5. Cap. 6. post Princip does most plainly aver That Wine is the most safe Antidote against all Poysons in the World they to wit Wines saith he are good against Venoms which kill by Exulcerations 2. A certain strong Woman fell into a contagious spotted Feaver having her Tongue black burned and like Soot in Colour continually crying out for Drink and intollerable hot this Woman on the eleventh day becoming dumb was taken with a difficulty in her swallowing so that she could eat neither solid nor liquid things 3. The antient Physicians have told us That this Disease proceeds from an adust and fiery heat in burning Feavers by reason of the dryness of the external Coat and the transverss Fibres wherewith the Gullet or Pharynx is interwoven for which cause they by reason of their dryness cannot purge themselves so as is requisite in the swallowing of Meat and Drink 4. The Original of this Disease being discerned we provide Lotions and Ointments for her Fauces and Neck which being applyed externally and internally might moisten the Part and amongst the chief we used a Bath of Goats-Milk with Oyl of Roses and we did all other things which are fit to bridle the Acrimony of Choler and to help an inward Inflamation 5. After which things she being worse and without Pulse lay speechless as it were and ready to die the same hour with a gastly Countenance she used no Food for the space of ten days nor had any Benefit from nourishing Clysters which if peradventure they were at any time injected presently she let them go again her vital Spirit being almost consumed with an exceeding hot Feaver did at length cool to use the words of Galen Lib. 6. Epidem Sect. 4. Com. 29. destitude of all help she lay like a dead Carkass tumbled down to the feet of the Bed her extream Parts being cold her Pulse very weak her Lips blew as if she had been breathing her last 6. What to do to her in this Agony I was quite to seek I gave her strong Wine to drink she refused it I caused it to be squirted into her Mouth with a Syringe whereby it came to pass that some drops went into her Stomach against her Will. 7. With this small quantity of Drink which exceeded not half an ounce in a day or at least with the fragancy and odour of the Wine being recreated she began to open her Eyes and to know the By-standers 8. Being made more chearful I gave her more of the said Wine to drink conveighing the same into her Mouth by a Silver-Pipe from this small quantity of Wine by little and little in eight days space we rose to a very great quantity so that every day she drank a pint or more whereas she had not been accustomed to drink Wine before 9. She now becoming stronger would chew a bit of Bread dipped in Wine at which time she began to pronounce all her words plainly being now more smooth comly and fatter than before in stead of Water she was content only to drink Wine which she drank in abundance without measure by the Force and Efficacy whereof her Stomach being strengthned which through the malice of the Venom was as it were mortifyed Galen Lib. 6. Aporism 3. the Fibres of her Gullet being strengthned the destructive and deadly quality of the humor being vanquished and overcome which had impaired the Organs of swallowing and all the Bowels in a manner it came to pass that she whom all the Diligence of the Attendants nor the accurate Care of Physicians nor any kind of Medicaments could help so that she lay for dead without Speech without any Pulse without Sense breathing out her Soul amongst her Kindred and Allies yet by the help of the merciful God and of Nature rousing her self up and only by the use of Wine she began to revive 10. So great is the Force of Wine such it's Efficacy in recreating an exhausted Body to the drinking whereof wild Creatures and Beasts themselves are naturally inclined wherewith delighted holpen and in extream weariness recreated and that for many causes which are acurately and most eloquently cited in the Store-houses of Authors of Forrainers by Laelius Bistiola Tom. 2. horarum subsesivar Lib. 4. Cap. 3. of those of his Country by the most eloquent Canonberius Antuarpiensis Lib. 2. de Vini Facultatibus admirandis Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 93. XXVIII A Palsy of the Sphincter-Muscle cured by Ebony 1. It is elgantly said by Avicen 1. 4. Tract 2. Cap. 2. That from killing acute Feavers the Patients seldom escape without Contraction of a Member 2. An honest Matron was sick of a most malignant Feaver from which through the Blessing of the Almighty upon the endeavours of the Physicians she was delivered When she recovered she felt the Excrements of her Belly came away against her Will and she confessed she could not shut her Fundament nor contract the Spincter-Muscle thereof 3. This Malady did as I supposed arise from the debility of native Heat wasted away by the foregoing Feaver and the abundance of a cold Humor falling down to the Sphincter For by means of the foregoing deadly Disease her forces were decayed and her digestion weak for she had no Colour was lean and could scarcely go 4. Remedies are prescribed a gentle Purgation Fomentations Washings and Fumigations are applyed to her Fundament the Malady gave way to no Remedies 5. In conclusion Sweats being raised with a Decoction of Ebony for twenty days together she retained her Excrements a longer space than formerly lastly applying this Plaister to the Os Sacrum she was perfectly cured 6. Take Emplastrum Viperinum Confortativum Vigonis Gummi Tacamahaca of each half an ounce Oyls of Bays of Angelica of Castoreum of Costus of Aniseed of Turpentine of Rosemary of Pepper of each half an ounce with Wax make a Plaster according to Art and spread it upon a Wolfs Skin 7. I remember that long since I cured by natural Baths a Palsy of
great Bladders full of yellow matter he cut them off and they filled again a little after he found an Impediment when he began to speake in his pronunciation and he moved his Fingers and when he laid hold on any thing with his right Hand as his Pen to write it was weak And on the Thigh on the same side there was a Bladder full of yellow matter as before in his Face 2. All these Accidents ceased only his Speech was a little faltering which troubled him most because it was taken notice of when he preached 3. He desired my Counsel because he had used little Physick I prescribed these light but efficacious Remedies he drank this Wine made new because it was Vintage Take Ground-Pine dryed half an ounce Sage Worm-wood of each two drams Rosemary-Flowers Primroses of each a dram let them work in the Wine he drank often of it 4. And because he could not swallow Pills I ordered this Potion to purge him it is gentle least by working strongly it move the defluction and cause it anew as I have often observed it in the Palsy and Gout Take Rhubarb four scruples Mechoacan a dram and half Sena two drams infuse them in the aforesaid Wine of Ground-Pine strain and add Syrup of Roses solutive an ounce 5. He took a Bolus somtimes in the Morning of Ground-Pine and Sage boyled in Honey and preserved and drank after it a little Rosemary and Thym-Water 6. And used this Masticatory Take Cubebs a dram long Pepper half a dram Nutmegs a dram and half Mastick a dram Angelica seed half a dram Mustard-seed and Water-Crâsses of each a scruple Euphorbium three gâains with Wax make a Masticatory to chew 7. He washed his Mouth often with Rosemary-Wine distilled and rubbed his Tongue with Mustard and washed it with Wine Platerus Observ Lib. 1. Pag. 135. XXXVI A Palsy and Convulsion 1. An eminent Physician of Frontinia was afflicted the foregoing Autumn with a very long lasting and double Tertian which continued to the beginning of Winter he was of a melancholy Complexion being forty years old he had fed in Lent upon bad Diet also had been troubled with grievous Passions of Mind 2. After Easter he began to be troubled with a Catarrh falling upon his left Shoulder-blade where he felt Pain a few days after he fell into a painful imminution of Motion and Sense in all Parts almost but especially in his Legs and Thighs 3. Moreover painful stretchings happened by Fits in the said Parts so that the Toes of his Feet were contracted and the Muscles near his Groins were streched like Cords 4. In his upper Parts especially his Arms he could stir himself more freely but in all Parts his Sense was obtuse and dull so that he affirmed he had little or no Feeling in his Nose and Face 5. He voided at his Mouth a thin humor which he said tasted sharp and harsh like Vitriol every day his Feaver was exasperated and during the exacerbation the tension of his Muscles his Fluxion and other Symptoms were encreased also his Breast was very much straitned so that he seemed to be stifled 6. At the beginning of this Malady he was twice let blood and twice purged and then went to the Balerucan Baths where he was four times put into the Bath for four days together and had his Head washed to no purpose 7. Being returned from the Bath he took my advice now I judged that this Disease of his proceeded from a wheyish humor flowing from his Brain into the Marrow of his Back and all the body of the Nerves and that the said wheyish humor was first gathered in his Hypochondria especially in the Meseraick Veins where a great quantity of melancholy humor was contained bred of foregoing causes 8. So that I conceived this Disease of his was an hypochondriacal affection whose Symptoms were that same Palsy and imperfect Convulsion bred of a wheyish humor shed into the aforesaid Parts 9. An Argument whereof was both the melancholick constitution of the Patient as also the flowing of such an humor from his Mouth in great quantity likewise the Feaver wherewith in a manner he was afflicted continually and as the Feaver encreased all the Symptoms encreased when as nevertheless a Palsy is wont to cure a Feaver proceeding from Flegm 10. Sennertus tells us That such Symptoms proceed from a melancholy humor treating of the Hypochondriacal Disease and of the Scurvy 11. This is no Palsy properly which is caused by the stoppage of the beginning of the Nerves but abusively so called being no total privation of Sense and Motion by stopping the influx of the animal Spirits through the Nerves but rather a deprivation of the sensitive motive Function because there is a painful Sense 12. I prescribed him an Apozem for many days together of temperate Aperitives purging him one day and altering another and applying an emollient and opening Fomentation to his Hypochondria a Liniment of the same faculty also blood-letting after the first Dose of the Apozem a Clyster being premised and a purging Medicament 13. He used for his Drink the infusion of Tamarisk-Bark Agrimony and Burnet 14. But the Blood which came from him appearing very full of bad Juyce he was let blood again He found no good by his other Medicaments but seemed to grow worse 15. When I visited him again being on the 24th of April I found him very weak with a continual slow Feaver which had nevertheless Paroxysms of a tertian Ague In which his Hypochondria were puffed up with wind by Fits especially his Spleen Somtimes also by reason of the said Wind his Midriff was so compressed that he would cry out he was choaked and stifled and having drunk a Cup of Water he belched twice or thice and was presently freed from the said Suffocation 16. A fatty substance did swim upon his Urine like Cobwebs and their sediments were of a mealy substance which kind of Urines are deadly according to Hyppocrates in the second of this Prognosticks 17. On his well day he did spit exceedingly and felt the humor trickle down between his Skull and Skin or the Muscles of his Face On the 29th of the same Month I visited him again being at the last cast his Pulse very small his spitting staid and his Breath stopt yet his Understanding was not hurt he dyed the next day following in the Morning Riverius Cent. 1. Observ 74. XXXVII A Bastard-Palsy 1. A vertuous Woman of Aix about fifty years old having suffered Abortion was at first troubled with a nummedness about her Belly which she easily perceived by putting her Hand upon her Belly 2. After the Abortion some Months she proved with Child and during the Course of her Impregnation the said nummedness seised also upon her Thighs and Legs and a far worse Symptom was added thereto viz an inability to stir them 3. After she was brought to bed many purging and sweating Medicines were used and many other heating and drying Remedies
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 Coâjugation 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
Chanel of the Spine so as to straiten the spinal Marrow and stop up the Passage of the Spirit And this may come to pass from a hurt of the Vertebrae by Distortion or Extremity of Cold in hard Weather by the latter of which a Congelation is somtimes bred from whence paralytick Diseases somtimes arise 11. And if any of these Accidents seise upon any of the greater Nerves or their Ramifications the same thing is caused for that which is bitterness in the Fountain will be bitterness in the Streams also 12. The Matter or Particles causing the Obstruction descending from the Cerebrum into the oblong Marrow falling upon the begining of the Nerves which spread themselves into some of the Muscles of the Face and by obstructing the Passages of the Spirit excite a Paralysis of the Tongue Eyes Eye-Lids Lips Jaws and other Parts From whence the contrary Muscles being contracted a Cramp or Convulsion is stirred up in the opposite Part. 13. The same Particles being carried forth into the spinal Marrow spreads it self somtimes into all its Conjugations or Pairs and somtimes into some particular Nerves of the same from whence a Palsy of all those Parts into which those Nerves or their Ramifications distribute themselves And in all those Parts whether in the Neck Hands Arms Legs or Feet where a Paralysis is caused from the Resolution of some particular Nerve or Nerves if all the Nerves of the same Part or Parts be not resolved but the opposite Nerves be free from the paralytick Affect there is always a Contraction of the same as in a particular Cure before-going we have observed 14. As the imbecility of the Animal Spirit often causes Paralytick Symptoms without any great Obstruction so that imbecility or impotency may be caused by an afflux of malign Particles from Narcotick stupefactive or poysonous Steams whether internal or external arising from Opium or Opiates the Deadly Night-shade Aconitum Mercury Antimony Bismuth Arsenick c. any of which if they kill not yet many times induce paleness weakness tremblings and a relaxation or resolution of the Nerves and musculous parts And the same may be caused from the fumes of Aqua fortis and Aqua regis unadvisedly taken up the Nostrils 15. Such like malign Particles as these whether proceeding from the aforesaid Fountains or from a scorbutick and cacochymick habit of Body passing through the brain and its medullar appendix seize upon the nervous Conduits and thereby not only contaminate the Animal Spirit but also the Neurotick juice whereby both the sense and the power of moving in a very short time comes to be obliterated These upon their first approaches only induce Paralytick Symptoms as stiffness or numbness and withal cause a weakness in the part but at length being plentifully cast into the Nerves and as it were tumultuating there they fix themselves up and down and so perfectly obstructing the passages of the Spirit cause an absolute and durable Palsy 16. Galen and many other Physicians his followers affirm a thick glutinous cold flegm to be the morbifick matter of a Paralysis but such alike substance is impossible to pass through the brain much less the Neurotick Cavities by reason of their exceeding smallness from whence it is manifest that the proeguminine proximate or conjunct cause of a Palsy is malign and very subtil Atoms or Particles which contaminating the Spirits whether in the Brain callous or streaked Bodies the oblong or spinal Marrow the original of the Nerves or their several and various ramifications do infallibly excite a Palsy and in those part or parts which have a sympathy consent or community with the parts first affected 17. But that such thick cold flegm or a watery humor in the Brain is not the cause of the Palsy is manifest for that these humors commonly find another vent to wit by the Nose Eyes and Pallat And where there is a Dropsy of the Brain in which the Brain saith Willis and the tops of either Marrow do as it were swim in Water yet are not such for that reason disposed to the Palsy unless the Water by its weight make a compression of the Marrow 18. The Procatartick remote or foregoing causes remain now to be enquired into and they are either Accidental or Habitual The Accidental are manifest as a Bruise Wound Luxation and extream heat or cold without any previous or habitual disposition of the Body besides which and the conjunct cause which is either a Compression or Solution of Unity there is no other 19. The Procatartick habitual cause is always a malign extraneous matter generated and heaped up together which being suffused into the Organs of sense and motion obstructs the marrowy of nervous passages and somtimes withal profligates the Spirit by mere contact or effects both together whence by reason of the cutting off of the Animal Spirit a Palsy is excited in the congruent parts 20. This cause depends upon a double antecedent cause viz. one more remote which is a disaffection of the Blood and Lymphatick juyce generated in themselves or taken from the Stomach Intestines and Mesentery which conveys to the Head a morbifick matter the other more near which is a brain of evil disposition or conformation being either too weak or too loose and resolved or otherwise of evil conformation whereby it easily admits of forreign heterogene and malign Particles 21. The morbifick matter being brought to the Brain induces a Paralysis either primarily for that those heterogene and malign Particles are chiefly disposed for the exciting or stirring up a Palsy And with all that they are conveyed gradually and in small proportion for otherwise should there be a great afflux together they would first cause an Apoplexy or Carus or excite Convulsions the Cholick Gout or Scorbute and then at length a Palsy Or Secondarily which is most common after some of the aforenamed Diseases a slow and long Feaver immoderate Grief a Consumption Atrophy or Wasting and some other Distempers for the most part Chronical wherein the natural and vital Faculties being thereby very much hurt and the strength at length worn out enervations and resolutions of the whole Body or of some Members often-times succeeds 22. A Palsy for most part follows after long and continued Convulsions or convulsive Motions as Epilepsies for that the Nerves and Muscles in several Members are mightily debilitated so that the motive Faculty is as it were only through infinite weakness abolished the sick becoming first Lame then wholly helpless for that the morbifick matter being continually thrust into the passages of the Cerebrum and its medullar and nervous Appendix does at length so weaken and dilate them that it gives a free course to those malign and heterogene Particles by which the Palsy is certainly induced 23. So also after a frequent and long Cholick which cruelly tormenting and returning by intervals causes other cruel and almost continual pains in the other Viscera of the Abdomen from whence through the
prudently to consider the Temperament of the Sick for if you adhibit hot things in a hot Constitution or cold in a cold habit you will but exasperate the Disease and make it so much the more difficult to be cured Now whereas a Paralysis in a cold and moist habit of body is most usual and frequent we shall first lay down a method of Precepts for the Cure thereof 3. Here then since the Disease arose from a long Series of prepared matter and Paralytick Particles begotten in the Blood from a cold and moist external cause this habit must be altered by a long course of a proper Diet which entering into the Sanguinous mass may in length of time and by degrees as the Disease came remove the Discrasy which continually hitherto has breed those heaps of Paralytick Particles 4. For this purpose we commend a Guajacum Diet which you may make after this manner Take Guajacum rasped twelve ounces Sarsa parilla Sassafras rasped Juniper berries well bruised white and yellow Sanders of each six ounces crude Antimony in pouder tyed up in a rag eight ounces boyl all after due infusion in twelve quarts of spring-water till near half be consumed then add Carraways Coriander seeds Rosmary Sage Savory Penny-royal sweet Marjoram Galangal florentine Orrice-root bruised of each two ounces and half Raisons of the sun stoned a pound boyl all gently according to Art strain the Decoction and to every quart thereof add choice Sherry Wine half a pint then dulcify it moderately with double refined Sugar and Bottle it up with a Clove slit in each Bottle and let it be kept for ordinary Drink Let this be drunk during the whole course of the Cure but Morning and Evening drop into the same twenty thirty or forty drops of the Spirit of Mans Blood Spirit of Hartshorn or of Skulls of Soot of Amber of Sal Armoniack or some such like which by their operative quality give a more speedy inlet-into the Genus Nervosum 5. Those who cannot take the former Diet may take this Take new Ale four gallons White-Wine four quarts Juyce of Scurvy-grass three pints Juyces of Tarragon of Water-Cresses and of Brooklime of each one pint shavings of Horse-radish Roots Mustard-seed bruised of each four ounces and a half put these into a bag and mixing them all together let them work up with the Ale for a day or two or till the fermentation is over which done after five or six days bottle up the clear Liquor with a Clove slit in each Bottle and an ounce of pure white sugar Let the Sick drink of this as their ordinary Liquor save in the Morning fasting and last at Night going to bed a Dose of the aforenamed Spirits may constantly be dropt into it 6. But because some cannot take things unless they be grateful to the Pallate a compound sort of Hydromel or Mead may be made very effectual which may be drunk somtimes before Meat or otherwise as the Sick has occasion and it may be thus made Take spring-water ten quarts Honey two pound roots of Acorus and of Orrice dryed Sage and Rosmary of each two ounces and a half boyl them to a consumption of a third part and in the end Aromatize it with Cinnamon half an ounce Nutmegs two drams Pepper half a dram make a Melicrate according to Art This may be done after the same manner for want of Honey with Sugar To this Mead you may add Staechas and Lavender-flowers of each an ounce if you so please 7. Or this following Decoction may be given instead thereof Take roots of the true Acorus Orrice of each an ounce Cyperus Elecampane Zedoary of each half an ounce Rosemary Sage Marjoram Tyme Penny-royal Ground-pine of each one handful Hysop Betony Calamint herb Mastich of each half a handful the flowers of Lavender of Rosmary Staechas Camomil of each one pugil seeds of Anise Fennel Carraways Rue of each two drams Liquorice bruised one ounce Raisons of the sun stoned four ounces make a Decoction in Water adding at the end of boyling a quarter part of Wine dulcifie it with Honey or Sugar and Aromatize it with Cinnamon or with some Aromatical Pouder then bottle it up for ordinary drink 8. Or the Sick may take this distilled Water of Willis his design Take leaves or roots of Aron one pound leaves of Garden Scurvy grass of the greater Rocket of Rosmary Sage Savory Tyme of each four handfuls of the flowers of Lavender three handfuls the outward Rinds of ten Oranges and six Limons Winteran bark three ounces Roots of the lesser Galangal Calamus Aromaticus Florentine Orrice of each two ounces Cubebs Cloves Nutmegs of each two ounces all being cut and bruised pour to them of white Wine and of Brumswick Beer or Mum of each two quarts distil it in common Organs to dryness but with great caution that it burn not and let all the Liquor be mixed together 9. Riverius commends this following Water Take the Chips of Guajacum four ounces Bark of the same one ounce Sarsa parilla one ounce and half China-root one ounce Sassafras six drams Lignum Aloes Galangal of each one dram and half roots of Angelica Peony and Fennel of each three drams and half Peony seeds two drams infuse them all in Water twelve quarts and Wine two quarts for four and twenty hours After add the leaves of Betony Ivy and Sage of each one handful Flowers of the Tile-Tree of Primroses of Stechas and of Rosemary of each two pugils of Lavender one pugil old Treacle half an ounce Citron-Peels and Seeds of each three drams and half Polypody half an ounce Cinnamon six drams distil them in Balneo Mariae according to Art and to every two pints and half of the Liquor put of Manus Christi prepared with Oyl of Cinnamon four ounces Dose four ounces in the Morning fasting and as much at bed-time 10. Infusions especially those made in Wine do good for though Wine especially if it be strong and too liberally taken is no ways convenient yet drawing into its Body other things and being to them as it were a Vehicle whereby their Virtues are conveyed to the Nerves they become profitable being thus made Medicinal You may prepare a simple Infusion after this manner Take roots of Acorus two ounces Raspings of Guajacum twelve ounces leaves of dryed Sage and Rosmary of each one ounce and half Ground-Pine sweet Marjoram musked Cranes-Bill Nutmegs of each one ounce Wormwood Zedoary of each half an ounce White or Rhenish or Sherry Wine ten quarts make an Infusion in a gentle Balneo for a Week then strain filter and dulcifie it with double refined Sugar Give it alone or with Cinnamon-water 11. But while these things are doing we must not be unmindful to remove as much as may be the morbifick Cause which is done by convenient Evacuations either upwards or downwards or both ways and by the other ordinary ways of Revulsion and Derivation But Authors advise that at
of its Organs And therefore if the disaffection or hurt of the Brain does not speedily cease because the Lungs cannot be able long to perform the whole duty of Breathing the Sick must needs be suffocated for that the Faculty in both kinds will be wholly abolished 8. But if voluntary motion is not wholly obliterated with the Senses then the respiration in the Paroxysm will be the more free for as the disaffection of the Brain is less being compared with the former by which the senses only are opprest as in a sleepiness or gentle stupidity so Motion though thereby it be made to faulter a little will be less hurt and may possibly persevere against the prevalency of the morbifick matter 9. Too great a coldness of the Brain may cause a Stupidity and too much moisture Immoderate Sleep which being extravagantly heaped up within the Skull by reason of the faeculencies of the Blood and weakness of the part and there supprest or stopt so as that it flows not through the passages appointed for it but perfuses it self through the substance of the Brain may cause a Carus where if it stays long so as to moisten or make soft and lax the bulk of the Brain and so flowing abroad falls upon or presses the original of the Nerves proceeding from the Brain at the Basis of the Skull it will stop up the Avenues or Passages of the Animal Spirit and so cause a strong Apoplexy This humour if it stop not here but does descend from thence and follows the course of the Nerves causes the Apoplexy to end in a Palsy 10. That these things are thus in a Carus and Apoplexy has been evident after the Death of the Patient for that the said humour has somtimes flown from the Hâad by the Mouth and Nostrils in a very large proportion or measure Moreover in some that have been disseased it has been found that the thick Membrane being cut open a great plenty of humour has presently ran forth And Authors affirm that the very substance of the Brain in a certain old Woman who died of an Apoplexy was turned into a Cream-like substance and presently ran all over her Face But in another ancient Woman who died of an Apoplexy which my self saw opened only a Bladder of Water about the bigness of a small Hens Egg was taken out of the fore Ventricle of the Brain this Woman was troubled with a Vertigo for some time before and died in her first fit In this latter case the morbifick matter did not possess the whole Brain but tending to some particular part formed it self a Vesicle to which it had an habitual recouse 11. If Blood be carried out of the Vessels and diffuses it self into the substance of the Brain so as to obstruct the Windings and Ventricles by suddenly filling them whereby the Original of the Nerves are opprest and stopt it causes a Stupidity and Apoplexy and this often happens a Vein being broken occasioned many times from a fullness of the Vessels in such who formerly having been accustomed to Haemorrhages at Nose fluxes of the Terms or Haemorrhoides have them suddenly stopt In whom it has been observed that near Death and presently after it a large flux of Blood has broken forth from their Mouth and Nose from whence we may conclude it to be the chief cause in these persons of an Apoplexy 12. The like may be from an external violent Cause as a Contusion of the Brain from a fall or blow though the substance of the Brain be no ways wounded by which the blood also may fill the Cavities of the Brain and its substance especially in those places where it is contused as is daily seen in the Brains of a Bullock killed or knocked down with an Hatchet or Ax whereby the Brain is filled with clotted blood And therefore in this case an Apoplexy follows unless a bleeding at Nose or Ears or other adjoyning passages doth immediately ensue Yet somtimes the blood stopped in the part is clodded and retained till it putrifies and then by causing a Frenzy Convulsion Lethargy or Apoplexy according to the quality and disposition of the matter kills the Patient 13. And this also comes to pass when the substance of the Brain is hurt by cutting or pricking whereby its action is then destroyed And when the Brain is comprest by a depression of the Skull especially if the Compression be very great As also when by some stronger force the bulk of the Brain is as it were prest together or prest upon the original of the Nerves in all these Cases it must needs be that an Apoplexy must follow 14. If the Animal Spirits be so wasted or consumed as to cause not only a weakness of the Functions of the Brain but also a total oblition of them a very strong Apoplexy and sudden killing of the Patient follows of which we have seen several old men dye yet this can hardly be without some Corruption of the part or putrified humors filling the Cavities of the Brain 15. The History of this present Cure is very remarkable for this young man being of a sanguine habit of body and so easily heat or inflamed after a severe drinking of Wine and other strong Liquors to Drunkenness became almost insensible and at length seemed like one dead so that he could not be awaked by the by-standers Whereupon a Physician was sent for which coming in and viewing him declared it to be an Apoplexy as indeed it was 16. His assistance being required he used many things in vain so that another Physician was sent for who immediately endeavoured to let him blood but he would not bleed At length some of his Relations desired that I might be sent for which was done when I came to him I beheld the miserable object with wonder for he lay so stupified as if he had been perfectly dead nor could we by any means discern Life in him 17. My advice was desired The case I found to be desperate and therefore required both desperate and speedy help for that no ordinary means already used to him could do him any good Upon a little pause I thought upon the learned Deckers his Errhines which is a bold and almost irresistable Medicament and although it can scarcely be given without danger and seldom without great Symptoms following it yet because it makes large Evacuations from the Head and may be blown up the Nostrils when nothing can be put or forced down the Throat and the Patient withall being as it were insensible I concluded it reasonable to exhibit the same which with the consent of the other Physician was done 18. The composition of the said Errhine is this Take Turbith Mineral one part subtle pouder of Liquorice three parts Rosemary-flowers one part and half mix them exactly in a most subtil pouder F. Deckers Exercitation Pract. cap. 1. pag. 19. where he has these Words Duorum Vltimorum horumce speaking of this here described and another
going before it pulverum minima ferè quantitas sufficit multumque pituitae viscidae educit cum successu praescribuntur hipulveres in Apoplexia Epilepsia Lethargo capitisque affectibus soporosis omnibus necnon in quibusdam capitis affectibus recentibus inveteratis vertigine gravedine c. 19. Upon this advice it was that I adventured to exhibit the said Medicament and indeed it went not without the desired success for after that a small quantity of it had been blown up the Nostrils of the Sick he soon began to stir and a large Evacuation of Pus water and viscous matter mixed with blood was immediately made upon which he a little revived and being almost come to himself a very great flux of clear blood presently followed nearly to the quantity of a quart so that in less than an hour and half after the Exhibition of the Medicament he became perfectly freed from the Paroxysm his speech understanding and other Senses being all restored to him 20. From hence it may almost be safely concluded that the Disease might proceed from the large quantity of blood filling the Ventricles of the Brain for after the young man had bled thus freely he was not only freed from the fit but also became much more lightsom and chearful than he was before concluding that he never found himself better in all his Life And his Head he said was much lightsomer and pleasanter than he had found it formerly 21. However I caused his Head Forehead nape of the Neck Nostrils and Pulses to be anointed with this following mixture Take chymical Oyls of Rue of sweet Marjoram of Mint of Featherfew of Penny-royal of each one dram Oyls of Rosemary and Lavender of each a dram and half mix them to anoint with This was used at the time of his coming out of the fit and I ordered him to be anointed with it Morning and Night for ten or twelve days together 22. Inwardly this following Water was given him by spoonfuls for three four or five hours and afterwards I prescribed him the use of it Morning and Evening for a month together Take the Aqua Antapoplectica Poterij six ounces the best Cinnamon-water four ounces Elixir Panis three ounces spirit of Harts-horn half an ounce mix them and keep them in a glass close stopt for use Dose one or two spoonfuls or more at a time dropping into each dose at the time of drinkâng six drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack 23. The next day I purged him with this Take Resin of Jallap Scammony in fine pouder of each six grains fine Aloes one scruple Zedoary sixteen grains Oyl of Rosemary three drops with syrup of Buckthorn make it into five Pills for one dose Being guilded he swallowed them and they wrought with him so strongly as to give him almost twenty Stools by which without doubt a great part of the morbifick matter was also carried off This Purge ten days after was repeated again 24. But that we might secure him against another fit I thought good to order him once a week ro take the Sternutatory of Martin Rulandus which he describes in his Centuries and is as follows Take Darnel Nigella-seeds white Hellebor of each a scruple sweet Marjoram Rosemary Sage of each half a dram Musk two grains make all into a subtil pouder for sneezing Of which the quantity of a Pease was blown up into his Nostrils in the Morning III. An Apoplexy in an old Woman of which she dyed suddenly 1. This Woman was much given to drink Brandy so that she could scarcely live without it and many times would drink it so immeasurably as to be extreamly drunk therewith at last she was so overcome with it as that she fell into a fit which indeed was a fit of the Apoplexy wherein she lay for Dead and so it proved in the sequel for she never came to her self again 2. Being dead a great deal of matter thick and thin came out at her Nose to the quantity of a pint and better mixed with some streaks of Blood and it had withall the smell of Brandy together with a foetid scent very unpleasing to the standers by 3. Her Head being opened the whole substance of the Brain seemed to be corrupted and altered from its natural property not much unlike the matter of a rotten Egg But upon the original of the Nerves was found a black clodded matter which seemed to press them 't is probable it was coagulated blood which by reason of the length of time being there and the corruption of the Brain adjacent to it might loose its natural colour and form 4. This Woman before this fit fell upon her which ended her days to wit for about two or three months had been affected with a certain kind of Trembling of her whole Body chiefly of the extream parts and was much troubled with a Vertigo by fits so that she could not stand which those who dayly frequented her thought came only from the present drinking of Brandy which though it might be the principal remote cause yet without doubt the conjunct cause was the matter which was dayly bred in the Brain and joined to the parts hurt part of which when Nature could not longer bear it but yielding her self overcome was expelled at the Womans Death IV. An Apoplexy in a middle aged Man 1. This Man being a lusty strong well-set Man after eating a hearty Meals Meat and drinking two or three bottle of Wine was all of a sudden taken with an Apoplexy upon which I was immediately sent for and found the man lying void of all Sense or Motion breathing only excepted 2. I caused Frictions to be used to him and into his Mouth this following Spirit was put Take spirit of Rosemary and Lavender of each an ounce spirit of Mint half an ounce Aqua Coelestis two drams spirit of Hartshorn one dram spirit of Sal Armoniack half a dram with syrup of Peony-flowers duâcifie it This was put into his Mouth and forced down his Throat 3. Outwardly his Head Nape Forehead Temples and Nostrils were anointed with Oyl of Rosemary mixed with a half part of Oyl of Rue and his Brest and Stomach were bathed with the following mixture Take Powers of Rosemary of Lavender of Nutmegs of each half an ounce Powers of Mint and sweet Marjoram of each two drams Powers of Sassafras and Savin of each a dram mix them 4. Whilst these things were a doing this following Clyster was prepared for him Take Mutton-broth half a pint Honey Oyl Olive Infusion of Crocus Metallorum Infusion of Colocynthis of each two ounces Tincture of Sena and Scammony of each an ounce mix them to be exhibited warm This in less than half an hour began to work with him and gave him five stools by means of which he came to himself again but could not speak plain 5. Now considering that this Disease came from repletion at least upon a full Stomach I gave him forthwith this following Take
for more than ten months for which reason I caused her to purge with this Tincture twice a Week Take Cardamon water a quart Sena two ounces fine Aloes one ounce infuse the Sena forty eight hours then press out after which dissolve the Aloes in the Colature and let it stand till it is fine Of this she took a spoonful or two more or less according as she found it to purge her in the Morning fasting and continued the use thereof for a Month viz till such time as her Courses came down which when they appeared were in a very plentiful manner 10. I chose to purge her with Aloes for that they have a specifick Property to provoke the Terms in Women and open the Mouths of all the Blood-vessels in any Part of the Body but more especially in the Womb her Courses being now produced she found herself much better in her Head than formerly and that Vertigo with which she had been for some weeks before troubled was now wholly taken away and removed 11. And because of the Scorbutick habit of Body cold and moist I prescribed her this Antiscorbutick Diet which she took for fifty or sixty days together Take new Ale three gallons Juyces of Scurvy-grass of Brooklime and of Water-cresses of each a pint juyce of Tarragon half a pint Sena four ounces shavings of Guajacum of Horse-Radish root Juniper-berries Sarsaparilla Carraway and Coriander-seeds of each three ounces Raisons of the sun stoned a pound new Figs slit half a pound all these latter Ingredients being grossly bruised put them up into a bag with a stone in it which put with the juices into the Ale whilst it is working after the working is over and the Liquor clear it may be bottled up putting into each bottle half an ounce of white Sugar and a Clove slit 12. Of this she drank near a bottle a day sometimes more sometimes less which purged her very gently and by the continuation thereof for the time before mentioned together with the use of the other things according to order she was not only freed from her Apoplexy but also cured of her Scorbute which had for some years afflicted her and made perfectly well X. An Apoplexy in an elderly Man of a robust Constitution 1. This Man near fifty years of Age of a very strong Body and Constitution had an Issue running upon his left Arm for near twenty years or more which by carelessness or some other cause was dryed up without any due purging of his Body or other Evacuations necessary in such a case about three months after he was taken with a very tedious and painful Megrim which afflicted him for twelve days or more so violent that all about him feared he would go Mad This ceasing a kind of Vertigo took him which held him for about a day or something better at the end of which time hoping to grow well he was all on a sudden seized with an Apoplexy 2. By the relation of the matter and previous Circumstances going before it is manifest that there was a translation of the morbifick matter which had its customary evacuation at the Issue to the Brain and that the Disease had been a long time a gathering before hand the Megrim and Vertigo preceeding it both arising from the same causes 3. These things being known I thought it matter of absolute necessity to evacuate as much as possible might be the Brain and to cleanse it of those foeculencies which contained the Animal Spirits and obstructed their afflux For this purpose I immediately ordered the exhibition of Deckers his Errhine made of Turpethum Minerale c. which pouder was blown up his Nostrils with a quill in small Proportions and repeated for three days after 4. By the use of this Medicament a great quantity of filthy matter was drawn from his Head almost to wonderment and in about an hour or hour and half at most he so revived as that he looked about him moved himself and began to speak in the mean season this following mixture was given him by spoonfuls Take Aqua Vitae Matthioli two ounces small Cinnamon-water spirit of Castoreum of each one ounce syrup of Citron-peels three ounces mix them This apparently revived him and did him much good 5. This Clyster also was exhibited warm Take Mutton-broth a pint Infusion of Crocus Metallorum Honey Oyl Olive of each three ounces Tincture of Colocynthis an ounce mix them It wrought very well gave him five Stools and brought away much viscous slimy and cold matter 6. His Head Forehead Temples Nostrils and nape of the Neck was bathed with this mixture Take Powers of Rosemary Lavender Sage and sweet Marjoram of each half an ounce Powers of Origanum Penny-royal Limons Oranges and Juniper-berries of each two drams Powers of Amber and Carraways of each one dram mix them together to bath with as before directed also four or five times a day thirty or forty drops of the same was given inwardly in a glass of Wine 7. The Man being revived and thus come to himself again I caused a Seton to be applyed to the nape of the Neck and the Issue to be kept running for a month at the end of the time I caused his former Issue to be opened again and the Cautery to be dryed up to the Intention that the derivation of the morbifick matter might be continued to prevent his relapsing into the same again 8. And by reason he was of a robust Body and very strong Constitution I thought good to purge him well several times This was done with my Family Pills which wrought with him admirable well He took them twice a week and continued the like use of them for five or six weeks together 9. And to corroborate the Animal and Vital parts hurt by this deliquium I caused him to drink for a quarter of a year or more every Morning fasting and every Night going to bed and sometimes an hour before Dinner of this following Antapoplectick Wine Take châice Canary Rhenish Wine of each two gallons Rosemary-flowers Lavender-flowers Wormwood red Sage sweet Marjoram musked Cranes-bill of each a handful Origanum Penny-royal Mint Tyme of each half a handful Cloves Nutmegs Cinnamon Cubebs Anacardiums Zedoary Virginian Snake-root Contra yerva Winter 's Cinnamon of each half an ounce Ginger two drams Pepper one dram Musk a scruple cut bruise and digest in a cool place for ten days shaking the glass every day afterwards being settled the Sick may drink three four or five ounces of the clear at a time as before directed 10. By these means derivation was made of the offending matter and our Patient in a short time restored to his perfect health having no more fits after the first By this very method setting the Seton aside we restored another middle aged Man seized with an Apoplexy when the danger of Death was not small And by the same means with very little difference we cured a young Woman taken with the
with cold do cause Humors and Vapours to fly into the Head and Center of the Brain 23. So that about the beginning of Autumn there are not only Catarrhs but also abundance of watery humors are sent forth by most men by Urine and Stool whence comes fluxes of the Belly at that time 24. How great this evacuation by the Pores is which is usually made by insensible transpiration Sanctorius has taught in libro de statica Medicinae where he shews that those Transpirations are larger than all the sensible evacuations put together so that if the Meat and Drink of one day be eight pound in weight the insensible Transpiration will be five pound whereby it appears that all the other sensible evacuations made by Urine Stool Mouth Nose c. cannot exceed three pound 25. Moreover the loss that is made by a sensible Sweat is very remarkable some that have gone to the Royal Bagno have weighed themselves both before and after Sweating and in an hours time Sweating little more or less have come out ten pounds lighter than when they came in 26. Hippocrates saith That the Lungs being enflamed draw humors from the whole Body and especially from the Head and the Head being made hot from the Body spits forth that thick matter but by what ways this humor is drawn from the Head the good old Man has not told us nor can we imagine except by those passages by us a little above enumerated CXL The Prognosticks of a Catarrh 1. It is easier to Cure in a sulphurous saline Constitution than in a saline sulphurous because the ways and means of cooling a hot Constitution or habit of Body are much more facil than to remove a cold and moist habit 2. If the Disease be recent it is much easier to be Cured than if it has been of long standing and it is yet more easy to be Cured in a young person than in an old 3. A Catarrh in an old Man or Woman and of long standing is for the most part incurable and somtimes it degenerates into a Palsy 4. If the humor saith Celsus flows from the Head into the Nose it is small if in the Jaws it is worse if upon the Lungs it is worst of all and saith Hippocrates a Catarrh is scarcely to be Cured in such as are very old 5. The greater the Lymphatick flux the more difficult is the Cure and if it be Caused from the evil disposition of the Stomach it is so much the more dangerous lest the humor should flow suddenly and cause a Suffocation unawars or by its sharpness should prick vellicate and excoriate the Stomach as it has once hapened to a young Woman a Patient of mine the vehemency of which Symptom is scarcely to be expressed 6. If it immediately comes at the end of any other Disease it is for the most part Critical and may be easily cured but if it be made after a Feaver or any other violent Distemper by translation of the matter to the Brain it is dangerous and sometimes mortal 7. If it be accompanied with Hysterick fits or with a Lethargy Carus or other sleepy Distempers 't is very dangerous if an Apoplexy follows upon it it is commonly Mortal 8. If it be accompanied with Hypochondriack Melancholy I will not say It is Incurable but it may be very well accounted one of Hercules's Labours the Cure is also very difficult in those that are Crooked CXLI The THERAPIA or method of Cure of a Catarrh and first of the Cure in a hot Constitution 1. If there be a great flux of Rhume in the Throat and Mouth and if it be thin and from a hot Cause there is a necessity immediately to cool the Blood and the hot disposition of the parts affected that thereby the Vapours arising from the Rarification of the Blood and ascending up to the Head Brain and other parts may be prevented 2. For this purpose it will be necessary to cool the Body by a Clyster such as this following Take an Emulsion of the four cold seeds a pint Oyl of Roses four ounces Salt two drams mix for a Clyster and let it be exhibited warm 3. Inwardly the Body may be cooled more especially if it be bound also by giving Cassia new drawn or Electuarium Lenitivum or syrup of Roses solutive with Barley-water or Diaprunum in the same drinking after Emulsions made of sweet Almonds and of the four Cold seeds and such like 4. And that the Derivation may be more firm it will be good to give this following Liquor for the ordinary Drink of the Sick Take Emulsion of sweet Almonds a gallon pure sal Prunellae in Pouder three drams fine white sugar three ounces and half or more according as the sick likes it in sweetness this Salt will intimately mingle it self with the Blood and quench all preternatural heats although it will most signally make the Flamula vitae burn more clear it may be drunk to a quart a day 5. Riverius commends this following Purge Take of the best Rhubarb four scruples yellow Myrobalans rubbed with the Oyl of sweet Almonds half a dram yellow Sanders half a scruple infuse them in Lettice and Purslane-water and strain it adding of Manna and syrup of Roses solutive of each one ounce mix and make a Potion instead of the aforesaid Waters you may use if you please a Decoction of cold Herbs and Tamarinds 6. The second Intention is to condense and thicken the humor Take syrup of the juyces of Lettice Purslane and Plantane of each four ounces Emulsion of the four greater cold seeds syrup of Corn Poppies of each six ounces syrup of Violets and of red Roses of each an ounce and half mix them and make a Julep to be taken Morning and Evening two ounces more or less according to Age and Strength at a time 7. Or instead thereof the Sick may take Diacodium solidum which may be eaten now and than all the day long taking at Night this following Dose Take syrup of Poppies six drams syrup of Lettice two drams Emulsion of the cold seeds two ounces mix them for a draught 8. If these things do not we must come to such as are more powerful among which are our Liquor Vitae Anodynus or Confectio Anodyna our Laudanum the Liquid Laudana of Schefer and Helmont the Trochisci de barbaris cum Camphora and the Narcotick Pills of Platerus 9. Outwardly pickled Herrings may be applyed to the Soles of the Feet the Temples and Forehead may be anointed with Vnguentum Populneum mixed with a quarter part of Oyl of Nutmegs by expression Or you may apply this Take Oyl and Vinegar of Roses of each two ounces the Whites of two Eggs beat them very well together and Embrocate the Head therewith applying afterwards a piece of Rose-Cake dipt in the same 10. This following is commended as an excellent thing to cool thicken and sweeten the humors Take spring-water six ounces or if you please Almond