whether it be mans or womans for a cholerick woman after exercise and the use of hot meats will make higher coloured urine than a flegmatick man moreover she which hath a feaver or some other disease without doubt changes her urine in some respects according to the nature of the disease how is it then possible for to discover sex by the urine I must be brief but consider what is said and it is sufficient to convince that there is no certainty in it and it is but rashness for any to pronounce or others to expect any such thing by the urine 2. Concerning women with child I would not have you think but that my pains to discover the same by urine hath not been wanting but much and that I am not without those observations and tokens left by Authors to posterity but never yet could I answer my own desires herein yet I have several times divined by urine women to be with child and so it sell out but I must say that what I said nay further what ever any say in this case was and is but conjectural and there is no certainty nor knowledge thereof in urine which I demonstrate thus Although most times and in most persons with child the urine is altered indeed either in one respect or other yet we are to understand that the urine is not changed by the gravidity it self but only by the suppression of the courses which as it cannot be denyed may alter the urine by the reflux of blood and excrements into the veins But that same change of urine may appear in maids by the stopping of their courses yea or in other diseases that arise from the like suppression as also in obstructions of other internal parts so that urine will manifest here no proper or peculiar thing besides if the woman with child be sick the urine may be so changed by the violence of the disease that all the signs of being with child if there were any would be obliterate Certainly if such a thing could have been those famous Physicians whose works are the dictators to all pis Prophets would never have been deceived in their own wives in this case of being with child till it evidently appeared by the infants motion as they have left for the observation of Posterity however in other things the fathers of pis Lectures Now I know many will say I have carried mine and others waters and such and such a Doctor hath told me right and he can tell To this I only say so can and do I often but this I say it cannot barely be done by urine as before demonstrated and what other ways we have to conjecture by in such cases I would freely discover only fearing that the times and seasons for the discovery of such things are not yet come 2. Some are of the opinion that the Husband breeds his wives child a common error This is an error common only to England for ought ever I could read or understand and of all errors this seems most worthy to be laughed at that the husband should be thought to be sick and troubled with the same symptoms wherewith a woman with child is wont having not the same cause to procure it It is true women with child in the first moneth of their conception are wont to be troubled with very many and sundry symproms especially Cacochymick and impure bodies but observe this is not without some cause which usually is from the retention of the courses for seeing nature is wont to use that flux not only for the purging out of superfluous blood but of corrupt and vicious humors also such blood being retent and kept in they are likewise retained and that blood retained by reason of the smallness of the young one in the beginning of her gravidity is not all spent for the nourishment thereof doth putrifie and hath recourse either to the noble parts or at least anoys them with filthy vapors which it sends forth from whence arise the foresaid symptoms in the stomach intrails belly head and the whole body as vomiting loathing of meat unsatiable longing and lusting gripings dizziness of the head and such like seeing therefore the husband hath not in him the causes of these effects but his wife only it stands with reason that she only should be sick what if the husband be sick when his wife breeds a child I hope it is not a Contagious disease he is not infected by his wife no that distemper may happen through some default of his own body Indeed it is no new thing for husbands and wives to be sick together but it is a wonder and hitherto a thing unknown that gravidity or a womans being with child is a Contagious or catching disease and that not other women but men only whom nature hath freed from this kind of travel should be infected therewith Besides it is observed that the symptoms do not happen to all women or at least not all to every one and yet it often falls out that when the woman is in good health the husband is sick yea sometimes being many miles off but if he induce that by his wives being with child how comes it to pass that she continues well at the same time for observe this maxime in Philosophy That natural causes do sooner work upon the near than upon the remote subject And for that cause seeing the woman carries about her such noxious humors she should be sooner yea and more grievously sick I know something might be said of simpathy antipathy contagion fascination and such like trifles but if these things be so I Query why do not maids and widdows who are very often troubled with the like symptoms through suppression of their courses infect their bed-fellows and familiars seeing there is the same cause and sympathy with some of them But note and in this maxime I shew you one great natural cause why many being with and in the houses of those infected of the Plague this great Visitation and yet escaped themselves alone To cause a contagion Not only the efficacy of the agent but also a disposition and analogy in the patient is requisite I shall say no more in this case because by the very relating of it the absurdity of this error doth appear 3. Some are of the opinion that it is hurtful to change the linnen very often in time of sickness This error seems to me to spread most amongst the common people for they think that the sick by changing their linnen are weakned and enfeebled thereby which indeed is not true for it doth rather strengthen them and revive them only great care must be had in changing of the linnen that the party catch no cold for by long keeping of their linnen there are three inconveniencies do happen to the sick viz. 1. The transpiration of the body is hindred 2. Sweat and filth are kept in their shirts which do putrifie and contract an ill savour 3. The
expelling from it whatsoever the depravation of digestion and evil fermentation may have contracted and mixed in it of dangerous and hurtful humors and this pure of mercury antimony copper c. Is that which is used as Physick and no other by chymical doctors the dunghil or some other mean imployment in that art and not their patients tasting of the poisonous or impure part in either of these or ought else that is not suitable to our bodies in order to cure diseases But that this bugbear may take the less advantage it is to be understood that chymists work upon vegetables animals as well as minerals though this must be acknowledged that the more nobler cures in chronical diseases have been and are chiefly conquered by those medicines of the mineral kingdom and judge you whether it be wisdom in any to reject cure though of a snake so his sting be out And so I come to a second question which may be 2. Whether the art of chymistry do or can separate the pure from the impure and so render those things which otherwise are against us for us and those things that are already for us more for us Ans Yes and it is clearly evident and that from those things which are such afrightments viz. mercury antimony medicines being daily made and given from them that with safety are and may be given to children of a year old We have said in effect before impurity to be that which could interrupt the perfections of those actions which do conduct the mixt to the end of its natural predestination the question being now how it may be freed from this domestick enemy which insensibly doth creep into the compound Now as all mixt are under several genders and differing species and that there is several sorts of impurities so there are several ways in art to correct and take them away but because to evident demonstrations or particularize the parts of this doctrine would extend beyond the limits of my intentions I must forbear and conclude that the pure from the impure can be separated from mercury and antimony it self by 1. Calcination 2. Sublimation 3. Distillation 4. Liquation 5. Extraction 6. Infusion 7. Salification And 8. Mercurification Is undeniable and as must so is granted by the arts greatest enemies Some medicines by these ways of preparations being used by themselves But. 3. Some will further say the whole age of the ancients wanted chymical remedies who notwithstanding cured diseases very well and it sometimes happens that Physicians now a days perform great cures without them Ans It is questionable by some whether our ancients were not eminent chymists for Paracels was not the first by many generations and of all those even to our days now I find none but used it and esteemed it highly though I must confess they had but a taste thereof But suppose so men in old time did feed on acorns and lived long yet having now found out the use of corn we reject acorns and leave them to hogs Again if they did and now do it was and is but some times being befooled by many chronical diseases very often and when they do perform any cure their medicines do it but slowly and unpleasantly and there are but few if any chronical diseases taken in any time but chymical remedies will reach and safely and speedily cure Indeed by reason of many impostors that through ignorance and covetousness have played both the fool and knave in these things some miscarriages might happen but I justifie none but true sons of art and true medicines and such are the most noble medicines the world doth afford and I say once again may profitably and safely be given and administred to all sorts of sexes constitutions and in all conditions being made chosen and administred by an understanding and discreet hand Nay even in this our case in child-bed being in regard of their condition the most powerful against all enemies and most friendly to nature commanding the Archeus beyond compare I need say no more the fame thereof spreading almost over all the whole world gets much ground and favourites even from the most noble which if there were any such thing in it as is supposed by some no doubt but it would have been buried in silence and lain in the dust long ere this day But 6. Some are of the opinion that bleeding and purging are hurtful for women with child It is too too common especially amongst the Countrey-women that if they be sick and be with child they will not admit by no means to take Physick or be let blood for fear of miscarriage which indeed is contrary 1. To reason 2. To the Authority of the Ancients 3. To daily experience 1. To reason because a woman that labours with an acute disease as a feaver or plurisie c. is in very great danger therefore no delay ought to be made in applying remedies for we are to understand that the child is nourished by the mothers blood if she be sick there is danger least through that sickness and the corruption of the blood the child perish which if it happen as sometimes though not very often it doth then is the mother in danger both by reason of the disease and the dead child or if not so yet miscarriages do generally attend sickness of women with child and there is no miscarriage without danger Now its evident enough that these evils cannot be prevented without taking away the cause and the cause cannot be taken away according to the testimony of authority without bleeding or purging or both for the same course that is taken to cure a woman not with child and a woman with child is all one and the same thing necessary in the one as in the other for the same disease indicates the same remedies and the being with child does not take away the indication of the disease but only after a sort alters the quantity the quality and the manner of using them Letting blood done with wisdom and discretion I have observed often doth rather revive and strengthen than weaken either mother or child and so likewise purging duly administred the noxious part of the purge if any not reaching the womb and that more about the work of retention than expulsion 2. To the authority of the ancients Hipp. commends purging to women with child from the fourth month to the seaventh month and if he whose medicines were more dangerous than ours as appears plainly did and commanded so successefully much more may it be safe for us our medicines being now in use for that purpose more gentle 3. To experience for we find daily that women with child are let blood and purged once and again and yet no damage but profit and advantage coming by it yea many times to my own knowledge women with child have been preserved from miscarriage by bleeding and purging using only some specifical medicines also and never any caught the
principal of the Galenical Art so far as Authors make manifest and I have proved Thirdly Neither may you expect these Arcanums specifical medicines spake of to be at this time made manifest or publick having reasons sufficient to the contrary besides that many of them are Chymical preparations and none of them made without fire and the help of Chymical utensils or vessels but shall reserve them as yet to my self only alwayes ready either to give or sell such quantities and at such prizes as the persons may be capable to give and the medicines deserve And indeed they are very cheap considering their efficacy which things I was more than ordinary concerned to study being my medicines hitherto though acknowledged to be very excellent choice yet complained of by some for their dearness which although I have now endeavoured to remedy yet not so far as to detract from the worth of the things These persons complaining not considering the great charge trouble excellency and worth of Chymical preparations above others but thinking hard of giving four six or ten shillings for a small bottle of some Spirit Tinct Elixar or other medicine not examining who is the greatest gainer whether they that furnish them possibly with three four five perhaps six quarts for the same money or we they only making it by decoction c. we by calcination sublimation liquation salification precipitation purification so separating the pure from the impure administring only the most pure part of any Mineral Animal or Vegetable they both together yea not only so but the best many times lost by their way of compounding or if not so yet the body of the thing being not opened according to Chymical Art doth not operate effectually But of this no more here Having thus premised I come now to the business it self and I begin with these distempers of the vessels of the womb and the first is Chlorosis or Green-sickness and according to promise I shall observe this method viz. 1. To give you the definition of the discase or tell you briefly what it is 2. To give you the most principal common signes of such and such diseases thereby helping your judgments that you may look for Cure 3. To give you some choice and notable Receipts in order to Cure that disease you find your self to lie under or are creeping into In all of which God direct my Pen in writing and cause you to be humble and sober in reading 1. Then the Chlorosis or Green-sickness it is also called the White feaver the Virgins disease the white Jaundies c. and may be defined thus An evil habit of body from the obstructions of the Veins of the Liver Spleen Mesentery and especially the womb whereby the whole passage of blood is hindred which abounding in Virgins when they begin to have their Courses and being hindred by its natural course by those obstructions turns to the upper parts and oppresseth the Heart Liver Spleen Midriff and other parts destroying natural heat and bringing evil concoction in the bowels and is known by these signs following 1. The face and all the body is pale and white and sometimes of a lead colour blew and green 2. Swelling face and Eye-lids especially after sleep the legs also soft and loose especially about the Ancles 3. Heaviness and idleness in the whole body 4. Difficult breathing especially when they move themselves or go up a hill or stairs 5. Palpitation of the heart and beating of the Arteries of the Temples 6. Often great Head ach sometimes before and sometimes behind according as from whence vapors ascend 7. For the most part a swift Pulse 8. Sleep very sound sometimes till noon 9. Loathing wholsome Meat covering that which is not convenient to be eaten 10. Stoppage of the monthly Courses which shews the disease to be at the height Now to help you in the Cure of this discase consider it lieth in three things chiefly viz. In opening obstructions in correcting the distemper of the bowels and in strengthning the same which to do I advise you to use these ensuing medicines 1. Give this Purge in a morning with those common observations which are used in taking Physick Take Rosin of Jalap ten grains Diacatholicon and Conserve of red Roses of each half an ounce Crem Tartar twenty grains Salt of Mugwort four grains mix them altogether and give this Bolus upon the point of a knife c. The next thing is Bleeding and concerning the place observe this That if the body abound with gross and evil humors you then take the arm first if not the foot only remember that when the lower veins are opened it be done toward the full of the Moon when the Courses use to come down or if they have not yet appeared when the party is most afflicted Soon after her bleeding make this medicine and administer it every morning the first thing causing her to exercise after it for several mornings together the quantity of three ounces forbearing meat or drink for two or three hours the medicine is this Take of the filings of Steel four ounces Eryngo roots and Elicampane of each one ounce and half flowers of Broom Rosemary Betony and Epithimum of each half a handful red Coral and shavings of Ivory of each six drams Cloves Nutmegs Cinnamons Saffron of each two drams White wine six pints Steep these things being bruised or beaten in the wine for eight days keeping it close stopt and in a gentle heat in hot water or embers then strain it and use it as aforesaid And in the mean time supply her with Conserve of Mugwort the quantity of one ounce once a day before Supper with six grains of Crem Tartar and by Gods blessing the Cure will be performed but if not then we must come higher to Diuretical and Diaphoretical medicines which never fail Such of which I am alwayes provided with for the good and benefit of all which Arcanums and Specifical medicines are not at this time to be made publick no not to the Sons of Art And so I conclude my discourse concerning the Green sickness only my advice further is that the Parents of such persons as have this disease or others who are concerned would prudently and timely provide marriage for them much of the Cure of this disease lying in Carnal Copulation as experience hath and doth teach every day more or less the vessels of the womb becoming thereby much enlarged c. 2. Stoppage of the Terms or Courses The terms are said to be stopped when in a woman ripe of Age which gives not Suck and is not with Child there is seldom small or no evacuation of blood by the womb which useth to be every moneth Signs are manifest but because it comes either from natural or preternatural causes I shall lay down some distinguishing signs whereby you may discern whether they stay from being with Child yea or no or from some other preternatural cause and
ought naturally to be capable of conception and using the company of a man doth not conceive Here note four things 1. That a woman in her genital imbracements ought conveniently to receive the mans seed into her womb 2. That she ought to retain the same for a convenient season 3. That she ought to cherish and preserve the same in her womb And 4. That she afford fitting materials from the Embrio or first-conception and duly to augment the same as need shall require Now if the woman receive not the seed if she retain it not if she preserve and cherish it not if she nourish it not so as to increase and grow these are impediments to conception and therefore for your sakes for whom I write I will not spare to give you the signs of barrenness according to these four sorts of causes propounded because in what I do in this particular I aim at the good of others as well as my self 1. Therefore I have told you that a woman in her genital imbracements ought conveniently to receive the mans seed into her womb Signs Hindring of reception of the seed is not hard to be discovered for observe it is occasioned by 1. Tenderness of age as also over elderly state 2. Evil constitution of those parts which border upon the womb viz. 3. When women halt or have crooked leggs their Crupper-bone deprest or are over fat 4. Hatred between man and wife and so I may bring in crooked conditions as well as crooked leggs Look to it women 5. Particular diseases also may hinder the reception of seed as tumors ulcers obstructions closures or stoppage and these may be known by search of the genital parts by an ingenuous man or woman skilled to that purpose Secondly I have told you that she ought also to retain the seed for a convenient season Signs here are evident the woman being sensible thereof Having a very moist and slippery womb c. But the next head will explain this And because that requires more exquisite search and knowledge I pass this and come to 3. I have also told you that a woman ought to cherish and preserve the seed in her womb the causes therefore of corrupting the seed in the womb thereby hindring its nourishment and cherishment are four 1. A cold distemper of the womb 2. A moist distemper of the womb 3. A hot distemper of the womb 4. A dry distemper of the womb The true and general signs of each of which I shew you 1. A cold distemper of the womb is hereby known 1. The woman longs not after carnal imbracements and feels little pleasure therein 2. Her face is soft whitish and cloudy 3. Her feeling is dull about her share loins and thighs 4. She voids thin and crude seed and with little pleasure 5. Her courses are stopped or come very sparingly being pale and discoloured and keep no constant orderly time c. 2. A moist distemper of the womb is known 1. By the lax flagi and soft habit of the womans body 2. Her much spitting and waterish stomach 3. Frequent and almost continual flux of whites 4. Plenty of courses also but thin and watery 5. No appetite to fleshly conjunction 6. Heaviness of her loins apt to miscarry and plenty of urin c. Thirdly A hot distemper of the womb is known 1. By the manly and strong habit of the womans body 2. By a ruddy countenance and black hare both of head and eye-brows 3. She is frequent disposed to be angry and thirsty 4. Her urin little and courses few but sharp doing sometimes dammage to the secret passages 5. Their privities itch and they are prone to carnal imbracements and suddenly void their seed Fourthly A dry distemper of the womb is known 1. By the small quantity of the courses 2. Drying itching and chopping of the mouth of the womb 3. Little excretion of seed in genital imbracements 4. Trouble sometimes arising from overmuch carnal conjunction as also leanness If the seed be corrupted and barrenness caused by witchcraft all other signs will be absent which are wont to declare the natural and manifest causes of barrenness there will be likewise some alienation of minds between the married couple of which neither of them can give any handsome account neither can either of them but seldom shoot forth their seed and when they do it is not without labour and difficulty Diet or poison that extinguish seed if they have been taken may come to knowledge by diligent questioning of the woman and those that usually are about her Lastly Malignant diseases such as are of power to extinguish the seed as Leprous Manginess the Whores Pox and such like are known by their proper signs Note that those couples who are of one constitution and so consequently if not altered by means their seeds both thick or both thin both hot or both cold have seldom children Now to know whether a woman be naturally barren is a certain hidden disposition and very difficult to unfold Authors have left many ways to try yet finding no certainty in them I was resolved to have past them in silence but considering that some might wish otherwise upon the reading hereof I shall set down three ways that whoever is so disposed may try them and accordingly speak 1. Hypocrates saith if a woman conceive not and thou wouldst know whether she will conceive or not let her either receive some fume or put the body of Galbanum softned at the fire tied up in silk with the threed to make fast about the thigh or Garlick if she smell or her head or mouth smell of the same thing she is pronounced fruitfull Note It must be done at night and the tryal to be next morning Secondly Amatus Lusitanus commends this following as a most true sign he takes a drain of a hairs runnet which dissolved in warm water he gives the woman to drink being in a bath of hot water and fasting if the woman do then feel pains in her belly he saith she is fruitful if not that she is barren Thirdly others commend the urine of the woman to discover and manifest this doubt using it thus being put into a convenient vessel steep Barley therein which Barley if it grow within ten dayes they count it a sign of fruitfulness if not of barrenness and some do pour the water upon Bran or Fenugreek and take it for a note of barrenness if any worms breed there And these be all to this purpose Those that have an occasion and are disposed to try they may without dammage danger or any great charges But sometimes it so happens though the woman most usual that the man is the reason of non-conception or generation which we shall diligently consider and lay down some manifest tokens of discovery for it would be in vain in that case to prescribe medicines and directions to the woman she being not the proper subject Barrenness proceeding from the man for
using remedies suitable and fitting which brings me to the cure c. Cure The cure consisteth in preservation for that which is past cannot be helped And The preservation from abortion or miscarriage hath two principal parts or heads The one concerning the woman before she is with child the other when she is with child Before the woman is with child all evil disposition of body which are wont to cause miscarriage must be removed as fulness of blood badness of humors and peculiar diseases of the womb c. Concerning all which advice must be taken of some able Doctor with suitable medicines for this would be too large a field for me at this time to walk or take a turn in But then When she is with child how to prevent her miscarriage I shall here insert that which may do good and be serviceable Besides then that medicine which I have already given for the stopping the overflowing of the courses which is excellent in this case being taken as is there directed I shall adâ—e Take Kermes berries and Tormentil and Bislort roots of each half an ounce Mastick two drams Date stones and shavings of Ivory of each one dram powder them and mix them into the form of an Electuary with syrup of Coral and then mix that with Conserve of red roses and Quinces of each two ounces take the quantity of a Chesnut three times a day morning at four a clock afternoon and at going to bed Hang an Aegle stone Jasper or Smaragds stone about the neck or a piece of Coral in Tiffany make a Plaister with those salves called viz. Emp. pro Matrice Contra Rupturum of each alike and apply it to the region of the share and loins and to the end that the woman may receive good and benefit she must rest her self and keep her self as quiet as possible she can both in her body and mind also she must abstain from genital imbracements c. Moreover this I have observed that by the best and highest graduated means that could be gotten sometimes miscarriage will not be prevented without blood-letting therefore sometimes to some persons to prevent from this evil blood-letting is absolutely necessary yet I dare not say but I have holpen many without bleeding by some secret Arcanums and specifical medicines safe to be taken that my industry in the Art of Chymistry hath made me master of God blessing my endeavours But thirdly of hard child-birth Hard travel in child bearing is such as keep not the due and ordinary laws of nature taking up longer time than ordinary and accompanied with more vehement pains than are usual and other more grievous symptoms Signs Hard travel is known both by the childing woman and by the assistants but especially by the Midwife 1. If the woman continue longer time than ordinary in labour as two three four or more days whereas a truly natural child-birth ought to be accomplished within the space of twelve or twenty four hours at farthest 2. It s a sign of a hard labour if the womans pains be weak and are long before they return and that more especially if her pains be more about her back than privities 3. If the woman be weak and the child weak moving slowly or be either too fat or too lean usually there are hard labours or be crooked also 4. Sometimes hard labour is occasioned by the diseases of the womb 5. Sometimes from the greatness and false situation of the child and 6. Sometimes also hard labour may be guessed at if the water flow from the woman or part of it before its true time which ought but immediately to proceede the birth for this signifies that the after-birth is stronger than ordinary which can hardly be broken c. Cure In pity to poor women in this case though occasioned by sin I shall lay down some choice and excellent observations and medicines in order for their good not at this time at all medling with any directions to or manual operation of the Midwife The observations are these 1. Let the woman lay off all her rings yea and those that are about her also 2. Let her forbear eating any thing that is astringent or binding especially at that time 3. Let her endeavour to be as chearful and lively as possible she may for sleepiness and sottishness do slacken the endeavours both of mother and child 4. Let her also keep her mind free from fear passion sadness anger wroth c. 5. Let her have a Midwife of whom she hath a good conceit and let no woman be about her that there is the least cause or suspicion of prejudice or non-affection 6. Let her not stir unseasonably nor agitate or move to and from unduly fearing it may prevent the child issuing in a fitting posture 7. Let her have her husband if she require or desire it to come into the room to her as often as the man may be rightly constituted and the nature of the work will permit I do not know whether a man kissing his wife at that time have any vertue in it or no but this I know for a certain truth that many good women some I could name have suffered abundantly in this case yea and some so much that their lives have been lost thereby for being denied this priviledge they dying if not undelivered yet not till all is gone and spent that should afterward revive and comfort her and she nearer to the grave than a bed I lay down this the rather because there hath been such evident good success upon the mans presence in several deliveries even immediately that it 's a pity it is not if serviceable to the woman wisely and discreetly put in practice no oftner And besides because I know no substantial reason or ground either from Scripture History nor nature why a man rightly and duly qualified should not have and injoy that priviledge at convenient seasons to visit his wife as in any other dangerous sickness or distemper Weigh what I say well before you judge 8. Let her keep her breath and retain her strength till the right and true time of travel comes This I intimate because there have been many I have known some that have suffered upon this account especially young women who think they are bound and that it is their wisdom to do as the good wives bid them and its common amongst them though but stragling degenerate and wild pains to bid them stop their mouths hold their breath and strain downwards whereas indeed such pains should be let pass without such observation and the woman not put to spend her spirits and strength till it may do her good viz. when the water is complete and judged ready to or hath broke then let her strive and strain what she is able and not before fearing if she do when that time comes her strength and spirits may be impaired and for want thereof the child may not immediately follow the water and
unnatural colour do proceed from her the matter being ripe she may in the latter part of her lying in be safely and advantageously be purged But this must ever be minded and observed that by how much the longer a childing woman is distant from the day of her bringing to bed by so much the more safely as in bleeding may she be purged and so contrary wise For experience hath taught us that women wanting their child-bed purgations if after the seventh or ninth day they are taken with a looseness they commonly escape but if the looseness seize upon them the first day viz. on the second third or fourth for the most part they die and that is all I shall offer in observation concerning those two great evacuations bleeding and purging and so end my discourse only for the better direction of women or nurses in order to inform the Physician in the necessary point of time or knowledge of the disease first seizing the party I shall briefly answer this acute and difficult question Quest Whether the computation of the dayes of the womans sickness ought to be made from the beginning of her disease or from the day in which she is delivered of her child Ans If the birth of the child were natural attended with no grievous symptoms and the child-bed purgations were as they should be and the feaver comes some dayes after the account ought not to be made from the day of the childs birth but from the day the feaver began which was provoked by some other preternatural cause viz. Evil humors lurking within the body or from some external cause But if the child-birth were hard and besides the course of nature and the feaver arose after three or four days we must reckon from the day of the childs-birth because then the whole order of the body began to be overthrown and the humors to be disturbed which was followed by the feaver c. And thus have I finished my treating of womens diseases by Gods blessing whom I pray that these my plain lines may be as candidly received and practised as I in love tendred and offered them that he may have honour and glory by this work both by the writer and reader hereof Unto the latter of which I further address my self in order to their information that I assume the cure of all diseases curable in men or women of all such diseases they are incident to as well as men besides these treated of before and children with six sorts of medicines and no more for all ages constitutions and complexions only the Dose variable The possibility and compleatness of it by reason of those multitude of medicines that are now in use may seem strange to most but to those that understand nature 't is casie and wisdom to agree and consent to such doctrine or truths And that the world may comprehend and imbrace this truth I am now as treating of the medicines so of the possibility and real truth thereof nay further that the best speedy furest and safest way of curing diseases is with a few good medicines and not many compositions but of these things else where Only here take the names and operations of these medicines and so I proceed a little to shew the errors of women in many things appertaining to Physick having finished their diseases curable by Physick These six sorts of medicines are called and their operation is as followeth 1. Pul. Febrifuga Whose operation is chiefly by vomit and sweat the principal medicine for Agues The first inventor thereof Riverlus Physician to the present King of France 2. Ext. Magistrali Whose operation is chiefly by stool 3. Pil. Nigra Whose operation is chiefly by sweating 4. Tinct Sividalis Whose operation is chiefly by urine 5. Laudanum Astringentum Whose operation is chiefly binding the body And 6. Elix Cordialis Whose operation is chiefly to comfort refresh and strengthen both vital natural and animal spirits and all the sunctions of nature being temperate in quality sublime in operation and penetrating in working Now I would have any one shew me such a disease unto which as proper remedies either more or fewer of these medicines may not be administred successefully if they can And that each of them are universal in their classes or their kind I shall sufficiently prove else where Besides these and so I tell you all the chief medicines that I am or desire to be master of except some secret Aroanums and specifical medicines proper only for women before mentioned I have a noble and precious Liquor which I call viam vitae in order to the preservation of health and so consequently a prolongation of life fitted for all Ages Sexes and constitutions and no doubt but happy will those be that use the same with prayer and supplication in the concernments of their bodily or healthful state it being also in this great time of Contagion experienced to be of great force in the preservation and cure of the Plague But this by way of digression yet I hope not altogether unsuitable nor impertinent I come now according to promise looking upon this equally necessary with the other to refute some errors commonly imbraced as truth amongst some women yea by some men also concerning the subject that I am upon And herein you may not think that I will undertake the confutation of all but only of those which I judge most pernicious and rediculous and they are these 1. Some are of the opinion that the Sex and whether a woman be with child or no may be known barely by the urine 2. Some also are of the opinion that the husband breeds his wives child 3. Some are opinion that it is hurtful for the sick to change his linnen very often 4. Some are of the opinion that nothing but hot drinks are to be given to a woman in child-bed 5. Some are of opinion that medicines Chymically prepared are dangerous 6. Some are of the opinion that bleeding and purging are hurtful for women with child 7. Some are of opinion that Gold boiled in broths is a great cordial and good for Consumptions 8. Some have wrong opinions about their choice of Nurses c. A refutation I intend of all these read them soberly judge them wisely and practice conscionably 1. Some are of the opinion that the Sex and whether a woman be with child or no can barely be known by the urine This is a great error and mistake in women notwithstanding I know it is common especially in the latter case for women to send their waters to the Doctors on purpose But that neither the sex nor gravidity can be discerned and discovered barely by the urine I will demonstrate 1. Concerning the sex indeed the urine of a young man an old man a man a woman be different each from other but mark it is only in colour consistance which seeing they may be changed by divers other causes it will not properly shew
least hurt This then â—s clear that women with child may purge and bleed safely and advantagiously but herein when where and what be advised c. 7. Some are of the opinion that gold boiled in broth is a great cordial and good for women in child-bed and to cure consumptions Gold without doubt is of great vertue and excellency yea the noblest the most solid fixt of all metals compacted and of an almost indivisible union in its substance and therefore though it may be very choice and excellent in curing diseases being such as is aforesaid which shews it to be compounded of salt sulphur and mercury brought to the highest degrees of digestion yet being soused as boiled in broth or taken in substance the broth cannot take any vertue from it only possible some dross it being so very compact as it can be dissolved with no fire nor boiling neither can the digestive heat of the stomach and the moisture of imperfect chile in any wise alter the solidity of this noble metal supposing no broth nor liquor in the stomach analogous to Aq. Regia Therefore those who would have the vertues of gold for their help must desire the help of an ingenious chymist who is able to open the body thereof separate and bring him into such a medicine as is nearer to be reduced into its old body I hope I have said enough 8. Some have wrong opinions about their choice of â—urses Gentlewomen and others that nurse not their children themselves are very difficult usually in their choice of a nurse and herein they are not to be blamed but commended for a good nurse makes a thriving child and she ought not only to be diligent in her attendance but be young well be haved of good constitution using a good and wholsome diet and to abstain from venery But in this case I have observed two things which I think ought not to be so enquired after as they are and therefore I shall endeavour their refutation 1. Whether the nurses milk be old or no and how long she hath given suck c. supposing the milk not to be so wholsome for a new-born child and therefore sometimes prefer a nurse that is elder which hath but lately given suck before one that is young if she hath given suck longer and herein they err for the woman being young and qualified for such a work ought to be preserred far before the more elder though she have given suck longeâ— seeing that every day the breasts of nurses do afford new milk because every day new milk is made and hath the same causes of generation after five years which it had the first month for seeing that the milk doth participate of the nature of its material and efficient cause is generated out of these causes only if the nurse be healthful and free from care anger and sorrow of mind and seed on good and wholsome meats there is no doubt but she gives always good and wholsome milk for the milk doth partake of the nature of the bloud of which it is made but in a healthful body nourished with wholsome meats good bloud is always made and of good bloud is not wont to be made bad and unwholsome milk if the body be in health nor can giving suck it self alter or viciate the milk forasmuch as nature ordains nothing that is evil and it would be ill for the child every day the nurses milk were made worse by giving suck When therefore occasion is offered I chusing a nurse let only her constitution healthfulness and age be considered 2. It is supposed by many that a boys milk is fittest for a girl and a girls for a boy and therefore this is another enquiry supposing the boys milk is hotter and therefore fittest for the girl and contrariwise that the girls milk is cooler and so fittest for the boy Two things against this 1. They suppose amiss that a female is always colder than a male whenas experience testifies that some women are hotter than some men nor can a cholerick woman without censure be judged to be colder than a flegmatick man However 2. They erre in supposing the childs sucking can change the temper of the milk for seeing as we have said the nature of the milk doth sollow the nature of the efficient cause and of the meats of which it is made what can the child do against these for while it sucks it cannot by contact alone change the constitution of the mother therefore as I have said before enquiry of these natures may be spared and other things minded and enquired after as is already specified And thus have I by Gods assistance finished what I intend at this time leaving the answering of several questions or resolving several queries viz. What Sex with child of and whether with child or no Concerning longing twins and hair lips c. till another season Read Consider and Judge with a Spirit of Wisdom Meekness Sobriety and Fear And so for this work as for all other good things Gloria Deo tribuanda non nobis Christian Reader Providence having disposed me a former Wise that was very unhealthful occasioned my study and search into womens diseases the advantage of which as then so often since successefully tryed moved me to this Publication Having also experimental Remedies externally applyed for the perfect curing of worms deafness infirmities in eyes defectnessâ—◠〈◊〉 and ruddy or pimply faces if curable which the p 〈…〉 know before hand By N. S. FINIS
herein I shall be serviceable to all good women that shall well mind and seriously consider what I write 1. If the Courses stop by Conception or being with Child there is retained cominonly the natural complexion but others usually are pale and ill-coloured 2. The Symptoms which women with Child have at the first do daily decrease but in other stoppage of the terais by how much the longer the terms stop by so much the more the Symptoms increase mark it 3. In women with Child after the third or fourth moneth there may be perceived the situation and motion of the Infant by laying a warm hand upon the inferior belly in others there is a tumor to befelt but it is flegmatick not hard neither is it proportionable to the womb 4. If a wise and ingenious Midwife touch the inward mouth of the womb it will not be so close shut as it is in women with Child but rather hard contracted and full of pain 5. Women with Child are commonly merry and little disturbed but when terms are otherwise stopped they are sad and forrowful Cure Supposing the suppression of the the Courses by obstructions of the veins of the womb You may begin the Cure with Blood-letting if it do plainly offend either in quality or quantity only be advised where and when Then proceed to the use of these things one after another which are prescribed for the Cure of the Green-sickness but if their disease be so rebellious as not to give way to the former Remedies my advice then is that you Purge with this following Take Pil. Arabica which the Apothecary will help you to two scruples and of Oil of Amber four drops mixed with it be in your Chamber that day and drinking Posset as is ordinary in taking Physick Two or three days after make this medicine following of which give four ounces every morning the first thing and every night the last thing viz. Take Gromwell seed Aniseed Misselto of the Oak of each six drams Ditany of Creet and Cammomil flowers of each two drams Saffron and Cinnamon of each one dram beat what is to be beaten and steep all night in two quarts of good white wine in the morning boil it a little keeping it close cover'd then strain it and use it begging Gods blessing obtaining which undoubtedly it will answer expectations All these being principal receipts amongst the Galenical tribe But if these do not produce such effect as may be and is expected despair not for there is yet other things in our hands which is out of your reach being Chymical preparations that will undoubtedly reach and answer all intentions desires and purposes the blessing of God concurring And let not others through their Pride and Covetousness nor your self by your ignorance and wilfulness upon any account be kept from using those things that the God of all grace hath provided for you for a though slanderously by a vailed generation of men Chymical medicines are accounted and reported dangerous which is the great Bugbear with which they would fright people that so they might keep up their babble I do affirm I am willing at any time to justifie God bearing me witness that I never made or prepared a Chymical medicine in my life neither shall I but what hath been and may safely and without the least danger be given unto little Children And so I come 3. To the Immoderate flux of the Courses a disease which is not without detriment to many good women Womens monethly Courses being moderate in quantity and flowing in due season are natural but if they exceed in quantity or come too often or stay too long they are to be accounted immoderate and besides the intent of nature c. Signs are manifest by the definition however it s known by 1. Ill bearing of the Patient 2. Decay of strength 3. Want of appetite to meat 4. Indigestion of humors 5. Ill habit of body 6. Colour of the face like a dead Corps 7. Swelling of the legs and other most grievous maladies caused by decay of natural heat Cure It must begin by blood-letting in the arm not all at once but by degrees and so she must bleed plentifully as much as her strength can bear And if the Patient can bear the same a Vomit will be convenient especially if the party be prone or apt to vomit which may be done with warm water a pint and Syrup of Squiles two ounces tickling the throat immediately after with a feather After which let this following medicine be given every morning and every night the first and last thing Take the rind of four sower Oranges Bistort and Tormentil of each one ounce the outward rind of the Mulberry-tree two ounces Plantain and Sheepherds Purse of each a handful slice and bruise those things that require it and boil for a full hour in six pints of water then strain it and adde Syrup of Quinces four ounces the Dose is half a pint as aforesaid Outwardly apply a Plaister to the belly spread upon leather and bound on of the ointment called Vnguentum Comitisse it s to be had at the Apothecaries Let them drink Beer and Milk often wherein is quenched red hot Steel and before Diuner for sometime together let them take old Conserve of red Roses one ounce with one dram of the powder of Egg-shells which said things not often fail sometimes do and then we must come to our higher Arcanums and specifical medicines with which I am provided and have cured many not only old in years but old inveterate fluxes to the praise of God I speak it The next thing is the Whites A woman is said to have the whites the woman-flux the flux of the womb or the white menstruals when excrementitious humors do flow from her womb either continually or at least without any certain order or course of time observed in their flowing being sometimes white and flegmatick sometimes pale or yellow sometimes greenish and waterish by the admixture of serous humors Also this disease is wont for the most part to seize upon grown women and those of riper years yet are not Virgins all free from the same so that some have done ill in affirming that such Maids as are troubled with this disease have lost their Virginity my reason is this If Virgins have the veins of their wombs so large that their wonted courses can flow through them why may not the whites drop out of the same passages seeing they are many times more thin and fluxive than the blood it self which is an experienced truth and daily Practice teacheth as much viz. That the most chast and perfect Virgins in the world have had this infirmity c. Signs The disease is easily known by the relation of the party and is oftentimes attended with divers symptoms c. 1. Paleness of the face 2. Want of appetite sometimes with fickness of the stomach 3. Short breathing and weakness 4. Swelling of the Eyes 5.