succeeds long continued and lasting symptoms as you see in an Apoplexy Now those affects which happen to the Nerves which cause Convulsions as a Puncture Inflamation c. if they were in the Brain would not cause them but an Apoplexy and Phrensie although the Brain thus affected by consent also if the cause offending be great and follows continually not only irritating the Brain it self but also by its Vehemency and frequency so hurting it contracts also its proper Disease then the contention of Convulsions lasts almost continually as I not long since observed in a noble Lady nor does the sick hardly ever come any more to themselves or the fit wholy cease till the Patient is dead 4. Yet it may be also that from the same cause as we shall anon speak when we treat of that which is poysonous both the Genus Nervosum and Brain being hurt together Convulsions may happen coupled together with other hurts of the mind 5. But to find out the part which is first affected and with which the Brain consents we must consider the symptoms to wit the inordinate motion and privation of Senses which has so great consent with the Muscles exercising voluntary motion and with the Brain communicating sense that that being hurt the Muscles are forced and the Brain ceaseth a while from its function which we say is that Genus nervosum Or Nervous System because it begins in the Brain and ends in the Muscles under which name viz. of Genus Nervosum we understand all the Nerves in the whole Body both within and without the skull especially those endued with the sence of feeling and the nervous parts which are compounded of them which are of most exquisite sence the which being so hurt that the functions of the Brain are abolished by sympathy and those of the Muscles augmented it must needs be that Convulsions follow which how it may come to pass we will now immediately explicate 6. The offence of the Genus Nervosum not that which weakens its functions but that which by bringing trouble to it doth rather stir up its faculty if it be caused either in one place or more a Nerve or nervous part is affected and if the hurt be great then the whole Genus Nervosum or Nervous system rising up whilst it endeavors to shake off that with which it is offended doth together exagitate the Brain from whence it proceeds and draws it into consent so that that also feeling these disturbances of the Nerves whilst it endeavors to help them to resist and overcome the disaffection driving the Animal spirits from it self into the beginning of the Nerves it is for a season left destitute of its functions but no otherwise than we somtimes observe in a syncope that the Heart without any proper affect of its own the Spirits wandering for some other cause doth cease from its function till they return again 7. In which effusion of the Spirits into the Nerves it happens that the motive power does continue in them not only as was declared formerly but also by reason of the plenty of Spirits of the Nerves the Muscles are excited to exercise their motion but chiefly that Violent and inordinate motion in the beginning of Epileptical fits is acted for this cause that whilst the Genus Nervosum does indeavour to expel this hurt or disaffection it is contracted into it self and then again dilated forcing the Muscles of the whole Body into whose beginnings the Nerves are inserted by consecution to commit those inordinate and outragious motions by pulling or drawing and then remitting them and that so long till the offending matter is removed or expelled from them or by reason of dejection of strength and as it were weariness when they can no longer exercise Motion yet notwithstanding they retain their Limbs convulsed or attracted stiff and fixt for a while till at last they come wholly to themselves 8. This often happens in a Catalepsis presently at the beginning no agitation of the Body going before perhaps because in that Disease there is not so great an effusion of Spirits into the Nerves when as in that somtimes some senses do yet remain and there is a less iritation of the Nerves whence as it may be accounted as Platerus saith a certain lighter kind of Epilepsie yet very seldom happening otherwise proceeding from the same cause which breeds an Epilepsie but which doth either lâsââffect the Genus Nervosum by irritation or else has that property to produce a stupidity or rigidness of the members rather than a Convulsion 9. But that these causes of hurt to the Genus Nervosum from whence an Epilepsy often proceeds a Catalepsis more seldom are diverse and frequent it is no wonder for that the Nerves by reason of their exquisite sence are not only unable to endure great hurts or Pains but also are so easily offended by the slightest that they cannot suffer the touch of a body for which reason whilst they are carried in the Body nature hath provided for them that they touch not the Bones neither are they joyned to any other parts besides those into which they are inserted from which notwithstanding they are not exasperated by divers incursions unless they be great and violent so that they be Convulsed of which sort are those which may happen to them from a Wound irritation or infection either acting singly or more of them together 10 That a Convulsion may be caused by a Wound made in a Nerve or Nervous part daily experience has confirmed yet not from every Wound of a Nerve but only or for the most part from a Nerve hurt by Pricking upon which Convulsions are wont to follow its function being thereby stirred up by reason of the hurt for which reason also if we cut off a Nerve Convulsed we cure the Convulsion caused in it but this molestation of the Nerve proceeding from the solution of its continuity is yet more increased by an Inflamation or Putrefaction from the Corruption restrained in the narrow hole of the Puncture of the said Nerve and by the great Pain from thence which for the most part does attend this affection if the Wound happen from Iron which of its own nature is an enemy to the Nerves commonly by reason of its rust or because it is infected or a blow or bite of a poysonous Beast 11. But also a Nervous part being wounded especially in that place where the Nerves goe under it and constitute the greater part of it as the Bladder being hurt at the Neck the Muscles about their beginnings either by chance or whilst the Chyrurgian and Lithotomist attempt an aperture of the place most commonly dangerous Convulsions succeed which a difficulty of swallowing going before so much feared by the Chyrurgian calling it a Spasm of the Stomach is wont most an end to foretell 12. An irritation of the Genus Nervosum if it be vehement may also cause Convulsions which proceeds either from
things therein as beating with a Pestel in a Mortar For here the Pores being mightily opened by the continual grasping of that heavy and hard matter there is first a too great exhausting of the animal Spirits in the part secondly a loss of part of the neurotick Juyce Blisters being raised these it is true after the first or second occasion would easily grow well again and the Parts come to their prist in State but a continual Exercise of the same Work as it is a continuation of the Cause so at length it causes so great an Irregularity as is scarcely ever to be retrieved 4. And the reason is the same in those who have crooked Backs and cannot raise themselves up straight for that they have for a long time carried heavy Burthens for which Cause the animal Spirits being obstructed in their Course are driven back to their Center and the neurotick Juyce likewise in like manner exhausted by unnatural Swearing and other insensible ways of Evacuation and withall a continuation of such like drudgery for several years an evil habit is at length caused so that for the want of Spirits and exsiccation of the nervous Juyce these wretched Creaturâs go all their days after bending downwards and these things may also come to pass in those who have long and often laboured under a Tetanos or other Species of Convulsions from whence there is the same loss of Spirits and exsiccation of the said neurotick Juyce the which humor being wasted by the aforementioned causes such a Consumption and leaness appears manifestly in the Muscles of the Limbs even outwardly especially in the greater that their Nerves and Tendons feem to consist rather of Fibres than Flesh and to represent dry Cords rather than soft Nerves 5. This is also caused in part from a defect of Fat which is wont first of all to be wasted by the aforesaid causes when as it growing both extrinsically to their Membranes and being intrinsically inbred with the Fibres of certain of the greater Muscles chiefly anointing and bathing them therewith as it were that they might be the easier extended and contracted in Motion being now deprived thereof renders them unfit for motion whence also follows a Consumption of that which Physicians call Ros Cambium Gluten or Glue with which the Tendons in like manner are wont to be smeared all which happens often-times from the force of an external Heat being too great and persevering long which doth as it were shrink up the Tendons and Muscles as well as dry them 6. Hence the Difference between a Convulsion and a Contraction is much more manifest a Convulsion proceeds only from the Irritation of the Nerves not their exsiccation but a Contraction from the exsiccation of the said Nerves either from too frequent and long Irritations or the Causes first above mentioned which every Artist is desired to take notice of and so it appears that a Convulsion is only a hurt of the animal Spirits in the Genus Nervosum c. A Contraction a cutting them off from the Part affected whence arises the aforesaid exsiccation and shrinking up But such an exsiccation can scarcely be caused from any internal heat though in the most burning Feavers And in an Hectick the Body being otherwise almost wasted yet the Members do not appear contracted except by accident in the Tongue or in the Midriff being over dryed c. 7. After these manners the Muscles almost proper to every part may be hurt whence only particular Contractions of those Parts do ensue Of one Part only if its particular Muscle be hurt Or more if one Muscle send Tendons to many Parts but these things never simply befal a Nerve being so small and slender a Part but they may be effected in the Tendon of a Muscle because it is so strong 8. Some Authors say That a Contraction may be caused from a pituitous or encrementitious humor falling upon and filling the body of the Muscle or Tendons which being thereby distended and made shorter it thereby attracts the Part into which it is inserted from whence they inferr that a Contraction may be caused but I should rather think that if an humor fallen down upon the Muscles possesses their spaces by which they are joyned together that it should rather cause a Pain and upon that account a difficulty of motion than a Contraction of the Part and if it bedew or smeer the Nerves or Tendons a Palsey should rather ensue 9. And this is a certain Truth that the Parts being deprived of animal Spirits their Functions must necessarily cease for from them are communicated to the Muscles the Power of moving and to the sensible Parts the Power of feeling and therefore if the Nerve be wholly destitute of them the remaining Part thereof from the place affected even to the Part into which it is inserted becomes useless the same comes to pass if its continuity with the Part be broken for then the passage of the said animal Spirits is interrupted And this may be somtimes when the Nerves are so straightned that the animal Spirits which require a free passage through them can no longer pass or fill them up or not sufficiently for that though they be most thin and subtile and do illustrate the Nerves like the Rays of the Sun yet nevertheless they may be hindred even as the Sun-beams also may be stopt And this happens if a Nerve or Tendon be so prest in any part of it that its substance doth wholly sink down Or if its substance be so condensed also whereby the passage of the said Spirits are interrupted 10. And the same may come to pass as well as from a solution of continuity straightness of the Nerves condensation preternatural Tumor simple Distemper c. from some fault of the Organ which may arise either from internal or external Causes hurts by compression ligatures blows c. whereby plenty of humor flowing from the adjacent Parts in those narrow places compresses the Nerves with its weight whereby is intercepted the passages of the animal Spirits as is aforesaid the which being detained by so much the longer stop by so much the more the humors become thicker and mucous which cooling and compressing the substance of the Nerves or Tendons destroys their proper temper and so hinders them from ever being filled with or enjoying the said animal Spirits any more 11. And truly this was the reason why we handled Contractures in this place for although they seem to be rather Diseases of the extream Parts yet being for the most part if not always caused from a hurt of the animal Spirits and Functions the Fountain of which resides in the Brain we thought good rather to treat of the same amongst Diseases of the Head and therefore have here added these few Observations and brief Theory as an Appendix to the Chapter of Convulsions being the first that ever we saw in print of this kind XXIV The Prognosticks of Contractures 1. Contractions
changes forms or shapes for which no natural Cause could be easily rendred insomuch that it seemed to be wholly supernatural First I was troubled with Convulsion fits which followed me for three Days and Nights with exceeding great Torture and Pain these being in appearance conquered they left an exceeding weakness faintness and pining even to the day that this great Sickness fell upon Me which was three Weeks or thereabouts afterwards After which I fell ill of the Piles as aforesaid of which in process of time becoming eased I seemed as it were to be well but suddenly fell down again with greater amazement pain and weakness It was ordinary for me to seem to Recover and to be so well as if I ailed nothing at what time and when freest from pain I should be all of a suddain taken Lame sometimes in one Legg sometimes in the other Legg and sometimes in both at another time in the Hip and so in other parts so that I could neither go nor stand Nay nor without very great pain stir my Self either in my Chair or Bed nothing to be seen all this while either of Tumor discoloring or any other hurt upon the part or any place near it nor any hurt yet done to the same by any external violence preceeding it and this to last two or three days and then to go away of its own accord Upon the appearance of these such Medicaments as was thought most proper not only by my self but also by many other very able and learned Physicians were applyed but without the least appearance of any Good yea rather the Symptoms were exasperated in so much that we were forced to give over the most hopeful expedients If upon the taking of any probable Medicine and that of a high Nature and admirable preparation I found any good or ease it was but for four or five times taking and then without any new Cause known either to Me or my assistants I presently Relapsed and became if possible ten times worse than I was before Of these Relapses I had many during all which I had a mighty Tumor of the whole Collum both external and internal so that I could neither turn my Neck on any side nor swallow the least thing without very great difficulty and pain and for the most part in danger of Suffocation When at any time the Vehemency of the Symptoms slacked I began again to Swallow freely and well as if I had never ailed any thing which hopeful condition would last sometimes ten twelve or fourteen days upon Me every day growing better At length and all of a sudden without any apparent praevious Cause yea in about two hours time I should again fall into a Relapse so great as that not only my Self but the By-standers could not believe that I could ever recover it for that there would be present a great Sickness at Heart sometimes Vomiting sometimes not with an Oppression of the Stomach and Stoppage of Breath even to Swooning away after the Vehemency of the Symptom was over there then remained the old difficulty of Swallowing with Vehemency of pain and sometimes I could not Swallow at all but as things were thrust down by force Not so much as a Raison could I get down by Virtue of the Faculty of the part might I have had the whole World as a Reward for so doing And in this state I should continue somtimes six eight twelve or fourteen days and then again find a little amendment After this manner I spent eighteen Weeks at the end of which time my Body became a mear Skeleton covered only with Skin From hence I grew worse and worse and dispaâring of Life resolved in my own Brest to go into the Country not out of hopes of Life but only to Dye that thereby I might for a few days seclude my self from my affairs from Visitants and indeed as much as might be from the whole World before I went hence to that place from whence as Job saith I shall never more return I went into the Country not above five or six miles from London and in about eight or ten days time or thereabouts without taking of any Physick except the Pill of my Laudanum which I had ordinarily taken before every Night for fifteen or sixteen Weeks time in London I became to all apprehensions perfectly well so that about New years day I was not only freed from all my pains swallowed well eat drank and slept well but also my so extreamly extenuated Body became filled with flesh again Seeing my Self in so good a Condition I suddenly returned to the City where after a few days by little and little almost insensibly my Disease returned and I fell into another Relapse of which I shall speak in the sequel of this Observation 8. But leaving the abstruse or hidden Causes of these things to the various determinations of other Judgments we shall now come to shew what Medical Progress was made in order to the Cure of this supposed more than natural Disease The Piles being perfectly removed as aforesaid at § 6. above left behind them a continual Feaver a Tumor of the whole Collum both external and internal a Vehement Diaphoresis or Sweating with a Costiveness or hard binding up of the Bowels for about ten days I conceived it highly necessary to move the Belly for which cause I ordered emollient Clysters to be exhibited Morning and Night Take Milk a pint Honey Oyl Olive of each four spoonfuls mix and give it warm These went not without their Success for they brought away a vast quantity of hardned Excrements I continued them for five or six days but no longer than I took Clysters no longer could I go to Stool 9. Upon this I considered with my Self what was fit farther to be done and I ordered a Decoction of Damask Roses in Clarified Whey I drank liberally of it that it gave me not so much as one Stool but I grew harder bound in Body than before Hereupon I repeated over Night the former Clyster and the next Morning the same again but before the Clyster was given in the Morning I took the following Purge Take Carraway and Fennel seeds of each a dram Sena half an ounce White Wine a pint and half boyl to a pint strain and sweeten with white Sugar This I drank almost quite off It moved my Body well and purged Me for at least three or four days bringing away at first a great plenty of Water then much cold moist thick slimy and viscous matter so that I was apparently eased thereby the Feaver and Sweating somewhat abated 10. But the loosness occasioned by taking the aforesaid Dose of Sena which was all the Purges I had taken for more than twenty years last past continuing long upon Me and I finding in twelve or fourteen days time no Release therefrom I began to think of something for that purpose However in the mean season the Feaver returned again with its Violence which was
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
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
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
nature would contribute something as to adding strength to it 7. Now to effect that intention We applyed that most admirable Emplaster of Mynsicht viz. his Diagalbano Crocatum a Medicament never sufficiently to be commended by the application whereof our feeble Patient in two or three months time was perfectly restored to my great Credit and the exceeding satisfaction of his indulgent Parents II. A Contracture of the Arm in an old Water-man in Southwark 1. This old Man aged about seventy for the space of seven or eight year had lost the use of his left Arm by reason of a Contracture so that he could not in any wise attend his Calling the poor old Man desired my help which I granted and performed the Cure as followeth 2. First I bathed the Contracture very well with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I caused it to be anointed with Oleum Nervinum after which I applyed Emplastrum de minio simplex made with Vinegar and Oyl without Wax it was boyled and taken off whilst it was red a little before it was going to turn black 3. In this Cloths was dipt and applyed to his Arm and about six or seven of these plasters or Sear-cloths performed the Cure 4. The poor old Man was able to give me nothing for my Cure but only gave me of his own free will a bottle of Sack However not long after as a further token of his graââful spirit he helped me to a better Patient from whom I Received about fifteen or sixteen pound III. A Contraction in the left Ham in a certain Virgin 1. It was occasioned through a fall and a hurt in the part or parts adjacent being ill cured the Contracture was new but by reason the joint was great as also the parts contracted I was the more dubious of the Cure however being encouraged by the Friends of the party affected 2. I applyed the following things with success beyond Imagination first I caused the part affected to be very well bathed with the Spirit of Aniseeds then I anointed it very well with the expressed Oyl of Mace after which we applied for forty days together or more the Cataplasmum de stercore humano the praeparation of which you may see in our Doron lib. 3. cap. 7. sect 9. 3. The Cure succeeded much contrary to my expectation For the Patient could walk without Crutches or so much as halting 4. The like Cure I performed in a Child using only the same Medicaments IV. A Contracture in the Ham with a lameness of both the Ankles 1. This being a Youth about fifteen or fixteen years of age had this disaffection upon him by reason of a fall first I bathed all the weakned and disaffected parts with the Spirit of Aniseeds afterwards with the Powers of Amber 2. Immediately after I anointed with Oyl of Mace by expression after which I applied Emplastrum diasulphuris Rulandi by which my Patient seemed to be cured save only a weakness remained upon the parts lately disaffected 3. After the application of the Emplaster about eight or nine weeks it being renewed once in three days I caused the said weakned parts to be bathed with a strong tincture of Myrrh made with the best rectifyed spirit of Wine whereby the sick in a short time became perfectly well V. A Contraction Incurable 1. A young Man about seventeen or eighteen years of age was taken with the Sciatica by which he was vehemently afflicted this Disease either by nature or the Artifice of Empericks degenerated and the matter was translated into an Apostem on the outside of the Thigh which being opened a great quantity of corruption came out 2. But by the ill-management of the cure or unskillfulness of the Chyrurgion the Apostem fistulated and made Coney-borroughs as it were thorugh the whole Thigh which afterwards by another hand was Cut up and the bone laid open to be scaled being black and corrupted in many places 3. After two years time the Patient was in a sort cured leaving only a great Contraction of the Ham and one runing Fistula-sore which was no great trouble to him yet this evill Effect it had that thereby the whole Humidum Radicale was drained away the sick dying in a miserable Consumption 4. In his Life-time almost a thousand things were applyed to restore the contracted Hand but all in vain 5. Being dead I was desirous to see the contracted Tendon which being laid open and freed from the rest of the flesh and Vessels it had contracted not a Gristley but a kind of Boney hardness to the great Admiration of the Spectators this hardness by degrees decreased till it left the Nerve in its own natural state VI. A Contraction of the Fingers cured by a Woman Emperick 1. She first anointed the contracted parts with the Oyl of Cammomil which being don for two or three days she caused the Patient to hold her Hands in a hot Cows-Paunch for an hour or two which was five or six several times repeated 2. In the Intervalls of which and afterwards she only applyed this following Cataplasm Take Oleum Nervinum one ounce Oyl of Cammomil Oyl of Euphorbium of each half an ounce fresh Cow-dung half a pound mix them well together and apply them to the part affected 3. By the use of these meanes the Patient was in about five or six weeks restored again to perfect health VII A Contraction of the In-step with a scrophulous Tumor 1. This was supposed at first to come through a strain but whatever the cause there was a great flux of ill-digested humors to the part afflicted whereby followed a Contraction of the In-step with a great Tumor thereof and in the Ankle and indeed a swelling of the whole Foot Insomuch that the Patient a Youth about ten or eleven years of age could not go and was forced to keep his bed for many weeks together 2. Many things were used to resolve the Tumor and great Discussives were applied but all in vain at length we applied things to ripen it and to bring it to a Suppuration which in convenient time was done 3. The Tumor ran at first a great deal of thin matter afterwards the Sanies run more thick being broke we applied this following Cataplasm 4 Take Venice Turpentine two ounces Oyl of Roses one ounce Yolks of Eggs number two with Bean-Meal a sufficient quantity make a Cataplasm which apply 5. The Tumor seemed cavernous or hollow whereupon we cast thereinto with a Syringe this following Injection Take plantain-Water a pint Salt of Vitriol two drams Saccharum Saturni half a dram Tincture of Aloes made of white Wine one ounce and half Infusion of Crocus mutallorum Spirit of Wine of each two ounces mix and make an Injection to be cast in warm twice a day 6. The Tumor Lameness and Sore continued more than a year upon him Insomuch that the Friends of the Person were advised by several Chyrurgions to have it laid open 7. But by reason of the
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
1. This hapned to a married wife of about 35 years of Age it had continued a month or more with great vehemency and resisted all Medicine that for that space had been applyed to her 2. She was of a pleasant and merry disposition when well ruddy complexion white smooth and soft skin so that she seemed to be absolutely Sanguine 3. The Cause of the pain was from cold taken by going by water by reason of which the violence of it was so great that at sometimes it created Raving and sometimes senselessness she knew none that came near her and would talk idly moreover it extreamly afflicted the whole Neck as with a Cramp or Convulsion so that she could not turn it without exceeding great pain 4. In order to her cure I prescribed this Clyster to be given over-night Take fat Mutton Broth twelve ounces Infusion of Crocus metallorum three ounces Oyl of Juniper-Berries two Drams mix and exhibit it warm The next morning I gave her this Take Scammony in fine pouder eight grains Cambogia five grains Cremor Tartari fifteen grains Crocus metallorum four grains make all inro fine pouder for one Dose This was given her the next morning fasting it wrought strongly with her both upwards and downwards the sixth day following the same Dose was repeated again 5. In the mean season proper Topicks were applyed I ordered her hair to be cut off and her whole Head to be anointed with Oyl of Amber as also her Nostrills and Neck and then upon her head I applyed hot Bread as aforesaid which being three times renewed she became eased and in seven or eight days time was perfectly cured X. An extream Head-ach arising from the Pox. 1. This was a Woman of 28 years of Age who had for more than seven years been tainted with the Pox she had been twice Fluxt first with the Neapolitan Unguent by anointing secondly by Turpethum Minerale given inwardly the Flux the first time continued as she related to me 20 days the latter time it was not fully over till 28 days afterwards she had the common Diet of the Hospitals for forty days and was also sweat with several Diaphoreticks eight or ten times 2. Her Constitution was cold moist and Flegmatick and she was very gross of body and fat she eat drank and slept well except when these cruel pains tormented her which were sometimes three or four nights together about midnight and would continue 5 or 6 hours and sometimes they would begin and hold three or four days together 3. The Symptoms concurring were a most filthy and stinking matter running by the Nose when this ran well she had ease when this ran not she was extreamly pained from hence I feared danger as that the Bone or some principal part was corrupted and so much doubted the Cure 4. However I assayed to do the best for her I could I ordered her the Decoction of Sarsaparilla mentioned in Sect. V. aforegoing and it to be drank for at least 60 dayes but because of her cold Constitution of Body I ordered to that proportion there mentioned Rosemary Sage of each three handfuls Sweet-marjoram two handfulls Contrayerva Virginia-snake-root of each 4 ounces these to be put in 3 quarters of an hour before the end of the boyling I also purged her with this Take Troches Alhandal in pouder four ounces Spirit of Wine a quart Infuse three or four days Of this she took a spoonful or spoonful and an half every third day for 8 or 9 times 5. As to Topicks I gave her the Sernutatory or Sneezing pouder of Deckers whose Composition you may see in our Doron Medicum now in the Press this was blown up her Nostrils four times with good success by means of which a vast quantity of filth was brought from her Head by her Nostrils so that she did as it were Flux by the Nostrils after the fourth time when the Flux seemed to cease she was syringed by the Nostrils with this Lotion Take Aqua Ophthalmica Nostra four Ounces see the way of making it in Our Dispensatory in Lib. 5. Cap. 1. Plantane Water three Ounces Spirit of Wine one Ounce and an half mix them to inject withal With this her Head was Syringed by her Nostrils three or four times a day for 6 or 7 days after which she became perfectly well to admiration Observations out of Rulandus XI The Cure of the Headach in a certain Citizen of Lauginga Cent. 1. Obs 53. 1. This Man was about fifty years of Age and had with this pain of the Head a lost Appetite and difficulty of Breathing 2. He was cured with this Potion Take Pectoral Decoction two ounces syrup of Roses Solutive of Montanus one ounce Diaphenicon three drams extract of Esula half a scruple mix and make of all a draught He took this it purged him very well and so he recovered his Health XII A most vehement pain in the Head which hapned to an Husband man Cent. 1. Obs 73. 1. He was aged thirty two years when he was troubled with this grievous pain and was cured as follows First he was purged with this Take Aqua Benedicta Fountain Water of each an Ounce mix them These he drank and was well purged upwards and downwards and began to amend 2. The day after his purgation the Cephalick Vein of his right Hand near his Thumb was opened because the pain lay most in the right side of the Head 3. Also this Epithem was applyed Take twenty live Crabs Vinegar of Roses five Ounces beat them together in a Mortar so as to make an Epithem It was often applyed to his Head at the beginning of the Cure whereby the vehement pain and torment was much allayed XIII The Head-ach in a young Woman Cent. 1. Obs 80. 1. She was twenty one years of Age and had accompanying with this Head-ach a difficulty of breathing and a Cough She was suddenly recovered of her Health by this following drink twice repeated 2. The Drink Take Decoction of Centory three ounces Diaturbith with Rhubarb one Dram and an half Extract of Ezula half a Dram make all into a potion 3. This she drank which made her void many Worms both by Stool and Vomit whereby she presently grew better On the third day she drank the same drink again by the happy Operation whereof she perfectly recovered XIV A pain in the Head with noise in the Ears Cent. 2. Obs 2. 1. This Observation was upon one John Faber a man of excellent Piety and Learning an industrious Professor in the University of Lauginga who being twenty two years of Age was dangerously pained in his Head with a sound in his Ears which Symptoms were caused by Flegm and Vapours bred in his Brain he was healed after this manner 2. First he was purged with this Take Pulvis Sanctus or pouder of Sena solutive four scruples hot Pease Broth five Ounces mix them This Potion he drank fasting in the Morning and was well cleansed
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
Agarick Rosin of Jalap of each four Grains Sal Armoniack three Grains Elaterium two Grains Tartar Vitriolate ten Grains Oyl of Lavender one Drop mix and make Pills for one Dose This I repeated every fourth or fifth morning 9. In this interim of Purging I prescribed this following to be taken every morning fasting to six Ounces Take Parsly water two Pounds Juyces of Plantane and Fumitory clarified of each one Pound and an half Juyces of Oranges three Pound mix them At noon I ordered this to be taken Take Plantane Water a Pint Syrupus de-quinque radicibus three Ounces Spirit of Sal Armoniack a Scruple mix them for three Doses to be taken for three days just before Dinner At Night this Take Fumitory-Water a Quart Harts-Horn calcined half an Ounce Sal Prunellae three Drams mix boyl all a quarter of an Hour then strain and sweeten with Syrup of Harts-Tongue Give it for four Doses for four Nights going to Bed This Course I continued with her for three Weeks 10. Lastly that I might the more effectually cool the Blood and alter the hot Constitution of the Body I Ordered her to take Oyl of Salt in all the drink she drank and to make it as tart as she could well endure it and this to do at least 5 6 or 7 times a day by following this Counsel she became perfectly well in about three weeks time being freed as well from her Scurvy as her Megrim III. A Megrim proceeding from a Scorbute in a Cold Constitution 1. This is a famous Example An ancient Woman about 55 years old who had at times been for more than seven years troubled with this Pain which as all Physicians judged and truly enough to proceed from the Scurvy she had diversity of Symptoms in the Skin as Spots in the Leggs Pustules and Ulcers swellings in the Gums looseness of Teeth and a kind of Erratick Itching all over her whole body to which add this violent pain over the one half of her head 2. She had been under other Physicians hands who had often let her Blood cup't her upon each Shoulder had Issues in both Arms and both Legs given her Clysters and purged her with a vast number of Cephalick Pills but all to no purpose 3. After all this she came to me requesting my Directions and declaring all that had been done as aforesaid by which I perceived they had not levelled at the cause of the pain but directed their aim at a wrong mark When I had a little viewed and examined the Woman I found the Scurvy to be the root of the matter and the Scurvy in a cold Constitution and therefore thought in my own Breast That unless I directed my intentions of Cure to that I should necessarily miss the desired end as well as those who had gone before me 4. In the first place I cleansed her Bowels with this Clyster Take Mutton Broth twelve ounces Tincture of Colocynthis an ounce and half Oyl of Aniseeds one dram well mixed with Sugar three ounces put all together and give it warm In all her Drink but chiefly in Horse-radish wine to take about 12 or 14 drops of Spirit of Sal Armoniack four or five times a day I gave her a dram of Sal Vitrioli in Chicken Broth which I repeated every morning for three times then I purged her four times twice with the Lunar Pills and twice with the Golden Spirit of Life of Rulandus the making of which see in my Dispensatory giving them alternately every third day 5. When all these things were done I ordered her to drink the Antiscorbutick Wine of Mynsicht see it in my Dispensatory lib. 4. cap. 12. sect 11. for 14 or 16 days together dropping into every draught thereof 8 drops of the Spirit of Sal Armoniack afore-mentioned 6. For Topicks I ordered to her head hot Bread and it to be repeated as occasion required then the places pained to be bathed with Powers of Amber and Juniper-berries of each a like quantity mixed together Lastly That the Ventricles of the Brain should be evacuated with the solid Errhins mentioned in Cap. 1. Sect. 4. § 5. foregoing 7. And to consummate the Cure I ordered my Patient the Electuarium ad Tabidos which see in my Doron Medicum lib 2 cap. 22. sâct 1. to be taken every morning fasting and just before Dinner a dram at a time it not only strengthens and comforts all the weakned and enfeebled parts but is a most excellent Cephalick and a very great Antiscorbutick And at Night going to Bed an ounce of the Conserves of Scurvygrass Water-Cresses and Brook-lime made up into a Mass with Sugar the Herbs being in equal proportion Thus in a months time the Sick became perfectly well IV. A Megrim proceeding from a certain foulness of the Stomach 1. This was in a Plough-man of near 40 years of Age and had been of about a twelve months continuance The man was of a black swarthy Countenance dull-spirited slow both of motion and speech and of a cold dry and melancholy habit of body 2. His great Complaint was of a heaviness at Stomach bad appetite and worse digestion so that sometimes he Vomited up what he had received with a great deal of other thick black and nasty matter 3. I gave him an ounce of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum mixed with an ounce of Oxymel of Squills and three ounces of Carduus water with this he purged both upwards and downwards and his Stomach seemed to be well cleansed five days after I repeated the same and again a third time and he became well From my House at the Red Balls in Salisbury-Court Fleetstreet where my Synopsis Medicinae are to be had London Printed for T. Dawks L. Curtiss sold by T. Basset J. Wright R Chiswel 1681. The Chapter of the Megrim continued Numb 6. August 13. V. A Megrim arising from Blood over-heated 1. A young man of a good habit and constitution of body over-heating himself in Hay-time or Harvest fell into a very strong Feaver with a mighty pain on the right side of his head The Country people used many things to him whereby his Feaver was mightily abated or in a manner gone but the pain of his head continued 2. He came to me and gave as clear a Description as he could of his Disease by which I found that the true Cause was too great a heat and fermentation of the Blood not yet totally suppressed 3. I ordered him Spirit of Sal Armoniack 12 drops to be taken in fair water morning and night and to be continued for about 10 days time During which time I ordered him to Drink 5 6 or 8 drops of Oyl of Sulphur in all the drink he drank and to take it about 5 or 6 times a day by this means the heat of his Blood was allayed and the pain went away without any kind of Purging VI. A Megrim proceeding from a Stomach oppressed with Flegm 1. A certain young
here is to be noted That such as recover of this Disease remember nothing past no not their Disease or any thing relating to it 10. As to the Cure Authors order a plentiful letting of Blood and often as 3 or 4 times the same day therein placing the only hope of Remedy because a great quantity of Blood possesses the soft and moist substance of the Brain and no other revulsion can be made so great as by Blood-letting even to the drawing out of almost all the Blood in the Veins and here the saying of Prudent Celsus may be noted That it is better to experiment a doubtful Remedy than to leave the Sick to apparent and certain danger and that many things are rightly done in time of eminent danger which otherwise ought to be omitted Sharp Clysters may also be given every day to bring the humors downwards also Cupping-glasses may be applyed with deep Scarrification to the Shoulders and Back Frictions and Ligatures to the extream parts Vesicatories to the Neck and Arms The Saphena in the Legs may be opened then the Forehead Veins after the Arteries in the Temples next the Vein at the tip of the Nose lastly set Horse-Leeches behind the Ears See my Synopsis Medicinae lib. 3. cap. 29. sect 28. The rest of the Cure you may find where we treat of a Frenzy Lastly if you find the Disease decline you may gently resolve by applying Bread hot out of the Oven 11. As to my Patient I very much feared his Death and that there was a real Sphacelation of the Brain His Parents urged me to do something Blood-letting and other things for revulsion were done before sufficiently so that they need not to be repeated at the request of his Friends I gave him though unwillingly a Dose of the Lunar Pills and ordered Tincture of Luna and Oyl of Sulphur to be given in all his Drink but alas early the next morning the Youth had surrendred his Vital Breath His Head was afterwards opened and the Brain on the right side which was the side on which the pain was was perfectly Sphacelated or mortified which was the true Cause of his Death XI A Megrim proceeding from a Cold taken 1. A labouring Woman of about 36 years of Age having taken a great cold was extreamly perplexed with a violent pain in her head on the left side so that at first it even distracted her 2. It had been but of 3 weeks continuance but very extream my Counsel was desired therein I gave her half a dram of Pilulae ex duobus for she was of a strong body it wrought very well and gave her 12 Stools Three days following I Sweat her with 15 grains of Bezoar mineral mixed with half a Dram of Mithridate giving her after it this Take Aqua Vitae Matthioli that is Aqua Coelestis one ounce Syrupus Bizantinus compound one ounce and half Camomil water three ounces mix them This made her Sweat for 10 or 12 hours powerfully and upon the fourth day following it was repeated again 3. Outwardly I caused her head to be bathed 4 or 5 times a day with the Quintessence or Powers of Sassafras and to snuff the same up her Nostrills then her head to be bound up so was she in 8 days time perfectly cured All the Drink she took during this time was almost boyling hot or as hot as she could endure it XII A Megrim with the Cramp in many parts of the body 1. The Sick in Winter time had been 4 days troubled with this Megrim which seemed to arise from a cold taken and a disaffection of the Stomach for he had not only the Cramp seized him in his Arms Thighs and Calfs of his Legs which came from sitting down upon the Snow but he had also Convulsions of the Stomach and violent reachings to Vomit which much excited the Pain of his head 2. Inwardly I prescribed this Take Powers of Sassafras six ounces Saffron 2 Drams Cochenele in pouder one dram Infuse three days of this I ordered him to take half a spoonful at a time or somewhat more in a little Glass of Canary and this to be done 3 or 4 times a day This wonderfully comforted and healed his Stomach it cheared his heart also and mightily revived his Spirits and by a specifick property gave ease not only to the pain of the Head but to all the Convulsive parts in like manner for in this Case there is scarcely the like Medicament in the whole republick of Medicine 3. Outwardly I caused the Head Nostrils and all places where the Cramp had seized to be well bathed twice a day viz. morning and night with the Powers of Amber these mightily resolved and discuss'd the matter of the Cause and also nourished and cherished the native heat which seemed to be hurt But the Head I caused to be bathed with the said Powers three or four times a day and so to be bound up By the use of these remedies the sick was freed from all his Grief in about ten days time XIII A Megrim in a woman which had lately been delivered 1. It was upon the right side of her Head by reason of taking cold from a Casement being left open the Wind blowing upon her as she lay in her Bed 2. She had been delivered about sixteen days before and was well cleansed so that no fault could arise from thence nor indeed was there any thing more or less than the alteration of the Temperament of the part 3. The pain was vehement upon her by fits but the fit would sometimes last eight or ten hours upon her and encreas'd so vehemently as to cause an alienation of mind but when the extremity was off from her she was never absolutely freed from it but only a kind of remission 4. It had now been upon her 8 daies she sends for me and desired my Assistance relating to me what past whereby I apparently saw that the pain arose not from matter abounding nor from blood over heated but only from a simple intemperature of Cold for the side where the pain was was always cold and in the time of the fit extream cold as if it was numbed 5. From hence I concluded That if I could but throughly warm the part I should remove the pain hereupon I caused the head to be well annointed with oyl of Sassafras then hot bread out of the oven to be laid to and to be repeated for 2 or 3 times this did her good and gave her ease after the bread had been thrice applyed I ordered her head to be anointed morning and night with Oyl of Sassafras and so a flannel to be laid-over it and to be bound up as also to annoint the inside of her Nostrils and this to be continued for so long time till she felt her self wholy freed from her pain which was in about 14 daies time 6. However during all this while that we might be sure to strengthen the Brain also with the
Our business to conserve and restore the strength of the body by a good Diet and exhibition of Corroboratives with proper Epithems by which at length the pain ceased and a little time after he recovered his Health 7. This flux of blood may be thought to proceed from the Spleen because that for many years before he laboured under a hardness and Scirrhus of the Spleen the blood also was black which sufficiently denoted it and the Spleen also has its first influx into the Ventricle which doth appear because always before the excretion of this a dust and coagulated blood for a whole day or longer he complained of loathing and a great weight at the bottom of his stomach with the feeling of much pain Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 9. XVII Another Inveterate Megrim 1. A Noble Matron was troubleâ with a long and sharp pain in the left side of her Head which in a cold and moist time was most vexatious to her Many and various Medicines were exhibited both internal and external by the Praescription of Physicians but all in vain 2. At length I was called and having diligently enquired into the Cause of the Disease found that about 4 years and an half before she had been afflicted with a most vehement pain of the Teeth on the left side of the Jaw which ceasing this pain on the same side of the head was left remaining from hence I concluded this pain to arise from the roots of corrupt and rotten Teeth inspecting the Mouth I found the roots of four rotten Teeth in the upper Jaw 3. I perswaded her to have those rotten roots of Teeth drawn forth which being willing to she promised but I prescribed to her a fit Diet and purged her with this following Medicament Take roots of Parsly Fennel and Pollipody of the Oak of each half an ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Agrimony Veronica Dodder of each half a handful Bugloss and Rosemary Flowers Tops of Marjoram of each a pugil or little handful Seeds of Annise and Fennel of each two Drams Sena cleansed half an ounce boyl all in Water to the Consumption of a third part strain and in four ounces of straining macerate and infuse choice Rubarb two drams Agarick newly Trochiscated Cinnamon Ginger of each one dram strain by pressing hard out and dissolve therein Benedictae Laxativae two drams make a Potion 4. The next day Cupping-Glasses being applyed to her Shoulders and nape of her Neck she was eased Afterwards I prescribed this following Apozem Take roots of Succory Fennel Parsly Grass Pollopody of the Oak of each one ounce Flowers and Leaves of Betony Leaves of Veronica Dodder Scabious of each one handfulâ Flowers of Bugloss Rosemary Tops of Marjoram Time of each two Pugils Seeds of Annis Fennel of each half a dram Liquorice scraped or rasped raisons stoned of each an ounce boyl them in pure water and strain out in a pound and half of the straining infuse and digest Sena cleansed two ounces choice Rhubarb half an ounce Agarick newly Trochiscated two drams Cinnamon and Ginger of each one dram Infuse for a Night and strain out by pressing strongly To the Colature or straining add Syrup of Roses solutive compounded with Rhubarb Agarick and Sena three ounces Syrup of Betony two ounces mix them and make an Apozem for four Doses to be taken in the morning fasting 5. The Apozem being all taken in the morning while her stomach was empty I drew forth her rotten teeth The day following I gave her these Pills Take Pilulae aureae Cochiae Agregativae of each a Scruple Diagredium Troches Alhandal of each four Grains with Syrup of Betony make five Pills which roul in pouder of Cinnamon 6. At last for some few days twice a day I adhibited this following Fomentation Take flowers and leaves of Betony Flowers of Rosemary of Camomil of red Roses of Staechas tops of Marjoram and Wormwood of each half a handful Aniseed Wood of Guajacum finely rasped of each an ounce cut and bruise them and put them into a bag big enough to cover the whole part pained boyl it in red Wine and apply it hot By the use of these things through the Divine help she was perfectly made well Hildanus Cent. 2. Obs 10. XVIII Another Megrim cured by opening an Artery 1. A Megrim caused from Blood too hot thin and vapourous and not to be overcome by any remedies is cured by opening of the Temporal Arteries whether it be within or without the Scull for thereby there is a certain evacuation of the conjoyned matter of blood and Spirits 2. This I have often experienced but specially in the Prince à Rupe Surionensi to whom many great Physicians as Chaplain the Kings Physician and Castellain the Queens chief Physician and Lewis Duret who notwithstanding could help him nothing by Blood-letting Cupping Baths Frictions Diet or any other kind of Remedy whether inwardly taken or outwardly applyed 3. I being called said that there was only hope one way to recover his Health which was to open the Artery of the Temple on the same side that the pain was for I thought it probable that the Cause of his pain was not contained in the Veins but in the Arteries in which case by the Testimony of the Ancients there was nothing better than the opening or bleeding of an Artery whereof I have made tryal upon my self to my great good 4. When as the Physicians had approved of this my Advice I presently betake my self to the Work and chuse out the Artery in the pained Temple which was both the more swoln and beat more vehemently than the rest I opened this as we used to do in the bleeding of a Vein with one incision and took more than two Porringers of Blood flying out with great violence and leaping the pain presently ceased neither did it ever molest him again 5. Yet this opening of an Artery is suspected by many for that it is troublesome to stay the gushing forth of the Blood and cicatrize the place by reason of the density hardness and continual pulsation of the Artery and lastly for that when it is cicatrized there may be danger of an Aneurisma 6. Wherefore they think it better to divide the Skin than to separate the Artery from all the adjacent Particles and then to bind it in two places and then to divide it as we have formerly told you must be done in varices 7. But this is the Opinion of men who fear all things where there is no cause for I have learned by frequent Experience that the apertion of an Artery which is performed with a Lancet as we do in opening a Vein is not at all dangerous and though the consolidation or healing thereof is somewhat slower than in a vein yet will it be done at length and so that no flux of Blood will happen if so be that the Ligation be fitly performed and remain so for four days with fitting Pledgets Paraeus Lib.
former Decoction which being drank I prescribed these Pills to be taken after Midnight Take Pilulae Cochiae Aggregativae de Agarico of each one scruple Troches Alhandal three grains make seven Pills from which he had seven or more Stools 5. At last he had the Decoction of Guajacum adding capital Herbs I ordered the part affected to be anointed with Oyls of Rue and Bays mixt with the Alabaster Oyntment All these things being accordingly used the sick became well Foresti Lib. 9 Obs 59. XXV A Megrim from a hot Cause with an Ophthalmia 1. Jacob Purmeran laboured under a Megrim a hot and sharp Catarrh descending with an Ophthalmia and great pain of his Eyes things which were very cold were applyed by a Woman Emperick before universals both to the Head and Eyes whereby the Man almost 70 years old was made blind the pain continually growing greater and greater so that at length upon the 17. day of May I was called to him 2. His Belly was somewhat bound therefore I prescribed the following Bolus Take Cassia new drawn six drams Cassia with Sena two drams Diacatholicon a dram and half Fennel-seeds in pouder ten grains make a Bolus which sprinkle with white Sugar Candy this made him go well to stool 3. The following day in the place of Letting Blood by reason of the mans great Age I would have applyed Cupping Glasses with Scarrification but he refusing I ordered him to Drink twice a day of this following Decoction Take of the Rinds of Succory roots of Fennel Liquorice scraped of each half an ounce green Fumitory two handfulls Fennel tops of Hops Endive Succory Borrage Bugloss Sorrel of each a handful Betony half a handful Fennel seed three drams the four greater cold Seeds of each half a dram Damask Prunes fifteen Tamarinds half an ounce Raisons stoned one ounce Jujubes Sebestens of each five make of all a Decoction in Whey Strain it and to a pound and half thereof add Syrup of Succory with Rhubarb Syrups of Endive and Fumitory Oxysaccharum simplex of each half an ounce Aromatize it with Species Diarrhodon abbatis first cleansed adding Sugar to fit the Taste 4. The Decoction being taken I would willingly have given him Pills but the Old-man being very Morose did of his own head utterly refuse the same Into his Eye I instilled the Collyrium made of the white Troches of Rhasis dissolved in Rose-water afterwards I used Womans milk mixt with Fennel water And the part affected of the head I anointed with Vnguentum Populeon afterwards I added a very little of the Alabaster Oyntment with which the Pain was somewhat abated after which I was no longer retained in the cure 5. But a few days being past the Megrim returned as also the pain of the Eye became vehement presently he sends for his Woman Empericks by whom his Grief was encreased though from them he expected his Health whereupon he causes me to come to him again together with Alardus the Younger a Physician lately come out of Italy he called us upon the ninth day of June 6. For the Megrim which now was without Inflamation we used the Alabaster Oyntment anointing the part of the Head afflicted then we applyed Cupping-Glasses with scarification which he now consented to by which the pain was something eased 7. In the mean season by reason of the length of the Disease and the accession of much Flegm in old age we ordered him to take this Decoction Take Betony Endive Succory Fennel of each one handful Sage half a handful Flowers of Staechas of both kinds Roses of each one pugil Fennel seed a dram and half boyl all in Betony and Fennel Waters To eight ounces of the straining add syrups of Betony and of Staechas of each an Ounce and half mix well for two Doses Then being become willing to take Pills we ordered him these to be swallowed after midnight Take Pilulae aureae Cochiae of each one Scruple with Fennel Water make five Pills which though slowly gave him three stools But the Bowels were before irritated or moved with this suppository Take pouder of Hiera Picra a Scruple Diagredium Coloquintida in fine pouder of each three grains Honey one ounce with a little Salt make a Suppository But how I know not unless it be put up the Fundament by help of a Pipe 8. After these things we caused him to use Masticatories but Errhins and Sternutatories we used not because of his Eyes Take Mastick a dram Cubebs a scruple Black Pepper half a scruple roots of Pellitory of Spain and Bark of Caper-roots of each two scruples pouder them finely and tye them up in Linnen with a thread making three several Masticatories which morning after morning fasting chew for a quarter of an hour so will much flegm flow by the Mouth 9. In the mean while immediately after purging and the application of the Cups drop this following Collyrium into the Eye Take Rose water distilled in Balneo maris two ounces Womans milk one ounce mix them Take Aloes Epatica a Scruple Gum Arabick Tragacanth Sarcocol of each half a scruple Tutia prepared Quince-seeds Sumach a little pulverized of each half a Scruple these being bruised and tyed up in a linnen Rag hang in the aforesaid Water and Milk which press letting the pressed-out Liquor distil into the Eye three or four times a day by these means he was at length restored to his Health Foresti Lib. 9. Obs 60. XXVI A Megrim which came once a Month. 1. A Woman aged 40 years was once a month but sometimes twice or thrice much troubled with a pain on the right side of her head which commonly ended with a Vomiting and in her Fit she could neither walk nor stand 2. This Vomit was first exhibited Take the Vomiting Infusion one ounce this wrought six times the next day she took these Pills Take Pills of Amber two drams Fernelius his Cephalick Pills one dram make fifteen Pills She took threâ of them before Supper every day till they were spent 3. After them she took this Decoction Take Sarsaparilla 4 ounces water five quarts Infuse 24 hours then slice after boyl to the Consumption of the half and strain it out Dose a good draught morning and night when she went to Bed 4. For ordinary Drink she took the second Decoction of the same made in seven quarts or more of Water boyling it without Infusion till a third part be wasted Cooks Observ Cent. 1. Obs 23. XXVII A periodick pain in the hinder part of the Head 1. My Counsel was desired by an honest Matron who was troubled with a tedious and Periodical pain of the Head which in every eight days vehemently molested her It lay in the hinder part of the Head from the place where the Head is joyned to the Neck reaching to the Crown and it was as if it had been a boring it extended it self also to the Temples but chiefly on the left side and to the left ear being accompanied
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
Misleto of the Oak of each an ounce and half Juniper-berries seeds of Peony of each half an ounce Mustard or Rocket-seed Cloves Mace of each three drams Castoreum two drams white Dittany two drams and half flowers of Lavender of Rosmary of Sage of Betony of the Tile or Line-tree of Lilly-convally Hops of each a pugil bruise and digest three days in old white Wine three pound and half Waters of black Cherries of Marigolds of Sage of each six ounces then express all hard out to which add Venice Treacle an ounce and half Confect of Anacardiums six drams species Diambrae 2 drams digest three days then distil in Balneo Mariae 7. Aqua Hirundinum cum Castoreo above mentioned Take 35 live Swallows pull off their Feathers Castoreum 3 ounces roots of male Peony gathred in the decrease of the Moon 2 ounces flowers of Lavender Bawm Lilly-convally of each one handful white Wine two quarts digest 24 hours in a warm place then distil 8. Aqua Hysterica seu Melissa Composita aforenamed Take fresh Bawm 2 pound Rue red Sage of each 4 ounces Rosmary-flowers one ounce Bay-berries Castoreum Nutmegs of each half an ounce biting Cinnamon Cloves of each 2 drams Mace Citron-peels Indian-spicknard of each one dram cut and bruise all put them into a glass Alembick upon which affuse a little Wine digest 4 days in a gentle heat and then distil off the Water 9. Syrupus de Manna Laxativus abovemen ioned Take fresh roots of Polypody 6 drams Orrice-root half an ounce Currans 3 ounces fat Figs Dates of each six Liquorice rasped half an ounce Cinnamon half a dram flowers of Violets Borrage and Bugloss of each one pugil choise Sena 1 ounce and half Metheglin 3 pints boyl to the Consumption of one pint strain and dissolve therein Calabrin Manna 3 ounces Sugar Candy Sugar Penides of each one ounce boyl to the thickness of a syrup adding in the end a little Cinnamon-water 'T is excellent for Children and Infants LONDON Printed for Th. Dawks and L. Curtiss CHAP. III. Of the Vertigo Numb 10. August 27. The Authors Observations I. A Vertigo in a Youth with Dimness of Sight called Scotoma 1. He was a lusty likely Youth 18 years of Age and of a Sanguine Complexion this Giddiness often troubled him by Fits but especially if at any time he went near Water It was accompanied with a darkness of Sight which Disease is called Scotoma and is the worst kind of Vertigo his eyes being shut yet nevertheless all things objected to the internal sense seemed to turn round this Disease thus compounded of both with Blindness is called Scotodinos 2. The Seeing is hurt by the too much agitation of the Spirits they being moved either by themselves or with the mixture of a Vapour The Spirits are contained in the Brain its Arteries and Ventricles which being vehemently moved without the mixture of a Vapor represents to the Imagination the like commotion from whence arises a Vertigo This vehement motion of the Spirits may spring from divers causes as from a hard and continued motion of the head long turning round c. wherein although the head and body rests yet they keep their course for a while after the same manner till they can rest again So also the head being bowed a great while downwards the Spirits then tending from thence upwards to the beginning of the Nerves upon the lifting up of the head again the same Spirits with haste and violence going back again to their proper Seat stir up a Vertigo Sometimes it may come from a motion of the body and vehement commotion of the mind being often and mightily exagitated in deep Cogitations Passions Watchings Studies c. whence a Vertigo often arises Sometimes from the long seeing of a thing turned round or other violent motion whether real or seeming so as the Earth seems to be moved and run to such as Sail but here it only comes to pass in such whose Spirits are easily stirred or in such as are disposed to this Disease whereby occasion is given for the Fit to seize although the cause thereof be inconsiderable Sometimes a Vertigo is excited from looking down from a high and dangerous place in such who are not accustomed thereto for thereby Fear being moved the Spirits are suddenly too much diffused and drawn back again whereby they are moved unequally and circularly but this no ways happens to such as are not fearful 3. Sometimes the cause of a Scotoma or dark Vertigo arises from the collected Spirits of the Brain contained in the Arteries thereof being made more hot and plentiful whereby they agitate themselves and by their unquietness cause various motions in this Case a light motion stirs up the Paroxysm 4. The Dark Vertigo is sometimes caused from the mixture of vapours with the Spirits of the Brain and according to the nature and plenty of Vapors and place from whence they arise and to which they are carried in the Brain and the force of their Agitation so is the Vertigo more gentle or more vehement this Vapour if it be too hot causes also a pain of the head If it is troubled coloured or shining arising from a mixture of humours and Choler then there are many false imaginations and representations in the mind the Sight is deceived in seeing Insects Atoms and other things which it sees not If it be obscured whereby Clouds Fumes c. are cast before the Eyes and the Sight is darkned together with the Vertigo as in a Scotodinos these though they see nothing yet they feel the Vertigo 5. But how these Vapours may affect the Sight now remains to be enquired into some think that these Vapours ascending and breaking forth before the Eyes like a fume do either deceive or hinder the Sight because Tears are sometimes provoked and the eyes look red with the Vapors which did penetrate them but this is rather from the pricking of the sensible Coat of the Nostrils by reason of its communication with the Tunica adnata Some think these Vapors do wholly go under the eyes penetrating even to their most inward parts so that intrinsically they are seen by the eyes but for these there are no passages to the Orbicle of the Eye for it is so compact by reason of the Tunica cornea and it on every side whole that no vapours can any ways pass through it and into it a Needle can scarcely be thrust when a Cataract is to be taken off Others knowing that there is no passage into the Orbicle of the Eye but by the Optick Nerve Vein and Artery suppose that these Vapors first assaulting the Brain do thence descend by the Vein and Artery of the Eye whereas these Vessels only run through the Tunica adnata and do no where come into the Tunica Cornea nor inward parts of the eye for that if Blood should enter the Eye it by its colour would represent all things red to the Sight as is seen when
things which cause a Plethory and a Vertigo viz. all vehement commotions of the Mind great Anger afflicting Phansies and Melancholy Imaginations cold Air Winds as also gross and thick Air with a cold do afflict the Head and Nerves 7. Those who are afraid of Diseases in the Nerves they would do well to be advised to keep carefully the Head Neck Feet and Stomach from Colds and that they would not suddenly strip themselves in the cold Air after they come out of a hot place or when they begin to sweat and that they would beware of the Beams of the Moon and the Sun because they fill the head with Vapours and breed both a Vertigo and Catarrh 8. Secondly But if the Vapours and the Repletion of the Head be increas'd you may use the Pills above-prescrib'd the number of which you may increase or diminish as you see occasion 9. By the pouder of Nigella you may draw out some part through the Nostrills and the water of Marjoram may be taken to drive out the pouder which you may take twice into the Nostrills before meat and thereby cleanse them If your pouder be too strong you may make use of the water only 10. Take Roman Nigella infused in Vinegar a day and a night furthermore being dried let him take a dram and an half of the pouder the Waters of Marjoram and of the Elder of each one ounce and mix them 11. Thirdly To dissipate Vapors Let the head be washed in the morning with herbs afterwards mentioned put into the Lye of Ashes the head being afterwards dryed with warm cloths Take the leaves of Stoechas of Lavender Anthos of each one pugil and a half Indian spicknard one dram roots of Asarabacca three drams the leaves of Sena two drams Agarick one dram Betony and vervain of each an handful and an half Marjoram one pugil let them be bruised and put into a Lixivium and boiled as aforesaid 12. And this odoriferous Pomander which follows will be very usefull if the Smell morning and evening be taken up the Nostrills for that Odor dries and dissipates the Vapors and strengthens the head Take pure Labdanum two scruples Gallia Moschata one Scruple Lignum Aloes Storax Calamita of each half a scruple Mastich Olibanum Gum of Juniper bitter Costus of each five grains Ambergr se Musk of each one grain Let them all be subtilly pouder'd and with the Muscilage of Tragacanth extracted with Marjoram water make Pomanders 13. The Confection following is very Excellent for strengthning both head and stomach which may be used with the rest but every morning take the Quantity of a Walnut it is pleasant and effectual and preserves the head and Stomach from many Diseases and it is this Take Cheb Myrobalans condited of each five drams green Ginger preserv'd Calamus Aromaticus condited Citron peels confected of each half an Ounce Orange-Peels candied three drams Eringo condited five Drams Indian Nutmegs preserv'd two drams Roots of Bugloss condited Cichory condited of each half an ounce Conserves of Rosemary-flowers Peony-flowers Bawm of each two drams Powder of Ey-bright one dram Cinnamon in gross pouder one Scruple as also Mace in gross pouder half a dram mix them all together and make a Confect 14. Lastly This pouder will be very useful if you be much troubled with the Vertigo Take Pouder of Ey-bright with the flowers half an Ounce Mace steep'd in Vinegar one dram Coriander prepared four Scruple Betony one scruple Cubebs half a Scruple Sugar Candy six drams and mix them Of this let a dram be taken in the morning either by it self or with the crums of Bread or in a rear Egg or in boyled Ale Also Fennel-seed cover'd over with sugar and chew'd in the Morning is good for it dissipates the Vapors and preserves from the Vertigo and clears the sight 15. But if there be any Indications or Symptoms of an Apoplexy this following powder will be very good Take of white Amber prepared two drams of the Roots of Peony species Diarrhodon abbatis of each half an ounce and mix them And then take one dram every month the day after the new Moon with a little Cinnamon-water or the Spirit of Wine Whosoever shall continue the use of this Remedy at the time appointed they may have their Bodies delivered from the Apoplexy and many other Symptoms Consil Medic. Scholzij Obs 113. ex Casp Hofmanno XXXVII A Vertigo Scorbutical and fainting of the Spirits 1. The Vertigo often comes upon an Inveterate Scurvy to which is wont to be added a fainting or assiduous sinking of the Spirits and almost a continual fear or dread of it Also a Stupor or stiffness in the Members with the sense of a pricking here and there running about them 2. These kinds of Distempers proceed from the sinking of the Animal Spirits in the Original Fountain and sometimes of them which are contained in the Nerves both the Cardiack and those serving for the Moving of the parts and when they fail in the Brain and nervous stock being much surrounded with a Scorbutick Salt they are not easily cured 3. Cephalick Remedies such as are convenient in the Vertigo and Paralytick Disaffections excited by themselves are to be administred with Antiscorbuticks mix'd therewith first therefore fit Catharticks being exhibited as such as are convenient in the Scurvy you may proceed with Specifick Remedies against the said Vertigo after this manner 4. In the beginning of the Cure open the hemorrhoidal Veins in the Fundament by Leeches and unless any thing gainsay Let it be several times repeated Then take of the Pouder of male Peony-roots four drams Red Coral levigated two drams Man's skull Elks-claws prepared of each one dram mix them Dose from half a dram to a dram 5. Take of the best Sugar in Aqua Peoniae compound or in water of wild Radish and boyled up to a Consistency eight ounces of the best rectified Oyl of Amber half an ounce make thereof Tablets and take of them from one dram and half to two drams morning and evening drinking after it a draught of the following distilled water 6. Take Scurvy-grass brook-lime Garden-cresses Lillies of the Valley Sage Rosemary Betony of each three handfuls green Wall-nuts four pounds Rinds of Oranges number six Limon peels number 4. fresh roots of Male-Peony half a pound being bruised and cut put to them the flegm of Vitriol one pound Whey made with Cider five pounds distill them after the common way to dryness letting the whole water be mixt together The Dose from three ounces to four five or six Willis de Scorbut cap. 9. XXXVIII A Vertigo Scorbutical in the highest degree 1. A man about 40 years of Age of a Melancholy habit afflicted for many years with the Scurvy was often sensible of divers and manifold Symptoms thereof at various seasons of the year 2. There was seen about his thighs large black spots and marks as if proceeding of strokes pains of the Belly with a loosness often afflicting
the beginning Progress and Metamorphosis of the Disease that it had at first its Rise and Seat in the Head near the beginning of the Nerves and did enlarge it bounds both into the Brain and the Nervous System 9. For from the beginning the Morbifick matter consisting near the beginnings of the Nerves caused lighter Spasms or Convulsions of the Viscera and Members with the Vertigo afterwards a Portion of it having fallen into the Pneumonick Nerves produced terrible Convulsions of the Praecordia Diaphragma and Ventricle 10. And also another Portion of the same matter seizing the Brain and its Marrow caused the Insensibility and consequently the fits of the Falling-sickness and at length the Texture of the Spirits being wholly vitiated in their Latex being degenerated into a most sharp Liquor the Convulsive Distempers passed into Madness 11. Now as to the particular Reasons both of the Disease and its Symptoms the aforesaid Virgin by her sedentary Life want of Exercise and a more free Air together with her nocturnal watchings and the Interruption of her Sleep had contracted a Vitious Disposition of the Blood and Humors and a weak and depraved Constitution of the Brain and nervous stock 12. And first of all the heterogenous Particles being poured forth together with the nervous Juyce into the Brain and Cerebel and there cleaving to the Spirits as it were skirmished with the Preliminary Scotomy and Vertiginous Distemper then the Convulsive matter setling upon the beginning of the wandring pair and intercostal Nerves and the spinal Marrow brought in with the Vertigo the leaping of the Viscera and Muscles and their Light or shakings 13. Afterwards when entring more deeply the Pipes of the nerves it was carryed into the Cervical and Cardiack and perhaps Intercostal and other unfoldings and embued the spirits performing the office of Respiration and the Pulse with an Explosive Copula 14. They being brought into Explosions at every turn together with their Superiours inhabiting the nervous Origin by reason of Fulness or because of Irritation excited most horrid convulsions of the respective parts 15. But the Fit growing strong from the Pneumonick or breathing Veins being strictly bound the sudden Inordinate Systole of the Thorax was stirred up then presently the Diaphragma being suddenly and vehemently drawn back the obstreperous Ejaculation did succeed 16 Further When by Reason of the Systole of the Thorax being sometime continued the blood being hindered that it could not move it stagnated altogether in the Praecordia therefore during the Fit That great oppression of the heart with want of Speech and Motion afflicted the sick Maid 17. But in the mean time while as yet the Region of the Brain remained free and clear from the Explosions of the Spirits the sick party remained in her Senses and Memory but the Convulsive matter being daily encreased it was unfolded in the middle and marrowy parts of the debilitated Brain to the former passions about the Precordia came also the Insensibility and Amazedness then the Epilepsy and lastly Madness for the Reasons before Recited Many Medicines were prescribed to this Maid by several Physicians and Empericks but did her no good Willis de Convulsivis cap. 5. Observ 4. XLIII A Virtigo Idiopathetick with Various Symptoms 1. A certain fair and well-coloured woman from a setled Grief fell into a sickly Disposition in the Evening she was pretty well but in the Morning for she grew very somnolent and heavy she complained of a Stupidness and Heaviness in her whole head with a Vertigo at every motion thereof 2. A little after she constantly expected a Convulsive fit or the insensible amazedness of the Spirits and sometimes this and sometimes the other did infest her For that after the Vertigo as it were a praevious Velitation for the most part she felt in her Ventricle and left side an heavy or weighty pain running up and down here and there hence Belching a striving to Vomit eruptions of Blasts also wonderful distentions of the Abdomen and Hypocondria did follow and sometimes for many hours did miserably exercise this Woman 3. But sometimes these Symptoms happ'ned to be wanting and then the Distemper more cruelly afflicted her Brain For falling into frequent insensible Fits she was wont to continue a great while immovable and with her Eyes shut void of sense or understanding 4. And when she moved by Rubbing and the fume of Tobacco she came to herself but presently fell again into the like Insensibleness and that three or four times before she could recover herself at length the Tragedy being acted she remained affected in some measure with a heaviness and torpor of the head about noon she had some alleviation of the Distemper which continued till next morning and then the same symptoms would return again 5. They that shall seriously consider those Symptoms need not suppose them to rise from the Womb or Spleen and in those look for the morbifick cause in vain but to arise rather from the Head 6. For it seems that by reason of great Melancholy and sadness which hapens often to Women at the beginning a great Debility with a vicious taint was impressed on her brain so indeed that the animal spirits derived to the Brain and Cerebellum brought with them heterogeneous particles of a mixt kind viz. partly Narcotick or stupifying and partly explosive or rushing forth 7. Which kind of Copula when they had more plentifully conceived through sleep they were stirred up to the shaking of it off by mere fulness as soon therefore as the Woman was awakened the same spirits being moved either a bending downward being made below they were depressed upon the beginnings of the Nerves and there being exploded they excited Convulsions of the Viscera or leaping back towards the middle of the Brain and being there struck off they brought in those frequent and terrible Insensibilities 8. In truth this Distemper was somewhat a kin to the Epilepsie but that the Morbific matter was not as yet stayed within the regal place of the Brain or its middle part so that there it might infect the Spirits within their Fountains 9. But yet the same heterogeneous Copula did cleave more strictly to them dissociated or disjoined below and dividing themselves into various and lesser Rivolets according to the beginnings of the Nerves in the mean time the spirits whereby they might shake off that matter being often explosed caused the Stupor and Insensibility but bending to some other place they rushed upon the beginnings of the Nerves for that reason caused those Spasms or Convulsions of the Viscera 10. But that the Fits come onely in the morning after a plentiful Sleep the Reason was because the heterogeneous Copula of the Spirits coming to them with the nervous juyce was at that time gathered together to a fit fulness for Explosions which being then wholy shaken off the sick Person remained all the rest of the day free from the Distemper till the next day 11. When
and Nervous stock 13. For truly it may be plainly collected That the Cause of the Distemper lay hid in the Head it self by the Symptoms preceeding the Fit which did Demonstrate a very great agitation of the Spirits within the Head 14. The Inflation of the Brain and heavy swimmings which came just as the Fit was coming on him and the turnings of the Eyes did manifestly denote that heterogeneous and explosive particles did adhere to the Spirits dwelling within the Encephalon near to the beginning of the Nerves 15. So that this Case comes near to the nature of the Epilepsy excepting that the Spirits within the middle of the Brain did not admit an Heterogeneous Copula nor being explosed in another place did they outragiously break forth there for during the fit the sick person was still in his Senses or had the use of his Memory 16. But the Morbifick matter being more abundantly laid up in the Head from whence it descended into the Pipes both of the exterior and interior Nerves it had placed mines of explosive Seeds very diffusive into the Viscera both of the lower and middle Belly and also in the exterior Members 17. So that when the Animal Spirits began to be explosed near the beginnings of the Nerves presently from thence others inhabiting the Mesenterick enfoldings and then others in the other nervous enfoldings interjected from the utmost bound even to the Head being explosed in order did even continue the Convulsions from one part to another until they came to the Head it self 18. But presently being translated from thence to the spirits dwelling in the Spinal Marrow and appending Nerves the most strong Convulsions of the Muscies and Members of the whole body followed that ascent of the bulk or substance which very often was perceived in the lower Belly about the beginning of the Convulsions proceeding from the Spirits within the Mesenterick enfoldings being brought into explosions shall be more largely declared when we come to Discourse of Hysterick Passions 19. If it be asked for what reason that the Convulsive Paroxism beginning in the part of the Head near the beginnings of the Nerves presently the Spirits dwelling in the outmost parts as many as are pre-disposed for that symptom enter into Explosions and so transfer the Convulsive Disease being there fully raised upwards for it is so for the most part whether the entrance of the Disease begins in the bottom of the Belly or about the middle of the Abdomen the Hypocondria or Praecordia for that the Convulsion is wont to creep by degrees from those places towards the Head 20. I say for the Solution of this these two Considerations are offered viz. in the first place we consider that when some whole series of Spirits are disturbed those who reside in the extreamest bounds are first destituted of their original Influence wherefore they before others grow outragious and irregular hence it is when the Nerve of the Arm or Thigh is strained hard by leaning on it that the wonted influence is hindred that a numbness with a sence of pricking or tingling is first felt in the Fingers or Toes from whence by degrees it creeps upwards to the part affected 21. Secondly The other is which is the cause rather of this Distemper viz. That the Spirits being ready for explosions when they are contained within the Nervous Pipes one or more as so many little distinct Tubes they require a sufficient ample space in which they may be able very much and indeed successively to be rarified and expanded which thing because it cannot be easily performed within the Trunks of the Nerves from the beginning towards the end therefore while the Spirits about the Nervous Origine being first struck off leap back towards the Encephalon for that cause they stir up the Vertigo 22. The more open explosions of the Spirits for the most part begins about the inferior passages of the Nerves or at their Extremities where the Trunk of the Nerve is either dilated into more open foldings or terminated in more Fibres largely dispersed abroad 23. Then those Spirits being explosed there is room made presently for others succeeding in order wherby in like manner they may be explosed 24. Hence we may observe whilst the exterior Spirits are explosed if a ligature or hard compression being made the succession of others into the same space or their progress towards the exterior parts be intercepted the Convulsion is wont to be hindred that it cannot ascend upwards 25. Wherefore when a Numbness being arisen from the farthest end of the Finger or Toe creeps to the superior parts with a tingling or with a cold Air and at length reaching the Brain causeth most horrid Convulsions if after the motion is begun the Arm or Thigh be strongly tyed the Spasm or Convulsions not being able to get over the bound place is hindred from coming to the Head 26. Yea it is usual for Hysterical Women as soon as the swelling in the Belly or the ascent of the bulk in the Abdomen is first perceived to gird strongly their Wasts with swathing bands and so oftentimes they prevent the Precordia and Region of the Brain from being disturbed by that same Convulsive Fit 27. But that the Blood let out in the midst of the Fit was soon congealed it falls out ordinarily so in Convulsive and Apoplectical Diseases as the most famous Heighmore has observed out of Hendochius 28. But that some from hence argue That Convulsions depend on the thickness of the Blood and stagnation its motion being impeded cannot be allowed because the blood drawn from those that are obnoxious to Convulsions a little before the Fit is dilated with Serum and fluid enough 29. Wherefore we may judiciously think That the Congelation is caused by the Paroxism it self because in Convulsive motions and immoderate contractions of the Nerves and Viscera the inter-flowing blood by the exhalations of its Spirits and Serum is somewhat losened in its mixtion and therefore in some sort coagulated not unlike Milk which by reason of too much agitation and separation of the parts one from another grows into Butter wherefore this kind of Coagulation of the blood seems rather to be the Effect than the Cause of the Convulsions 30. In order to the Cure of this Distemper That Learned Man makes the first Indication to be to draw away the matter enkindling the Disease viz. that the blood might no affix its Heterogeneous particles either begot in it self or received from other parts as the Viscera on the Head or Brain for this purpose Evacuations are first to be performed 31. Vomits for the most part bring help here such are the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum Salt of Vitriol Vinum sciliticum which may be given at first then almost the next day a quantity of Blood may be taken away 32. After which you may give this following gentle Cephalick Purge Take Pil. de succino Cratonis or Pil. Tartari Bontij two Drams
Gregorius Horstius for the Vertigo 1. Take Cardamoms grains of Paradice let them be often chewed or Poudred and taken in Broth. 2. Take Cubebs six or seven grains bruise them and steep them for a Night in three ounces of Wine and strain and drink it the next Morning 3. Take Pouder of Ey-bright with the flowers half an ounce Mace prepared with Vinegar one ounce Coriander seeds a dram and half Betony a scruple Cubebs half a scruple Sugar Candy six drams make a Pouder of which take a dram in a Glass of Mallago Wine and a Tost 4. Take Chymical Oyls of Fennel and Anise seed of each three grains mix them and give them in a little Broth. 5. Take Pouder of Southernwood a dram Oxymel one ounce mix them and give it against the Vertigo in a moist and cold Constitution 6. Take species Diambrae Diamoschu of each one dram Aromaticum Rosatum half a dram red Coral and white Amber both prepared of each sixteen grains Cardamoms Nutmegs Mace of each a scruple Sugar five ounces with Rose-water make a Confection in Rowls adding towards the End Chymical Oyls of Fennel and Anniseeds of each six drops 7. Take Pearls prepared one dram Oyl of Cloves six drops distilled Oyl of Nutmegs eight drops Sugar dissolved in Damask Rose-water eight ounces make a Confection in Rowls 8. Take leaves of Euphorbium one ounce Staechas Lavender flowers of each two drams Mace a dram and half Cinnamon one dram Sugar the weight of all make a fine Pouder Dose two drams 9. Take Nutmegs half an ounce Ey-bright dried two ounces make a fine Pouder The Dose a dram Morning and Evening 10. Take species Diamoschi Dulcis one dram Chymical Oyl of Nutmegs one scruple Oyl of white Amber three grains Sugar dissolved in Lavender Water three ounces make a Confection in Rowls 11. Also to this purpose the Essences of Amber and Ambergrise are famous so also the Pouder of Native Cinnabar Compound together with the Lixivium and Balsam of Agricola Peacocks-dung is a great specifick in this Case 12. Take Water of Swallows Water of Castoreum of each a spoonful mix them for a Dose 13. Take Misleto of the Oak two drams Root of Male Peony three drams seeds of the same one dram red and white Coral levigated of each half a dram Pearls prepared a scruple white Sugar half an ounce mix and make a Pouder Dose one dram with the Water Lilly Convally 14. Take Chymical Oyl of Carraways three grains Ambergrise in Pouder four grains Sugar a sufficient quantity give it in black Cherry-water 15. Take white Amber species Diarrhodon Abbatis of each a dram and half Ambergrise four grains but half a dram would do better make a Pouder Dose half a dram 16. Outwardly Take Pouder of Silk-worms which mix with Dears fat and Ducks grease let the Head be anointed therewith Ex Horstij Tom. 3. Pag. 194. SCHOLIA Theoretical Considerations upon the Cure of the VERTIGO By W. Salmon the Author hereof LVI The Pathology of the Vertigo and first of the Notation thereof 1. THe Name ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Graece Vertigo Latine The Swimming of the Head Giddiness or Turning of the Brain in English 2. The Definition The Vertigo is a Disease in the Cavities of the Brain chiefly the Foremost in which the Animal Spirits are disturbed by a preternatural Exagitation and Commotion so that all things seem to turn round by which the Sick is taken with a certain Swimming or Giddiness of the Head causing them to stagger or reel and somtimes to fall yet not depriving them either of Sense or Motion 3. The kinds It is two-fold one Simple called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã wherein the Sight remains unhurt the other is Complex called in Greek ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã and ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã wherein Sight is Darkned as it were with a Mist or Cloud LVII The Signs of the Vertigo 1. The Signs whereby a Vertigo is known is a Giddiness in the Head or Brain for the most part without pain in which all things seem as it were to turn round sometimes with a gentle Motion sometimes with a rapid 2. When the Motion is gentle the Sick seldom falls only a little Staggers as it were and is confounded in his Mind by a certain kind of Amazement from the sudden Exagitation of the Animal Spirits so that if he be walking he knows not where he is but must be forced to stand still to Consult the place of his present Station whether he is a going and what is the occasion 3. For that a strange kind of Forgetfulness does seize him notwithstanding all this while his internal Senses are not so disturbed but that he knows he is about business though the particulars be forgotten which after a little pause he Recollects again and becomes perfectly well 4. Sometimes as is aforesaid this affect is accompanied with dimness or darkness of the Sight in which Case not only all the other Symptoms are existent but the Circumvolution or Rotation of things seems to be with a great Violence or Vehemency insomuch that when the Paroxism seizes the Sick must necessarily fall unless that he catches hold of any thing whereby he might support himself 5. It is known a little before it comes by forgetfulness above-mention'd a kind of Amazedness of Spirit Dimness of Ey-Sight with variety of Colours before the Eyes wherein things seem to be double or treble cut presently after all things seem to turn round and the Sick to turn round with them LVIII The Causes of a Vertigo 1. The chief causes of a Vertigo are four One is from a Natural weakness of the Brain being for the most part Hereditary from the Parents or having been weakned from some Blow or Fall or some other external Accident whereby it is made apt to receive the Impresons of Vapours or from long constant and violent turning Round whereby the said Animal Spirits are Exagitated and brought into the like Commotion 2. A second Cause is from the straightness of the passages of the Brain wherein the Animal Spirits moving with difficulty and flowing with a mighty force by reason of the great Intentness of the Sick upon any particular occasion the said Passages being too straight or narrow by reason of some Obstruction and their Flux too vehement and large they are forc'd disorderly to Retire by which disorder and irregularity they make a Circular Motion in the Cavities of the Brain whence the Paroxism is excited 3. Now this Cause is either Idiopathetick to wit in the Brain it self or Sympathetick by consent from the Stomach or some other Viscera 4. If it be Idiopathetick or Original in the Brain and its Cavities the Stomach and all other parts are generally well the Sick Eats well Drinks well Digests well and for the most part is free from Obstructions Pain Wind or other Affections either in the Stomach or other Viscera 5. An Idiopathetick Vertigo is bred in the Brain
Country was desperate so that those that were with Me no longer expected Life yet it pleased God so to Bless Me under those Circumstances that I presently amended and My Body began to be repleat with Flesh even to a Miracle for in about eight days time I was to all appearance almost perfectly well and in less than fourteen days not only the hopes but the Evidence of My Recovery was indubitable whereupon I forthwith returned to London again 29. After My return to London in less than three Weeks time I Relapsed and My Distemper a fresh assaulted Me so that by Degrees I declined and in a very short time was reduced to the old condition and state if not worse I was taken again with the difficulty of swallowing and a soreness of the Throat so that I could have no rest Day nor Night My Body pined and languished away so that I became the Spectacle or Wonder of Mankind I was also of a sudden and unawars taken with Lameness again somtimes in one Leg which would be after two or three Weeks well and then all of a sudden on the other Leg so as that I could neither go nor stand no previous cause going before and somtimes with Lameness in My Arms and Hands so that I was forced to keep My Bed for six Weeks together and all this with great Pain loss of Appetite sickness at Stomach a profuse Catarrh Soreness of the Mouth and Throat and a Tumor of the whole Collum 30. I began now to consult de novo what I should do I gave over the taking for a Night or two My Laudanum but with so sensible and great a Detriment to Me that I could not repair it in many days after Wherefore in the first place I re-assumed the same with a Resolution never to give over the taking thereof till there was a Determination of My Disease in Death or Life And truly this I must confess That the benefit which I found by that Medicament as by Me prepared and specially for My Own private use is almost unspeakable it was the only thing next to the Blessing of God which preserved My Life And I am sensible had I not made use of it or declined it after a little while using thereof I had been long since in My Grave unless an Almighty Power had Miraculously sustained Me and pluckt Me out of the Jaws of Death 31. The continuation of the Laudanum and augmentation of its Dose as I saw need required was a good expedient against the Catarrh I also swallowed Morning and Night twenty grains of White Pepper split in half and thirty grains of choice Olibanum by the use of which things and taking a weak Lime-Water fitted to My Pallat as My Ordinary Drink the Ventricle was exceedingly Comforted and the parts weakned with too much Humidities dryed and strengthned However in the mean season I was not unmindful to strengthen and fortify the Brain and the Original of the Nerves which I did do by the constant taking three four or six times a day a little of the following Compositum Take black Cherry-water three ounces Volatile Salts of Amber of Hartshorn and of Mans skull of each two drams dissolve the Salts in the Water to which add of the strongest and purest Cinnamon-water dulcified a pint syrup of Alkermes three ounces spirit of Saffron one ounce Tincture of Saffron and Cocheneel made with rectified spirit of Wine half an ounce mix them well together by the continual use of these things alone the Catarrh was perfectly Cured 32. The External Tumor of the Collum and the Lameness of the external parts was removed by application of the following Take Powers of Amber six ounces Camphir one ounce mix in little pieces and dissolve With this all the parts swelled and pained were Morning and Evening very well Bathed and then wrapped up very warm and by the use thereof for two or three Weeks without weariness or giving over all those dis-affections became removed 33. My Mouth was Sore beyond all Immagination of Expression so that I could Swallow no kind of thing solid nor liquid without exceeding great pain all strong Liquors were dreadful to Me yea if it were but a little Ale and yet all this while there was no Rawness or Ulcer no Tumor or the lest appearance of Inflamation which makes the thing the more admirable after many Weeks an Exulceration appeared towards the beginning of the Pharynx for which I took this following Medicament Take Liquorice in Pouder white sugar Candy in Pouder of each two ounces Juyce of Limons enough to make a mass to be formed into large Balls to be dryed These I held about the root of the Tongue and let them dissolve down My Throat at leisure by which I found great ease and much good moreover I eat dayly the quantity of one Limon sliced with fine Sugar these things caused indeed the Sore and Exulcerated parts mightily to Smart which I endured for a Season after a while the Smarting and Soreness went away and My Mouth became perfectly Well so that I could Swallow as well as I could in all My Life and this was compleatly performed by the two last Simple Medicaments which considering how great a Cure it was and how extream and vehement My Pain and Misery I could not out of Thankfullness to God and Love to his Creatures but publish the same to the World and that Man also might see by what Simple means and weak Instruments sometimes he performs even the greatest things 34. The loss of Appetite and sickness of Stomach I repaired by the Constant taking of Wormwood wine or a choise Canary made sufficiently bitter with the Tincture of Wormwood This Tincture was made only of Common Wormwood two ounces put into a pint and almost half of Spirit of Wine rectified to the highest digested 20 days and then strained out by Expression into which the same quantity of fresh Wormwood was again put and digested as aforesaid till the Tincture became almost Blood red the clear of which was decanted into another bottle for use The Use of this took away the sickness at Stomach restored the lost Appetite strengthned the concoctive Faculty and took away all manner of Nauseousness from Me but now and then for change-sake I took a little Spirit of Cinnamon well dulcified by the use of which two things My hopes of a perfect Recovery were Daily strengthned 35. But yet notwithstanding all these things were thus happily accomplished the Tabes Atrophia or pining abated nothing Though the Catarrh was Vanished âhe Tumor of the Colum wholy abated the Soreness of the Mouth and Throat taken away and healed the pains and Lameness of the whole Body removed the Stomach strengthened and fortified so that I could digest my Food very well to my thinking and a good Appetite was begotten in me together with a good condition of the Bowels and a totall abolition of the Ephidrotick flood yet still for all these
ceased and she afterwards Spit a filthy kind of matter somtimes frothy and sometimes thick which would be of a yellowish or greenish kind of Colour and sometimes little Lumps would be Spit forth so that some Physicians and they who would be accounted Wise Men too conceived them to be Portions of the Lungs others thought them to be only Coagulated Blood 4. However whatever they were our Patient grew weaker and weaker and her Body exceeding lean and tabified so that in the Judgment of all Men there was an absolute Phthisis which still grew worse and worse by reason of the Contumacy of her Catarrh 5. She requested My help and I prescribed her the things following by reason of the thinness of her Body I was loth to Purge her very much therefore I ordered her now and then to take Syrup of Roses Solutive 6. And because of the Ulcer as also that she had no Stomach to her Food I prescribed the Vulnerary spirit of Sulphur thus made Take rectified spirit of Wine a quart pure rectified Oyl of Sulphur two ounces mix them and digest till they are almost sweet 7. Of this I caused the Sick to take three four five or six times a day and somtimes oftner about half a Spoonful of it and sometimes more in a Glass of Sack this cleansed the Ulcer in the Lungs and in a little time healed it also it begat a good Stomach in the Patient whereby she could the better eat her Food 8. Sometimes also for change I caused her to take choice Canary made moderately bitter with Tincture of Wormwood and sometimes the Tincture of black Pepper in rectified Spirit of Wine to forty fifty or sixty drops in any convenient Liquor by which the native heat of her Stomach became restored and strengthened so that she could Eat and Digest her Food very well 9. However that she might be always taking things conducing to her Health I ordered her often to Lick of this following Syrup Take juyce of Turnips squeezed out of Turnips baked dry in a Pan a pint and half Water distilled out of Snails and Earth-worms a pint Virgin Honey clarified four pounds mix all together melt and make a syrup in the heat of a Bath of this she took with a Liquorice stick between Meals at lest ten or twelve times a day which comforted and strengthened the late indisposed Lungs 10. Also I ordered her to take every Morning fasting and every Night going to Bed fourteen sixteen or twenty drops of the Annisated Balsam of Sulphur by which she found great good 11. These things she continued the use of for about seven or eight Weeks at what time we conceiv'd the Lungs to be perfectly well the Catarrh was also much abated but not wholly taken away 12. After seven Weeks time I caused her to receive several times the Fumes of Amber as mentioned in the former Observation also I ordered her three or four grains of My Laudanum to be taken every Night going to bed by which the Catarrh was perfectly removed and this much to be deplored Sick Patient recovered her pristin Health 13. Now here is to be noted That during the greatest part of this Cure her Food was the Juyce or Gravy of Meat sometimes of Mutton sometimes of Fowls but chiefly of Beef which she took sometimes alone sometimes with a little Bread in it 14. Her solid Food was chiefly Biscuit Almonds blanched Raisons of the Sun and her Drink was sometimes a Glass of Hyppocras or Spiced Wine but for the most part Water distilled from Milk VIII A Catarrh in a young Woman accompanied with shortness of Breath want of Appetite and a great pain in her Stomach 1. This Woman was about twenty five years of Age had been much troubled with a Catarrh but without any Ulceration of the Lungs caused a great shortness of Breath and difficulty of Breathing insomuch that she would sometimes Pant as if she strove for Life 2. This continual flux having followed her for many Months so cool'd and weakened the Ventricle that she had scarcely any Appetite at all for her Food moreover what she did Eat she could not well Digest and often times it would come up again 3. This was accompanied with such an extream pain of the Stomach which came by fits that she would often say That nothing could equal that pain but the pangs of Death 4. These fits would last sometimes four or five hours at a time in which whatsoever she took whether hot or cold she received not the least benefit 5. She had tryed many things and without success as manifold Vomitings and Purgings Clysters she had also Blysters Errhines Sternutatories Issues and had been many times Sweated whereby although the fierceness of her Catarrh might be something remitted yet she had not the least Ease as to the pain of her Stomach 6. Various sorts of Cordials Stomaticks both hot and cold were given her yet every thing as to the pain of her Stomach proved successless 7. They gave Specifick Stomatick Cordial Pills Stomatick Electuaries Antidotes Pouders Laudanum's c. and continued the use of them for many Months in so much that there was nothing left undone that was thought fit or necessary for her 8. But behold her Disease Tyrant like doubled its strength and this Stomatick pain seem'd greater than ever nor was her Catarrh in the least lessened but afresh excited so that hopeless of Remedy she was given over by all her other Physicians expecting no Cure but by Death 9. A Friend of hers desired her to make Tryal of Me which although she had tryed many Physicians in Vain yet her almost dayly Grief made her easy to be Intreated accordingly I was sent for to whom she related the aforegoing things 10. I began to be Amazed in consideration of what Cause that might be which none of the foregoing Remedies could remove but weighing the thing seriously I conceived it to be an Acid Salt lodged in the Blood which was not only the Cause of her Catarrh but also of that vehement pain in her Stomach 11. For the sharp Particles of the said Salt did not only prick and vellicate the Tunicles of the Stomach but also by their perpetual supplys did in length of time severely corrode it whereby a great rawness was occasioned which at last afflicted her every day immediately after Eating 12. For the fresh Food received in the Stomach falling forthwith upon the raw Ulcerated parts caused that immediate and extream Pain from which she could never be freed till the Food was carried off from the Stomach either upward or downward when the Food was carried off she was more at Ease and so remained as long as she remained fasting but upon the fresh Eating of Food again her pain returned with the same vehemency 13. I was dis-heartened from attempting any of the ways that had been hitherto tryed from the Relation she gave Me wherefore considering those things and the Causes by Me
Juyces of sweet Marjoram Primroses and of Betony of each three ounces white Wine six ounces in which one scruple of Euphorbium was dissolved Musk eight grains mix them and let it be given an hour and half before going to Bed 16. After the Errhine had been used three times and with very good Success viz one every third day I gave the Sternutatory following Take Pouder of black Hellebor Pouder of Liquorice of each one ounce Pouder of white Hellebor two drams this I caused to be exhibited now and than as I saw occasion 17. Also during this whole Cure the Diet which I ordered her to take and keep to as her common Drink was this following Take Spring Water twenty quarts Wood of Guajacum Sassafras Sarsa China Liquorice of each half a pound fat Figgs slit Raisons of the Sun stoned of each ten ounces boyl all to the Consumption of eight quarts then strain being almost cold put to it three pints of Juyce of Scurvy-grass Horse Raddish root Rasped ⥠vj Sugar twelve ounces Ale Yest a pint make it gentle to ferment then Bottle it up putting in each Bottle a Clove slit and one scruple of Salt of Amber Of this she drank about a Bottle a Day and repeated the whole quantity four times 18. I commended to her the Drinking of Pope Adrian his Wine Or the Vinum Cephallicum also the Vinum Stomachicum Mylij and the Vinum Moschatum Mynsichti but she took the following Compositum Take choice Canary five quarts Anacardiums Nutmegs of each one ounce Cinnamon six drams Cubebs Mace yellow Sanders Wood of Aloes of each three drams Citron peels the yellow one dram Cloves bruised half a dram Musk a scruple Ambergrise half a scruple being all in gross Pouder mix them digest in the Wine twenty days shaking the glass every day then being setled decant the clear Liquor into another glass which keep for use upon the Magma remaining I ordered another gallon of Canary to be put 19. Of the first Infusion dulcified with treble refined Sugar she took every Morning a little Sack glass full immediately after her Mastick pouder and Conserves of Roses half an hour before Dinner she drank almost such another glass and again last at Night going to Bed after the Pouder aforesaid and Conserve she took another glass this she did for about five Weeks at what time she said she found her self very well 20. But I that knew the obstinancy of her Disease and how apt such kind of Catarrhs are to return again advised her to continue taking some other things for a while amongst which I prescribed this of Solenander Take Frankincense juyce of Liquortce of each a dram Myrrh Opium Saffron of each a scruple with Syrup of Poppies make Pills of this she took every night going to Bed for the first eight days a scruple only afterwards she increased the Dose to two scruples 21. After she had continued the use of the former things for about eighteen or tweâty days I gave her My Laudanum she begun with it at two grains and increased the Dose half a grain every fifty day till she came to six grains which she took for about eight Weeks 22. That time being over I ordered her again to take the Amber Pouder afore described with Conserve of Roses and to continue taking the same for the space of two or three months 23. Outwardly I caused her Hair to be shaved off her whole Head and the same together with the Nape of the Neck as also her Fore-head and Temples wâre anointed with this following Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by expression four ounces Chymical Oyls of Rosmary of Sage of Sweet Marjoram of Angelica of Origanum of Amber of each one dram mix them well together with this the whole Head and parts adjacent were anointed mornâng and evening for sixteen or eighteen days 24. While this anoinâing was doing a Cucapha or quilted Cap of Spices was prepared which she put on upon her head every time after anointing 25. The time of anointing being over which as we said was in about eighteen days space her Head was Shaved again with a Raisor and upon the naked Skin was applied Emplastrum Cephalicum of the shops which she wore for a long time By the use of these Medicines as we have here declared she became perfectly well XI A thin Catarrh falling upon the Brest and Joynts 1. A Man about forty three yeares of Age had been for a long time even many years troubled with a thin and salt Catarrh by reason of which he was almost always a Spitting his Spittle was thin a little viscous but exceeding Salt as if he had Salt always in his Mouth 2. It afflicted much his Lungs by reason of which he had a kind of Asthma or great difficulty of Breathing Moreover the defluxion was continued to many other parts of the Body especially to the extream in so much that he had often wandring pains about him 3. Sometimes they would be fixed in a Joint for two or three Weeks together so that he would be in a manner Lame somtimes his Arms Legs and sometimes his Feet would be as it were benummed wherein he neither was sensible of Pleasure nor Pain but the Distemper seem'd to incline to a Palsy such was the Mutability of this his Protean Disease 4. The Cause hereof was no doubt a thin Lymphatick Juyce not only overflowing the Lungs but also oppressing the Original of the Nerves themselves whence proceeded that Numbness 5. The Cause of the Pain in the Joynts no doubt proceeded from a weakness of those parts wherein Nature for their relief sending a great flux of Animal Spirits by their tumultuous occurse to these parts making a Collision or striking one against another and also in some measure extending the sensible Nerve forthwith excited the Pain 6. The Cure of this Distemper we prognosticated to be of exceeding great difficulty as well in respect of its long continuance as from its resisting all extraordinary Medicines and the Nature and Disposition of the Humor afflicting and the parts afflicted for as much as Diseases long fixed in the extream parts are not easily to be removed 7. He had tryed many things by the advice of several Learned Men by means of which he thought he received a very great advantage and sometimes he thought himself to be almost well when presently his Disease would return again with great Impetuosity 8. He had been oft times let Blood and a great quantity at times taken from him but this in my opinion rather augmented than diminished his Distemper for losing such a quantity of Blood it apparently decayed his Strength and much weakned him and then it naturally follows for all Catarrhs mightily to advance according to the Diminition of Strength 9. They also strongly Purged him and that oft times which although I deslike not the Act of Purging yet I much disliked the quality and manner of Administration 10. For as the Disease
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
impair'd but not destroyed altogether However to preserve my Strength I made choice of the delicatest and safest Meats 5. Yet my Cough with a violent pain in my Head from day to day encreased all the Muscles of the Breast and Paunch about twelve of the Clock at night being the 25 of December were wonderfully shaken with the extream violence of Coughing a great pain seised me about the left Groin and not more than an hour after about the long Ribbs it was so painful that I could scarcely Breath for half an hour and by reason of the violence of the Pain as well of my Breast as my Caul I could not Vomit up the matter which was gathered in the Aspera Arteria 6. My Friends applied to me sweet-bags of mollifying and laxative Roots Herbs flowers and seeds sodden in water as also Expectorating syrups where with the matter fallen down to the External Muscles of the Brest and Caul was dissipated 7. The Pain being somewhat asswaged I began to Cast out that clammy Flegm that lay on the Aspera Arteria and so the Pain I had of Respiration was by little and little remitted and in the Morning I had a pleasant and refreshing Sleep with a fine breathing Sweat by the benefit of which the greater part of the matter which was fallen upon the pectoral Muscles and the Abdomen was dissipated 8. That suffocating Catarrh did divers times return but much milder and always in unequal days having observed a good Diet and Sweet-baggs Oyls and Unguents and all other things that were requisite being Carefully administred that Cruel Coughing by little and little vanished 9. But take notice of a new and rare Symptome that for a whole Month I was afflicted frequently by Coughing or by Yawning Respiration was intercepted even to some stroaks of the Pulse presently I felt a cold Air seize my Breast after which suddenly followed a Faintness wherefore I was careful to avoid more vehement Exspirations by Coughing and Yawning 10. Often times when the tough Clammy matter fell down on the top of my Weasand I would have gladly Vomited especially when I was awakned from Sleep but could not being in danger of suffocation Besides that the viscid tough matter did stick to some part and even by Hawking I could scarsly be rid of it a cold Wind by reason of frequent Gaping did with some Impetuosity come upon my Lungs and then a Faintness 11. The Cause of this symptom I conceived to be in the Larynx or Throat-flap which was so wasted with the violence of the Cough that it could not perform its office readily in shuting and opening the Aspera Arteria and it is most likely the reason is that when the Larynx or Throat-flap is opened either by Coughing Breathing or Yawning it is not so readily shut again because the cold Air comes to the Lungs with some Kind of Impetuosity and affects the Vital Spirits and Destroys the strength 12. From thence I Concluded that the symptom would be more mild and a less decay of the strength would follow if the Mouth were cover'd with some hot Cloath or with the Palm of the Hand and by that means a warm Air would be drawn in by Coughing or Yawning or Breathing some other Medicines being applyed that symptom was also removed and so I grew well Fabritius Hildanus Cent. 6. Observ 8. XLIII Another Catarrh hindering Swaling 1. There was one that could not Swallow down either meat or drink without danger of suffocation that happened to him by reason of a Catarrh upon the Larynx which made the Epigolottis or Throat-flap open 2. Through the weight of the Meat it was depressed easily when on the contrary Liquid things did fall upon the Aspera Arteria Fabritius Hildanus Cent 6. Observ 8. XLIV A Catarrh in an Idle Monk 1. Seeing it is most usual that Catarrhs proceed from a great Weakness or from the bad temper of the Brain which is cold and moist it chiefly happens when the Nourishment transmited to the Brain is not well digested from whence superfluous humors are gathered and an abundance of excrements 2. The Medulla of the Brain needs good store of aliment from whence necessarily follows that there must be also much Excrements but principally if it be cold and moist or made weak by any other Cause or if too great a plenty or to small a quantity of nourishment be taken 3. If a Monk of the order of the Carthusians be a Eater of Fish of a pale colour Phlegmatick of a weak Head having a Brain cold and moist using a Diet cold and moist always staying within his Grates Idle and without any kind of Exercise the Winter being Rainy Tempestuous Snowy of a dark Complexion and he should be troubled with a Catarrh and invite me to be the Physitian of that Monastery in order to his Cure if I could not prevail with this fish-devouring Monk to Change his Diet I would advise him to eat Roasted fish seasoned with Pepper and Spice rather than boyled 4. Seeing he must not touch flesh-meat I would also Order him to abstain from Food that Causeth many Vapours as onions garlick mustard and the like for Drink let him use the Decoctâon of Liquorice with a little Cinamon being in the lieu of Wine so much the more as that a small Cough did accompany it 5. Then for diminishing of the materiall Cause I order him to take the Pills following Pilulae Aloephanginae Pills of Hiera simplex pouder of Mastich of each one scruple with Betony water make seven pills 6. Presently after I prescribe this digesting Syrup or mixture Take Honey of Roses strained syrups of Betony of Liquorice syrup of Colts foot of each an ounce and half waters of Hyssop Sage and Betony of each three ounces mix for three Doses Afterwards to take these Pills for the more absolute eradication of the matter Take Pilulae Cochiae de Agarico of each a scruple and half with Betony water make seven Pills let them be given after midnight 7. The Head I purge by the Nostrils with moist or Liquid Errhines made of Juyce of Beets and sweet Majoram mixt with a little Honey 8. Moreover I command him at going to Bed to Swallow three four or five grains of pure Olibanum in my opinion fifteen or twenty grains of Olibanum would have been much better Also this Cucupha or Quilted Cap made of the following mixture to be applyed to the Coronal Sutures which strengthens the Head and causes a Suspension of the Catarrh Take Olibanum Frankincense Mastick Gum of Juniper of each half a dram Roses one pugil Cloves one scruple Sage and Betony both dry of each half a pugil cut and bruise all and make a quilt in form of a Cap according to Art the which was orderly performed Petrus Forrestus lib 10. Observ 28. XLV A Catarrh from gross cold Matter with a Cough and a pain of the Head and Breast 1. This Gentleman was so much afflicted with a
the Rhume which is in the Stomach is tough and viscid although at first it appears to be thin it acquires this Clamminess by the defect of heat 18. For the heat of the Body is weaker than to digest things that are Crude and not to bred flegm or to attenuate things thus bred but through this defect the matter comes to the Consistency of Snot 19. Moreover if there be Rhume in the Orifice of the Stomach the Appetite is diminish'd and because of the Sympathy of the Brain and Heart the strength Languishes 20. If it be in the bottom of the Stomach its heat is rendred dull by reason of the coldness of the Rhume Now follows therefore Crudity and its flatulent off spring the distention of the Belly a Rumbling Belching and a fluctuation of the meat therein 21. And the flegm increasing there is caus'd a Loathing or Nauseating from the Mouth comes a clear water but somewhat tough there is frequent spitting and a desire of Vomiting 22. But if the Belly be Costive and the Wind as it were pen'd within the Stomach and cannot any ways get out the Sick must needs be afflicted with a great Pain 23. In the Bowels or Inward parts the Rhume which of it self holds fast enough only acquires a Crassity and toughness that it may stick to the Bowels and it is called a Vitreous flegm being congealed after the manner of Glass and coming forth clean and viscous or slimy like melted Glass 24. The humors being in this state are not violently to be drawn forth but to be gently moved and expelled for the Evacuation of which the Domestick Potion following is excellent 25. Take Sena two drams Ginger Cinnamon half a scruple Rosemary flowers one pugil thin Chicken-broth six ounces put the Spices in boyling hot and infuse them in a warm place and in a vessel close covered for one whole Night then increase the fire till they begin just to boyl strain all through a linnen cloth without pressing in this strained Liquor dissolve of the best Manna one ounce put it over a gentle heat till it is perfectly dissolved stirring it all the while with a spatula or spoon being dissolved strain again and let the Patient take it warm about five a Clock in the Morning immediately drinking after it a little choice Cinnamon water to wash away the unpleasant tast and prevent Vomiting 26. Let him now and then take simple broth till it has wrought three times and forbear eating any Food till it has done Working which will be in the space of about five hours 27. This Potion although it consists but of few things and those ordinary for which cause some may despise it yet it has a most praise-worthy operation and without any Violence or inconvenience evacuates the most evil and pertinacious Humors both pituitous and bilious not only from the Stomach and Bowels but also from the Head it self 28. The cause or matter of the Disease being taken away it will now be less dangerous but if by chance by reason of the great plenty thereof all cannot be carried off by one Purgation it is to be so often repeated but at reasonable distances of time as need shall require 29. Afterwards to comfort the Stomach Liver and other internal Viscera the following confect may be taken Conditum Polychrestum Take Cheb Myrobalans condited Citron peels condited Limon peels condited of each six drams Bugloss and Cichory roots candied of each one ounce Green Ginger condited two ounces Calamus Aromaticus candied half an ounce Spanish lettice candied one ounce Cinamon cut small one scruple Mace half a scruple bruise all together grosly and add thereto Conserve of Roses one ounce Rob of English Currans three drams Marmalade of Quinces one ounce beat them well and make a Confect of this may be taken every morning about seven of the Clock the quantity of a large Chestnut or Walnut It comforts the Head and Bowels drys up the reliques of moist humors warms and comforts the Stomach strengthens the Heart and Liver and recreates the Spirits 30. The same is done by the following Rotule or Rouls save that they heat and dry the Stomach and Brain more powerfully Take species Diaphaenicon two drams Rhubarb half a dram Extract of Rhubarb half an ounce Aromaticum Rosatum five drams Extract of Calamus Aromaticus two drams White Sugar two ounces dissolve in Dodder water and make a Confect for Rouls 31. After the taking of these things the following Stomach Pouder may be Exhibited Pulvis Stomachalis Take fine pouder of Liquorice one ounce Galingal Cloves of each two drams Wood of Aloes Cubebs of each four scruples Calamus Aromaticus half an ounce Mace Nutmegs of each two drams two scruples biting Cinamon Ginger of each six drams confect of Aniseeds four ounces confect of Caraways of Fennel seeds of Coriander seeds of each two ounces make all according to Art into a fine pouder 32. But most admirable are the Grains of Pepper being taken seven or eight at a time cut in halves to wit every Morning and fasting two hours after taking of them Though it seems a mean thing it is a Medicament not to be contemned nor despised nothing does more powerfully warm and comfort the Stomach and Head and excite the heat of the Liver Aniseeds discuss Wind in the Ventricle but Fennel seeds more powerfully dissipate Fumes in the Head being taken when made into Comfits And to prevent the ascending up of Fumes Comfits of Coriander seed are very profitable But the former two ought to be taken before meals the latter viz. the Coriander comfits after eating 33. Outwardly this following bag may be applyed to the Region of the Stomach Sacculus Stomachalis Take leaves of Wormwood Spear-mint Origanum Betony of each one handful Marjoram Calamint red Roses of each half a handfull Aniseeds three drams Cummin seeds two scruples Calamus Aromaticus two drams Bay berries husked a dram and half bruise them grosly and quilt them in a square stomacher made of very fine Linnen or Silk which apply by hanging about the Neck 34. Lastly to strengthen the Liver and to amend its intemperature the following Confect will be of good use Conditum Epaticum Take roots of Cichory candied one ounce of Bugloss and of Green Ginger all candied of each half an ounce Citron peels candied five drams Orange peels candied three drams Nutmegs candied two drams Marmalade of Quinces one ounce Cinamon cut small half a dram Calamus Aromaticus cut small or in gross pouder one scruple Mace cut small half a scruple Conserve of Roses six drams beat all very well together in a Brass or Iron Mortar and make a Confect Of this let the Quantity of a Chestnut be taken at a time 35. Now through the whole progress of this Cure you must take care that the Belly be not obstructed or bound hard up if so you must give things Loosening as stewed Prunes roasted Apples Manna dissolved in Chicken
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
a Catarrh let him take being gently Purged one ounce of new Treacle with the sugar of Roses three or four hours after supper then he may Sleep so long as he pleases 28. Morning and evening he may take the following Electuary which strengthens the Lungs against Exulcerating Catarrhs Take the lungs of a fox prepared and dried two ounces Juyces of Liquorice and Maiden Hair of each half a dram Diapenides with Sugar without the spices Diatragacanthum frigid of each one ounce with the syrup of Myrtles a sufficient quantity make an Electuary 29. In the evening sprinkle the fore part of the Head with this pouder Take the Gum of Juniper red Roses Myrtles Frankincense Mastich red Coral Sanders of each half a dram make a pouder 30. You must have a Care that the Brain which is the principall Member does not drive forward the matter to the Lungs 31. I approve also for the drying of the members the Broth of a Land Tortise in which let there be boyled clean Barley pressed hard with white sugar half an ounce 32. Morning and Evening anoint the Back bone with this Oyntment to be applied Cold in Summer but hot in Winter Take the oyls of sweet Almonds Violets fresh Butter washed thrice in Cold water Mucilage of Fleawort Quinces of each half an ounce the Milk of a Woman that Suckles a Girle one ounce with a sufficient quantity of white wax make an Oyntment 33. And every morning of those days that he is troubled with a Catarrh let him take a large glass of this Water Take Snail water Colts-foot water of each three ounces white Sugar half an ounce mix them and take it warm Scholzius ex Hildaeo Cons 80. LXXIV A Catarrh threatning a strangling or Choaking of Children with an Epilepsy 1. Know first a Catarrh of Infants to arise from multivarious Causes and that every Cause requires its peculiar Remedy which we must search for out of famous Authors 2. If we would Cure these distillations it is necessary first of all That we take their Mothers or Nurses under our Consideration how they may Govern themselves and their Milk may prove good because for the most part Children are Indisposed through their Nurses and the bad government of themselves in the six Non-Natural things 3. Afterwards the Infants themselves must fall under our Consideration as whether the humour that distills be cold or hot and so we must help them by contrary Medicines 4. We give if the humour be cold a drop or two of the syrup of Liquorice or some Lohoch of Raisons dissolv'd in a little Scabious water then we sprinkle the Coronal suture or seam with the pouder of Sanders 5. But if we perceive a hot humor we advise a little of the syrup of Julep of Violets or the Juice of Violets Or we make a pouder of Penids Gum Arabick Tragacanth and Liquorice beaten of each a sufficient quantity and mix them with the Milk of the Nurse till they come to the form of a Lohoch of which let them swallow a little down at times 6. When the Indisposition is come to a great hight and it becomes very Vigorous I Use to prescribe Sperma Ceti the quantity of a Pea dissolved in womens Milk and then to be poured in the mouth of the Child which done to put the Child to sleep by this Remedy I have done much good to many persons for it stops the Defluxion and mitigates the Paroxysms of suffocation but this I Use not to give unless other Medicines avail not 7. We prevent the Epilepsy by the following Medicine according to Galen and other Physitians we hang about the Neck and Arms of Children the grains of Peony hul'd and a whole Emerald not broken in any part we apply to the Heart some use red Coral and Elks-hoof 8. Inwardly we give the Conserve of Peony and Betony or we make a Dissolution of these Conserves in the water of Tile-tree flowers and of that we give a little 9. But to Children of two years old and upwards the following pouder is safe Take the Roots of Peony one ounce Virginia Snake-root half an ounce Misletoe of the Oak half a dram best English Saffron one scruple red Coral half a dram the Roots and seeds of Dittany of each one scruple the leaves of pure Gold cut to the number of three Vnicorn-horn one scruple Oriential pearl half a dram let them be poudered that are to be poudered and mix them together and make a Pouder Dose for an Infant to the quantity of a Pea or two in the milk of the Nurse 10. To those that are Elder give a triple quantity thereof with waters of Betony of Tile-tree flowers and Rue 11. Pessulls made of Silk dipt in the spirit of wine in which Castoreum is dissolved Eases the present Paroxysm or the spirit it self put up the Nostrils mitigates the accession of the Disease the best Castoreum effects the same thing 12. The humours may be diverted by Frictions and Ligatures if age permit 13. I have seen among the Italians an actual Cautery applied to the Coronal Suture of Children of two or three years old 14. For mitigating the Paroxysm we may Use the foregoing pouder as also the following Take the Roots and grains of Peony-huld of each one scruple Hearts horn the rennet of an Hare Roots of Tormentil Misletoe of the Oak of each half a scruple Nutmegs Cubebs of each five grains species Diamoschu dulcis half a dram white Sugar half an ounce with the syrup of Staechas a sufficient quantity make a soft Confect Dose the bigness of two Pease to them that Suck and to those that are Elder a greater quantity may be given Scholzius ex Nevio Cons 309. LXXV A Child having a Catarrh with a Suffocating Cough 1. When he has a hard Cough and is in danger of suffocation it is a sign the Catarrh has seized on his Brest and Lungs and as the Stomach is purg'd by Vomit so is the Brest by a Cough if the matter of the Catarrh be thin 2. It is for the most part dangerous in Children who often by Coughing and swallowing down that which they bring up and in the very strugling cause the Catarrh to descend with the greater violence even almost to the very stopping of the Breath whereby they make those distillations more durable 3. Therefore agreat Care must be had that the too moist temperature of the Brain be Corrected and the Brest strengthened and a good diet observed 4. This last is the first thing to be Regarded in the Cure as also Air sleep and purgation of the Excrements 5. As to diet let one meal be digested before you Eat another let the times of eating be observed it is enough to Eat thrice a day Let your meat be plain and be Content with one or two dishes For variety of Dishes breeds variety of Diseases a difficulty of Breathing and Crudities which are great nourishers of the Catarrh 6. You must also
with their immoderation the native heat of the Stomach or by extenuating the Region of the Stomach and Belly in so much that they wast and pine away 8. Moreover the Vessels of Sanguification often generates Catarrhs For the serous humidity yet crude is too hastily and soon Attracted by the Stomach which afterwards because the fault of the first Concoction is not amended in the sccond by the vehement attraction of the vessels being naturally hot and dry comes and remains in the mass of the venal and arterial Blood and from the ebullition and boyling of the Blood is caried thence to and gathered in the head as their proper Receptacle 9. It is no wonder then that the head abounds with humid and moist Vapours when besides these there are many external Causes which concurr to produce this effect such as the Retention of usual Evacuations the South Winds c. 10. This is plain in the present Case because the hot and dry constitution of the Vessels of sanguification are discern'd by these signs Galen proposes to wit the Coldness and weakness of the Stomach in digesting which proceeds either from its inequal temperature or from some hurt receiv'd from an external object and defluxions from the Head often falling down thither 11. As to this Gentlemans Head which did abound from his younger years with an Excrementitious humidity the reason must be That it being hoter than what it should be did attract too readily the serous matter and for the above-mentioned Causes did cherish and nourish the same 12. Next as to the great pains he endured about the Temples the reason thereof is the matter still encreasing and growing outragious did endeavour an Egress and so did vellicate the sensible parts the too great humidity of the Brain did dull and blunt the Internall senses and did also Cause a kind of dullness and torpor of the Animal Spirits which might occasion that weakness of the Brain whereof he complained 13. The reasons why his Appetite was very much abated was the falling down of the serous matter upon the Ventricle which hindered the Concoction another reason was the humectation of the Stomachical Nerves slowly exciting a sensible Appetite 14. Now follows the Indications first that the too hot and dry intemperature of the Vessels of Sanguification be corrected secondly That the matter copiously running to the Head be driven back Thirdly That the matter of the Catarrh gathered in the Head be resolved derived and evacuated 15. Now as to the first of these we prescribed him a Purgation to be taken every half year for the Evacuation of the serous humidity then a Lentive Hydragogue to be taken in the spring of the first tops or buds of Elder dryed with a slow heat the quantity of one dram in the Decoction of Prunes 16. In the fall it will be convenient to Use the syrup of Buck-thorn a description whereof you may know by Soliander and in Our Dispensatory 17. This or the like being done I advised the oppening of a Vein by which not only the serous and wheyish Blood may be deminished but all the Venial kind may be helped ây an amicable refrigeration 18. After which this following long digestive will not be inconvenient which is to be thus prepared Take Roots of Succory one ounce and half Parsly Liquorice of each half an ounce leaves of Fumetory Centory the lesser of each one handfull and half the flowers of Elder half an handful the seeds of Fennel one dram and half boyl them in the whey of Goats milk thrice distilled strain to a pound and half and take of the decoction twice every day for the space of a fortnight four ounces 19. These being continued let him afterwards take morsels of Mechoacanna five drams with a fasting Stomach to purge withall drinking the decoction of pease for cleansing 20. Neither are sweats to be neglected on the following days but first you must take either the Electuary or Rob of dwarf Elder half an ounce dissolv'd in the water of the flowers of Elder or the spirit of dwarf Elder half an ounce mixed with the water of Fumitory two ounces or other Hydrotick Medicines as burnt Harts-horn Terra sigillata Lapis Bezoar c. 21. Lastly for Corroberating and for prevention of too great heat use often the following pouder about two hours before Meat Take Conserve of Roses Vitriolated one ounce and half species Diarrhodon Abbatis one dram the syrup of Conserve of Citron-peels a sufficient quantity make an Electuary 22. For the second to wit That the matter flowing to the Head be drawn back which I judge may be done by taking those things Inwardly which restrain and repress the crude Exhalations ascending from the Vessels of Concoction of such use are the Morsels mentioned above whereof every Evening before sleep two drams may be taken Diacydonium simplex half an ounce after meat and also the fourth part of a Confected Nutmeg being good for to Cause rest 23. Outwardly Baths of proper herbs were prescribed such as the decoctions of the flowers of Sage Bay-tree Garden Thyme the flowers of Camomil Betony and red Roses 24. Frictions and Ligatures are to be used in the time of bathings and evacuations of the Menstrua may be made by opening the Veins in the Legs Or a Cautery may be made in the left Thigh 25. As to the third viz. the attenuation derivation and evacuation of the matter flowing together inwardly we may try to Effect this by Masticatories therefore some grains of Mastick may be chewed frequently in the morning 26. Or according to Fernelius Take sugar Candy one ounce and half Mastich half an ounce Long-peper Pyrethrum staves-acre of each one dram make Pills to be put into Noduls and then to be broken between the Teeth 27. Also sternutatories may be used begining first at those more light to wit the Water of Marjoram drawing it up often when it is a little warm Or Take the Roots of Beets one ounce whole Barley Liquorice Currans of each half an ounce Water ten ounces Honey two ounces make a Decoction to a third part in the strained liquor macerate the roots of Pyrethum one dram the tops of Marjoram the seeds of Nigella of each one pugil after twenty four hours let the liquor be expressed which is to be snuft up the Nostrils pretty warm 28. Outwardly let the Air be dry and without being too warm which if otherwise by loosening the Humours would fill the Head and for convenient suffumigation you may use some of the Pouder of styrax Calamita a little of white Amber being added 29. Or troches may be made for a fumigation viz. Take styrax Calamita Benzoin of each one dram and half Tacamachacca two drams Cloves Cinnamon of each one dram Conserve of Roses a sufficient quantity for incorporating some drops of the water of Cinnamon being added make Troches for a fume for the Richer sort Musk five grains may be mixed therewith 30. Little bags for the
Head are not to be omitted which are to be made of these things which have in them an exsiccating vertue without any great heat such are leaves of Betony Marjoram Rosemary flowers Nutmegs Sanders Mastich Amber red Roses the seeds of Nigella and the like 31. Chiefly there is to be applyed to the Neck a blystering Plaster and for some days let there be also applyed a Colewort leaf which is to be renewed Morning and Evening the Blysters being kept alwayes open 32. Fourthly and lastly we think That the Head and Stomach is to be strengthened by how much the Stomach is flower in Digestion by so much the more strengthening and corroberating the Diet should be 33. And seeing Crudities are generated by Fishes Milk things made of it fryed Meats and such like things of a hard Concoction therefore great heed must be taken to forbear these as also from all Varieties and Repletions in reference both to things that are to be Eaten and drunk 34. Let your drink be Wine wherein is Sage or Rosmarie or some other thing which can strengthen the Head and Stomach 35. Use frequently with a fasting Stomach the following Electuary Take Conserve of Betony Rosemary of each one ounce Borrage six drams species diamoschi dulcis Diambrae of each half a dram Nutmeg and Ginger Confected of each two drams with the syrup of Betony or staechas a sufficient quantity make an Electuary to which add the spirit or Oyl of Vitriol seven drops 36. In this place the Confection also of Diamoschi dulcis Aromaticum Diarrhodon Abbatis with the species of Annise and the like will be very convenient 37. Outwardly let him wear a Cucupha made of the flowers of Camomil Rosemary Staechas of each half an handful red Roses Balaustians of each one dram and half the seeds of Nigella Coriander prepared of each one dram Mace Nutmeg of each two scruples make a gross Pouder to be put into Cotton or silk for a Cucupha Ex Gregorij Horstij Tom. 2. lib. 2. Observ 11. CX A Catarrh from Intemperature of the Stomach 1. The famous Nicolaus Braun professor of Philosophy and Physick to the Learned and worthy Gregorius Horstius Physician 2. A certain noble Lady being long afflicted with a tedious uneasy and dayly Catarrh does Crave your Advice if perhaps by our Joynt Endeavours we may by the blessing of God contribute either to the removing or at least the mitigation of her Distemper 3. The cause of this Catarrh proceeded from the intemperature of the Stomach and the heat of the Liver by which means she was troubled with a vehement Thirst which caused her to drink plentifully from whence a great many Vapours being breed the matter of the distillation was continued and encreased which being afterwards coagulated did fall down on the Breast and caused a great difficulty of breathing together with a violent Cough 4. But some times the Stomach was freed by an unforced and spontaneous vomiting from the great plenty of the phlegmatick and serous matter and sometimes the Head by the Expurgation of the like superfluous matter through the Nostrills and nature assisting her to Expectorate the matter gathered in the Breast she got no small ease 5. Now nature being so kind and favourable there was but few Medicaments used we prescribed only some for cleansing of the peccant matter viz. Pil. Cochiae and Pil. Agarick and for drying of the Stomach and comforting it we ordered Conserve of Roses and a Compound stomatick pouder 6. Outwardly we prescribed Cucupha's and a Pouder for a perfume to strengthen the Brain and to dry up its Excrements as also anointing of the Stomach and Epithems c. 7. Pectorals I did not think very necessary because of the former easy Expectoration but rather that the Stomach and Liver should be regarded as the Original of Catarrhs 8. Her body being Plethorick I esteem'd it necessary to open a Vâin notwithstanding this nâble person for want of Expectoration in the precedent night was almost suffocated then I prescribed her to take of the Infusion of Agarick and Turbeth having before taken a digestive Pectoral 9. And for diminishing the vapours from the Stomach and Liver I look'd on the pouder of Species diarrhodon Abbatis with Cinnamon and Mastich to be very good 10. I also prescribed for the discussion of Wind with which the Stomach and Lungs were swell'd to wit a gross pouder of the seeds of Annise of Fennel and Cinnamon with the Confection of Fennel and Ginger 11. After these flatulencies were discussed I ordered other necessary things for the strengthening of the Stomach and Head for drying up the peccant humours in the Breast and for expectorating the Recrements c. 12. The Answer of Gregorius Horstius to the most Excellent and famous Nicholaus Braun 13. Although all things by you were dexterously and rightly administred according to the Physical Indications to that Noble Lady and that no better Medium can be prescribed than what you have ordered yet to satisfy her expectation and gratify her Importunity I shall very willingly offer what is further to be done 14. In the first place the Intemperature of the Vessells of Concoction is to be corrected by those things which not only alter the hot Intemperature but does also evacuate the superfluities about the first and second Region besides those above mentioned by you the pouder of Agarick mixed with the Extract Diacnicu is good for Evacuation 15. And it will not be Inconvenient for alteration to take the Conserve of the roots of Succory with Conserve of Roses vitriolated 16. Secondly the Fumes ascending to the Head are to be checked that it may be done Take pills de Succino and Morsels against distillations made of old Conserve of Roses Mastich Frankincense Nutmegs c. she may take them every other day in the Evening before she goes to Sleep 17. Thirdly the matter gathered in the Head is to be derived from thence for which end apply to the nape of the Neck a Plaster of Cantharides 18. Fourthly the Catarrh is to be stop'd and suspended I would have omitted the sprinkling of pouder about the Neck as also bags of Nigella Mastich and Nutmeg c. 19. Lastly For expectorating cutting and digesting the matter I approve of Oxymell of Tobacco from Quercetan and Rouls of the juyce of Liquorice with the Species Diatragacanthum frigidum Oyl of Fennel and sugar dissolved in the water of Pauls Betony by these Medicines a good Diet being observ'd I hope that she will find Ease and be freed from her Catarrh and Cough farewell Ex Gregorij Horstij Tom. 2. lib. 2. Observ 12. CXI A copious and thin Catarrh from an evill disposition of the Brain 1. Philip Perse Physician in Ordinary to the Princes of Austria To his Friend Gregorius Horstius Doctor and Professor of Physick in the University of Giessena 2. This Gentleman had a great hoarsness which without doubt was much nourished and encreased by the Catarrh the reason
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
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
came into my thoughts which possibly may not be unwelcome to you 4. A certain Country-man hard by being a long time afflicted with an Epilepsy sent for an Emperick being then about the Age of forty this Man gave him a violent purge which wrought both up and down at one time by the benefit of which even against the opinion of Hippocrates lib. 2. Aphor. 42. he was freed from the Falling-sickness 5. But immediately after he was through the Obstruction of the Optick Nerves deprived of his sight he lived four years but never recovered his sight 6. Another example I shall give you of the like effect of this bad Artist's Skill another Country-man being for many years troubled with the Epilepsy and being now arrived at the twentieth year of his Age received a violent purging Potion from the aforesaid Emperick he was thereby freed indeed from that Disease but yet very unhappily 7. For not long after the peccant humours did flow down in such an abundance that besides an Inflamation in his right Eye he had an insufferable pain in his Head which with the continual flux of the humours brought at last the loss of his sight of that Eye 8. Now that his other Eye might be preserved I prescribed him some Medicaments to be taken now and then after a few days For it is dangerous to Cure suddenly if it be not safely too 9. Therefore Hippocrates prudently admonishes in lib. 1. Aphorism 22. not crude but concocted humours are to be healed and removed 10. A crude humour says Butinus because of its thickness and coldness is in motion flow nor does easily yield to Physick thence from the commotion of them bad Symptomes follows and so much the worser oft time by how much the Medicine is gentler in its attraction and the humour by its grossness stronger in its resistance or more fixed or is immur'd between strait passages Hildanus Cent. 5. Observ 5. LXVIII A Falling-sickness arising from one of the Legs 1. A certain Noble Youth being afflicted many years with the Epilepsy askt my advice That it was the Falling-sickness the affections did declare the signs of which were that the principal Faculties together with Sense and Motion were subverted When yet notwithstanding the perceiving it before hand the short stay of the fit it not often invading nor the disturbed Functions being altogether corrupted or vitiated do rather argue it to be a symtom than an absolute Epilepsy or rather a middle symptom intervening between an Epilepsy and a Vertigo 2. Of this Disease there are three kinds the first proceeds from the vitious temper of the Brain another by consent from the Stomach the third from any other part of the body this last is known by this token that it falls not suddenly without warning but the Patient has a discerning of it some little time before it comes 3. And indeed such was this of Our Patient it cannot be accounted of the first kind for before the fit he discerns as it were a kind of subtle Spirit or Vapour to arise or ascend by degrees from his said Leg and from the great Toe of the same to the Brain and without doubt there the fountain of the Disease is fixed 4. But when as it is wont to be with many men the exhalations from the inferior parts into the Head are as it were perpetual in whom such a symptom as here in our Patient does not arise it is most evident that the exhalation contains in it a malignant and venemous quality which offends the Brain 5. And it is very agreeable that the Legg from whence the cause comes should have been long vexed with Fluxes and Ulcers whereof although the Patient be free yet it is most likely that there remains a bad quality in some part by reason of which the matter there gathered partaking of that Venom and touching the Brain by certain Intervals hurt its Faculites 6. But when it might be said That he was often troubled with the pain of the Stomach and with the Cholick it is not dissentaneous that he is thus afflicted through the Sympathy of these parts 7. The Cause of this Distemper is a cold humour and from thence it may be concluded the Disease is Chronick the continual pain of the Stomach as well as the pain of the Cholick do testify and shew the Temperament to be cold and moist 8. The Curative Indications are these viz. the evacuation of the cold humors the warming of the Stomach the strengthening of the Concoction the drying warming and strengthning of the Legg and when the Head receives matter transmitted from any other Cause it is a certain sign that it is afflicted with weakness 9. Therefore endeavours must be used to strengthen it that it may be the better able to resist and beat off the assaults of such Enemies although this Disease be of its own nature very grievous yet there is great hopes to be conceived of a recovery 10. For according to Hippocrates those young Men that are afflicted with the Falling-sickness are freed very much by the change of Age times seasons and Diet and some that are Epileptick before they arrive to the ripeness of Age meet with a change 11. As to the Cure although the humour to be evacuated seems to require no light Medicines yet by reason of age I think it better to use them Therefore then I shall be content with one simple Medicament But that being repeated let him take every other day about an hour before Supper one dose of pil Ruffi with pil Agarick of which this is the composition 12. Take the best Aloes Ammoniacum of each one ounce the best Myrrh half an ounce bruise them a part and then mix all together with Aromatick Wine make a paste Dose one pill the weight of a scruple let them be taken to at least two drams and every other day let him take three spoonfuls of Oxymel simple 13. Evacuation being made the flatuous humours are to be discussed and the Ventricle to be strengthened taking for some days a Confection of Ginger to the quantity of a Walnut in the morning with an empty Stomach 14. Diatrion pipereon Galeni simplex is the best also before Eating let his drink be of Wormwood-wine in the place of salt add to all his Meat the pouder which is made of Sugar two ounces Cinnamon half an ounce 15. Let his Legs be rub'd often in a bath made of a Lixivium in which are boyled Marjoram Wormwood Roses Sage Betony Rosemary Lavender with the addition of Wine 16. The Finger from whence that venomous Vapour proceeds must be anointed at night before sleep with Treacle dissolv'd in aqua vitae 17. It will be a very good praecaution if before the fit even while he feels it a coming that he use things to bind the parts as either the root of the Finger the Ankles and Knee 18. Great care is to be had of the Head a Lixivum being often adhibited in
Annise of Dill of Fennel and of Rue of each three drams the flowers of Chamomil of Rosemary of Staechas and of Elder of each one pugil Agarick tied in a thin linnen Cloth three drams Polypody of the Oak beaten one ounce course Bran two pugils make a decoction to one pound and strain it In the strained liquor dissolve Hiera Galeni one ounce the Electuarium Indi Majoris three drams honey of Violets honey of Rosemary flowers of each two ounces sal gem one dram Oyl of Lillies three ounces mix them and make a Clyster 28. A great abundance of pituitous and flatuous Excrements were evacuated by this Clyster and the Belly being emptied we commanded Blood to be taken away not only because of the greatness of the present bad disposition the patient was in but to prevent an imminent danger 29. For there was at once a most grieous fit and the fear of an Apoplexy wherefore finding her to be of a succulent good habit of Body we thought letting of Blood was convenient according to the opinion of Hippocrates who saies that in acute Diseases or affections if the sickness be vehement and the Infirm person be in their flourishing age and strong withall it will not be amiss to draw a little Blood out of the Chephalick vein 30. And having taken also some Blood out of the middle Vein the fit immediately after became lighter which being done least the humour in the principal part should swell and encrease we ordered the following potion to be taken the next morning after 31. Take Hiera Galeni half an ounce Diaphaenicon Electuarium Indi Majoris of each one dram Agarick trochiscated infused and expressed in Oxymel of squills four drams Oxymel of squills one ounce and a sufficient quantity of the water of the decoction of Betony and Hyssop with the Cordial flowflowers mix them upon which there happened the evacuation of much flegm and water 32. On the day following we gave her an Antidote Venice Treacle and Mithridate with the Conserve of the flowers of Rosemary and Staechas in Sugar a Bolus being made which because she could not swallow it was administred by way of potion in a decoction of Hyssop and Bawm 33. We did not forget the fit for we used frictions the rubing of the members and especially the extream parts shoutings and noise besides what we thought fit to apply to the Nostrils and put into the Mouth fresh Rue bruised and macerated in Vinegar we put up in the Nostrils and we did put into her mouth and did rub the Palat sometimes with Rue sometimes with Castoreum 34. Long and daily experience hath convinc'd me of the usefullness of the juice of Rue with the honey of squills in order to relieve persons in such kind of fits for this person having taken of it but twice she was no more afflicted with fits the humour being discussed by the vertue and calidity of the aforesaid Rue 35. I have found the like effects of it in Children new born who were troubled with this disease 36. Now whereas this affection proceeds from the fault of the Stomach we conceive that a Vomit in this cause will be very profitable which is to be thus made as we have tryed it mix Oxymel in the decoction of Raddish and Orache seeds having dipt a feather in Oyl caused a great abundance of pituitous matter to flow out of her Mouth 37. And that she might not relapse into these fits we prescribed by way of prevention the following Medicine Take Catholicon six drams Diaphaenicon two drams make with sugar a Bolus 38. The day after she began to take the following Apozem for the Head six days together Take Acorus the roots of Elicampane and sea Peony of each one ounce Cyprus Calamus Aromaticus of each half an ounce dry Citron Bark Misletoe of the Oak of each six drams Bawm mountain Hyssop Betony sweet Marjoram Rue of each one handful common Maiden hair half an handful the herb Mercury as much gout Ivy Primrose these two are for the Gout with which this person was afflicted of each half an handful the flowers of Carthamus seeds two ounces Agarick trochiscated tyed in a thin linnen Cloth one ounce Anniss and Fennil seeds of each two drams Peony seeds gathered in the decrease of the moon half an ounce Melons seeds with the hulls bruised three drams the flowers of Rosemary and staechas of each one pugil the flowers of Bugloss and Broom of each two pugil Epithymum half an ounce make a decoction of them all in two pound of fountain water and strain it add to the strained liquor Oxymel of squills four ounces honey of Roses strained fresh syrup of Betony of each two ounces mix them and make an Apozem clarified and aromatized with Nutmeg the pouder of the species diamoschi dulcis of each one dram for two doses which repeat twice 39. The syrup being done we prescribed this potion Take of the decoction of the abovesaid Apozem four ounces add white Agarick with a little Ginger infused four scruples Diaphaenicon Electuary of Citrons solutive of each one dram and a half syrup of Roses from the Infusion of Roses with scammony two ounces mix them and make a potion and let them be given in due order 40. Take Conserves of Roses and Rosemary flowers of each one dram old Treacle two drams make a Bolus thereof in the whitest sugar which let her take as a daily Medicine five hours befor Meat 41. Take the Conserves of Acorus strained one ounce the Conserves of the flowers of Rosemary staechas and Bugloss of each one ounce Conserves of the flowers of Sage and Succory of each half an ounce Emblick Myrobalans candied one in number the pouder of the species Diamoschi Dulcis one dram and a half candied Citrons peels half an ounce Peony seeds gathered in their proper season missletoe of the Oak of each one dram and a half the pouder of mans skull five scruples the pouder of red Coral washed and the raspings of Jvory of each one dram the pouder of Nutmeg and the sharpest biting Cinnamon of each two scruples mix them with the syrup of the Conserves of Acorus and the honey of squills make it after the manner of an Opiate when done take every other morning to the bigness of a Chesnut thereof washing the Mouth with a little wine mixt with some Bugloss-water 42. Afterwards let the person sleep and abstain from meat four hours 43. When she had taken this Medicine she found her self much released from her Disease moreover for diverting the matter from the Brain and Ventricle we prescribed pills to be taken 44. Take pil Assajeret two drams Aloes thrice washed in the juice of Hyssop three drams Agarick trochiscated two drams pil Cochiae two drams Mastich Nutmeg the pouder of Mans skull Peony seeds of each one scruple Troches Alhandal five grains mix them and make a past with the honey of squill out of a dram of which make six pills
use them Morning and Evening 3. Take the Oyl of Nutmegs two scruples Vnguentum Pomatum one scruple the Oyls of Lavender of Marjoram of Rosemary-flowers of Amber of Rue of each two drops Castoreum two grains mix them and make a Liniment to anoint the nape of the Neck Nostrils and the Coronal Sutures Grulingius Cent. Observ 36. LXXX The Epilepsy without a Convulsion 1. A certain Woman about the Age of twenty eight having swallowed a Bodkin in her Infancy she presently felt no harm by it though it remained still in her Body 2. It was observed that being Married she often stood in amaze and stupefaction with Lips wide open and with Eyes pull'd aside looking sternly She suffered somewhat like to the Epilepsy therefore it was concluded that Vapours did ascend from the lower parts but that they could excite such grievious Fits and assaults as are in a strong Epilepsy is somewhat strange 3. They resemble rather these Vapours proceeding from a Vertigo which assault the Brain as it were without any Convulsion but with the Hallucination only and deception of the Senses 4. For evacuation I prescribed first Electuarium Diacatholicon and Diaphenicon Confectio Hamech of each one dram the extract of black Hellebor six grains Diagridium two grains Conserve of Betony one scruple Aniseeds half a scruple make a Bolus with Sugar 5. Secondly for purging the Head and Ventricle Take Pills of Mastich Cothiarum Aurearum Foetidarum of each half a dram Troches Alhandal half a scruple Diagredium three grains Mastich eight grains make with Betony-water one and twenty Pills to be taken thrice 6. And every month for three days before a Full Moon let her take a Dose at two a Clock in the Night and Sleep thereafter two hours 7. Thirdly For Corroberation Take Rob Juniperi one ounce Conserve of Betony two drams and half Peony one dram and half the pouder of the roots of Peony one dram the flowers of Orrice half a dram Misletoe of the Oak one scruple white Amber prepared half a scruple Human skull prepared six grains the seeds of Rue twenty three grains syrups of Betony and of Peony of each a sufficient quantity make an Electuary and take every Morning and at going to bed the quantity of a great Bean or more LXXXI The Epilepsy in a Maid 1. At the command of a certain Illustrious person a Dutchess I prescribed these following Medicines for this Noble Virgin Take the seeds and roots of Peony of each five grains choice Turbith roots of Mechoacan species Diaturbith with Rhubarb our Cathartick Pouder each seven grains Tartar vitriolated five grains Diagridium four grains Gum Guttae one grain choice Cinnamon six grains make a most subtle pouder 2. Take the leaves of Marjoram Thyme Rosemary of each two scruples the flowers of Lavender of Betony of Prim-roses of Tile-tree of Origanum and of Stoechas of each half a dram the seeds of Peony two drams of Anise one dram Fennel and Coriander prepared half a dram the roots of Peony of Orrice-flowers of each two drams and half the Wood of Sassafras three drams Misletoe of the Oak Cinnamon Mace Nutmeg of each one dram white sugar one ounce cut bruise and make a pouder of them and so let them be given 3. Take syrups of Peony one ounce of Betony six drams of staechas two drams of Cinnamon two drams and a half the extract of Juniper two drams of Zedoaria five grains Conserves of Rosemary-flowers one dram Conserves of Bawm of Borrage of Betony of each one dram and half spirits of Elder-flowers and of Juniper-berries of each two scruples the Essences of Rosemary-flowers one scruple the pouder of Peony roots half a dram Orrice-flowers one scruple white Amber prepared half a scruple the Epileptick water of Langius three drams Lozenges of sugar pearled two drams make a mixture Grulingius Cent. Observ 37. LXXXII The Epilepsy 1. A certain person called Marcus Antonius fell into terrible and outragious Fits not unlike those of the Epilepsy when at first this Disease assaulted him he was afflicted with manifest and noted Palpitations of the Heart which were also accompanied with a mighty oppression and wonderful dejection of the Strength together with some Convulsive Motions he was necessitated sometimes to make use of the nearest Seats or to sit down on the ground 2. At length being purged with Pil. Catholicae and the Brain being strengthned with Cephalick Conserves the Balsam of Vitriol being added he was restored to Health again 3. There was also exhibited a Stomachal Specifick by which chiefly he was eased Poterius Cent. 1. Obs 78. LXXXIII The Epilepsy in a Maid 1. This Maid was often afflicted for the space of three years with an Hereditary Epilepsy 2. A little before the assault and invasion of this Distemper she was taken with a dimness of sight and then fell flat on the ground being first siezed with a Convulsion of her Members 3. In this deplorable pâsture she would lye about half an hour as if she were Dead with Arms and Legs stretched out foaming greatly at the Mouth and being altogether forgetful of what had happened to her but the fit being over and the Muscles resolved she went to Stool 4. This affect she deriving as Hereditary from her Father I was earnest to search out the causes of so great a Malady and upon diligent scrutiny I found that her Father had not only fallen often into Fits of the Falling-sickness but had also been often besides himself and devested of the exercise of his Reason not unlike that kind of alienation of the Mind which happens to persons Lunatick 5. I am certainly perswaded the reason of this name comes from nothing else but the inordination of the several Motions because as some do observe this sort of affect is moved and excited in the new of the Moon and its quarters 6. But I am rather of the opinion That this is to be ascribed to the Seed of the Parent than to any such obscure and remote Causes 7. This Maid was at length freed from her Distemper by taking thrice the Marchasite of saturn which caused her to Vomit much flegm and greenish Choler and to this purpose we prepared by calcination the Marchasite of Sasaturn of which in our Pharmacopoeia spagyrica in 3 cap. de stibio She lived seven years after the Cure was performed without the lest hazard and suspition of a Relapse Poterius Cent. 2. Observ 48. LXXXIV The Falling-sickness in a Child ten years of Age. 1. A Youth of about ten years of Age was suddenly siezed with the Falling sickness He was first taken on the right side it began always when the Paroxysm came on his right Foot ascended up by degrees like a Vapour from his Foot to his Ankle so to his Knee then his Hip and from thence to his Arm Hand and Head where having taken possession of the Brain he presently fell down with a great crying out and a foaming at Mouth 2. He
proximate cause of so many direful symptoms we proposed this following Holagogue Take one ounce and a half of spiritus Vitae aureus by this Vomiting ceasing he did evacuate his Excrements by their proper Channel and we did allay the great pain of his Belly by a Bag made of Hogs dung Decocted in Vinegar 3. We mitigated the pain of his Testiculi with the following Fomentation Take the Oyl of Violets and Goats Milk of each three ounces in which wet a Linnen Cloath and wrap it warm about the Testes 4. And for preventing Inflamation as also for repelling the matter we ordered the opening of the Vein Malleoli 5. Afterwards we did exhibit this following Drink to be taken in the Morning Take the Whey of Goats Milk well boyled and clarifyed one pound and half in which we infused all night pure Sena half an ounce the grains of Peony hulled and bruised three drams Mans skull Ginger each one dram with a little Sugar boyl them all together at one boyling in the Morning afterwards strain them and let the Sick take seven ounces warm of the strained Liquor and on the following day the like quantity 6. By vertue hereof his Costive Belly and intestines that were streightned with the violence of flatuous flegmatick and sharp humors were sufficiently opened and eased and the Sick who was pittyed by all was freed from all his former pains Martinus Rulandus Cent. 7. Cur. 74. CXV The Epilepsy in a young Girl 1. A Maid about eleven years of age was afflicted for the space of three Months with grievious fits of the Falling-sickness the which I cured with this one Antepileptick Medicine 2. Take our Oleum Heraclium one dram and half Plantain-water one dram mix them I gave her fasting every day for four days together four large drops thereof by which the Paroxysm was remitted 3. And least that evil should return I ordered her to take the same number of drops for a whole Week together which had so good an effect that I hear she still lives free from any assaults of that Disease Martinus Rulandus Cent. 7. Cur. 90. CXVI The Epilepsy in another young Girl 1. Another Maid about the age of twelve years was troubled for half a year day and night with a most fierce Epilepsy as also Worms 2. As soon as the Disease first assaulted this Maid being suddenly Convulsed she fell made a noise foamed and trembled about half an hour after she came to her self Arose Vomited Rested and Slep't her Urine did appear froathy and muddy 3. The Mother with the Daughter coming to Me and begging my advice for they were Poor I ordered this following Take Saccharum Heracleinum of this Sugar she took every Morning fasting the bigness of a Nutmeg for three days together and after five hours she took Meat 4. By this little Bole she did eject many vitious excrements and above an hundred great and small Worms by this Saccharum alone this Maid was happily freed with a thin and little Diet she drank for a month water wherein Sage was infused Martinus Rulandus Cent. 8. Cur. 13. CXVII The Epilepsy in a Man about forty years of Age. 1. One about the age of forty years was grieviously vexed with the Falling-sickness at the first assault of this Disease he fell cryed out foamed and trembled 2. I being called to visit him I instituted the following Method for a month Saccharum Antepilepticum or Bezoardicum I did exhibite every day in the Morning one dram by which the Body was gently purged and cleansed from all its peccant and noxious humors 3. Moreover for three days before the new and old Moon I ordered her the use of our Sternutatory and for Drink small Wine in which were infused the flowers of the Tile-tree by this remedy the Gentleman was cured in the space of a month Martinus Rulandus Cent. 9. Cur. 91. CXVIII The Epilepsy or Falling-sickness in a Child or Youth 1 A Boy of ten years of age was often afflicted with this Disease both in the day and in the night and in the time of the Paroxysm his left Eye Mouth and Hand was convulsed his Speech was lost and his left Arm was benummed but the fit continued not long and he came presently to himself and did not fall as it happens in a more fierce Epilepsy 2. His Cure was thus instituted let him drink for a month the Water of the Decoction of Tile-flowers Take spiritus Vitae Aureus half an ounce at a time having taken this he did immediately evacuate a great many noysom thick flegmatick Excrements and began afterwards to speak and to grow better 3. I gave him two days after two drams of the same Spirit for four days together by which he was well purged and perfectly restored again to Health Martinus Rulandus Cent. 9. Cur. 99. CXIX The Epilepsy in a middle Aged man 1. A Man of thirty three years of age suffered a Convulsion Morning and Evening he was troubled with a Vertigo he fell and did breath with difficulty these Maladies siezed him the third day and continued a quarter of an hour afterwards he came to himself and could rise by his own strength without help 2. He was cured by these following Medicines Take the pouder of Sena laxative one dram and half Wine five ounces being mixed they did stand for a Night and then took it in the Morning by which many Excrements were evacuated 3. That Pouder of sena Laxativa is not the pouder of sena Montagnanae but is the pouder of sena laxativa Wieri the Composition whereof is as follows 4. Take the leaves of sena white Tartar of each one ounce Aniseeds Cloves Cinnamon Galangal of each one dram Diagridium two drams beat them into a subtle Pouder according to Art the Dose is from half a scruple to one dram and a half in the substance 5. The Dose in the Infusion is half an ounce this purged out much yellow and black Choller and Flegm and so he was freed from his Disease by these Medicines Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 3. CXX The Epilepsy 1. A Woman was taken with a light Epilepsy I prescribed her to take for Diet good Broths Pease Barley and Eggs and for Drink the Water of Tile-flowers sweetned with Lozenges of Sugar Pearled in her Meat the Tragaea Antepileptica was given 2. In the Morning our Sternutatory prepared with Musk the quantity of one Barley grain was put up into her Nostrils 3. Take syrup of sena two ounces and half Cinnamon-water half an ounce mix them for twice which every Morning he took for two days together whereupon he was perfectly freed from this Disease Martinus Rulandus Cent. 10. Cur. 12. CXXI The Epilepsy in an Elderly Gentleman 1. A Gentleman in the fiftieth year of his Age was taken with a grievious Epilepsy whom visiting I helped with these few Medicines 2. In the time of the Paroxysm I gave him thirteen drops of our Oleum Antepilepticum by which to
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
tedious and violent and a watery humor flows forth at the Nostrils it will be good to shave the Head of the Child and to apply a Vesicatory over the whole Head this I have known sometimes to Cure at the first drawing it may be repeated if occasion be two or three times 8. It cannot be done in vain but with great advantage to the Sick forasmuch as that the watery juyce or degenerated Lympha which is the Conjunct Cause of the Disease is clearly drawn away 9. And this is more admirably done and with greater advantage in Infants than in persons of elder years because as yet in Children the Sutures of the Skull are not perfectly closed whereby not only the aforesaid degenerated Lymphatick Juyce but also the preternatural Vapours lodged in the Cavities of the Brain are drawn forth 10. This done the Soar being healed we must make use of Discussives of which the Powers of Amber are of mighty force being Bathed upon the whole Head so all the Powers of Sage Rosemary Lavender sweet Marjoram Thyme Tansey Featherfew Savory and such like 11. For they pierce and penetrate through the flesh Pericranium and softness of the Skull whereby not only the Menings of the Brain but the Brain it self are marvellously dryed comforted and strengthened and the Animal Spirits themselves recreated 12. The Temples Forehead and Nostrils ought to be bathed with the same and this ought to be done twice a day for two or three Weeks together 13. After which the Epileptick Emplaster of Franciscus Valesius may be applyed to the Coronal Sutures for as much as it is said that that Plaster alone never fails of the Cure the Composition and Preparation whereof you may see sect 73. § 4. aforegoing of this Chapter 14. Moreover it will be profitable that the the Hands and Feet should be bathed with these Potestates or Powers aforenamed not only because it might probably have a rise from those parts but also by reason of the consent and sympathy of the same 15. The third Intention consists in the exhibiting of proper Specificks if the Child be two three or more years old the Gilla Theophrasti or Salt of Vitriol may be profitably given 16. For as Paracelsus says They are specificks in rooting out the Falling-sickness especially in Children for by gentle Convulsions of the Stomach they cause Vomiting whereby the root of the peccant matter is taken away the Stomach cleansed and strengthened from whence an laudible Chyle is generated whereby strong and salutiferous Spirits are bred in the Heart and Brain 17. This same salt of Vitriol may be given two three or four times according as you see the Disease increase and it is so safe that it may be given even to young Children the Dose to Children is ten grains to half a dram according to their Age and Strength 18. If it be given by a wise Hand it will not only evacuate the humor upward but also derive a part of the morbifick Cause downwards 19. Some commend Hiera picra or the Infusion thereof in a proper Liquour truly the thing is good but 't is too bitter to be given to Children 20. The following things I have proved as Specificks in this Case Take pouder of Male-peony seeds and roots of each one dram and half pouder of Mans skull salt of Hartshorn and pouder of Nutmegs of each a dram Elks-hoof prepared half a dram mix them in a fine Pouder Dose from 15 grains to half a dram 21. Take Castoreum a dram and half prepared Amber half a dram pouder of Peony-seeds and Peacocks dung of each two scruples Oyl of Lavender ten drops mix them Dose ten grains to a scruple 22. Take Nutmegs a scruple pouder of Peony-roots and seeds of each two scruples Misleto of the Oak one dram Castoreum Mans skull prepared Musk in fine pouder of each four scruples mix them together and make an Electuary with the Extract of black Cherries Dose one dram to two drams giving after it a little Cinnamon water 23. Take Tincture of Castoreum Tincture of Mans skull of each an ounce Tincture of Lavender-flowers Tincture of Saffron of each six drams spirit of Mans skull half an ounce Powers of Amber two drams mix them the Dose one dram or more in proper Liquor 24. Take Water of the flowers of the Line-tree Water of the flowers of the Lilly Convally of each six ounces syrup of the juyce of Alkermes syrup of the juyce of Male-peony-flowers of each four ounces spirit of Angelica the greater Composition spirit of Castor of each three ounces strong Cinnamon-water Aqua Coelestis of each two ounces and half Powers of Rosemary Sage Lavender Origanum and sweet Marjoram of each half an ounce white sugar enough to sweeten them well mix all together and so you have a Liquor whitish red of which you may give the Child half a spoonful every Morning and Evening alone or in a glass of Sack 25. With this following Pouder I have cured several Take choice Musk one dram Ambergrise Cochineal Salt of Mans skull of each a scruple mix and make a Pouder which may be given with a little Conserve of red Roses drinking after it a Glass of choice Canary 26. Also our Epileptick Pouder which we have commended in the Cure of the Vertigo is inferiour to very few things 27. Riverius commends this Take Peony-seeds a dram and half Lavender-flowers a pugil Amber two scruples make a fine pouder 28. Columna saith That the root of Wild Valerian given in pouder in Milk has cured very many 29. Vntzerus commends the Gall of a black sucking Puppy but of a Bitch for a Girl to be taken to three or four drops in Tile-flower water he saith it will cure to a Miracle 30. Riverius commends the Back-bone and the Members contracted to be anointed with this following Liniment Take Oyl of Rue Oyl of Earthworms of each two ounces Oyl of Castor a dram and with a little Aqua Vitae make a Liniment it ought to be well rub'd in twice a day Morning and Evening 31. That learned Man and great Chymist Maxy commended to me this as a great secret that would never fail Take Venice Treacle Confect of Alkermes of each half an ounce salt of Mans skull fine pouder of Cocheneel Musk in subtle pouder of each two drams Ambergrise a dram mix and make an Electuary of which the quantity of a Nutmeg may be given the Child every Morning 32. He also commended to me salt of Vipers mixed with equal parts of salt of Mans skull and Musk as a remedy that had scarcely any equal 33. Moreover he told me from manifold and large experiences that all fixt Alchalies if often and long taken would infallibly Cure this Disease for that they enervated the Acid juyce and the sowerness of the Blood which he conceived to be the Cause of this Disease 34. And that he knew more to be cured by taking of Volatile and Fixt Alchalies such as are Salt
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
her food very well which she had not don for many months before but every night going to bed except the purging days she took a dose of my Laudanum by which she said she perceived more comfort than by all the other Medicaments she had taken thorough her whole life 5. But by reason of her exceeding weakness through loosing so much Blood together with illness and faintness which often attended her in the day time I ordered her to take every day in the morning fasting an hour before Dinner and as long before Supper a little Electuarium ad Tabidos upon a knives point and if she so pleased to take after it a small taster of choice Cinnamon water this she did and by the assiduous use thereof she was restored out of her weakness even to admiration 6. One thing more observable in this Cure is that whereas this Gentlewoman never had a Child in all her life nor that she knew of had ever conceaved with Child but esteemed her self barren she suddenly after her body had been well cleansed with the Family Pills conceived and brought forth in due time a delicate and lusty Boy and after him had several other brave and lusty Children this I look upon to be caused from the power and force of the said Family Pills which not only effectually cleanse the Womb and parts adjacent but also powerfully remove all obstructions and open all the Vessells thereof even in their most inward recesses II. Convulsion fits in a middle aged Woman arising from obstruction of the Mesentery with a stony hardness 1. This wretched and miâââable creature having been for a long time extreamly afflicted with an inward pain of the Bowells was by continuance length of time and vehemency of the Pain seized with Convulsion fits When this Pain first afflicted her it was after the manner of the Cholick and came upon her by fits as the Cholick is wont to do But in the process of time the Pain seemed to be perpetuall 2. All things were don that could be imagined to give her ease but nothing prevailed and although at first Carminatives and such things as expell'd wind did her much good yet as her Disease grew more and more upon her the Pain became the more extream and all Medicines which she took seemed rather to increase it so that at length by the Vehemency thereof she was taken with Convulsion fââs 3. In this extremity I was sent for and having examined into the state of her Disease I much dispaired of her Cure and so much the more 1. because her Pain was perpetuall which made me fear some permanent matter 2. because that although it was concluded by all to be the Cholick yet nothing which was proper for the Cholick did her any good 3. If any thing of an Opiate was given her it rather added to her misery 4. she eat but very litle and what she did eat came away in a Chylous flux 5. she was consumed even to skin and bone 4. Upon these considerations I concluded her Disease to be desperate and by reason of the Chylous flux which had long afflicted her I concluded the greatness of he affliction to be in the Mesentery and that the Convulsion fits were caused by consent through a hurt of the Nerves of the Par Vagum and thereupon I declined the giving her any Physick but she had formerly taken many Medicines so that scarcely any thing could have been thought of which had been wanting to her yet nothing that she took did her any good 5. In this lingering condition she continued for a season but at length in the strength of a Convulsion fit dyed after she was dead some of the Physicians which had been before concern'd in her cure desired to have her opened the which was âân in my presence all things were found well in her from Head to Foot excepting the Mesentery which was changed into a stoney hardness with many little stones in it in several parts thereof and the Chylous receptacles themselves were filled with these stones which were of strange and unusual shapes not round but cornered and sharp after a most admirable manner and some of them shot out into length like Crystalls 6. I enquired of her Husband what he thought was the prime or first cause of all her illness and he told me he believed it to be from her drinking Epsom waters for before she went thither she was well enough and ailed nothing but going thither and drinking those waters plentifully she by degrees found a Pain in her Bowels to come upon her which never after perfectly left her and to her dying day she was of the belief that the drinking of those waters was the sole cause of her Disease and Death the which I also am inclinable to think for as much as I have known them to be the ruine of a great many more besides XII Convâlsion fits in a young Child about six weeks old 1. This Child through the intollerable griping of the Bowels fell into Convulsion fits the which were so vehement upon it that upon every Paroxysm they feared the Child would never come out of them in the absence of these fits it would almost continually cry in so much that I concluded it must be wind or a sharp humor or both that afflicted it and was the cause of its crying and also of the Convulsion fits 2. Upon this I ordered the powers of Caraways six or eight drops to be given to the Child in Sack and morning and evening five or six drops of my Gutta vitae to be given in wine also these things gave the Child immediate ease also outwardly I caused all the Belly of the Child as also the Stomach thereof to be anointed with Oyl of Mace by expression and over the same a plaister of Mithridate to be applyed 3. These things had their desired effects for the Child had presently ease and never but one fit of the Convulsion after and that much more gentle than the former however after that we had overcome the fits and the Child seemed to be restored I caused it to be purg'd very well with Manna correcting it with the Powers of Caraways this brought away a great quantity of black and Green slimy filth from the Child and purged it pleasantly without any Pain so that its diseases vanished and never returned any more XIII The History of a Gentleman that was seiZ'd with the Cramp after a very strange manner 1. This Gentleman by reason of taking cold in his Feet was seiz'd with the Cramp in both his Legs so that when the fit came the Calves would be both shrunk up and be like hard knots almost as big as ones fist which made him rore and cry out with vehemency like a mad or distracted man the extremity thereof in less than half an hour would be gon but the Convulsion of the parts being very strong left a great soreness behind it and so weakn'd him that
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
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
to refer both the Causes and Symptoms of this Disease to the explosive Particles the Brain being passed through without hurt sent as a supply continually from the Blood into the nervous Stock 21. Which forasmuch as they being poured forth in great plenty were not restrained within private Mines to be struck off gently by turns cleaving every where both to the implanted and inflowing Spirits forced them as it were inspired with a Madness to be perpetually explosed and to grow raging here and there by Bands 22. So that indeed they were not able at all to be ruled within the containing Parts but there was need to subdue and tame them which did so impetuously tumultuat and were apt to be carryed here and there like a Whirlwind by some violent and strong Motion 23. It was in this sick Person as it is in musical Organs which if filled above Measure by too great a blast of Wind unless presently the Passages of more Pipes be opened the whole Frame of the Organ is quickly shaken and in danger to be broken to pieces 24. In like manner in this Lady when the animal Spirits actuating the Pipes and the depending Fibres of some of the Nerves were moved beyond their due Tenour there was a Necessity that their Force should be bestowed on many vehement local Motions together whilst they inflated above measure the nervous Bodys 25. Wherefore when their Madness was hindred in one part by and by like Wind pent up creeping some where else it broke forth more violently into some other part 26 In this sick Person the use of one or two Vomits brought help once or twice because that by it what was lodged in the Gall-Vessel yea the Glandula's and Emunctories and also about the Viscera of Concoction being by this means emptied the purging of the Blood and nervous Juice were more copiously drawn into the same place 27. Therefore that the animal Spirits flowing within the Pipes of the distempered Nerves might be less infected by them By this reason also the Juice of the Sows or Hog-Lice was beneficial forasmuch as it derived the morbifick Matter from the nervous system to the urinary Passages 28. Besides these the root and in a great part the branches of the morbifick matter being cut off and when others as it were Antidotes hindring every where its Vegetation were carefully administred what was left of it nature at length becoming superior as she is wont in these critical Cases sent away to the Sinks of the Mouth and Throat Willis de Morbis convulsivis Cap. 9. Obser 3. LXI A Convulsion in a noble Virgin 1. I visited an illustrious Virgin who was troubled with other kind of convulsive Motions and those universal and no less to be admired she was about the age of eighteen handsom and well shaped and before this time healthful the Pestilence raging in this Neighborhood and she being in danger of its Contagion she fell into a pannick Fear with frequent swooning 2. The Night following she was under so great a Deliquium or sinking down of her Spirits and insensibility that she seem'd just a dying hardly strugling with so great an Evil afterwards she had every day convulsive Fits though at first at uncertain hours and returning after a manifold kind 3. But within a short time its comings being made regular twice in a day to wit they constantly returned at eleven of the clock and before five in the after-noon that no intermitting Feaver kept more exactly its periods yea also the same accidents of the Fit daily chanced after the same manner 4. When she had thus been sick for three weeks one day I was sent for that I might take notice of all the Symptoms and the whole Figure of the Disease 5. She being up about ten in the Morning seemed to be well as to her countenance speech and walking in every action she behaved herself so well that none suspected her to be any ways indisposed about eleven of the clock she began to complain of the repletion of her Head and the numbness of her Spirits accompaned with a light swimming by and by she felt a great Pulsation and as it were the leaping of some live Animal in her left Hypochondrium 6. Putting my hand on her side I plainly perceived this motion then a stretching and belching followed which done she was presently put to bed and a Maid sitting upon a Pillow held her down who during the fit most strickly graspt the sick Person holding her to her bosom with her Arms folded about her wast 7. Besides Servants were ready and her Relations standing by who now pressed down her Belly and Hypochondria rising up and swelling to a great Bulk now held her Hands and Arms. 8. The chief Symptoms of the Disease which being excited by turns almost divided the whole Fit were these one while cruel Convulsions of the Bowels did afflict her so that the Abdomen rising up into a mighty Bulk so strove against the hands held upon it that it could not be pressed down and at the same time her Praecordia being contracted upwards the Motions of her Blood and Heart were almost stopped in which space of time this Virgin her Head falling down lay nigh sensless with a small Pulse and almost without Voice 9. After two or three minuts of an hour these Convulsions ceased and then the sick Person setting her self upright looked about cheerfully and for a while the force of the Disease was changed into talking and singing which she performed without ceasing most pleasantly and elegantly beyond her proper Capacity 10. With these kinds of Speeches and pleasant Jests she fell upon all the By-standers that nothing in a Comedy could be more pleasant Then she uttered most melodious sweet Tunes such as could not be paralell'd by any other nay not by her self at another time 11. After she passed some little time thus jesting and singing the Convulsions of her Bowels and Praecordia and the want of Speech came upon her as before and these soon remitting the force of the Spirits leaping back from the inferior Nerves on the Brain she was imployed much after the manner above mentioned 12. But if any of the By-standers did at any time answer her ruggedly when she talkt to them she fell into those most grievous and longer continuing Convulsions of the Viscera 13. After this manner she was wont to be molested with an alternate Distemper of the Bowels and Brain for about the space of an hour then towards the End of the Fit declining more light Convulsious of the Viscera being made they were repeated three or four times without any Intermission 14. Then these wholly ceasing the force of the Disease brake forth into her outward Members from whence it quickly vanished for her Arms and Legs about one minute suffered leapings forth and contractions presently after the sick Person left her bed being free from Convulsions till a new Fit returned 15. She walked about the house
Ground-Pine Germander Hysop and the like the Syrup of Staechas Honey of Roses and the Syrup of Betony being added 6. First for Purgation we exhibited these following Pills Take Pills of Assajaret and Agarick trochiscated of each half a dram with Honey of Roses make seven Pills 7. Let her take afterwards the following Apozem Take the bark of the roots of Barsley Fennel Butchers-Broom Asparagus of each half an ounce the Flowers of Rosemary one pugil Hysop Marjoram Sage Germander Ground-Pine Betony of each one handful Annise and Fennel one dram and half Carthamus-seeds half an ounce Polypody of the Oak one ounce Tyme one pugil make a Decoction in water to one pound of the straining you may add Syrup of Staechas Calamint Honey of Roses strained of each one ounce aromatize it with a little Cinnamon Mace and Nutmeg and let it be after the manner of a Claret 8. I did purge her again with the following Pills Take Pil. Faetidae Cochiae Pil. Hermodactylis of each one scruple Castoreum three grains make seven Pills 9. And after I had used dry Cupping-glases with Scarification in the shoulder blades and hipps we then made use of Masticatories and Apophlegmatisms for these not only divert but also draw the matter from the Head and hinder the Defluction thereof from the Brain to the Nape and Vertebrae Treacle Mithridate Diamoschi Conserve of the Flowers of Sage and Rosemary were taken and outwardly the Back-bone as also the other convulsed Members were first anointed with the Oyl of Foxes and Earth-Worms then with the Oyl of Costus and an Ointment made of Bdellum rowling all up in the skin of a Wolf 10. The Members were for some time kept in a Decoction of Whelps in Wine and Oyl 11 And that Experiment of Nicholas which resolves and remits the pain was not neglected Take a fat Goose open it and throw away the Garbish and after you have put into the Belly thereof a Cat cut in small peices with Lard Myrrh and Frankincense sow it up putting it on a Spit which roast then set a Dish under it wherein is Vinegar in which the first Fat dropping was laid aside but that which distilled afterwards was reserved for Vse 12. Let the Goose after this be boyled in the said Vinegar and the greatest part of the Fat will be separated and will swim above the Vinegar which being mixed with the first anoinâ therewith the convulsed Members 13. I have known some to be freed from pain by using only a Bath of common Oyl with a Decoction of Earth-Worms but the Members must be contained within the hot Oyl and a Plaister of Earth-Worms must be applyed to the affected Parts 14. Caesar Landulphus said he was cured by Cats-mint common Oyl Worms and the Oyl of Fâxes although he had a Convulsion in his Hipps and Leggs it returning about half a year after was presently well by taking Sarsa-Parilla Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 104. LXXVI A Convulsion in an old Man 1. A certain old man of Delf having a Convulsion in his Neck and Arm I exhibited to him Pil. Cochiae with a small quantity of Castoreum afterwards I gave him Pil. Cochiae Fetidae and his Neck also being anointed with the Oyl of Lillies Earth-Worms and Foxes this old Man recovered even to a Miracle 2. Also another sick Person was freed from Convulsions thus a Vein was opened then a Decoction was made of Sage Betony Marjoram Staechas and the like to which was added also Syrup of Staechas and the Pills above mentioned were exhibited then Errhins and cephalick Purges were administred 3. After this we came to use Topicks first anointing the parts with Oyl of Lillies and Cammomil and then for greater Discussion we proceeded to the use of the Oyls of Rue Bays Orris Ducks and Goose grease and at length of Petroleum a little Aqua Vitae being added as also a little of the Pouder of Castoreum with Marsh-Mallows and Martiatum Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 106. LXXVII A Convulsion from too great Repletion of the pituitous Juice 1. A Man drowsy and flegmatick every day filling himself with thick Beer and living a very idle life being about the age of forty fell suddenly into a Convulsion of the Arms and Leggs 2. Having understood by several Causes and Signs that his Convulsions proceeded from too great plenty of the pituitous Juice or Humors I ordered that according to Celsus he should keep a continual Fire in his Chamber it being cold Weather which does certainly offend the Parts 3. I took care that the Belly was kept in a good Temper the Cream of Ptisan was ordered for him as a Diet as also rear Eggs Chickens or a Broth in which Hysop the Mother of Tyme Sage Elder Savory were boyled 4. I praescribed to him a Clyster which having purged him sufficiently I ordered him to use twice a day continually the following Decoction Take Sage Marjoram Cowslipps Betony Bay-leaves the flowers of Rosemary and Staechas of each one handful make a Decoction in Aqua Mulsa for one pint 5. Afterwards I purged him with the following Pills Take Pil. Cochiae and Fetidae and of Agarick of each one scruple with Betony water make five Pills after the purge of Actius I did exhibite one dram of Castoreum with Sage-Water 6. After one or two days his Head being purged again with Errhines and Apophlegmatisms I ordered one dram of choice Treacle with two ounces of Aqua Mulsa 7. And I anointed his Neck Back-bone and the inferior Vertebrae with the Oyl of Spike of Costus and Castoreum the Oyl of Pepper and Earth-Worms by which Remedies he was at length cured Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 107. LXXVIII A Convulsion from outragious Choler 1. One dwelling in the City of Delf who was intemperate and a great Feeder fell under the Praedominancy of fierce and sharp Choler by reason of continual Crudities being taking with a violent Griping and Evacuation as well above as below he fell into swooning Fits which brought him into a Convulsion of the Hands and Feet and a Contraction almost of all the Muscles 2. For the Muscles of his Breast Throat Neck Back and Belly were so convulsed that every one that saw him looked upon him as one just ready to expire for subduing of this stubborn Malady I proposed the following Drink for cleansing the Ventricle from that sharp and gnawing Humor 3. Take the Decoction of Barley not husked three ounces Syrup of the manifold Infusion of red Roses one ounce mix them 4. By this he vomited up many cholerick humors and had several watery Stools 5. For his swooning his Face was often sprinkled with Water and Wine was often held to him to smell at Frictions were also used afterwards both for repressing the Impetuosity of Choler Vomiting and Loosness as also his great Thirst and frequent Swooning Take Rob de Ribes two ounces Rob of Cherries Syrup of Quinces of each one ounce Lozenges of Sugar pearled one ounce and half mix
Nerve or Tendon through an enraging of the animal Spirits so vehemently as to bring the Brain into consent so it is likewise caused by the biting of a Viper or other venemous Creature by a Wound made with a poysonous Weapon or Poysons taken inwardly or things of a vehement sharp or malign quality as Spirit of Nitre Oyl of Vitriol Aqua Fortis c. by which the said Spirits are immediately corrupted and polluted and in whose defence by reason of the effusion of Spirits into the Nerves out of the Brain the motive Power of the Nerves and Muscles are more strongly than ordinary excited to exercise their Faculties but with so much violence and inordinacy to expel their Enemy that forthwith the Tumor and lateral Extension of the Nerve is made which is the modificative or formal Cause of the Disaffection 17. Now in this Case if by this great affluense of Spirits the Poyson or corrupted Matter is overcome there is presently a cessation of the Fit but whilst with equal Force they hold the Contest the Fit continues and if the poysonous Matter or Enemy proves too strong for the Forces which are sent in to natures relief the sick for the most part dyes in the Fit 18. Nor is the Case very different where the remote Cause is from Worms in the Bowels or the vehemency of Cathartick and Emetick Medicaments taken inwardly which stimulate the expulsive Faculty of the Stomach and Guts and too much excite those Parts such are several malign Preparations of Antimony Euphorbium Hellebor Spurge Asarabacca Aron roots and other things of like quality which too violently solicite nature at once both by vomiting and stool which somtimes by their Vehemency produce even deadly Convulsions and after the same manner all sharp and acrid humors whether Choler Flegm or Melancholy falling upon the Nerves and by their Acrimony exciting Pain cause Convulsions and convulsive Motion and this is evident in the Cholick Fits of the Mother Epilepsies and other Diseases a-kin to them 19. And indeed when and wheresoever the animal Spirits are hurt corrupted or assaulted by any forein sharp malign poysonous or heterogene matter even then and there will Convulsions certainly be produced whose strength and force will be according to the strength and force of the matter assaulting or offending if it be little and weak the Convulsion will be small and inconsiderable But if it be great and strong the Convulsion excited will also be answerable If this Assault be begun in the Brain the disaffection will be the more admirable and acute and for the most part is mortal But if it happens in any other part of the Genus Nervosum the danger and magnitude of the Disease will be according to the Part or Parts afflicted 20. Moreover in a Spasm or Cramp which is a particular or singular Convulsion that which happens in the extream Parts as the Hands Arms Thigh Hips Legs or Feet or in the Neck or under the Chin is caused for the most part through a sharp and sudden Cold which giving a disaffection to the animal Spirits immediately causes them to tumultuate and assemble themselves together in order to expel their Adversary from whence arises by reason of their so hasty Unition and Affluence to the part not only a Collision whence is in part the extremity of the Pain but also from their too abundant Afflux a great and hard Tumor in the Nerve and Muscle which by reason of the sensibleness and tenderness of the Part adds also to the anguish of the sensitive Soul for that there is a great lateral extension whereby the Nerve or Tendon is contracted in Longitude 21. A convulsive Motion is caused for the most part from a sharp and pricking matter which provokes the Nerves but after a differing manner afflicts the animal Spirits for in a true Convulsion that which afflicts the animal Spirits seizes upon them and is joyned fast to them so as that it can by no means be removed till Nature overcoming and casting it off the Fit ceases to be at present and the contraction is resolved but in a convulsive Motion the matter causing it is not fixed fast to the Spirits but is loose and apt to slide off being a spirituous humor or vapour full of acrimony and malignity as is often generated in malignant Feavers 22. These convulsive Motions are also caused for the most part from the Brain and Nerves suffering by Sympathy Consent or Compassion as we may more properly speak and then we call it Convulsio sympathetica This Sympathy is either from their simple suffering together in respect of Similitude in Substance and Faculties Or from their proximity or neerness Or from a spirituous Poyson and Malignity invading the Original of the Nerves And it is many times caused by consent from the Mouth of the Stomach through an aeruginous or cankred Choler made spirituous or volatile or joyned to some malign volatile Salt Or through Worms Poyson or other sharp Matter which gripes and gnaws or corrodes the Bowels Or from consent with the Womb Mesentery Diaphragma or Praecordia as it often-times falls out in Hysterical Fits Swoonings Swellings of the Stomach Suffocation c. CXI Of the Prognosticks of Convulsions 1. Universal Convulsions are much more dangerous than such as are particular by so much as the hurt of the whole nervous System exceeds the hurt of a particular Nerve 2. Convulsions in many parts especially in those near the Brain are very dangerous so also those which are in the Muscles of the Brest because they hinder breathing and may suddenly endanger suffocation 3. Convulsions in Infants are much more dangerous than in those of Elder years and they are for the most part mortal in very aged people because of weakness and the continual exhausting through the lesitude of the Pores of the Animal Spirits so also if it comes of too much bleeding or vehement Purging for the same reason and in these two latter cases it is for the most part mortal 4. Hippocrates saith sect 2. Aph. 37. that it is better that a Feaver follows a Convulsion than a Convulsion a Feaver for a Feaver coming upon a Convulsion by its excessive heat warms the parts and dissolves the Convulsion by taking away the cause but on the contrary a Convulsion coming upon a Feaver shews Malignancy and is for the most part deadly 5. Convulsions coming upon the taking of Poyson are generally mortal unless the Poyson can be forthwith retracted 6. A Convulsion arising upon Frensy is deadly Aetius saith That he never hard of any that was so taken that ever recovered and the reason is plain because the Animal Spirits are assaulted in their Original or Fountain and the Convulsion is of the whole nervous system 7 A Tetanos is said to be Mortal within four days but saith Hippocrates sect 5. Aph. 6. if it continues longer it is cured for the great stretching of all the Muscles hinders breathing so that
one scruple Crocus Metallorum ten grains mix for two Doses in a strong Person Now in the giving of these things you must be sure that the Body of the sick be open if it be bound you must loosen it with an emollient Clyster or with some such as we have above taught Moreover in weak Persons you may give our Family-Pouder or the Pulvis ex tribus but in such as are very strong and robustick our Royal Pouder which see in our Doron Medicum Lib. 2. Cap. 21. Sect. 41. 12. After purging yea in the very time of purging it will be necessary to give such things as strengthen and corroborate the Head Stomach Nerves and animal Faculties This Orvietan of Platerus is for this purpose commeâdâd Take Roots of Gentian Bistort Carline Tormentil white Dittander Callamus Aromaticus round Birthwort Doronicum Carduus Benedictus Seeds of Vipers Bugloss Alkanet Citron of each an ounce make them all into a fine Pouder to which add Roots of Scorzonera poudred the weight of them all clarified Honey six pounds with a little generous Wine boyl them together and at the end of the boyling add Venice-Treacle a pound and half mix and make an Electuary which keep for Vse But the Medicament would be much the better if you should add thereto the Viper-Pouder ten ounces Castoreum six ounces volatile Salt of Harts horn four ounces Musk two ounces Ambergrise one ounce Juice of Alkermes one pound By the means of this addition it would be inferior to few other corroborating Medicaments Or in place of this Composition you may give of our Electuarium ad Tabidos from half a dram to a dram Morning and Night in generous Wine 13. Or if the sick cannot take the Electuaries aforesaid we commend the Powers of Vipers which may be given from six drops to fifteen or twenty in a glass of Sack Morning and Night this mightily comforts all the animal Faculties and not much inferior is the Salt of Harts horn and Powers of Mans skull but the volatile Salt of Mans skull and volatile Salt of Vipers vastly transcend all other Neuroticks being given in such thing as are cordial and fortifying of the Faculties of the Stomach they may be given either of them from three grains to eight Morning and Night in the intervals of purging 14 The morbifick Cause being thus in part abated or taken away it is necessary that we come now to internal Corroboratives and Specificks to be used in good earnest or without interruption of Medicaments of any other kind among which we commend these even but now enumerated but because those Medicines are not only great things and many times difficult to come by but also above the Capacities of many vulgar People in respect to the price we shall descend for the sakes of the meaner sort of People to shew variety of more common Medicines which although they may not be of so great Power and Force as these but now mentioned yet have been found by manyfold Experiments to be Specificks of no mean Worth We are also more the willing not only in this Case but in all other Diseases we shall have Opportunity to treat of to shew great variety of Medicaments of all kinds and forms for the difference-sake of places for that various places afford various Medicaments and as one place cannot afford all Medicaments fit for the same purpose so neither can one Medicament be it almost what it will be found in all places 15. For this purpose therefore we commend the following Neuroticks Cinnamon-water which see in our Pharmacopoeia Pag. 451. Aqua Reginae Hungaricae in our Doron Pag. 346. Balsam of Sulphur anisated Pharm Pag. 390 Electuarium ad Tabidos Doron Pag. 605. Orvietanum verum Doron Pag. 607. Venice-Treacle Pharm Pag. 660. Elixir of Bawm Doron Pag. 444. Elixir of Cloves hereafter in our Chymistry Elixir of Contrayerva of Caraways Elixir Hystericum Maxii Elixir of Lavender of Limon-Peels of Orenge-Peels of Mint of Sage of Rosemary of Rue Elixir subtilitatis Paracelsi Elixir Stomachicum Elixir vitae nostrum Elixir of Virginian-snake-root of Wormwood of Castoreum all which see in our Doron Pag. 437. 438. 439. 440. 442. 443. 444. 445. 446. 447. Essence of Saffron Essence of Castoreum Doron Pag. 409. 410. Extract of Gentian Doron 465. Viper Wine Doron Pag. 260. Oyl of Mans skull Doron Pag. 307. Salt of Amber volatile Salt of Urine Salt of Vipers Salt of Mans skull Doron 500. 308. 310. 314. Pharm 192. 196. 253. Spirit of Bawm of Caraways of Harts-horn of Castoreum of Lavender of Oranges of Limons of Rosemary of Saffron of Scurvy-grass of Urine Spiritus Cardiacus Analepticus ex tribus Spirit of Mans skull Doron Pag. 366. 374. 375. 362. 373. 291. 372. 361. 366. Tincture of Amber of Cloves Tinctura aurea Cardiaca Corticum Hysterica nostra Vitae nostra in our Doron Pag. 450. 451. 452. 457. 460. Powers of Amber of Angelica of Bay-berries of Mans-skull of Caraways of Citron-Peels of Cammomil of Fennel-seed of Oranges of Limons of Lavender of Mastick of Marjoram of Origanum of Penny-royal of Rosemary of Rhodium of Rue of Sassafras of Sage of Time of Worm-wood of Vipers which see in our Doron Pag. 393. 394. 408. 369. 397. 398. 399. 400. 401. 402. 403. 404. 405. 407. 409. 410. Powers of Musk and Ambergrise Doron Pag. 313. Elixir proprietatis Paracelfi Elixir Paralyticum Elixir Vitae minus Elixir of Sulphur Elixir of Garlick of Juniper-berries Elixir in suffocatione Matricis in our Pharmacopoeia Pag. 131. 511. 512. 515. 516. 517â Bezoar mineral Magisteries of Coral and Pearl Pharm Pag. 301. 423. 429. Oyl of Amber of Caraways of Cloves of Oranges of Rhodium of Sassafras of Wormwood Pharm Pag. 401. 471. 465. 466. 464. 467. Bezoar animal Pharm Pag. 252. Powers of Bawm of Cloves of Aniseeds of Antimony of Harts-horn of Mint of Myrrh of Nutmegs of Sulphur of Vipers of Vertues Pharm Pag. 448. 490. 493. 499. 500. 501. 505. 507. 510. volatile Salt of Harts-horn volatile Sal Armoniack volatile Salt of Urine Ens Veneris Pharm Pag. 207. 192. 364. 285. Spiritus Diapente Spirit of Amber of Angelica of Castoreum Lavender of Sal Armoniack of Vitriol Vulnerarii of Sulphur Vulnerarii Spirit of Wine of Tentzelius Spirit of Worm-wood Pharm Pag. 182. 400. 401. 439 440. 441. 365. 380. 394. Tinctures of Antimony of Castoreum of Cinnamon of Coral Tinctura proprietatis of the Salt of Tartar Tinctura Vitae Mynsichti Tincture of Saffron all which see in our Pharmacopoeia Pag. 321. 518. 519. 426. 524. 384. 526. 120. 518 16. Out of all this great Variety where choice is to be had you ought to elect the best things and therefore out of what we have already enumerated these are chief Oyl of Cinnamon Spirit of Vipers and of Mans skull the animal Bezoar volatile Salt of Urine and of Harts-horn volatile Sal Armoniack Spirit Tincture volatile Salt and Powers of Castoreum volatile Salt of Vipers and of Mans
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
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 Quintessence or powers of Wormwood every morning fasting and half an hour before Dinner the which she did for a month together and so was made perfectly well V. An Incubus in an old Gentlewoman with runing pains 1. This old Matron being about sixty years of age had an old running Sore upon one of her Leggs which had been opened for near fourteen years being weary of the trouble of it she sought for a Cure and at length she meâ with a Chyrurgion who both undertook and performed it but I think much to her disadvantage 2. For as before she lived as it were in perfect health now she was troubled with running pains all over her whole Body nauseousness or loathing of the Stomach and somtimes vomiting together with a kind of Vertigo in the day-time and the Incubus or Night-Mare in the night 3. She related her case to me upon which after a little consideration seeing there was a complication of Diseases I advised her to the following things first my counsel was that she should have a couple of Issues made one in each Thigh or Legg which run very well for some weeks to wit ten or twelve 4. This done I caused her to take daily Tinctura Sacra or infusion of species Hiera picra in white Wine or other Wine the quantity of two spoonfuls or thereabouts the which she did for near twenty days together whereby all her griefs seemed to vanish and she became lightsom and chearful as she was before 5. However that we might corroborate the Tone of the parts and strengthen the animal and vital Faculties I caused her to take the following drops every Morning fasting and last every Night going to Bed for a month or two or three together 6. Take powers of Rosemary three ounces powers of Juniper-berries two ounces powers of Sassafras one ounce mix them for use Dose from twenty to forty drops in a glass of generous Canary at the time aforementioned VI. The Night-Mare in a young Maiden of sixteen years old 1. This Maiden as yet had not had her Courses lookt pale had a bad Stomach was troubled with vomiting and Indigestion of her Food and at certain times had some short fits of the Vertigo but the great matter which molested her was a mighty affliction of the Incubus or Night-Mare which somtimes was so troublesom and vehement that she feared a stoppage of her Breath in the Night for which cause she was offen affraid to go to Bed 2. Moreover to these things there was adjoyned a Melancholy habit of Body with strange apprehension of terrible things which would then extreamly disturb her so that many times when she was alone she would vehemently cry out as if some great hurt or violence had been offered to her which was indeed only the effects of her Melancholy 3. When I had twice or thrice several times viewed her in some of these passions I conceived her not to be very far from Madness so much had the Melancholy humor prevailed nor as it was could I call those fits any thing but a Melancholy Madness and considering this her constitution her chief Disease the Incubus was so much the more insupportable to her for that she could not be driven out of the opinion but that it was a Spirit which haunted her 4. Her friends requested my help her age and strength of body gave me hopes of cure and her ready compliance to any thing that could be don for her made it so much the more easy first I universally purged her body by a very good Panchymagogue viz. my Family Pills with Aloes which I repeated six or eight times and in a pretty lage dose so as that each dose of Pills gave her twelve or fourteen stools but by reason her Stomach was foul the first two or three doses gave her one or two vomits afterwatds her Stomach being well cleansed they only wrought downwards she took them every 4 or 5 day and in the intermediate days of taking them I caused her constantly to take Morning Noon and Night about half an hour before meals twenty five or thirty drops of Elixir proprietatis in a glass of White or Rhenish Wine and upon the new of the Moon I caused her to take a dose of Spiritus vitae aureus Rulandi made of Colocynthis infused in a small Cinnamon water by this means the habit of her Body was somwhat altered and her Terms were made to flow plentifully whereby she confest she found herself much better 5. By the use of these Medicaments her Incubus was much abated but had not totally left her I caused her Head to be purged with this Errhine Take new Rhenish Wine half a pint juyce of Sow-bread half an ounce Euphorbium in pouder ten grains mix and dissolve the Euphorbium in the Wine Some small quantity of this was put up her Nostrills Morning and Night for four or five days by which her Head was plentifully purged she evacuating by her Nostrills a very large quantity of filthy matter and by the removal of which she thought herself to be perfectly cured now the reason which in part induced me to this way of the cure was a great stoppage which I perceived to be in her Head for that she always breathed through the Mouth and seemed as if she spoke in the Nose 6. But that we might not only take away the near or conjunct cause but also so strengthen the vital Faculties that the Disease might no more return we thought it necessary to come to the exhibition of specificks which comfort and corroborate the Brain and all the principal parts for which purpose I caused her to take for a month together every Morning fasting of this following mixture Take choice Cinnamon-water spirit of Saffron of each ten ounces Damask-Rose-water eight ounces syrup of Citron peels six ounces mix for a juleb to be taken three or four spoonfulls at a time 7. At Noon about half an hour before Dinner I prescribed this Take Bawm water compound eight ounces spirit of Lavender five ounces Damask-Rose-water syrup of Limon peels of each four ounces pure Tincture of Tartar two ounces Powers of Musk half an ounce mix them she took a spoonful or two of it at a time alone by it self and she confest she found it to strengthen both her Stomach and Head very much 8. Lastly at Night going to Bed I ordered her to take of the following Electuary the quantity of a large Nutmeg drinking after it a glass of generous Canary or choise Rhenish wine a little sweetened and to continue the same for a month as aforesaid Take Electuarium ad Tabidos four ounces volatile Salts of Mans skull and of Amber Musk in fine pouder of each half an ounce Powers of Oranges Limons and Rosemary of each two drams Extracts of Saffron of Contrayerva and of Virginian Snake-root of each one ounce mix and make an Electuary she constantly took these things according to my order for about
five weeks together at the end of which time she found her self to be perfectly well nor had she ever any more fits of the Night-Mare so far as I know for above four years after this Cure was performed she continued in perfect health VII The Incubus or Night-Mare in a young Man 1. The Youth made great Complaints of this Grief in so much that many times he would be affraid of going to bed so vehement and terrible has been the Paroxysms to him also he greatly complained of the stoppage of his Breath and that by reason thereof he feared he should be suddenly carryed off so much the terror of choaking seized him 2. And so much was the Youth possest with the fancy of his Disease that it would seize him both sleeping and waking in the time of the Fit he would intollerably groan and when the Fit was off him he would say That somthing lay upon him and pressed him and that it was some Witch or Devil that thus continually afflicted and persued him in so much that he not only presuaded himself that he has felt it when it invaded him but that he has also seen it and done his endeavour to strike it and that somtimes he has thought with himself that he has flung it off from the bed and he has heard it fall upon the Ground 3. So greatly was the Mind of the Youth possessed herewith that he believed it constantly had the impudence to come when he was awake that he has seen it come in the likeness of a Cat somtimes of a Dog and somtimes of another Creature but oftentimes in the shape of an old Woman which he had some suspition of and believed did practise against him and although that he thus saw it come and was thus sensible of it yet that he was always so charmed and taken therewith by a kind of Enchantment as he thought that he could no ways resist it but that it took him after the manner of some unconquerable and uncontroulable power 4. By reason of his continual Affliction and the Youths manifold Complaints his Parents were forced at length to send for a Physician who upon sight of him declared that the cause of his Distemper was from a disaffection of the greater mesaraick Veins every where about the Heart and Bowels in which by reason of the many Excrements of the first concoction impure Blood was generated and collected from whence such like Vapours arising and stopping about the Midriff caused that kind of Suffocation which is called the Night-Mare Incubus âânigalion or Ephialtos it invading rather in the Night from a collection of malign and melancholy Vapours by the accession of mere Crud ties or indigested matter which being increased by the Food taken over Night would be moved and carryed upwards and so the more vehemently tormented the Youth whence between sleeping and waking feeling these pressures he would either dream or fancy these aforesaid Actions of Witches or Devils 5. So that his Mind being thus extreanly affected therewith he could by no means be driven out of the perswasion and though being raised and set upright the Vapours would be discust and the Paroxysm cease for the present yet lying down again it would in a very short time return again in so much that he would have more than twenty Fits in a Nights time The Physician declared further That the Vapours being discust the Paroxysm then ceased but the seeds of the Disease remaining upon the collection or accession of new Fewel the Evil constantly would return with the more impetuosity thereby threatning and bringing along with it more greivous accidents which seizsing upon the Brain and at length contaminating it or the animal Functions might at last produce an Epilepsy or else what might be worse an Apoplexy 6. The remote cause of which things he conceived to be from an evil course of Diet a very long time continued from which Crudities being heaped up in all Parts the Blood in its universal Mass became contaminated and loaded with a melancholy Sufflatus or Wind which upon the least motion or fermentation of the Humors being stirred up forthwith excited these incubitous and nocturnal Afflictions with such vehemency and constancy to the sick 7. These things being declared and considered of the Cure was attempted as followeth first by reason his Body was extreamly bound this following Clyster was exhibited Take fat Broth a pint Oyl of Roses Infusion of Crocus Metallorum of each three ounces mix them together to be exhibited warm it wrought very well and loosned his Body 8. Three days after I gave him an ounce of Vinum Benedictum which gave him five or six Vomits and three or four stools this after five days I repeated again whereby a great quantity of filthy matter almost as black as Ink came away and he confest himself very much relieved 9. But in the intermediate days to strengthen and corroborate the Viscera I gave him this following Bolus Take Extracts of Gentian and of Saffron of each half a dram Extract of Juniper-berries a scruple mix them to be given at Night going to bed and the same dose to be repeated the next Morning the other four days it was only given at Night going to bed this done 10. Upon the tenth day from the first giving of the Vinum Benedictum I gave him the following Dose Take our vegetable Extract Extract of Black Hellebor of each a scruple Rosen of Jallap three grains Oyl of Angelica three drops mix them for a Dose this wrought well and evacuated the melancholy matter almost to a Miracle so that our Patient began apparently to grow well however the same was three times repeated but each at seven days distance 11. In the Intervals of purging the following specifick Pouder was Morning and Night exhibited to half a dram or two scruples by the vertue of which the Cure was compleated Take Peacocks-Dung Salt of Harts-horn of each two drams Salt of Mans-âkull Pouder of Vipers volatile Salt of Amber Musk of each one dram Terra sigillata three drams make all into a fine Pouder and mix them having taken this Pouder for a while he confest he found every day a contineal change and alteration of his Disease and that so sensibly as that the sick himself of his own accord would take special notice thereof 12. Lastly having done all things as abovesaid I ordered him to take the Extract of Gentian half a dram at Night going to bed and to be continued without Intermission for a Month by the assiduous use of which and the former Method the sick became perfectly well so that his Disease returned no more VIII An Incubus or Night-Mare in a married Woman from obstruction of her Courses 1. This Woman having a great and long obstruction of her Courses complained at first of vapours and fumes up into her Head and had certain strange fits befel her but appeared not to be Hysterical at last they seemed to terminate in
both Stomach and Head 11. Take the Species Diarrhodon Abbatis Aromaticum Rosatum Diambrae Diamoschi Dulcis of each one scruple dissolve them in the water of Betony there being added two ounces of white Sugar make a Confection in tables Dose two or three drams twice in a day 12. Moreover I commanded that the Flegm should be drawn from the Head by Gargarisms Apophlegmatisms and Errhins then afterwards at turns that Treacle and Mithridate should be exhibited as also the Experiment of Aâtius then of Paulus which is fifteen grains of the Fruit of black Peony bruised in Water for a draught and that should be continued till the sick recovered Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Obser 50 XIX The Night-Mare in a Child 1. When I was a Child I thought my self oppressed as it were with a black Dog Theodorus Bizantius is of opinion that those nocturnal Apparitions never yet appeared to wâse and strong Men but to such as are Children Women effeminate Persons mad Men and sickly People who are because of the weakness both of the Mind and of the Body racked with daily Fear vain and idle Dreams 2. There are some Children who waking with a Fright leap out of the bed such kind of Fears according to Hippocrates and Galen proceed from the gluttonous and ravenous sucking of Milk or from bad Nutriment or Indigestion But we have observed that not only in these but those also who are of perfect Age have had most frightful Imaginations in their Sleep especially when many vitious humors oppress the Stomach 3. Some get this Disease by external causes such as Cold and the Beams of the Moon if Children be troubled with this Disease it is not good that they sleep with their Belly full while they are eating you may give them a little Honey to lick but Children that are subject to surfeiting by reason of great feeding are to be cured by the same Medicines that are used in the Epilepsy 4. Frictions in this case are to be used Rose-Water sprinkled in the Face or rather Wine if it be from a cold cause is good 5. Rondeletius advises Clysters for discussing and evacuating Flatulencies if there be Repletion cutting of a Vein is necessary the Head is to be purged and strengthened then Topicks are to be made use of as we have prescribed in the Vertigo Cephalalgia and Epilepsy Petrus Forestus ex Scholiis lib. 10. Observ 51. XX. The Incubus or Night-Mare in a Girl 1. A Maid about nine years of age was suddenly taken in the night with somwhat like a Feaver then afterwards with the Contraction of the whole Belly and Breast her Eyes continuing open she did not answer when a question was put to her yet she seemed to be in her right wits 2. She was afflicted with a difficulty of breathing a thick kind of Spirit possessed her Heart and Praecordia and as one oppressed with some great Weight she could not speak 3. A venemous kind of Spirit coming from the Belly to the Praecordia then to the Brest and superiour Parts did afflict this poor Maid in this sort of Paraxysm she continued from nine to eleven of the Clock afterwards on the third day she was troubled with the like Fit 4. I coming to see her and finding that she could not be raised up by Frictions and other Medicines I ordered a Clyster to be made for her of the Pouder of Hiera Picra Sal Gem and Hony which had a good Effect For she was a little eased from the Paroxysm yet she continued weak 5. Then we did exhiâit a little Wine with the Raspings of the true Vnicorn and so thereby she slept the next day much better 6. The Mother of this Maid thought her Daughter was troubled with Worms and therefore gave her Worm-seed yet she could not void any Worms her Daughter now grew better her Pulse which in the Paroxysm was weak swift and small became equal in its Motions 7. Now that the Malady may not return again at its usual hour I commanded that the Maid should drink Beer wherein Pulp of Cassia was put containing therein the Pouder of the Seeds of Peony it was drained by Expression into the Beer and then drank 8. The next Night the Fit was more easy and favourable because she refused to take one dram of the Pouder in its pure substance we included it in the Pulp which was put into six ounces of Beer this maid continuing to drink always Beer so ordered she became at length perfectly freed from this troublesom Disease Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 52. SCHOLIA The THEORY of the INCUBUS or NIGHT-MARE By the Author W. Salmon XXI The Pathology of the Incubus and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names A Graecis ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ab ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã hoc est insiliendo Nomen habens Quidam ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Teste Aureliano hoc est Aggressionem Invasionem nocturnam nominant ab aliis ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Dioscorides ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã à Species Suffocationis quae hoc malô laborantibus in Somno offertur Avicenna suâ linguâ Strangulatorem nominat In Latin it is called Incubus ab incubando in English the Hag or Night-Mare 2. The Definition Incubus ergo est respirationis offensio vocis interceptio corporisque oppressio seu motus impedimentum cum falso in sommio ponderis thoraci incumbentis à vapore crasso posteriora potissimum cerebri obstruente ut spiritus animales ad liberam respirationem motum edendum prodire nequeant It is a Disease arising from thick Vapours chiefly obstructing the hinder part of the Brain by which the Flux of animal Spirits being stopt the respiration or breathing is hurt the Voice intercepted and the Body so oppressed as it were between sleeping and waking with a weight lying upon the Brest and holding fast the whole Man that notwithstanding all his endeavours the whole Faculty of moving seems for a Season to be abolished 3. The Kinds or Differences They are two-fold 1. The Disease is considered as it happens to such as are young or in old People and in these it has been either of short or of long continuance 2. It is either essential in the Head and Brain or is caused by Consent from the Stomach Hippochonders Testicles c. all which may be discerned by their proper Indications XXII The Signs of an Incubus or Night-Mare 1. The Paroxysm comes for the most part when the Patient is in a Slumber or between sleeping and waking somtimes it invades him in one Part somtimes in another in some begins at the Feet and creeps up the Legs and Thighs by degrees till it seizes upon the Brest and laying hold as it were of all the Powers and Faculties of the whole Body chains them in some it begins at the lower part of the Belly and so ascending higher immediately takes a seisure of the whole Man 2. In other
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
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
least weaked by it but made much the stronger so that by degrees she eat her Food heartily and after an insensible manner came to the use of her Limbs the Disease every day vanishing 14. From this Observation and some others of like kind it is manifest how great things are wrought by purgative Medicaments which are given in spirituous Vehicles for that the Vertue of the Medicament is made by their means to enter the more easily into the Veins and thereby to mix it self intimately with the Mass of Blood whereby such a fermentation or strugling and separation in the Blood is made as causes a praecipitation and excretion of the morbifick matter even beyond expectation 15. And in all sorts of Paralytick Distempers this kind of purging has greater effect because thereby not only the humid and diseasy matter is drawn away but the Neurotick juyce too much cooled and weakned is restored and confirmed whereby a restitution of the pristin health succeeds 16. In her Diet before mentioned she constantly took of this following mixture forty sixty or more drops at a time Take Powers of Rosemary Powers of Lavender Powers of sweet Marjoram of each a like quantity mix them together to be used as aforesaid But at Morning and Night she took about half a spoonful of the same in the Diet aforementioned 17. Twice a day viz. an hour before Dinner and an hour before Supper she took the quantity of a large Nutmeg of this Electuary Take Electuarium ad Tabidos one ounce Powers of Vipers three drams mix them well together After the taking of it she washt it down with a little glass of Hippocras This Medicament immediately after it was taken warmed the whole humane frame to a very high degree yet not so as to inflame it or cause a Feaver yet her whole Body would presently grow as warm as if she had been heat by a very great fire 18. The use of this Medicament was continued during the whole time of the Cure yet somtimes for change sake she took the said Powers of Vipers in a glass of Sack or Hippocras which notwithstanding had the same virtue and effects in warming or heating the âniversal frame as before 19. But whereas she somtimes complained of an illness and weakness of Stomach as also of want of Appetite and Loathing I caused her oftentimes both between meals and at meals also to take of the volatile Spirit of Vitriol or Sulphur made so by mixing digesting and being distilled off with rectified spirit of Wine after this manner Take rectified spirit of Wine two quarts drop there into by degrees two pounds of the best Oyls of Vitriol or Sulphur shake them well together digest in a gentle sand-heat sixteen weeks at least shaking the Vessel once a day then put it into a glass Cucurbit or a Retort if you so please and leisurely draw off the Spirit with a very slow and gradual Fire so that the pure thin and volatile Spirit may only ascend and the thick Magma remain alone at Bottom And for this cause you must be very cautious that the Fire does not exceed its just Limits for that if it be too great the Magma will ascend with the Spirit and then all your Labour will be lost and you will be forced to repeat the Distillation again 20. The use of this Spirit restored the Tone of the Stomach and made her digest her Food very well besides it has a great Power to restore the motive Faculty in all Paralytick Distempers for that it has a specifick Vertue to open all Obstructions of the Nerves in what Part of the Body so ever 21. And now and then for the Stomach sake also I permitted her to eat preserved Nutmegs candied Orange Limon and Citron-Peels and somtimes preserved green Ginger and somtimes she took this Electuary Take Conserves of Betony Sage Cowslips and Rosemary-Flowers of each two ounces preserved Nutmegs extreamly well beaten number four Indian preserved green Ginger four ounces candied Orange Limon and Citron Peels of each two ounces and half beat all very well together and with Juyce of Alkermes a sufficient quantity make an Electuary with which mix well Oyl of Cinnamon half an ounce Of this she took as her Stomach required it the quantity of a Chest-nut at a time By the use of these things the Cure apparently drew on 22. Whilst all these things were doing we were not unmindful as we before declared of using fit Topicks to the distemper and therefore in the first place we caused the Nucha and Vertebrae of the Spina dorsi from the Original thereof down to the Os Coccygis to be well bathed with this mixture Take anisated Balsam of Sulphur two ounces Chymical oyl of Lavender one ounce mix them well together This was anointed upon the places aforenamed Morning and Night for nere a month together it had not been used twelve or fourteen days before the sick found great benefit therefrom 23. All the extream parts also of the Body which the Palsie had seised were bathed with this following Take Powers of Rosemary of Lavender of Savin of Sassafras and of Limons of each three ounces Powers of sweet Marjoram of Sage and of Amber of each an ounce and half mix them together with this the Paralytick parts were bathed Morning and Night during almost the whole time of the Cure 24. Lastly to strengthen and coroborate the Nerves this following Emplaster or Cataplasm was applyed over all the Paralytick members after the aforesaid bathing was over Take Venice Treacle twelve ounces yolks of Eggs number six Balsam of Peru fat Myrrh made soft with rectified spirit of Wine of each four ounces Balsamum Capivie two ounces pouder of Cubebs or of Zedoary enough to make it of a fit consistency not too hard mix them well together and let them be spread upon Leather and apply to the Diseased parts 25. This disaffection at first was great and the poor Patient truly deplorable for that in the Eye of humane reason she seemed to be absolutely incurable but by the assiduous use and application of the aforegoing remedies according to our directions the Cure was compleatly accomplished in a little more than half a years time to the great satisfaction of all the persons concerned V. A Palsie in a young Woman occasioned by taking a great cold after violent Sweating 1. This young Woman being in a vehement Sweat through long and much Exercise and being impatient cooled her-self with cold Water and withall exposed her-self to the Wind and cold Air so that cooling her-self too hastily she contracted such a Cold as brought upon her immediately a complication of many Evils For she contracted a vehement Cough and so great a Hoarsness as that she could scarcely speak so as to be understood Moreover she had a straightness of Breath an obstruction of the Lungs and difficulty of breathing together with many and great Pains which seized her in all her extream Parts that she
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
the Arse-Gut in a certain old Man whose Excrements came away against his Will which proceeded from a cruel Epilepsy For after that it had miserably tormented him for a Month together being attended with most greivous Symptoms it ended in a Palsy of his Arm and Arse-Gut 8. Nor should you think this strange for Galen taught the same 4. Acut. 27. Avicen confirm'd 1. 3. Tract 5. Cap. 8. And as the Apoplexy turns to the Palsy so the Epilepsy in many turns to the Palsy c. This is confirmed by Erastus Lib. 4. Disput contra Paracelsum and by Salius ad Cap. 19. Altomar 9. For the Apoplexy doth very frequently turn to the Palsy because the cause hereof is much greater the Obstruction being confirmed and hard to remove and the Brain languishing and therefore it can neither discuss the thick Humor nor transmit the same to places ordained for Excretion and contrary causes do frequently happen in the Epilepsy 10. Somtimes though seldom if the Epilepsy be greivous and afflicts the Patient with frequency of Fits and is near of Kin to the Apoplexy it ends in a Palsy as Costaeus in Com. Avicen learnedly explained the matter 11. Wherefore frequently the Apoplexy somtimes the Epilepsy ends in a Palsy with this distinction that Contradiction is solved in Galen who Vallesius saith doth manifestly contradict himself Lib. de locis manifeste pugnantibus contradict 6. Whereas thus he is to be understood in 4. de loc 2. saying That only an Apoplexy turns to a Palsy See Amasus 4. Cen. 22. Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 2. Obs 158. XXIX Of the Palsy in Arms and Legs 1. A certain worthy Gentleman fell into a Palsy of both his Arms his Hands his Fingers and Feet to whom being called I observed that this Disease sprang from too much Repletion wherefore I fell upon this following brief methode of Cure 2. Th first day I gave him an ounce of my Aqua Benedicta with as much fair Water mingled therewith This Potion made him Vomit much Cholerick and Flegmatick matter 3. On the third day I gave him a dram of Extract of Esula in four ounces of Pea's-broth which being mixed strained and pressed out he drank in the Morning and he was orderly purged 4. On the fifth day he began by my advice to use a Decoction of Sarsaparilla prepared after this manner Take Sarsaparilla bruised one ounce infuse it twenty four hours in Water and Wine of each one pint and half and boyl it half away Of this he took in the Morning in his bed seven ounces hot and being well covered with Cloaths he did sweat plentifully a long time together 5. After this sufficient and very proper Sweating I opened his Vena Basilica with great success 6. His Diet was drying and moderately heating after all this he began to grow well and to recover the perfect Motion of those parts which had been Palsied Martinus Rulandus Cent. 1. Cur. 3. XXX Of the Palsy in a very aged Man 1. One John Fux of the Village of Altepain being seventy five years old was taken with the Palsy for his right Arm was deprived both of Sense and Motion which grievious Disease was accompanied with pain in the Stomach loathing of Meat and difficulty of Breathing 2. For the Cure of which Symptoms I began this following Method first I purged his Breast Stomach and whole Body with this following Potion Take of the Decoction of Sena three ounces Benedicta Laxativa one dram Extract of Esula one scruple Ginger ten graâns mix them this I gave him in the Morning fasting which purged him very well and he was much the better 3. His Body being well purged for five days together he took by my advice the quantity of a Pease of this following Pouder which caused him to sneez often and to void much thick and clammy Snevil out of the Ventricles of the Brain the Pouder was thus made 4. Take Darnel Nigella-seeds white Hellebor-root of each one scruple Marjoram Rosemary Sage of each half a dram Musk two grains make all into very fine Pouder 5. His Diet was spare drying attenuating and moving Urine his Table-Drink was Wine wherein Rosemary had been steeped also every Morning he drank half an ounce of Aqua Vitae wherein Rosemary had been also steeped 6. The Original likewise of the Nerves and his whole Arm were many times rubbed with hot Cloaths And so by these few Remedies fit for an old Man his Arm beyond all expectation within the space of seven days recovered its sense and motion to God only be immortal Praise Martinus Rulandus Cent. 2. Cur. 54. XXXI Of the Palsy in a Gentle-Woman from drinking Water 1. A certain Gentle-Woman who for the recovery of her Health took a Journey for Bristol for she thought she was afflicted with the Stone for which she drank St. Vincents-Well Water too greedily to the quantity of eighteen pints a day so that thereby cooling her Body too much she fell into a Palsy 2. She afterwards went to the Bath where being purged and using the Bath she was restored returning home in rainy tempestuous Weather that Night she was assaulted with the Mother with Fainting and a light Palsy on the left Side to whom being called I helped by the following things 3. Take Aloes lucid two drams Agarick trochiscated new made Rhubarb of each one dram the Barks of Caper roots Winterian-Cinnamon Tamarisk of each one scruple the Fecula of the roots of Briony and Aron of eâch half a scruple Castor one dram and half Cream of Tartar half a dram Spirit of Amber four grains with Syrup of Fumetory compound a sufficient quantity make Pills number six of one dram Of which she took three at Night when she went to bed which gave her four stools the next day 4. For the Wind of her Stomack Take Species Diambrae one dram the Oyls of Sage chymical of Nutmegs of Cloves of each four drops Sugar dissolved in Rose-Water two ounces make Rowls to be taken after Meat 5. For the Palsy Take Spirit of Rosemary Oyl of Amber of each an equal part with which her Neck was gently anointed 6. For Fainting Take Species Plerisarchonticon half an ounce fine Sugar two ounces mix them Dose half a spoonful this delivered her both from her fainting and trembling at Heart with which she had been often troubled it is a Pouder worth Gold which I always carry about with me 7. She used also this Decoction Take Guajacum eight ounces Bark of the same Rosemary Sassafras Sarsaparilla of each one ounce Betony Sage Lavender Germander of each one pugil roots of Elecamparte Peony Orrice Citron Peels dryed of each one ounce Spring-Water six pounds infuse them for four and twenty hours in a hot place after boyl them in a close Vessel then straining sweeten it with Sugar and aromatize it with Species Diambrae half a dram She took six ounces of it in the Morning and sweat and as much at four a clock in the
the matter so compacted did first of all open the way to a Cure which was every Day much advanced by cephalick Medicines and was happily consummated by using of the Baths Willis Patholog Cap. 9. Observ 4 LXVIII A Palsy which happened to a healthful Man 1. But the use of the Baths is not profitable to all paralytick Persons yea to some they have been hurtful as the following Relation will abundantly manifest A certain Merchant of London after he had put his Foot out of Joynt did thereafter halt and was lame in that Part yet otherwise was healthful and strong enough this Person finding no great Benefit by Topicks of several Sorts he went to the Bath by advice of his Physician and began to make use of the temperate Baths 2. From the further use of which he would have forborn being sensibly made worse the Palsy beginning immediately in the other Parts but that a Physician who was then present advised him to continue the use of them promising him that he would be much the better whereupon for the space of thirty of Days he used the Baths till all the lower Members from the Os Sacrum to the Feet were altogether resolved 3. Moreover in his Breast there was a notable Dyspnaea or straitness of Breath and a kind of Asthma excited wherefore the Breath did labour under the inforcement of those Parts and the agitation of the Thorax 4. In the sad Case he departed from the Baths now it was too late to think of using other Medicines for his Members were not only paralytical but his Belly swelled and his Breathing was more and more difficult and impeded his Pulse became wonderful weak for there was scarcely place left for Catharticks only cardiack and antiparalytick Remedies were to be made use of 5. This sick Person notwithstanding the exhibition of these within a fort-night after labouring under a Dyspnaea for many hours at length expired 6. The cause of this Gentlemans Death I take to be the concretion of the Blood in the Heart for the long time the motion of the Praecordia was exceedingly obstructed it seems to me very profitable that peices of Flesh did grow together within the Ventricles of the Heart Willis Patholog Cap. 9. Observ 5. LXIX A Palsy in a Child 1. A Child about three years old of a moist Brain being somtimes obnoxious to Inflamation in the Eyes and watery Wheals in the Face was taken ill in the beginning of the Fall having a flow Feaver and a dejected Appetite he grew dull and drowsy insomuch that almost Day and Night he slept continually 2. This Child when he was wakned he knew the By standers and could answer aptly when he was spoke to 3. Proper Medicines were ehixbited such as Clysters Vesicatories Catharticks also Juleps Spirit of Harts-horn Pouders with many other Things used in such a Case all which being immediately and carefully exhibited did so much good that in the space of six or seven Days the sick Child was freed from his Feaver and calling for Victuals grew so well that for that time he stood not much in need of a Physician 4. But within a very short while he elapsed becoming somnulent was affected with a more grievous Dulness and Heaviness than the former insomuch that he could be scarcely awakened he knew nothing nor did do any thing knowingly 5. The next Day following he became stupid and although he could open his Eyes briskly and turn them here and there yet he could not see any thing 6. And within a Day or two thereafter he was seised with a Palsy of the right Side the former Remedies being repeated there were added Sternutatoriess Apophlegmatisms Blood-letting Cataplasms to the Feet and Epispasticks were applyed to the Head when shaved 7. These and other Medicaments were prescribed but no happy Effect For the sick after he had lain four or five Days unsensible both Pulse and Respiration growing more and more feeble he breathed out his Soul to God 8. The Body being anatomized all things were found sound in the lower and middle Venter or Region except that in the right Kidney the Ichorous humor waxing white had begun to gather together after the manner of some thin Putrifaction which did flow forth plentifully from some Parts of the deffective and compressed Kidney 9. This seem'd to be beginning or Rudiment of a future Imposthumation and perhaps because of the serous humor not gathering plentifully enough here a greater abundance had flowed to the Brain For the hollowness of the Skull being empty the foremost Region of the Encephalon even to the Insertion of the fourth Sinus did swell a clear lympid Water being through the Membrans translucid which did immediately overflow the Menings 10. Moreover in that place Portions of the Brain cut off as it were by piecemeal which were too much soaked and moistened did appear almost without the least reddish or sanguine Color 11. In the hinder Part or Limbus of the Brain the Vessels were somwhat red and the substance of the Cortex was without any Tumor or overflowing of Water it appearing firmer by this it appears that the cause of the Lethargy did proceed from the watery Illuvies of the outmost Brain 12. The Brain being cut away by peecemeal and a Hole being made in the fore Cavity distended by the Lympha the c ear limpid Water being held-in within too straight a Compass breaks forth the great abundance whereof had filled all the Ventricles to the top which ây compressing the optick Thalami as we in another Case related and by entring into the Corpus Striatum and its Pores causeth a Blindness and also by compression the Palsy 13. The Plexus Choroeides did appear as they had been perboiled waxing white and without blood It is probable by these things that all or the greatest part of the Lympha of the vessels has sent forth or dropped out that humor which hath overflowed the Ventricles of the Brain 14. Although in this case if the watery Latex falling lower from the Cortex of the Brain the Brain being altogether pierced thorough it may be demanded whither it can flow down upon those sinus 15. And it may not be improper to ask a reason why a Lethargick person appears at first to be cured and then immediately grows worse having a blindness and a Palsy it is certainly from a store of the soporiferous matter falling from the Cortex of the Brain into its Cavities whereby the Animal function is a little revived but afterwards a new matter engendring in the Cortex of the Brain and this falling down into the sinus is gathered and congregated to a fulness 16. And therefore it is that the person relapsed in the former Disease with these of blindness and the Palsy 17 And although also the dropsy of the inmost Brain or the Inundation of its Ventritricles either by compressing the Corpora striata or the Thalami Optici causes a Palsy and blindness or by vellicating
only hurt the sense remaining firm it is now reasonable that we shew the cause of sense being hurt the motive faculty being sound and strong as is ordinary in such as are afflicted with an Elephantiasis Lepra Graecorum and Mania who often go naked lye cold in Frost and Snow or the middle of Winter and whose Skins are so numb and sensless that they feel not though prickt with Auls Needles or Pins or cut with Knives c. The true reason of this is because the Nerves replenishing the Skin the outer and primary Organ of feeling and the Membranes covering the Muscles by their various Ramifications and innumerable membranaceous Fibres which chiefly convey to the parts the sense of feeling are only hurt or chiefly suffer Whereas those greater Tendinous and Muscular Nerves who by their musculous and fleshy Fibres exert the motive faculty or in whom is seated the power of moving remain safe and unhurt Wherefore the loss or hurt of the sensitive faculty proceeds from a hurt of the exteriour and membranaceous Fibres either through some poysonous or malign Gas or extremity of cold benumbing them so that the Animal Spirit cannot as it ought to do irradiate them and hence it appears that the Nerves of the exterior Membranes are only hurt for that sense being lost the part or parts wast not as when deprived of motion but have a sufficient afflux of the Animal Spirit enabling them to perform their proper duty and to assimulate the nutritions juice brought to the said parts by the Arteries 32. Now out of what has been already said it appears that the extreamest kind of Palsy in which the motive and sensitive Faculties are both hurt or abolished is caused from a general affection of all the Nerves distributed into the part or parts affected as well the Cutaneous and Membranaceous Fibres of the Nerves as the Tendinous and Muscular whereby the Tracts or passages and ways of the Animal Spirit are in a manner compleatly shut up and all its irradiations intercepted or frustrated This may chance though rarely from the descent of the morbifick matter from the Brain into the oblong Morrow but very often from a notable hurt of the Back-bone by a Blow Wound or Fall from some high place whereby the Spinae Medulla being compressed or too much distended or writhed the passages of the Animal Spirit are mightily obstructed and in danger of perfect obliteration CIV The Judgments or Prognosticks of the Palsy 1. A Palsy coming from a cold and moist Cause or in a cold and moist habit of body especially in such as are extream Fat and have been so of a long time is very difficultly cured and if the Disease in such a person has been of any long continuance it seldom or never is cured 2. The cure is difficult or seldom or never performed if the Disease happens in old Age more especially if the Sick is Fat and of a cold moist habit of body 3. A Palsy wherein motion is abolished is much more difficult to Cure than that in which sense is only hurt in regard of the deep scituation of the Nerves for that the force of the Medicine cannot so easily reach them but that Palsy wherein both Faculties are hurt or abolished is yet much worse 4. Every Paralysis whither coming by degrees or happening by accident whether universal or particular though for the most part they are free from imminent danger yet they are long in curing 5. A Palsy coming after an Apoplexy is seldom cured and many times returns into an Apoplexy again by a new afflux of like matter into the Brain which is made lax and weak by the former Disease 6. If it comes from a Blow Fall Wound c. or upon an Apoplexy Lethargy Carus Convulsion Cholick Gout or other affects of the Brain or Genus Nervosum it will not quickly be cured or so much as easily give place to Medicines but for the most part remains uncurable 7. A Tremor or Trembling coming upon or after a Palsy is said to be healthful for that the passages of the Nerves begin somwhat to open themselves to make way for the Animal Spirit whereby Motion though at first after a trembling manner begins to be restored 8. If the Paralytick retains an actual native heat in it there is hope of Recovery but if it is always cold and cannot be induced to retain a natural heat the Case is desperate 9. If a total resolution follows upon a general obstruction of the original of the oblong Marrow or the Spina dorsi being extreamly hurt and that thereby both sense and motion are both taken away the Disease will scarcely admit of any cure 10. An Atrophy or want of Nourishment in the paralytick part with great paleness takes away all hopes of a Cure For it not only signifies an impotency and decay of the Animal Spirit but shews great danger of the extinction of the native heat 11. A Palsy happening in the Winter is cured with much more difficulty than that which happens in the Spring or Summer more especially if it happens in cold and moist Constitutions and in Aged people 12. They who are once cured of a Palsy proceeding from an evident solitary Cause do not so easily Relapse into the same as they who are cured of it arising from a Procatartick cause This seems to be Truth from the very reason of the thing and nature of the Causes 13. If the Ey on that side on which the Palsy happens be hurt thereby there is but little hopes of a Cure for it argues a great defect or want of Animal Spirits in the part or parts affected 14. A Palsy happening to Scorbutical or Cacochymical and very intemperate or surfeited Persons although otherwise of a strong body though the Distemper be not very great yet will it be with much labour and difficulty cured 15. A Palsy in the Legs and Feet is more easily cured than that in the upper parts because those Nerves are harder and stronger 16. A strong Feaver coming upon a Palsy is healthful for the extream heat thereof Rarifies and consumes or expels the morbifick matter and partly for the same reason a Diarrhoea or Loosness coming upon a recent and weak Palsy foreshews speedy Recovery for saith Rhasis I have seen many Paralyticks cured by a Diarrhoea CV The general method of curing the Idopathetick Palsy 1. We now come to the Therapeutical Considerations of the Palsy and first of an Idopathetick Palsy excited from a Procatartick cause or previous disposition of the body to such an indisposition wherein we are chiefly to endeavour the alteration of the habit of the body by rectifying the Discrasy of the Blood then to take away the morbifick matter offending and lastly so to strengthen the parts hurt that they may for the future be able to resist all other assaults of the Disease 2. The Palsy may happen in a hot or cold Constitution and therefore you are first wisely and
Origanum Rue of each half a pugil Arabian Staechas one pugil seeds of Siler Montanus one dram and half Carthamus seed one ounce Colocynthis one dram make a decoction in a sufficient quantity of water Take of that decoction strained one pint in which dissolve Electuar Diaphenicum half an ounce Hiera Diacolycynthid 3 drams Oyls of Castor and Rue of each one ounce Sal Gem one scruple mix them for a Clyster 33. If purging seems not sufficiently to carry of the conjoyned cause but that great quantities of gross and crude humors offend the Head you must endeavour to evacuate them by Masticatories Gargarisms Errhines Sternutatories and such like for that they draw forth pituiââ us and watery humors and also both dry and alter and in a Paralysis they empty from the Head and make Revulsion from the original of the Nerves being held for excellent Remedies 34. A Masticatory Take Nutmegs two drams Pâllitory of Spain Mustard seed of each one dram and half Cubebs Pepper Galangal roots of Angelica of each half a dram Mastich one dram Wax a little mix and make Masticatories If a little Castoreum be added so the fick dislikes not the smell of it it will be much more effectual 35. A Gargarism Take roots of Angelica Pellitory of Spain the true Acorus of each half a dram leaves of Sage Marjoram Tyme Hyssop Origanum of each one handful Mustard-seed two drams Staves-acre long Pepper of each one dram Nutmegs half an ounce make a Decoction in Water and adding Honey of Squils or of Rosemary mix them well and make a Gargle to wash the Mouth and Throat withal If the Sick can keep from Swallowing of it there may be added Carthamus-seeds six drams Turbith half an ounce otherwise they must be omitted 36. A liquid Errhine Take juices of Beet-roots and of Pimpernel with the purple-flower of each one ounce juyces of sweet Marjoram and of Rue of each half an ounce seeds of Gith root of Pyrethrum of each half a dram Castoreum half a scruple Honey of squills half an ounce Wine one ounce mix and make an Errhine This being drawn up into the Nostrils or the Sick lying on his back being distilled into them by drops does powerfully provoke flegm and watery humors and draw them away But a more powerful one is this Take White or Rhenish Wine four ounces dissolve therein Euphorbium a scruple and use it as the former it is of admirable effects 37. Another for the same purpose Take juyces of Sowbread and Pimpernel of each two drams juyce of sweet Marjoram one dram Troches Alhandal one scruple Pellitory of Spain seeds of Gith of each half a dram Castoreum half a scruple Honey Acardine a sufficient quantity mix them together with which bosmear the insides of the Nostrils 38. A Sternutatory Take of the root of Pyrethrum Gith-seeds of each half a dram the best Spanish Tobacco three drams Castoreum a scruple Euphorbium ten grains make each into a most fine pouder then mix them together this may be somtimes blowed up into the Nostrils Or thus Take choice Spanish Tobacco half an ounce roots of white Hellebor Musk Ambergrise of each a dram make each into a fine pouder then mix them to be used as the former 39. If all these things do no good we must come to more general Remedies the chief of which are Sudorificks or sweating Medicines then Diureticks Vomitories lastly Mercurial Medicines producing Salivation or Spitting each of which we shall touch concisely in order but these indeed ought not to be attempted till all other Remedies both internal and external have been long used in vain 40. How Sweating contributes to the Cure of Paralyticks of a cold and moist habit of Body we now come to shew but manifold Experience against which there is no Argument has proved it very pernicious in hot dry and cholerick Constitutions and such instead of being helped by it have received much harm the morbifick Matter being thereby made the more outragious and the Disease somtimes so fixt as to become incurable Now Sweating in a cold and humid Constitution rarifying all the Humidities of the Body and opening its Pores doth thereby in a great measure send forth and exterminate the Impurities and Faeculencies of the Blood and nervous Juyce so that the morbifick Matter thus breathing forth does not any more flow into the Brain and Parts affected and that which has already proceeded therefrom in thus going forth and passing also out of the Pores of the Nerves before obstructed opens those porous Passages whereby a clearer way is made for the afflux of the animal Spirit 41. Now that a plentiful Diaphoresis or Sweating may be procured Medicines both internal and external are commonly made use it By the former either the Blood or its Serum or both are excited into an heat or the Heart forced into most swift Motions whereby the sanguinous Mass being more rapidly or hastily circulated through the Heart and Vessels and so brought into a kind of Fermentation many of its serous and noxious Effluvia's which are partly the morbifick Matter and the Matter also of the Sweat are sent hastily forth Hereby saith Platerus the Humors are drawn forth by insensible Transpiration or manifest Sweats and do wast from the Part affected the conjunct and antecedent Cause and oftentimes is the prime Remedy in curing this long continued Disease 42. Sweat saith Sennertus is provoked by a Decoction of Lignum Guajaci and its Bark Sassafras Sarsaparilla China either singly or jointly used adding also if you so please as a complement the leaves of Primroses Sage Rosemary Cinnamon Nutmegs Of which Decoction the sick is to drink in the Morning six or seven ounces in bed and so to sweat thereupon an hour or more The second Decoction of the Ingredients being made more weak ought to be used at Table and Meals as ordinary Drink and to be continued for some weeks together 43. What other things sweat whether simple or compound we have given a large Catalogue of in our Doron Medicum Lib. 1. Cap. 10. Sect. 14. 15. and Cap. 23. Sect. 52. ad 165. where you may receive ample satisfaction to which you may add the Decoctum Sudorificum Empirici Germain mentioned in our Pharmacopoeia Lib. 4. Cap. 14. Sect. 20. as also the next following it and many other good things which you will find at length in that Book Sennertus prescribes this following Take Lignum Guajaci eight ounces Bark of the same roots of Elecampane of Peony of Orrice the outer Rind of Citron-Peels dryed of each one ounce pure Water five quarts infuse them four and twenty hours in a warm place afterwards boyl and make a Decoction strain and sweeten with Sugar of which let the sick take Morning and Evening six ounces sweating after it in the Morning 44. Liquor Antiparalyticus Sennerti Take Raspings of Guajacum four ounces Bark of the same one ounce Sarsaparilla one ounce and half Raspings of Sassafras seven
take for many days the following Purgation Take Extract of Mechoacan compounded Diagridium Alhandal Cambogia of each one grain Pil. Rudii five grains make five Pills with two drops of the Oyl of Citrons It did operate five times 6. Inwardly I did exhibite four drops of the following Oyls every Morning in Broth Take Oyl of Rosemary-flowers four and twenty drops of Marjoram of Lavender of each six drops of Oranges four drops of Anise of Fennel of each eight drops mix them She took it in Rosemary-Wine 7. By these she had great profit but at length being seised with a Convulsion she dyed Grulingius Curat 7. Cent. 1. XXIV An Apoplexy in old Age. 1. This Disease somtimes happens in extream old Age or in Men in whom the vigor of the Senses is small through the Defect of the Spirits and because the continual defatigation of the Brain may occasion a cold Intemperature therefore the use of these Medicines may greatly comfort 2. Take the Spirit of the best and most pleasant Wine one pound and half to which put the leaves of Bawm the flowers of Lavender Lilly-Convally of Rosemary of Borrage of each one handful Grains of Paradice two drams Cubebs Cinnamon Nutmegs of each one dram Let them stand the Vessel being well closed that nothing may evaporate afterwards strain them out by pressing and let the expression be kept for use In Winter when the Air is colder every Month about the Conjunction of the Moon dip a peece of white Bread in half a dram of this Spirit and let him swallow it in the Morning sleeping a little thereafter 3. In Summer he may take of the Water of Lilly-Convally or Carduus Benedictus likewise about the new Moon one dram of the following Pouder Take white Amber and grind it on a marble Stââe with the Water of black Cherries to this Pouder add as much of Diarrhodon Abbatis 4. These two Medicines are profitable for they correct the humors and check the Vapours and remove the Obstruction As to Diet great Care must be had therefore all Meats must be shun'd which breed pituitous and flegmatick humors such as Fish Pot-Herbs things made of Milk and Meats fryed somtimes Pills may be taken of Alephanginae or Mastich or Aloes Rosata 5. It is most convenient also that the melancholy humor be evacuated and corrected by proper Medicines a better way of evacuating this humor cannot be than by the Hemorroids Fomentations also are to be applyed made of the Decoction of Mallows and Lin-seed and inwardly a scruple of Aloes Rosata is to be taken 6. This melancholy humor is to be contemperated by the use of the Extract of the Juyce of Bawm and Borrage and a spoonful of the following Syrup before Dinner or Supper may be taken 7. Take Syrup of the Juyce of Bawm three ounces of the Juyce of Borrage two ounces of the Peels of Citrons half an ounce the Species Aromatici Rosati one dram Diamoschi dulcis as much mix them and let it be given in a Glass for repressing the Vapours after Meat this Pouder may be taken 8. Take Coriander prepared one ounce choice Cinnamon two drams Mastich one scruple Mace half a scruple white Bread toasted three ounces white Sugar half a pound mix them and make a Pouder In the Morning the Person may take from a quarter of an ounce to half an ounce of the Confection with the Oyl of Anise the Oyl of Caraway Amber also a Confect of Diamoschi dulcis and Diambrae and somtimes Treacle and Mithridate if these things be followed great Benefit will accrew to the Person Crato apud Sholzium Cons 35. XXV Of an Apoplexy 1. The Disease of the Apoplexy is nothing else but an Obstruction in the Original of the Nerve or Brain whereby the Passages of the animal Spirits which give Motion to the whole Body are shut up and the Heart is hindred to distribute and diffuse the vital Spirits from whence there comes a Resolution of the whole Body and is deprived of Sense and Motion as the Heart of Respiration 2. The proper Note and Chararcteristicon of this affect is known by Respiration which according as is more or less suppressed the Danger is so much the greater or lesser 3. We must first consider from whence the animal Spirits are thus impeeded the causes are many and various yet they may be included under these four the first is the bad Temper of the Brain which does not presently invade for the Imbecility of the Brain and of the animal Faculties the Understanding and Memory will be felt long before as also a Numness Somnulency Anger Oblivion with a pain in the Head and Noise in the Ears 4. If the Apoplexy be expected to flow from that Fountain then it will be needful to strengthen the Brain and the Brain if possible is to be purged by the Nostrils moreover you may purge the Brain by an Apophlegmatismus every Morning the Mouth is to be washed by Sage-Water with Salt and you may use every day this Confect which will refresh the Spirit 5. Take Species Diambrae Species Diamoschi of each one dram Sugar dissolved in Lavender-Water make a confection in little Balls you may eat one of them every Morning and you may rub the Almonds of the Ears with Rosemary-Water let him often chew Rocket and Caraway seed 6. This Remedy will be greatly useful for an Apoplexy arising from a second cause to wit from the obstruction of the Brain by a gross and viscid Flegm in this case let him swallow the bigness of a Bean every day of Treacle and Mithridate 7. Aniversary Purgations will be useful as also dayly Frictions first in the Hands and Feet and then in the Back 8. A third cause proceeds from thick gross Vapours disturbing the Spirits for by bad Diet which generates those Vapours the Head is filled and the Spirits are corrupted and dissolv'd and this grievous Affect is generated also Drunkards and great Wine Bibbers are very obnoxious to this Disease 9. The Brain is preserved from thick Vapours by observing diligently a good Diet too much Sleep Banquetting and fumous Meats are to be avoided the seed of Caraway and Rowls made of the Oyl of Caraway and Anise are good for removing the Vapours and by washing of the Feet in the Morning and Frictions the Vapours are much diverted Care must be had that Crudities be not accumulated in the Stomach for which Ambergrise is good 10. A fourth cause is from the too great plenty of Blood or of Flegm or of Melancholy if from Blood then beware of such things as do much augment is a Vein must be opened and Cupping-Glasses affixed to diminish the excessive quantity of the Blood 11. But if from Flegm or Melaâcholy then these humors must be purged by exhibiting Sena the Brain is to be strengthned the Nostrils are to be anointed with the Oyl of Sage and Rosemary-Water is to be drawn up through the Nostrils and the following Gargarism
happens according to Hippocrates are commonly between the years of forty sixty in which time the melancholy humor is most vigorous 21. From whom says that Oracle nothing can be more convenient than the coming of the Hemorrhoids and that all Care be taken to keep them running for while they run there is no doubt of the present Safety But if that cannot be done the next thing to wit by Cupping-Glasses and breathing of a Vein the Blood must be drawn forth 22. Although there is some help to be had by the extraction of the Blood yet if the Foeculency of the Blood be not carried off they will not answer the End and the more frequent the letting of blood is the Blood is thereby cooled and the Spirits exhausted therefore it must be done with a great deal of Caution 23. For Hippocrates does not absolutely assign and impute the Cause of the Apoplexy to Blood Melancholy and Flegm but rather advises to abstain from such things as will breed not only a plenty of Blood but also a gross thickness of the same 24. Luscious and impure Wines and immoderate Repetions do suffocate and extinguish the natural Heat the Wine of Carduus Benedictus is good as also Vinum Medicatum made of the Infusion of Sena this Wine must not be taken at Meat as also other Medicaments because they trouble and hinder the Concoction and so the Chyle being crude excites and sends up Fumes to the Head whereby the Spirits of the Brain are wasted and corrupted 24. But if it be taken about an hour before Meat I do not see why it should not do good For Sena does wonderfully purge the Organs of the Senses and strengthens the Stomack the Infusion of Sena or rather our Syrup of Apples with Sena will be more convenient 26. The Infusion is thus Take Currans six drams Galangal one dram the flowers of Borrage Violets of each one pugil boyl them in a sufficient quantity of pure Water in the Decoction infuse the leaves of Sena six drams then strain and take of the Expression four ounces to which add Manna Calabrina six drams Syrup of conserv'd Ginger one dram mix them and make a Drink to be taken every day 27. If he would use the Syrup of the Juyce of Apples and Sena he may take one ounce wherewith he may mix half a scruple of Mace now if the Body be not already loose you may make it so if the day before you use the Infusion of Sena or the Syrup you must be careful to apply a Clyster made of the Decoction of Pauls-Betony in the Broth of a Cock or Capon with the addition of a little Sugar 28. There is also this to be observed that none who is apprehensive of falling into this Malady should presently go to bed after Supper but that there be two or three hours between supping and sleeping 29. Among the principal causes of the Apoplexy Hippocrates recites a forth which is when the animal Vertue which influences both Sense and Motion is impeded and the natural heat is through the want thereof suppressed and almost extinguished 30. This happens chiefly to those that are obnoxious to Crudities too much Gluttony and surfeiting and while thus he should rather use Exercise than Rest 31. For by Abstinence and exercise by which says Celsus a most famous Physician he cured many Diseases such are preserved 32. He ought not to sleep immediately after eating and if he should begin to be drowsy he ought by some of the Family to be stirred up and rather excited to some pleasant Exercises than be suffered to sit or lye down for moderate Exercise is healthful 33. He should not much use Venery nor wast himself that way for the immoderate use thereof debilitates the Head and Brain 34. For the most part there goes before this Disease a Vertigo the which indeed presages his Disease to be near which though present yet bespeaks it not dangerous 35. Those Medicines therefore which a little before I have recited I use but in the first place I exhibite the little Lozenges made with the chymical Oyl of Caraways least the evil Matter should obstruct and creat thick Vapours which might hinder the force of other things to be given 36. Such things as correct those Vapours which infect the Brain by their Odour and pleasant Vapour are very profitable you must also boyl Caraways and Amber in Water and take the Vapours up the Nostrils and a peice of toasted Nutmeg must be taken into the Mouth to which let some Ambergrise be added and Castoreum put in Vinegar is to be held to the Nostrils 37. If a continual intermitting Feaver attend this Disease it needs no other Cure if it be weak it increases the Malady if too strong it destroys the Strength for the Danger lyes in the Excess 38. There are some causes in which there is no place for Medicines such as extream Cold a Blow hurting the Chanels and Ventricles of the Brain sudden Joy great Anger and Indignation Commotion of the Mind Astonishment by Thunder by these Persons become Apoplectick 39. If a great Apopolexy attend these there can be no other reason of the Cure than that which is from obstructing Causes 40. If it ends in a Palsy we must use those helps which tends to a Resolution when the Apoplexy begins some are for letting of blood all on a sudden but this is for certain if it does not free the Person it will surely kill 41. Some greatly approve of a Suffumigation made of Amber but learned Physicians think without reason 42. Sternutatories are dangerous yet may be profitable if applyed in due time the Pouder of the Root of Night-shade with Rue Castoreum and Ginger an equal Part to be blown up the Nostrils 43. It will be good to shake the superiour Parts chiefly the Neck It will be convenient to put to the Head a thin peece of Cypress or the Head being shaved to apply a Cupping-glass to the Crown of the Head sharp Clysters are to be given 44. The difference of the Pulse in a cold swooning and in an Apoplexy consists in this that in the former the Pulse is weak in the latter the Pulse is full and strong unless in the very point of Death 45. But if the apoplectick Person lies without Sense and Motion and spiration with snorting is violent and inequal then there is nothing but Death to be expected Crato apud Scholzium Cons 37. XXVII For the Apoplexy 1. Take Pil. Cochiae two scruples Castoreum one scruple Troches of Alhandal three grains with Oxymel of Squills make eight Pills which may be taken at eleven a Clock and the Person may sleep after them 2. Take the the roots of Butchers-broom of Asparagus of each one ounce and half the roots of Liquorice of Sorrel of Succory of Bugloss of each one ounce Florentine Orrice Galangal of each half an ounce the Peels of Citron dryed Betony Bawm Hysop Marjoram Ground-pine Origanum
Swoons sometimes falls suddenly and sometimes by degrees Sense Motion and Voice being many times taken away sometimes only diminished respiration alone and that with much difficulty remaining 2. The Sick sleeps deeply and as it were snorts or snores the loosned Members being lifted up fall down with their own weight in the manner of dead Persons and their Eyes are either wide open or shut 3. The Pulse in the mean season is strong and full which has deceived many in the Prognosticks of this Disease and there is many times a relaxation of the Sphincter Muscle of the Anus and Bladder 4. An approaching Apoplexy is seldom accompanied with any praevious signs save in some persons a Lethargy or Vertigo has sometimes gone before for which cause they are called the Fore-rânners of this Disease as also Dimness of Sight the Incubus Tremor of the whole Body gnashing of the Teeth in sleep and heaviness of the whole Body 5. Moreover they are often times seized with this Disease in taking of Tobacco which thing has been many times observed by several Authors 6. This Disease is distinguished from a Carus for they who have a Carus have their Senses remaining neither is the invasion of the Disease so sudden 7. It differs from a Lethargy because it is without a Feaver and stirring and from the Suffocation of the Mother or Hysterick Passion and Swooning fits because it is observed with a laxity of the Members a fullness of the Pulse and a countenance keeping its colour and without a cold Sweat which in a Syncope is always observed to be cold and clammy 8. But in this Disease the Sick for the most part suddenly falls all the Senses and Mâtion as also the Voice being in a moment taken away the breathing only as aforesaid and that with difficulty remaining 9. The Sick seems to be in a deep sleep and many times as it were Dead for that the respiration is so weak as not to be discerned and they lye without stiring or moving any Member neither speaking hearing seeing nor feeling although pulled thrust or prickt 10. They gape for the most part with their Mouths their Eyes closed but sometimes wide open and they keep the colour of their Face all the Members of their Body being lax and pliable not stiff or contracted 11. Sometimes they foam or froth at Mouth and many times there comes forth a bloody kind of froth or Spittle and sometimes clear blood it self as I once observed 12. From these Symptoms appearing in the Sick it is that some Authors have defined the Apoplexy to be a stupidity joyned with a resolution of the parts for that being as it were astonished they lye stupid like stocks all the Senses alike and motion also being abolished together 13. But these accidents are sometimes more mild at other times more grievous in which both the internal and external Senses are taken away together whence they understand nothing nor have any perceivance of any thing or shew any sign of Sense though you prick or burn them LIV. The various causes of an Apoplexy 1. One of the chief causes of an Apoplexy assigned by Authors is Blood out of its Vessels stopping and compressing the Ventricles of the Brain and that falls out either from the Rupture of a Vein in the brain or an over fullness of the Vessels or some great bruise or confusion of the Head or from some cut or punctured Wound by which the Veins of the Brain are hurt or broken and so let forth their blood 2. Barbet saith It is caused from a thick Lympha for the most part obstructing the Nerves and Deckers saith Not only from the thicker Lympha but tough flegm or matter contained in the Brain and obstructing the parts by reason of a fall from on high or by concussion or a blow as Fabritius Hildanus observes Cent. 6. Observ 11. Or by sadness and sudden consternation of the mind as the same person proves it Or from blood obstructing a suppression of some accustomed Hoemorrhage by the Nose or Fundament going before as the said Hildanus Cent. 4. Observ 11. relates Or from Blood extravasated chiefly from a Wound of the Brain it self 3. The Seat of the Apoplexy is without doubt within the more inward recess of the Brain to wit the Corpus Callosum and the proximate and immediate subject of the Disease is the Animal Spirit inhabiting therein for that the Understanding Imagination and common Sense are so deeply affected as to be perfectly darkned and to suffer a total Eclipse But the mediate subject of this disaffection is thought to be the middle part of the Brain because from thence the instincts of all spontaneous motions proceed and in this the perceptions of all sensible things are terminated 4. For upon the approach of the Paroxysm all the acts of every spontaneous and intelligible Function which depend upon the Brain it self are forthwith hindred and cease for that the Animal Spirits being suppressed in their chief place of meeting which is the Callous body their next immediate motion of expansion in the same place as also their afflux into the nervous Appendix is wholly obliterated whence comes that sudden and universal darkness or total Eclipse in the whole Animal Region which is subject to its disposition 5. However in the mean season the Pulse and Breathing as also the motions of the Ventricle and Intestines are in some measure performed viz. either freely or faultily and with pain because their actions proceed wholly from the Cerebellum which is not at all or but little hurt by the morbifick matter Now if the disaffection be so great as that all the Senses be abolished whence motion also does cease yet the other Functions which are not so much the Off-spring of the Brain may remain as the Pulse which is excited by the Heart and the breathing which is partly from a natural and partly from a voluntary act excited from the Organs of both kinds of motion to wit both of the Midriff and Lungs 6. And therefore it is that though the Brain is extreamly affected so as all voluntary motion does cease the Midriff or Muscles of the Brest contributing then nothing to the motion yet then the Breathing is managed or performed by the natural or spontaneous motion of the Lungs wherein after a sort they contract and dilate themselves but this act of breathing is then with difficulty for that it is performed but with one half of its Organs And therefore if the disaffection or hurt of the Brain does not speedily pass off because the Lungs are not able long to perform the whole duty of Breathing Suffocation will infallibly succeed for that the faculty in both kinds will be wholly abolished 7. Now after what manner the Animal Spirits are so suddenly and all at once suppressed or as it were extinguished about their original of Emanation so that all sense and motion depending on them ceases every where remains to be enquired
into Some place the cause in the Heart and lay the fault on its Intemperance others in the Brain either from its evil Conformation or from Obstruction thereof in the greater Ventricles Or Obstruction in its Pores or lesser passages which being strongly bound up is said to excite the fit because either the afflux of blood for the generating of Spirits is hindered from those parts Or the efflux and Emanation of the said Spirits from thence to their destinated parts is kept back 8. From Histories or Anatomical Observations of Persons dying of this Disease Blood has been found extravasated or out of its Vessels here and there in great Clodders compressing the substance of the Brain In others the serous Colluvies have overflowed the whole Head both within and without the Skull In others a large Bladder of Water has been found in one of the Ventricles compressing the smaller passages From which observations it may be concluded that the principal places solely affected are not the greater Ventricles but the middle marrowy substance of the Brain and Cerebel which is every where porous and indued with very many minute passages both that the Vital Spirits may flow in thither from the blood and that the Animal may flow forth 9. And though some may suppose that the Apoplexy may be caused from the hinderance of the bloods afflux to the brain 't is true this may be possible but it does not often nor easily happen for they must suppose it to be either from the obstruction of the inner Carotid Arteries and of the Vertebrals which happens in the greater Vessels chiefly about the assent of the Brain from concreted or clodded blood or in the lesser Vessels which pass through the Brain from a viscous matter generated within them but this way it cannot well be because those Cephalick Arteries to wit the Carotides and Vertebrals do so communicate one with another and all of them in several places are so mutually ingrafted one into another that if it happen that many of them should be stopped or pressed together at once yet the blood being sent to the Head though by the passage of one only Artery either the Carotide or the Vertebral it would presently pass through all those parts both exteriour and interiour which thing learned Willis proved an experiment of by spuirting in Ink into the Trunk of one Vessel which immediately filled all the sanguiferous passages and every where stained the Brain it self 10. Or the said afflux of Blood to the Brain may be supposed to be stopt from the compression of those Vessels by reason of the tuberosity or swelling up of the Paristhmia or Kernels in the hinder part of the Neck from a heap of serous or watery humors that by pressing together the Arteries passing through obstructs the passage of the blood to the Head but the former reason remains good against this unless all the said Arteries both Carotid and Vertebral be comprest together which very seldom or rarely happens 11. Or they suppose the said afflux of Blood may he hindred from a preternatural opening of the Blood-Vessels within the Skull wherein a great quantity of Blood is poured forth which should other ways be converted to the use and benefit of the Brain this is possible somtimes to be But certainly this Cause of an Apoplexy is more likely to arise from the too great Incursion and extravasation of the Blood within the Brain as the afore mentioned anatomical Observations at § 8. do demonstrate for that the said Blood so extravasated for the most part concretes into a hard substance which being large and compressing the Marrow of the Brain stop up the Passages and obstruct the efflux of the animal Spirits 12. Thus much in general of this Disease We shall now consider it under its several Branches wherein as we say it is either accidental or habitual so must different Causes be assigned to each If it be accidental it is for the most part excited without any proevious Disposition from a sudden and solitary Cause being for the most part mortal the curatory Method proving very often ineffectual And of this the proximate or conjunct Cause is either a great solution of Unity hapning somwhere within or nere the middle of the Brain from the compression or obstruion of its Pores and Passages whereby the whole emanation of the Spirits is suppressed Or else it is a very great and sudden profligation of the Spirits or an extinction of those inhabiting the Brain 13. This Solution of Unity is either 1. from Blood extravasated within the Brain and growing there into Clodders or striking upon the affected places from whence does often arise deadly apoplectick Paroxysms as several anotomical Observations upon Bodies dying of this Disease have already demonstrated but these morbifick Extravasations of Blood within the Brain come either from external Violence as a Fall from a high Place or from a Horse a blow on the Head or hitting it against some hard thing and such like Or from an internal Disposition the blood being thin and sharp and growing more then ordinarily hot either of its own Acord or by Accident it flows forth through the little Mouths of the Vessels and so easily breaks into the soft and yeilding substance of the Brain where being in great quantity extravasated by intumifying the affected Places and compressing the underlying Marrow the root of the Disease being at the said Corpus Callosum apoplectick Fits are presently excited 14. Or 2. from the breaking of an Apostem or Ulcer which although they are rarely to be found within the Brain yet often in the Menings and almost from the same Cause by which the extravasation of the blood happens This whilst it is coming on to Maturation causes only a dull head-ach or heaviness but when once broken the putrified Matter falling upon the Cortex of the Brain corrodes and putrifies it and instilling by Degrees its putrid Particles most obnoxious to the Spirits into the Meditullium or marrowy part of the Brain excites at length the Paroxysm 15. Or 3. from a heap of serous or watery Matter sent forth from the blood into the Head filling and stuffing all its medullary pores by which a deprivation of Sense and Motion follows And this has many times been caused from Drunkenness and somtimes from unseasonable and immeasurable drinking of cold Water or drinking of cold and small Beer being hot and thirsty and then sleeping upon it as also from a long and total suppression of Urine or frequent Hoemorrhages suddenly stopt whereby a translation of the serous Recrements are forthwith made to the Brain by which for the most part a deadly Apoplexy is caused 16. The other cause of a sudden and accidental Apoplexy arises from the immediate profligation or extinction of the Spirits which may be caused by blasting with Lightning or the Fumes of Sulphur Arsenick Aqua Fortis Spirit of Niter or Charcole and not very seldom from strong Narcoticks or
Dose from half a dram to three drams 4. Aurum Diaphoreticum Poterij Take of the most fine Gold one part Mercury of Antimony a sufficient quantity dissolve and make an Amalgama boyl this with a gentle fire for the space of four days in a glass Vessel a Cubit and half high whose inferiour part let be large and broad but the superiour narrow and long let the fire be gentle and continual In this manner the Amalgama will be turned into a most rubicund Pouder which for fifteen days circulate with Spirit of Wine in Horse-dung then draw off the Spirit so have you Diaphoretick Gold Dose from four to six or eight grains in some proper Conserve Wine or Broth. 5. Theriaca Metallorum Poterij Take revived Mercury four parts stellified regulus of Antimony two parts most fine Gold one part melt the Gold with the Regulus to which add the Mercury made hot by it self mix them together and make an Amalgama which Pouder upon a Porphory stone This matter boyl with a gentle heat in a sufficient quantity of the Hemophroditick Balneum till the whole is well fixed dose from six to ten grains 6. Antihecticum Poterij Take the Electrum minus prepared of the regulus of Antimony and Mars together with Jupiter in equal proportion but some say that Jupiter must be in double proportion pouder them very finely add and mix well therewith Sal Niter poudre in a tripple proportion calcine them in a crucible with a gentle Detonation and keep them in a red hot heat for some hours being cold wash away the Salt by many affusions of fair warm water then dry the Pouder between Papers keep it for use Dose from five grains to seven 7. Terra Sancta Rulandina apud Rolfincium Take well streaked Hungarian Antimony two pounds put it upon a red hot plate of Iron or a Tile or into a red hot Iron or Earthen Crucible continually stir it with an Iron rod till it is reduced to a Calx But note That if you be not careful in governing your fire it will run into heaps and must be again beaten and calcined till it turns into a grey Calx and ceases to fume It gently moves the Belly the infusion being given thus Take Terra Sancta one ounce Wine half a pound let them stand one night in Infusion Dose from one ounce to two according to age and strength XXIV The Vertues and Vses of the Natural Balsamum de Chili 1. There is lately brought from Chili a Province in America a most excellent Natural Balsam differing both from that of Peru and Tolu but no ways inferiour in Virtues and Excellency as the several Experiments made by several learned Physicians in the curing of Diseases has given evident demonstration 2. It is a Remedy that no Man under the Sun can Compose being a Natural Balsam Distilling from a small Tree in Chili bearing a Leaf something differ-from an Olive-Leaf It is without doubt the most precious of all Natural Balsams by reason of its great Virtue and admirable odour excelling all others even the most fragrant 3. It eases all manner of Pains in any part of the Body coming of Cold or Wind chiefly pains of the Stomach indigestion and want of Appetite corroborating and strengthning of it after a wonderful manner It cures all Ulcers of the Breast and Lungs Reins Bladder or Womb Inward Bruises Spitting of Blood and such like It helps shortness of Breath Coughs Consumptions Wheasings Hoarsness Asthma's and other Diseases of both parts 4. It is excellent against the Falling-sickness Apoplexy Convulsions Palsy Lethargy Tremblings old Head-achs Megrims Vertigo's and other cold and moist diseases of the Brain and Nerves being inwardly taken as shall be hereafter directed and outwardly annointed upon the part It strengthens the Brain comforts the memory and fortifies all Senses both Intâânal External beyond any other Natural Balsam 5. It kills Worms whether in old or young cures Ruptures although of many years standing and dissolves the Stone and expels it as also Sand Gravel or Slime or any other thing which may obstruct the Urine or stops up its passages So that it 's believed there is scarcely a better Remedy for that purpose upon Earth for it gives ease in the vehementest Pains being constantly taken for a time perfects the Cure 6. It eases also all Chollick pains Gripings Wind in the Stomach or Bowels and perfectly cures all Fluxes Bloody-Fluxes Excoriations and such other like distempers of the Guts It cures deafness pain and noise in the Ears to a wonder a drop or two being put into the Orifice of the Ear and kept in with a little Cotton dipt in the same 7. It cures the Green-sickness in Virgins and provokes the Terms in Women being taken from Ten to Twenty Thirty or Fourty drops in a Glass of White-Wine as shall be anon directed Morning and Night for a Week together It cures also Barrenness promotes Conception and causes easie and speedy delivery to Women in Travel and in a great measure prevents or takes away after-pains taken to the quantity aforesaid in a Glass or Juniper or Cinnamon-water 8. The way and manner of taking it Inwardly In Diseases of the Head Brain and Nerves gives it in Rosemary or Cinnamon-Water or in Canary For the Stone and other Diseases of the Reins and Bladder you may give it in Rhenish-Wine For the Cholick and diseases of the Bowels you may give it in Juniper-Water For Palsies Gouts and Weaknesses of the Nerves and Joynts you may give it in some Antiparalytick-Wine If the Sick cannot take it in any proper Wine or Water it may be given mixt with any proper Syrup If it cannot be so taken it may be made up into Pills with some fit Powder as of Zedoary Nutmeg Cinnamon Bayberries Cubebs or what the Physitian shall think more proper and so gilded for by this means it will be taken without nauseating you give it from half a dram to two yea to three drams acccording to Age and strength and it may be given Morning and Night for a Month two or three togethââââout any prejudice 9. And ãâ¦ã âââtain that this Balsam is one of the greatest Specincks in the cure of the Palsy Scurvy and Gout that is it transcending all other Medicaments but it ought to be constantly given and in a due Dose and with those advantages that it may not nauseat the Stomach So taken it performs more than any other Natural Balsam it cleanses the whole Body of all Impurities Mundifies the whole Mass of Blood Heals all inward Bruises Wounds Ulcers or Excoreations whether in the Bowels or Lungs and otherwise restores decayed Nature to a miracle carrying off all its Faeculenties by Urine and Stool The Merchant that has brought it over has only intrusted it to be Sold with Mr. Thomas Passenger at the Three-Bibles on London Bridge where it may always be had in any quantity ready put up in square Glasses Sealed with the Balsam