suffocation follows and from thence death now the Convulsion is not the cause of Death as to the hurt don to the Nerves but the suffocation by reason of the Convulsion of the Nerves and Muscles ordained for breathing 8. By so much the more vehement the Convulsion is by so much the more dangerous it is the farther the Convulsion is from the Brain so much the less dangerous it is 9. A Convulsion is much more easily cured if the Brain be only affected by consent than if it be essentially and primarily affected Hippocrates also saith sect 5. Aphor. 1. that Convulsions caused by taking of Hellebor are mortal and this I saw experienced upon several persons at one time who had taken Hellebor for the Worms 10. A Convulsion arising from the Iliack passion is dangerous especially if it be accompanied with the Hicâ—ough so also if swooning immediatly follow it 11. Convulsions arising from extream Pains of the Bowells or parts adjacent to the lower Viscera are evil sect 7. Aph. 67. and the reason is because the Brain is forthwith drawn into consent 12 Convulsions in continual Feavers where the sick is very weak especially if they seize upon the Lips Nostrils Eyes Eye-Lids Eye-Brows or Parts near them foreshew that death is at the Door 13. Convulsions arising from continual watchings or long fasting are mortal for that there is not only a diminution of the animal Spirits but an almost abolition of the natural heat and radical humidity which ought to conserve and support the Spirits 14. Lastly Hippocrates saith Sect. 5 Aph. 2. that Convulsions proceeding from Wounds are pernicious more especially if they be near the Brain for there is danger from the great Inflamation of Mortification of the Part and from thence Death CXII Of the Cure of a singular Convulsion or Cramp 1. The Cramp as is for the most part caused of Gold afflicting the Nerves and Muscles of the Part so it is to be cured by the help of such things as warm and comfort the same having also a specifick Property to be assistant to the Nerves 2. In the first place if the Body be full of evil humous you may purge the Patient with my Family-Pills or with the tincture of the same and because we must prosecute the Cure according to the Indications which offer themselves you may know the strength or debility of the Stomach and accordingly give things cleansing or strengthening if the Stomach be foul you may exhibit a Dose of my vomiting Lozenges which may be given from fifteen to thirty grains according to age and strength yet they may be taken in the Morning fasting and let a good quantity of broth or posset-drink be prepared to be taken they will work well and call the offending humor from all parts of the Body and after they have cleansed the Stomach upwards they will then work admirably well and purge the Bowels downward 3. This being done a Diet of Neuroticks ought to be prepared after the manner of a constant Drink but because that may be troublesome I shall advise to somthing which may with more ease and conveniency be done and what Experience has confirmed to me will be of great advantage to the sick and that is the Queen of Hungaria's Water a Medicament scarcely inferior to any let it be taken constantly three times a day a little before eating viz. Morning Noon and Night and oftner if the Patient so pleases in a glass of Sack or of some cordial Water 4. This being taken for about 10 or 12 days the sick ought to use sudorifick means by taking inwardly English Bezoar Bezoar mineral Bezoar animal Electuarium ad Tabidos Powers of Vipers or our Guttae Vitae mixt and made up into a Bolus with the choicest Venice Treacle or dissolved and given in Spirit of Saffron or in this following Compositum Take Spirit of Saffron two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Salt of Vipers eight grains mix them for a sudorifick Dose Or this Take choice Cinnamon-water an ounce Syrup of Citrons six drams Powers of Vipers twelve drops mix for a dose Or this Take Treacle Water two ounces Syrup of Lemons one ounce Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram Guttae Vitae ten drops mix for a Dose to sweat withall 5. But during the time that all these things are doing we must not be unmindful of the application of Topicks to the part affected without which almost all other things will nearly be done in vain for this purpose we commend to the sick the Queen of Hungaries water a most excellent thing to bath withall let the place pained be bathed therewith thrice a day and let it be done almost half an hour together it is a Medicament of great Vertue and has cured hundreds 6. But that which transcends all others things and which we can commend upon our own manifold Experience are the Powers of Amber a Medicament never to be sufficiently praised for by the single use of this alone Medicament I can safely say it I have cured several scores of the Cramp so perfectly as that it never has returned any more I could advise to many other excellent things which I know would not fail also but this being the cheapest easiest to come by and of most approved use I advise to the use of it above all other things and they that shall be pleased to make use of it shall find I have spoken a very great Truth CXIII Of the cure of a general and Primary Convulsion 1. The first essay which Authors make towards the cure of a Convulsion is to evacuate the Corrupt and morbifick humor abounding for which Physicians prescribe many ways as first Blood-letting But this as it diminishes the Spirits and obliterates the strength and vigor of the Body so ought it to be cautiously attempted for in this Disease we ought rather to contrive how to augment the natural forces of the Body and conserve the spiritual parts than to diminish them which this operation certainly doth whereupon death in some immediately followeth as I have two or three times observed from unadvised bleeding in this Disease the Patient dying in little more than half an hour after the cause of which doubtless was the defect and diminution of Spirits Riverius one much for bleeding saith That t is only to be don if the Patient be strong and that it is better to take away too little Blood than too much for that Blood opposes the principal cause of the Disease which is Flegm If this be true in what Meanders of folly do Physicians wander who attempt the cure by this kind of method viz. by taking away that matter which opposes the Disease but these Vanities are so gross and absurd that they are not worth disputing about and so deserve no Answer 2. In an universal Convulsion however evacuations are proposed first Revulsive chiefly by strong Clysters such as are commonly exhibited in Palsies and of which this following may be an example
it might be supposed the Patient might live 6. This Chyrurgian who is now to be nameless strongly opposed me slighted my Opinions and warranted to the By-standers the Patient's life although under all those dangerous Symptoms besides his old Age. 7. Upon these Resolves the sick was let Blood and the bounteous Chyrurgian liberally took away from the dying man no less than 18 ounces thereof presently the sick fainted and with very much adoe he was kept from a swooning fit I told them They might safely give him now and then a little of Angelica water the greater Composition the which they did and he seemed to be cheared thereby 8. The Chyrurgyan now leaves him promising That he would do more and greater things for him which would certainly restore him about two hours after th Patient cry'd out I am a dead man the Chyrurgian has kill'd me I being by desired him to be patient saying the Chyrurgian has not kill'd you 't is your Disease that is dangerous and vehement But however that it would be good for him to prepare himself and set his house in order He now and then slumbred and past away the night in short and troublesom sleeps but approaching 5 a clock in the morning he surrenered his vital Spirits 9. The next morning came our Chyrurgian nor was I much behind him where contrary to his Expectation and in some measure mine We found our late deplorable Patient dead I desired That the Chyrurgian might open him which was presently granted It was done occordingly and in the fore Ventricle of the Brain a bag of water was found as big as a small hens Egg all the rest of the Viscera of the three Venters being sound and it is observable That 2 or 3 dayes before he dyed he complained of a vehement pain in his forehead VII A Vertigo with a Malign Feaver 1 A young maiden of 14 or 15 years of Age being sick of a malign Feaver was in the Tenth day of her sickness seised with a Vertigo so that she could not stand but all things seem'd to turn round with Violence She had a Bubo under her left Arm-hole which broke and ran well so that there was great hopes of her life 2. Four dayes after a Parotis appeared behind the right Ear to which 6 or 7 Leches were applyed the Vertigo in the mean Season at fits and sometimes almost continually afflicting the sick by the application of the Leeches the Tumor had Liberty to ripen and break which by help of strong Maturatives was perfected in 3 days 3. All things were done in respect both to the Feaver and the malignity so that the Disease seemed to be conquered only the Vertigo remainned for the helping of which I order'd the solid Errâ—i es to be apply'd the next day but alas before the appointed time the Patient was dead 4. Her Parents had a Desire to have her opened and in the former ventricle of the Brain was a Cystis found about the bigness of a Pigeons egg full of Water of a kind of yellowish green Colour the water was put upon bread and given to a dog who eat the same and in 3 or 4 hours after having first Vomited he dyed VIII A Vertigo in a Maiden with obstructions of her terms 1. She was 18 years of Age and was in the beginning of May seized with a Vertigo her habit of body was cold moist and flegmatick and she had been troubled with the obstruction of her Courses for more than 20 Months so that she sometimes Vomited blood often bleed at nose her Countenance was pale wan like death it self 2. Application was made to me and after viewing the sick I found That the Green-sickness had seised her she confest That she had eaten Oat-meal Raw Wheat and such like things for many months and that largely and That she had strong longing after nor could she be satisfi'd without them upon which followed the Suppression of her Courses with vomiting and loathing of Food and this Vertigo 3. The first thing I gave her was this Take the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum of Rulandus Vinegar of Squils of each an ounce Carduus water four ounces mix them for a draught to be exhibited in the morning fasting It wrought well gave her 5 Vomits and 7 Stools by which both Stomach and Bowels seemed to be well cleansed the maid was also much more lightsom and her head was exceedingly eased 4. But I knowing her Disease to be stubborn and to proceed from a stubborn viscouse tenacious humour thought it necessary to repeat the former dose which was done upon the 4th day following after this she seemed to be perfectly well and her preternatural Appetite to be quite gone so that she was uâ—willing to take any more 5. Now because Colocynthis mightily cleanses and opens the Womb above all other things I gave her the 4th day following the former dose about half a spoonful or somewhat more of the Infusion of the said Colocynthis in rectified Spirit of wine which I repeated for three times every 4th day 6. But that in all the time of Purging she might not faint I ordered her to take now and then in the intermediate dayes a little of our Electuarium ad Tabidos from whence she found great refection 7. In the mean season I was not unmindful of the distemper of her head but caused it to be often bathed with Powers of Sassafras and caused her often to smell to Spirit of Sal Armoniack and continually to take it in all the drink she drank which was indeed no small benefit to her 8. Lastly After that all her purging was over and it was now about the New of the Moon I prescrib'd her to take the Tincture of Gum Guajaci drawn with rectified Spirit of Wine the dose was a Spoonful or better morning and night after which she drank a Glass of Rhenish wine and Sugar I ordered her the continuance thereof til her Courses appeared which was after the first taking it about 4 days from which time she had them in good order and remain'd in perfect Health IX A Vertigo in a Girl about ten years of Age. 1. Her Parents told me It had afflicted her for about two years and as well as they could guess was caused from her long and much turning round with some other Neighbours Children at what time she not having so strong a head or brain as they fell down 2. The Disease came by fits at first more seldom afterwards more often so that it came almost every day and sometime twice a day it would also come in the night so that she would often cry out in the midst of her sleep That the house was a turning the upside downward that it would fall upon her and she should be kill'd 3. I saw plainly that it was caused chiefly from a windy Vapor first stirr'd up by the aforementioned Action which upon the least motion disturbing the Brain presently caused
from a cold or moist Humour Or from Water contained in the Cavities being the Excrements of vitiated Blood which the more easily make an Impression thereon from the weakness of the part 6. And sometimes it is caused from a Bladder of Water contained in the foremore Ventricle of the Brain to which I was an Eye Witness 7. For a person Dying of a Vertigo accompanied with a Feaver being opened we found no other Cause of his Disease nor of his Death but a Bladder of Water about the bigness of a small Hens Egg lying in the foremost Ventricle of the Brain 8. This Man for many years had been obnoxious to a Vertigo otherwise constantly in perfect Health and lived to the Age of seventy years at first the fits came but two or three times a year afterwards they came once a month and as the Man grew older and older the Disease grew stronger and the Paroxisms grew more frequent and of a longer continuance so that he had a fit once a Week 9. The last Fit he complain'd That all things turned round violently and although he leaned upon a Table call'd out vehemently for some body to hold him for he should fall by the hasty turning round of things he desired forthwith to go to Bed and whilst he lay still he seemed to be somewhat pacifyed but upon the least turning of his Head or any part of his Body he cryed out that the Bed and House would be turn'd topsy-turvy all this was without any Convulsion Frenzy or Madness or the least appearance of a Feaver except about four or five hours before his Death 10. If it be Sympathetick it is by consent from some other part as the Indisposition of the Stomach or other Viscera if it be from the Stomach it is known from the Weakness thereof Sickness at the Stomach want of Digestion Crudity Pain and Wind afflicting that Bowel from whence an Evil Blood is generated filling the Ventricles of the Brain with many Recrements 11. Or from a fermentation of the Blood from whence windy or flatuous Vapours arises filling the said Cavities 12. If it be caused by consent from any other part you may know it from the Indisposition of the said part pain or weakness thereof In a Woman if it proceeds by consent from the Womb she must have been troubled with affections from the Womb a long time before-hand 13. A third Cause is from a Windy Vapour generated or arising from Hypochondriack Melancholy which is known by the Signs of that Distemper 14. The fourth and last Cause is either from the ill Confirmation of the Cranium and parts adjacent wherein there may be some extuberance in the inward Table of the Skull compressing the Brain or a Compressure thereof by a Fracture of the Cranium or a Conglutination of the Vessels of the Brain viz. of the Arteries or Veins from all which causes the Animal Spirits upon the least occasion being disturb'd excite a Vertigo 15. It remains now That we enquire into the Cause of the Darkness of the Sight which we Judge to be from Vapours or Wind vehemently assaulting the forepart of the Brain thereby Clouding and Confounding the Animal Spirits wherein the Images or appearances of things directed to the Brain by the Optick Nerve are rendred unequal and clouded or darkened so that there is either a false appearance of things as when they turn Round or no appearance at all by reason of the darkning of the Sight 16. And this is done in the Brain by the confusion of the Animal Spirits through a preternatural Agitation or Commotion and not in Eyes themselves For that the Spirits are inwrapped with those cloudy Vapours in the highest part of the Brain which gives the Original to the Optick Nerves LIX The Prognosticks of a Vertigo 1. If the Disease be Retent or in one that is Young or if the Paroxism be not vehement but suddenly over the Sick is without Danger and the Cure may be easily performed the same also if it be without darkness of Sight 2. If it be Originally in the Brain or of any long continuance the Paroxism vehement and not suddenly passing over the Cure will be more difficult 3. If it comes Haereditarily from the Disposition of the Parents or from a Native weakness of the Brain it is for the most part without Cure 4. So also if it arises from the ill Confirmation of the Cranium unless the Sick can give any particular Description of the place so afflicted that a part of the Skull may be taken out whereby the Extuberance of the inward Table Compressing the Brain may be removed or those windy Vapours or excrementitious Humours exciting a Vertigo may be Evaporated and drawn away 5. If it has been of long continuance and in Aged persons it is for the most part Incurable so also if it proceeds from a Bladder of Water in the Ventricles of the Brain unless the Skull be opened and the said Bladder be taken out 6. Those afflicted with a Bladder of Water although out of the fit almost always complain of dullness and heaviness of that part of the Head where it lies as did the person we spoke of before and I doubt not if the Skull were but timely opened and the Bladder removed it might be the means to save many a Patients Life 7. An affect not much unlike this is often seen in Calves which when the Country-man sees to be Vertiginous by their turning round he commonly opens the forepart of the Head and by taking out a Bladder of Water saves the Life of his Beast which otherwise would suddenly dye 8. If it proceeds by consent of other parts The Prognosticks depend upon the removing of the said Indispositions for so long as they remain there is no hope of the Cure of the Vertigo 9. If it proceeds from Hypochondriack Melancholy or a Vapour generated in the Brain the Cure will be exceeding difficult to be performed For as much as the Melancholy Humour is hard to Conquer or overcome 10. In cold and moist Constitutions it is apt to degenerate into an Apoplexy Epilepsy or Lethargy LX. The Therapia or Method of Cure and first of a Simple Vertigo or without Dimness of Sight 1. The Cure of a Simple Vertigo is not very difficult and has commonly but two Intentions The First is to discuss the flatulent Spirit troubling the Ventricles of the Brain or to still and quiet the too great Emanations of the Animal Spirits Secondly to comfort and strengthen the Brain hurt or weakened by the said flaculency and Irregularities of the Spirits 2. The first Intention is performed by heating Cephalicks anointing or bathing the Coronal Sutures Temples Forehead and Nostrils with spirit of Rosemary Lavender Carraways Sage Juniper Savin or sweet Marjoram all which have a mighty power to discuss any Ventosity lodged in the Cortex of the Brain 3. But above many other things we commend the following as such of which we have
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 dilutâ—â—ed 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
five or six stools 8. The following day she had another Fit but less but by the aforsaid Fame and Oyntment she was well amended 9. Inwardly were given two spoonfuls of compound Water of Briony at night she tooâ— two of the aforesaid Pills coming to her in the Morning I found her eased of the pain of her head and stomack 10. The eleventh of February she was gently afflicted with the Mother and a light Feaver to prevent which I gave Extractum Hystericum two drams with Aqua Hysterica a sufficient quantity make ten Pills she took one in the Morning fasting and so she became well 11. March the 28th she fell again into the Mother with Convulsion of the Eyes the said Convulsion having grieved her two days before she was afflicted with the Mother 12. Take Pills of Peony Ground-Pine Hiera Agarick of each two scruples Pills of Amber Ruffi of each one drams Extractum Hystericum two drams with Aqua Hysterica make a Mass of this there were made five of a dram covered with Gold and of these she took three at bed-time By these she was delivered Hall upon Englsh Bodies Cent. 2. Obser 44. XL. A Convulsion in a Woman 1. A Woman of Stratsord was suddenly taken with Convulsion of Face and Eyes loss of Speech her Matrix carried from its proper place and so cast down she looked like the very Image of Death somtimes vehemently opening anâ—â—â—sting her Eyes hither and thither was cured as followeth 2. Take Castor one dram Juice of Rue a spoonful Sage-Water two ounces Syrup of Mugwort one ounce She was constrained to take it 3. To her Nose were applyed stinking things within the space of few minutes she both speak and stood up 4. The next day this Take Species Hiera with Agarick half a dram pil Faetidae Peony of each one scruple the Feculae of Briony Diagrydium of each six grains make five Pills They were taken in the Morning with care 5. Afterwards Take Briony root three drams Senna half an ounce Ginger half a scruple Cinnamon one dram Sugar one ounce infuse them for a night in hot Whey one pound and half of this infusion was taken five ounces for several days together with which the Cure was perfected Hall upon English bodyes Cent. 2. Observ 57. XLI A Convulsion with flux of the Hemorrhoides Feaver c. 1. Thou O Lord which hast the power of Life and Death and drawest from the gates of Death I confess without any Act or counsel of Man but only from thy goodness and Clemency thou hast saved me from the bitter and grievious symptoms of a deadly Feaver beyond the Expectation of all about me 2. Restoaring Me as it were from the very Jaws of Death to former Health for which I praise thy name O most Merciful God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ praying thee to give me a most thankful Heart for this great Favour for which I have cause to Admire thee 3. About the fifty seventh year of my age from August 27. 1632. to September 29. I was much debilitated wich art immoderate flux of the Hemorrhodes yet daily was I necessiated to go to several places to Patients 4. A hardness being contracted by riding the flux was stayed for fourteen days after that I fell into a most cruel torture of my Teeth and then into a deadly burning Feaver which then raged very much killing almost all that it did Infect 5. For which I used the following method which by the help of God succeeded first I purged thus Take Rhubarb infused one dram it was infused in three ounces of some proper water syrup of Diaireos one ounce Electuary of juyce of Roses three drams these gave four stools 6. Afterwards I used decoction of Harts-horn and so the Disease was almost cast out by Urine it flowed vrey much for four days space that I was not only much emaciated but also weakned so that I could not move my self in my Bed without help 7. I also had Convulsion of the Mouth and Eyes then was a Pigeon-cut open alive and applied to my Feet to draw down the Vapours For I was often afflicted with a light Dilirium 8. Then my Wife sent for two Physicians I had used a Clyster with Emollient herbs and an Electuary Diacatholicon and Lenitivum the Physicians my Friends prescribed the following of which I swallowed the quantity of a Nutmeg twice a day Take Electuary of Gems hot two drams Species Plerisarconticon one dram Lozenges of Sugar pearled one ounce Conserve of Bugloss and Violets of each two ounces syrup of Wood-sorrel an ounce syrup of Violets half an ounce Limons one ounce Oyl of Vitriol six drops make an Electuary 9. The twenty seventh of September I was thus purged Take Electuarium Lenitivum one ounce and half Worm-wood four ounces mix them It gave three stools 10. At the hour of sleep I took Diacodium surup of red Poppies with Diascordium 11. For the heat of the Back Take Refrigerans Galeni one ounce and half Cerat of Sanders half an ounce juice of Housleek white Wine Vinegar of each one spoonful make a soft Oyntment 12. An Emplaster for the region of the Heart Take Labdanum six drams Styrax Calamitae half an ounce species Aromatica Rosarum Musk four grains mix them 13. I was again thus purged Take syrup of Diairees one ounce and half Electuary of the juice of Roses three drams Cichory water a sufficient quantity 14. It is to be obsserved before the Physicians came there were drawn seven ounces of Blood from the Liver-Vein and three days after were Leaches applied to the Hemorrhoides and thence removed ten ounces 15. After which I took the decoction of Harts-horn thus I was pretty well able to take Meat Then I used Chalybiate wine with juice of Scurvy-grass and syrup of Sceletyrbia Foresti and purged once a week with Pulvis Sanctus syrup of Diaireos and infusion of Rhubarb 16. For the pain of the Teeth I used Oleum Ligni Heraclei After I was troubled with Itching in the Scrotum which was cured with our decoction of Sarsa with Antiscorbutick herbs And so I became perfectly well praised be God Hall upon English bodyes Cent. 2. Observ 60. XLII A Convulsion in a young Woman 1. The Daughter of Alderman Smith aged about twenty two from diminution of her Courses and fear fell into ths Mother with Convulsion of the Eyes and darkness of sight it continuing all the Fit together with distortion of the Neck and palpitation of the Heart as also a Feaver so that she tossed up and down in her Bed 2. In the time of her fit I commanded to distil into her Mouth three spoonfuls of Hysterick water afterwards I fumed her with Vngula Caballina which delivered her from her fit 3. To prevent the fit was given as followeth Take Castoreum pulverised half a dram pil Faetidae one dram make seven Pills guilded this purged her well and delivered her from the symptoms 4. Lastly
Almonds are very agreable as also the Conserves of Violets the flowers of Water-lillies Nenuphar and Borrage 13. If the Belly be not in good temper you may administer a Clyster let it be such a one as is both emollient and nutritive made of the broth of Mutton Capons and Hens with the Yolks of four Eggs and a little of the powder of Saffron Mace and Cinnamon-water 14. The part affected and the marrow of the Back is to be anointed with the following things Take Mans fat the Oyl of Violets and sweet-Almonds of each two ounces the juyce of Earth-worms three ounces mix and apply them warm 15. If the Convulsion be by consent that is to say if it proceed from pain inflamation and tumefacton then the pain is to be asswaged the inflammation is to be extinguished and the tumefaction of the Member is to be resolved and dissipated in which Case the following Oyntment is agreeable even to a wonderful manner 16. Take Oyl of Sage Dill Cammomil Foxes the juyce of Earth-worms Mans grease of each two ounces Oyl of Turpentine Aqua vitae of each one ounce Saffron one dram mix them and make a Liniment 17. Ambrosius Paraeus who deserves eternal Encomiums does exceedingly commend the following Liniment to be used in Diseases of the Nerves chiefly those which arises from a cold cause Take Sage Ground-pine Marjoram Rosemary Rue Lavender of each one handful the flowers of Cammomil Melilot Dill-Hypericon of each two pugils Bay and Juniper-berries of each two ounces the roots of Pyrethrum two drams Mastick Benjamin of each one ounce and half Turpentine one pound Oyl of Earth-worms Dill and Whelps of each six ounces Oyl of Turpentine three ounces Mans-grease two ounces Crocus one dram white Wine one pound and half Wax a sufficient quantity bruise those that are to be bruised and pulverise those that are to be pulverized afterwards let them be boyled in a double vessel with the several Oyls and grease above mentioned and then make a Liniment according to Art adding in the end three ounces of Aqua vitae 18. But if the Convulsion proceed from evil and malignant vapours afflicting the Brain and other noble parts the digestion and suppuration of the Wound must be accelerated and although cold defensitives impede the Elevation of the vapours yet because thâ—y retard the suppuration of the wound and â—urt the Nerves they are not to be used but with great judgment 19. This one thing I shall add that to those Liniments which are applyed to the Wound there be always added some Treacle Mithridate and the Bezoar stone 20. Mithridate also Treacle the Bezoar-stone Harts-horn and other Alexipharmacks taken in at the Mouth does agree very well an Epithem is to be applyed to the region of the Heart as also to his Wrists Fabritius Hildanus de Gangrena cap 26. LXXIV A Convulsion in a fat Man 1. A man fat thick and flegmatick about the age of five and thirty having after supper a great pain in his Head was suddenly taken with an universal Convulsion through his whole Body insomuch that I never before had seen the like 2. For his Leggs and Arms were not only convulsed but also the muscles of his Breast yea a most violent Convulsion had seized the whole Body he lay speechless with his Mouth shut if he had been pricked there followed a contraction of the Hands and Feet but he had some Sense so that it did not appear to be an Apoplexy 3. This Fit continued two whole days and three nights till Death gave him a Quietus est 4. Coming to him at night I ordered Frictions and Ligatures and having by an Artifice opened his Mouth I ordered Oxymel to be put into his Mouth as also a sharp Clyster to be injected 5. In this difficult Case I did press earnestly for consultation with Cornelius Ericius my Colleague whose Sentiments of the Disease and of the Necessity of the Clyster which was prepared was the same with mine 6. We agreed in giving him for a gentle Purge for he was very phlegmatick one dram and half of Pil. Cochiae dissolved in a little Sage-Water by this he had three stools yet he continued as he was 7. At night returning again we anointed the whole Nape and the whole Back-bone with the Oyl of Turpentine mixed with the Oyl of Foxes and we did exhibit again Pil. Cochiae but was nothing the better 8. Afterwards the following Sternutatory was prescribed Take white Hollebore black Pepper Staves acre of each one scruple and half beat them into a fine Pouder and then by a Quill put it up into the Nostrils 9. But this also did no good for it did not cause Sneezing which without Controversy was a mortal Sign at the same time his Teeth being opened a little of the following Compound was poured into his Mouth very often 10. Take the Conserve of the Flowers of Rosemary one ounce Mithridate half an ounce choice Treacle three drams Oxymel simple and Squills of each half an ounce Syrup of Staechas half an ounce mix them neither was any thing the better by this for he dyed the third night Petrus Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 103. LXXV A Convulsion arising from a pain in the Joints 1. A certain noble Woman having a long time kept her Chamber by pains in the Joynts and growing thereby flegmatick she was sadly afflicted almost every year with the Gout and at length the pituitous matter being imbibed in the Nerves she had a mighty Convulsion 2. Among many things we prescribed for Diet this one thing we thought convenient to be taken in stead of Wine viz a kind of Mead made of the Decoction of Marjoram Sage Betony with a little Cinnamon and Honey 3. We did commend frictions of the Vertebrae and Neck and that she would avoid all perturbations of the mind and to keep the Body always in a good Temper we ordered for her the following Clyster Take roots of Marsh-Mallows white Lillies of each half an ounce Sage Betony Hysop Rue of each one handful the Flowers of Carduus Benedictus Rosemary Cammomil Centaury the lesser Herb Mercury of each one handful and half Staechas one pugil Carthamus-seed half an ounce Caraway and Fennel-seed one dram and half Polypâ—dy half an ounce Bran one pugil white Agarick one dram and half boyl them all together in common Water to one pound of the straining I add Benedictum laxativum half an ounce Electuary of Hiera Picra three drams Oyl of Lillies Oyl of Cammomil of each one ounce and half with a little Salt make a Clyster 4. But if this will not do because of the hardness of the Belly I would advise a more emollient Clyster of the Decoction of Mallows and Marsh-Mallows c. 5. The minoration of the pituitous matter being made by Pil. Hierae simplex we endeavoured for the better Evacuation of the same to render the matter more thin and fluxile by Syrups made of the Decoction of Sage Marjoram
Forestus Lib. 10. Observ 122. LXXXVI A Convulsion from a fall 1. A Carpenter falling from a great hight broke his left Legg and Elbow he also received some hurt in his Head and about his Eye his Legg was broken without any wound but his Cubit with a wound 2. The following potion was given him Take the Decoction of the leaves of Sena and Rhubarb decoctum Commune of each a sufficient quantity which sweeten with the syrup of the juice of Roses adding one scruple of Mummy and Nutmeg half a scuple this did gently purge him by which he semed to be better 3. After two or three days Intermission he took the same potion again which had so good an Effect that he did evacuate coagulated Blood and much pituitous matter 4. On the sixth day by a fall in the Night he fell into Convulsions his Daughter at first sight thought that her Father laughed which we concluded to be a Sardonick laughter presaging lamentably bad Convulsions 5. Immediately in the fit his Mouth was closed together and his whole Body was convulsed we predicted death to him unless the Convulsion did cease within the fourth day 6. Many proper Medicines were applied which did not contribute much to his relief on the seventh day his Urine was stopped by the Convulsion but his Privy parts being anointed with the Oyl of Scorpions he immediately rendred his Urine neither could he swallow any sustenance 7. His Distemper growing worse and worse he dyed on the seventh Night of his Disease in one of his convulsive fits Petrus Forestus lib. 10. Observ 123. LXXXVII A Cynick Convulsion or the torture of the Mouth 1. A Man about sixty six years of age was taken with a cananine Convulsion or the torture of the Mouth coming to him I ordered a Clyster which he not taking I prescribed the following syrup 2. Take Oxymel simple syrup of Staechas Honey of Roses strained of each half an ounce water of Betony Sage and Hysop of each one ounce mix them 3. Then I gave him the following Pill Take Pil. hiera simplex Agarick trochiscated of each half a dram with syrup of Staechas make five Pills which he took a good while after he supped they gave him two stools 4. Returning the next day to visit him and finding his Urin red thick and muddy I ordered Cupping-glasses to be applied to his Shoulders and a good quantity of Blood to be taken from him 5. Then the syrup being again exhibited to him I purged him with Pills proper against Convulsions Forestus lib. 10. Observ 124. 6. If there should happen a fulness without a Crudity a Clyster being first Injected you may take from him some Blood and diminish the matter by Pills and digest the Flegm by digestive syrups 7. Others would not have strong Medicines applied in the begining of the Disease nor sharp Clysters nor strong purgatives and digestives but must defer to the fourth day or as some would have to the seventh day unless there be just fears of an approaching Epilepsy or Apoplexy 8. The matter is to be digested with this or the like Magisterial syrup Take the roots of true Acorus half an ounce Betony Marjoram Origanum Cowslips Hysop Rosemary of each one handful the flowers of both Stachas's one pugil boyl them in Sage and Betony waters in a double Vessel add to the straining syrup of Staechas three ounces Aromatise it with Nutmeg and make an Apozeme Or a sufficient quantity of Honey being added boyl them to the consistency of a Magisterial syrup 9. Or make use of this or the like Melicrat Take the roots of the true Acorus half an ounce Staechas one handful boyl them in a quart of water and to the strained liquor add half a pound more or less of Honey make clarifyed Mead which aromatize with one dram of Nutmeg 10. Let him be purged by little and little first with Pill Cochiae and Hierae then with Pil. Fetidae and Cochiae but if he cannot swallow Pills he may take this following potion 11. Take Diacatholicon half an ounce Electuary of Dates or Diaphaenicon one dram and half Electuary Elescoph one dram Electuary Indij Majoris two scruples and half with three ounces of the above-mentioned decoction or Mead honey of Roses strained half an ounce mix them and make a potion 12. If a stronger is needful let him be purged with Hiera Pachij and Hiera Scribonij 13. But if the Malady be not yet mitigated the Veins under the Tongue are to be opened then frictions of all the members as Hands and Feet c. are to be used Ex scholio ejusdem LXXXVIII A Convulsion in a Youth 1. A Youth was so miserably convulsed that he could not any ways bend his Back by the following remedy he could presently walk 2. Take rank old Butter old Lard of each three ounces Bdellium Ammoniacum of each one ounce Myrrh Castoreum of each three drams flowers of Staechas and Rosemary of each one pugil Nutmegs Cloves of each one dram a little Cat emboweled skinned and cut in peices with this infarse the Belly of a Goose sow it up and then roast it 3. The first juice that comes from it is to be cast away the second is to preserved in a vessel hanâ—full of Vinegar therewith anoint the Back this is a Divine Medicine Petrus Pachequus Observ 8. LXXXIX A Convulsion in a certain Noble Person 1. A certain noble person being afflicted with most severe pains proceeding from violent Convulsions Guillandinus commanded him to be dipt into a Barrel of Oyl by which he was much refreshed 2. Coral by its own natural property saies Heurnius is good for a Convulsion that proceeds from Emptiness and the same Author says That Convulsions that come from repletion are much helped by the application of hot and dry Medicines as the decoction of Peony lignum Guajacum Sarsa-parilla Sassafras Treacle Mithridate Castoreum c. 3. He further alledges That in Convulsions that proceed from a Plethory blood leting and then a Bath of hot Oyl are convenient XC The Convulsion Opisthotonus in a Child 1. Hieronymus Cardanus said That he cured a Child of seventeen months old of the Opisthotonus Convulsion by three sorts of helps to wit abstinence from flesh Wine and Eggs cloths diped in the Oyl of Cammomil and Lillies applied to the Neck and other parts convulsed 2. And a confected Medicament made of Mithridate with triple Sugar of Roses pearles Jacincts and Emeralds XCI Convulsions in an Infant Prince 1. There is no remedy more profitable than the Embrocation of the hinder part of the Head the nape and Neck with the Oyl of Violets indifferent warm I used this to Lodowick Prince of Pidemont who in the time of his Infancy was afflicted with a Disease called St. Antonie's-fire in his Thigh and an Apostume near the huckle-bone and Joints of his hip with a Feaver 2. Of which being indifferently well recovered he fell into a Convulsion caused by dryness crying