strong and the Malignity be great it will be necessary to cause a gentle sweat which you may perform with this Take Philonum Romanum two drams volatile Salt of Harts-horn fifteen grains Musk ten grains mix them for a Dose let it be given at bed-time and let the sick drink after it If the sick cannot swallow an Electuary you may give a Dose of our Laudanum and so much the more if a Delirium Phrensy or Convulsion be feared Or this following Mixture Take of the prepared Metheglin above prescribed a quarter of a pint of our Guttae Vitae thirty or forty drops Spirit of Vipers sixty drops mix them for a Dose this will sweat powerfully and expel all the poyson venom and malignity of the Disease to a Miracle And these things may be of good use let the venene cause be what it will 5. But if it be caused from Poyson whether vegitable mineral or animal immediately received into the Stomach you must forthwith give a Vomit that the matter of the Poyson may with all possible speed be evacuated for this purpose I commend my vomiting Lozenges which you may give from a scruple to half a dram or the Aqua Benedicta Rulandi Infusion of Vitrum Antimonii and such like If these things be not to be had you may give except it be a mineral Poyson a large draught of Salleâ—-Oyl and then presently after provoke vomiting by a Feather put into the Throat This done and the danger of the Poson being over you shall then exihibite some proper Antidote that the very reliques of the Poyson may be obliterated and for this purpose you may either give some of those above mentioned at § 4. Or this following Take Venice-Treacle Extract of Saffron of each a dram Salt of Vipers eight grains mix them for a Dose to be given about three hours after the vomiting is over 6. If it be caused from the Poyson of Quick-silver or other mineral Fume you must use preparations of Gold as Aurum potabile Tincture of Gold Sulphur of Gold and other the like Medicaments but if these cannot be gotten you must give preparations of Gold and Mercury such as are the Aurum Vitae of Sennertus Hercules Bovii and the like for these things being given gradually and for a long time take away at length the contamination of the vital juyces and free the neurotick Frame from the morbifick Poyson after the use thereof for some time you may then give Sudorificks made of Minerals such as this following Take of our Electuarium ad Tabidos one dram Bezoarticum minerale oue scruple Extract of Saffron ten grains mix them for a Dose after which give a glass of generous Wine or of the former preparation of Hydromel and dispose the sick for a Sweat This Dose you may repeat three or four times giving it every other day 7. If it should proceed from Surfeiting or Gluttony it would be good to evacuate the Stomach upward to Children and weak Persons you may give the Sal Vitrioli from a scruple to a dram stronger Persons may take the Emetick Tartar of Minsicht to four five or six grains Or you may give our Catharticum Argenteum from a dram to two drams according to age and strength for that evacuates admirably both upwards and downwards and the latter especially if it be given with a little salt Broth. These emetick purgations may be two or three times repeated according as you see occasion or the strength of the sick will bear but if the sick be very weak you must be cautious of giving of strong Evacuaters lest you add to the Disease and make the Tremor or Trembling so much the worse by an unfit diminution of the Spirits 8. The second Indication is for the generating of vital and animal Spirits which is performed by such things as abound with volatile Parts and nutriments full of Spirits For this purpose we commend strong Jellies made of the juyce of Oxes Hearts Sheeps Hearts and Jellies made of the flesh of Fouls chiefly of wild Foul which Jellies ought to be strong and mixed with a little Wine and aromatized with Spices to be made grateful to the Stomach But if the Tremor come through drinking of Wine or Brandy then in stead of mixing of Wine you ought to mix Mead or some small portion of the Diet before mentioned for thereby the Nutriment is the better and more easily assimulated and the chylous juyce more absolute for the generating of pure and spirituous Blood 9. But that which in this case we shall commend above all these things is the Jelly or Broth of Vipers which after a most admirable manner augments comforts and fortifies the Spirits of what kind soever The same thing does the Viper-Pouder and the flesh of Vipers being boyled and eaten as you eat Eels or other Fish To these things add the Salt and Spirit of Vipers as also the Potestates Viperarum which Medicament we cannot easily nor enough commend The volatile Salt and Spirit of Earth-Worms is of good use here as also the Spirit of shell-Snails and the Jelly and Spirit distilled from a Deers-Head Or a Jelly made of a fresh Deers-Head beaten all into a mash with a Spirit drawn from other Heads 10. Now this is to be noted that whatsoever things are given which are spirituous they ought always to be mixed with such other things as breed a good Chyle for from a generous Chyle is generated a good and spirituous Blood and of the Blood elaborated in the Heart is made the vital Spirit which Spirit elaborated in the Brain produces that which we call the animal Spirit which being disseminated through the whole Genus Nervosum is that which gives Sense and Motion to all the Parts of the whole Body 11. But lest these things should not be so well accomplished as may be desired you must have respect to the Stomach that its Tone be preserved intire and free from hurt for if there be a weakness of the Stomach or any other hurt or indisposition you must be sure to remove those Symptoms according as we shall hereafter teach in their proper Chapters or else you act in vain For a simple weakness of the Stomach you may give the Tincture of black Pepper of Centory the less of Worm-wood or the Elixir Proprietatis any of which may be given the sick from fifteen to twenty thirty or forty drops in a glass of Ale or Metheglin and that three four or six times a day or more or as often as the sick has occasion to drink But if there be a preternatural heat conjoyned by which also the Spirits are much wasted then in stead of the former things you must give Spirâ—t or Oyl of Vitriol or Salt or Sulphur or the Acetum Antimonii or Juyce of Limons which may be constantly mixed with their drink as aforesaid Yet if a sowrness by adjoyned then volatile and alcalious Salts are to be administred and the acid avoided Or else
constringed Pores the said Nerves became relaxed as it were and weakned so that the animal Spirit which ought to be more strickly bound-up becomes dilated and spread abroad and thereby the muscular Motion is either hurt or depraved And this must needs be when the Spirit which is the prime or essential cause thereof is contaminated weakned and dilated and the Nerves which are the instrumental cause of the said motion are watered as it were with a heterogene matter relaxed and made unfit for the performance of their Functions 13. And truly not in a much different way do Poysons promote the same disaffection but more dreadful in their Operation for being received into the Stomach and being subtillised by the fermentative quality thereof their spiritual Parts separate themselves from the more earthy and thereby make a Conjunction with the animal Spirit either mediately by immersing themselves in the Mass of Blood or immediately by insinuating themselves into the nervous Tunicles of the Stomach whence arises besides the weakning contamination and dilatation of the Spirit and a relaxation and hurt of the Nerves a debility in the Stomach it self with a hurt of its proper Functions by which the original matter for the generation of Spirit becomes both depraved and diminished which not a little contributes to the said relaxation for there being not a sufficient generation thereof it follows that there must be a deficiency in the Nerves the Channels and Condit-Pipes of the said Spirit and the proximate Instrument of muscular motion whence a Tremor is immediately excited 14. Thus also the Fumes of mineral Poysons being drawn up the Nostrils and penetrating the Brain may more easily and immediately contaminate the animal Fountain from whence those fuliginous Vapours being conveyed over the whole Genus Nervosum or nervous System not only foul and fully its Crystal-like Streams but confuse and obfuscate its limpid and translucid matter corrupting even the nervous Juice it self the very support and stay of the Neurotick Frame thereby causing not only a relaxation of the substance of the Nerves and diffusion of the Spirit out of its proper Current but also many other evil Symptoms besides 15. But how this thing should somtimes come to pass by the only handling of Quick-silver is yet more admirable and deserves our farther consideration How easy it is for Quick-silver to insinuate it self into the Pores and to difuse it self into all Parts of the Body especially the upper Parts as the Head and Brain I think is sufficiently known almost to all and that common experiment of whitening Gold by treading of the naked Foot upon Quick-silver the Gold in the mean season being held in the Mouth is somthing of demonstration By what Artifice the Mercury is conveyed to the Mouth I will not possitively determine though it may be more than probably conjectured its Ascension might be by way of Fume The whitening of the Gold is a proof of the matter of fact but if any should object that the Gold attracted or drew up the Mercury and that if the Gold had not been held in the Mouth the Mercury would never have ascended to this we answer first that the possibility of the penetration of the Mercury is demonstrated from the whitening of the Gold whether the Gold attracted it or no. Secondly that it is probable the Mercury might have ascended to the Mouth and Head as well without the Gold as with it only with this difference that in its ascention meeting with the Gold it fixed there whereas had the Gold been wanting those particles of the Mercury which fixed themselves upon the Gold might have gone further and have seised the very Brain it self Thirdly that it has been confirmed by manifold experience that those who have frequently and long but handled Mercury have contracted such a Tremor whereby they have wholly lost the use of their Limbs and the Affection incurable to boot by which we think the matter is beyond dispute 16. How a sudden consternation by Fear or Extasy of Joy should produce such an effect is yet more worthy our inquiry Truly these are Passions which first fix themselves in the apprehension and thereby breed a perturbation of the animal Spirit but immediately seize and exercise their fury upon the Heart and Vitals And here in both cases the Heart is dilated or as it were opened and the Blood and Spirits by a certain flux enter it in the first case by filling it to support and fortify it as much as may be against the danger of the evil appendent in the second case to augment and maintain the fulness of the Joy coâ—ceived which flux being vehement and immeasurable leaves the extream Parts of the Body destitute as it were whereby being deprived of great part of their nourishment and support a feebleness immediately seizes upon them and a Tremor forth with as a consequent thereof for being thereby emptied in part a diffusion of the remainingt part of he Spirit is made whence follows a forceable relaxation of the Nerves Now when this is extream or vehement from the magnitude of the Joy and Fear the flux of the Blood and Spirits being more impetuous or greater than the dilatation of the Heart whereby it is unable to receive all that are sent on that occasion hence it is that oftentimes not only a Tremor but a Suffocation immediately follows and a tâ—tal extinction of the vital Flame For as the Flame of a Lamp is nourished and maintained by the Oyl which continually feeds it yet will that Flame be extinguished by a suffocation thereof through an afflux of too much Oyl drowning the same as well as by a detention or with holding of its proper nourishment 17. Hence also the reason is apparent how the loss of Blood should produce the near cause thereof for if a Tremor be immediately produced from a large Dâ—ffusion Dilatation Dissipation Diminution or loss of Spirits it is evident that it must also follow upon the loss of Blood for that the Blood is the Vehiculum of he vital Spirit the progenitor of the animal and according to the diminution of the Blood such in proportion is the diminution of the Spirit which being largely taken away must necessarily leave a feebleness and weakness upon the Parts from whence it is detracted thereby disabling them for performing their wonted Functions 18. Now that Tremor which follows from a hurt or puncture of the Nerve is caused from compression wherein the animal Spirit is stopt or straightned in its course or flux and so is forced out of its domicil by means of which diffusion a dilatation and relaxation of the Nerve ensues causing a weakness and feebleness of the Part whereby it is uncapable of perforing of its Functions and in this case somtimes a numbness and want of feeling goes a long with it which in a proper Sense can be nothing but a Palsy of the Part of which in the next Chapter we shall largly treat 19.
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 Stâ—â—e 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 Melaâ—choly 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
of the Head proceeds from a cold and moist Habit of the whole Body as for the most part it does and that moisture super-abounds in an extream manner we must begin the Cure after another Way for as much as it is one of the hardest things in the Art of Medicine to alter and remove a cold and moist habit of Body 24. First therefore let the whole Body be throughly Purged with such things as effectually evacuate pituitous and watery Humors Take Pilulae Rudij two drams de Agarico one dram and half Resin of Jallap one dram Mercurius dulcis three times sublimed two scruples mix and with a little syrup of Buckthorn make a Mass of Pills dose from one scruple to half a dram in strong Bodies Syrup of Buckthorn may be given alone from one ounce to two in the Morning fasting Take Pil. Aggregativae Pil. Cochiae of each two drams Troches Alhandal Resin of Jallap of each one dram Elaterium a scruple mix and make Pills with Syrup of Buckthorn to which add a few drops of Oyl of Caraways or of Cloves Dose one scruple or more to half a dram 25. These things are to be given often with due intervals between Purging that the Body may not be weakned too much Among other Remedies none seems to be more excellent than Our Family Pills whether with or without Aloes being given in the Morning fasting from one scruple to half a dram according to Age Strength and Sex 26. But where solid Medicaments cannot be taken for some cannot swallow Pills We commend the Tinctura Cathartick Clossaei given a spoonfull at a time with half an ounce of Syrup of Limons or an ounce of Syrup of Roses solutive made sharp with Oyl of Sulphur 27. If it be a Woman kind and she be troubled with Fits of the Mother Wind or Vapors it will be good to mix with the Purges aforesaid as also with such as may be hereafter commended some notable Hysterick as the Elixer Hystericum Maxij which may be given to one dram and a half The Tincture of Castor Spirit or Salt of Harts-horn the Powers of Jet or black Amber and such like plenty where of you may see in our Pharmacooeia and Doron 28. To the former Catharticks you may add The Tincture of Sena Compound Our Magistrall Cathartick Tincture and Our Tinctura extribus the two first of which may be given from one ounce to two the latter from half an ounce to one ounce or more mixed with a spoonful of Syrup of Limons 29. The Tincture of Our Family Pills we here also commend being given two or three spoonfulls at a time with a little Syrup of Limons or of the Juyce of Citrons Here also take place the Tinctura Phlegmagoga Melanagoga and Hydragoga Grulingij to be given as in the former directions 30. But if the Ventricle by very much afflicted and there is an appearance of very tough viscous Humours chiefly of Flegm It is necessary that Cutting Medicines by first Used such are the Spirits and Oyls of Salt Sulphur and Vitriol which may be given to four or six Drops in such Liquor as the Sick commonly Drinks but these are not long to be Continued because of their cooling quality but only so long till the Viscosity is somewhat attenuated and incided 31. This done an Emetick ought forthwith to be exhibited to this purpose we commend the Antimonial Emetick syrup of Salá Our Catharticum Argenteum together with the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum and the Liquor Vitae Aureus Rulandi any of which you are to give in such a due Dose as may respect the Strength or Weakness Age Sex or other Properties of the Sick 32. These Vomits ought so long to be continued till the Stomach is effectually cleansed afterwards you are to Purge the Body downwards with the things before ennumerated 33. But in the first place before either Purge or Vomit be given you are to consider the Constitution of the Bowels whether the Sick be Costive or Laxative or in a mean if the Body be Laxative you are to give the Purges aforementioned in somewhat less Proportion 34. If Costive you are before you attempt any other Evacuation to give this following Clyster Take Decoctum Commune eight ounces Infusion of Crocus Metallorum three ounces Electuary Diacatholicon one ounce Oyl Olive two ounces mix and then give it warm 35. Or you may exhibite Enema Pituitam Purgans or Enema in Capitis affectibus Mynsichti or Enema in Causa à duritial faecum Mynsichti any of which will enough open and loosen the Body besides which they draw Humours and Vapours from the Head which is partly the Cause of its Pain 36. These Clysters are to be twice thrice or more repeated till the Constitution of the Bowels be apparently altered the Belly being now made Solluble the afore enumerated Emeticks or Purgations may with safety be administred 37. But that which is most worthy to be considered is whether the Disease be Simple or Complicate if Simple the Praescriptions of themselves are enough 38. But if they be Complicated with any other Disease you must always mix with the Medicaments prescribed against the Headach whether Emeticks Catharticks or Alteratives such things as are either Specificks or proper against the Complication 39. As for Example if the Scurvey be Concomitant you ought to mix with your Medicaments against the Headach Antiscorbuticks as Spirits of Scurvey-grass Water cresses Brook-lime Tarragon Rocket Horse-Radish Mustard-seed c. 40. If it be Complicated with Hysterick Passions you must mix Anti-Hystericks such as we have a little before enumerated 41. If it be Complicated with a Nephritis you ought to mix Lithontripticks or Stone-breakers and Renals as Salt of Egg-shels Oyl of Salt Powers of Juniper-berries Winter Cherries c. which may have respect to the part 42. If it be Complicated with a Tussis or Cough or Obstructions of the Lungs you ought to mix Pectorals and Openers such are Chymical Oyls of Anniseeds and Dill Oyl and Balsam of Sulphur Tincture of Spanish Juyce of Liquorice made in spirit of Wine and mixt with a quarter part of Oyl of Tartar per deliquium and four times the quantity of Canary 43. Where if the Obstruction be very great it will not be amiss to add some few drops of the spirit of Sal Armoniack 44. If it be Complicated with an Arthritis or Gout you ought to mix Arthriticks as the Pulvis Arthriticus Paracelsi or the Essence of Gout-Ivy c. 45. If it be Complicated with Weakness and Distemper of the Stomach you ought to mix Stomaticks such are the Elixir Proprietatis Paracelsi Elixir of Wormwood Potestates or Powers of Wormwood Elixir of Bay-berries Elixir of Mint the Blood red Tincture of black Pepper 46. If it be Complicated with any Passion of the Heart as Fainting Swooning c. You ought to mix Cordials as Tinctura Auraea Tinctura Vitae Nostrae Tinctura Cardiaca Elixir Vitae Rubrum Reinesij Pulvis
Scab or Exulceration spreading over his whole Legg 2. The Pimple was black the Exulceration lasted two years but was removed by the application of hot Ashes and so was cured the ninth year 3. Now for two years he was not troubled but seeing he had a weak Stomach though not exulcerated he suffered want of Appetite and when Dinner was delayed he fell into a Vertigo and pain of the Head he could not use his Faculty of Imagination nor continue a Discourse upon any thing but presently he forgot 4. I shall give you my Opinion concerning his Temperature He is of Constitution cold dry and melancholick which I prove from his slenderness costiveness and want of Hair his Muscles are small his principal Members as his Heart is cold his Pulse slow and rare he is fearfull his Liver dry and hot and yet that heat do's not exceed the coldness of his Heart 5. That he has a dry Liver it appears because his Veins are small and straight That he has also a hot one is clear for he has been sick of Feavors which proceeds from Choler and those Pimples shew an Adust humor 6. His Brain Temperate for he is shamefac't and his animal Operations good he abounds in heat He is temparate as to siccity he is moderate in his sleep and his Stomach always cold 7. His custom was always to take Medicines but he was inordinate and kept no good time as to his Studies in Winter he often sate with cold Feet to which he added slothfulness and never gave himself to Exercise 8. The Causes and Symptoms are next to be enquired into from whence the Indications of Cure arise Three things he suffers about the Stomach first weakness the Cause of this is Intemperateness for neither soon nor well does he Digest therefore is the Distemperature from cold 9. Secondly He suffers also want of Appetite because coldness is the Cause of want of Appetite for the matter which before was evacuated by the Legg runs back to the Stomach and chiefly a Salt Rheum from whence there is a loss of Appetite 10. Thirdly When he does not Dine soon it presently comes to a swimming in the Head this is a Symptom of the Stomach for it is done by consent as Vapors arising from the Stomach for the Appetite craves adust humors from the Liver which coming to the mouth of the Stomach ascend up to the Head from whence Avicen To suffer Hunger is to fill the Body with ill Humours 11. He suffers pain in his Forehead and this grief is from the Stomach The Animal Operations of the principal faculties of the Soul are diminished he cannot use his Imagination nor speak well the cause is some cold intemperature of those parts 12. It may be questioned from whence comes this Intemperature from the paucity of the Spirits and evil Concoction in the Stomach from thence the Liver is adust and so the Heart is cold whence is a paucity both of Vital and Animal Spirits 13. Another reason for the intemperature of the Spirits is for that the Liver generates blood that is cold from whence also humors that are dull and cold arise it is doubtless originally from the Intemperature of the Stomach for the adust Humors are cold and sharp and so are the Rhumatick 14. Secondly the cold Intemperature of the Brain comes not only from the paucity of the Spirits but also from the intemperature of them 15. The Curative Indications or Symptoms are taken from these which are Evacuation and Alteration the matter is to be evacuated and the Stomach to be altered by somewhat that is contrary 16. He must Evacuate all first and afterwards warm the Stomach by the way of alteration increase the Spirits and make them warmer these are augmented when the Stomach is prepared to digest and the warmness of the Liver is remitted 17. There is need to warm the Stomach and to cool the Liver but there is nothing to be done to the Head although the Liver is hot yet I would not open a Vein lest there should follow a paucity of Spirits I would have you to loosen the Belly with Cassia or Hiera for we have seen your Urine that 't is red and crude thin and full of many Excrements 18. They may be concocted with the Syrup of Fumitory Honey of Roses Decoction of Chicory and other things They may be evacuated by Rhubarb and Confectio Hamech and the Evacuations should be repeated according as there is occasion 19. Afterwards to procure an Appetite I would annoint it with the Oyls of Spiknard Mastich Mint and with Spices somtimes I would administer Sugar of Roses with the Species Aromaticum Rosatum 20. But for change it is better to apply somewhat outwardly Let him not go into hot Baths unless in September when he does use these let the Liver be annointed and strengthned with the Oyntment of Sanders premising Embrocations of cold Distilled Waters for the cooling of the Liver Scholzij Consul Med. Obs 311. XXXVI A Vertigo with Pain at the Stomach 1. There are four things to be done that we may prevent the Vertigo and other Maladies which proceed from the repletion of the Head First all Causes are to be avoided which fill the Head with Fumes or stir up the Humors Secondly if Humors abound in the Head they are to be brought thence or diverted Thirdly the Vapours are to be dispersed and the Head strengthened Fourthly that some Preservatives be administred for the Vertigo and Apoplexy 2. First there is nothing certainly fills the Head more than mid-day sleep and drinking after Supper in sleep after meat gross thick and very dark fumes fill the Head in that abundance as in a Furnace in which wet Timber is laid and the Head being full of Vapours the whole Body is weighed down the Man is made sadder a Vertigo is near at hand and also somewhat that is Apoplectick 3. And although to dryer Natures mid-day sleep is not inconvenient or dangerous nevertheless it cannot be any waies profitable to those who have not a little of repugnant and unwholsome humidity in the Stomach and there is a difference between fumes which come from dry Timber and what come from wet 4. Moreover if cold drink be always taken after meat and the Stomach belch many fumes are exhaled chiefly great quaffing before sleep and long feasting and banqueting are pestiferous and hurtful both to Head and Stomach nor can the mouth of the Stomach be closed for when it belcheth or is any way disordered and then endeavours to take some repose what otherwise can follow but a repletion of the Head and a Catarrh then the Vertigo also troubles 5. Great cares and weighty affairs do extreamly encrease this Distemper if attended immediatly after eating so also meats that beget fumes and too great a quantity of liquor or large drinking 6. It is requisite such be avoided by those who desire not to be troubled with Catarrhs or a Vertigo as also those
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
the nights sleep had brought to the head a new supplement of morbifick matter the like Fit returned in the morning which perhaps as the sleep had been shorter or longer was moved now within the Brain and near the nervous origine Willis de Convulsivis Chap. 5. Obs 5. XLIV A Vertigo in an Ancient Woman 1. A vertuous woman aged 67 yet of a fresh and florid Countenance fat in Body when she had been for some while obnoxious at first to a swelling of the Face and very grievious Fits of the Head-ach the Winter being cold she fell into a very troublesom Vertigo which was accompanied with a trembling of the heart a fainting away of the Spirits and a frequent Inclination and striving to Vomit being lay'd on her Bed she was afflicted with a grievous Giddiness or swimming of the head with swooning and Symptomatick Vomiting if at any time she opened her Eyes or turn'd her from one side to another 2. Having visited this woman I conjectur'd That the Cause of her sickness was the Convulsive matter translated from the exteriour Region of the Head to the most inward Recesses of the Encephalon by whose Inspiration or heterogeneous Copula the animal spirits being touched while they leaped forth inordinately towards the Brain they excited the vertiginous distemper 3. And while they rushed suddenly upon the heads of the Nerves the Scotomy disorder of the Praecordia and endeavoring to vomit a large Vesicatory or blistering Plaster being applyed to the nape of the Neck and behind her Ears Clysters daily administred as also the use of the spirits of harts-horn frequently and of a Cephalick Julap she recovered within a few days Willis de Convulsivis Cap. 5. Obs 3. XLV A Vertigo with a Convulsion 1. A noted person 34 years old being for a long time subject to a Cough with great and thick spitting having the pores of his skin very open he was wont to sweat continually and every night to be wet with it 2. About the beginning of the spring he perceived those usual Evacuations to happen more sparingly In the interim he complain'd of the fulness of his hands and feet and as it were a certain swelling or puffing up so that he feared a Dropsie coming upon him besides he was afflicted in his head with a Giddiness and frequent Vertigo 3. This Evil increasing light Contractions and sudden Convulsions were ordinarily excited about his lips and other parts of the mouth and face also presently after the morbifick matter flowing upon the beginnings of the wandring pair and intercostal Nerves he was troubled with a trembling and leaping of the heart and with a frequent faintness of the vital spirits as if a Leipothemy or swooning was fallen upon him 4. I know that there are not a few who ascribe these Convulsive Passions which grievously infest and afflict the Precordia to the Vapours arising from the spleen but it seems much more correspondent to Reason to deduce them from the Convulsive matter laid up in the Brain and rushing upon the beginnings of the Nerves because a translation of some Excrements from some other parts to the head goes before 5. And that it is so laid up within the Compass of the Encephalon the almost vertiginous Disease and the Convulsions of the parts of the Mouth and Face testifies it plainly 6. Wherefore I thought good to prescribe to this man Remedies according to the Method hereafter shewn I could here propose many Observations of this Nature in whom the Morbifick matter subsisting near the beginnings of the Nerves stir up light Spasms or Convulsions only of the Viscera or members with a Vertigo because a portion of this matter descending from the Head enters more deeply the Pipes of the Nerves and so strows the tinder or enkindling of the Explosive seed as it were Gunpowder about their middle and ultimate Processes and enfoldings Willis de Convul Chap. 5. Obs 3. XLVI A Vertigo with Coruscation of the spirits 1. A certain Parson sixty years of age was afflicted about three months with a light Vertigo and a frequent coruscation of the Spirits in the forepart of the Head 2. At length the Disease increasing and waxing heavier he became 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and as it were sometimes dead in so much that when he was walking he often fell down flat on the ground 3. As to the Cure I followed this Method First I prescribed Phlebotomy with light Catharticks at certain intervals to be repeated as also Electuaries and Mixtures such as I have before mentioned Vesicatories and other Administrations were not neglected 4. About a fortnight after perceiving no relief to the person by these Medicines I exhibited a Vomit of the Salt of Vitriol and the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum by taking of which having ten easy Vomits he grew immediately well 5. And having applyed to him alterative Cephalicks for about a fortnight he perfectly recovered and from that time for the space of six years after he took every Spring and Fall a Vomit with some other Medicines Willis Exercitationes Patholog Cap. 7. Obs 1. XLVII A Vertigo in an ancient man 1. A certain Gentleman about 66. years of age being for a long time obnoxious to a light Vertigo which was wont to be sometimes but occasionally excited became at length grieviously afflicted with this Distemper in so much that he grew very oblivious and forgetful 2. After he had been sick about three Weeks I went to Visit him finding him vastly altered and the Vigour of his Ey-sight and Countenance sensibly decay'd about the Evening he was Feaverish and his Pulse did beat high and swift 3. Therefore I commanded a little Blood to be taken out of his Arm and 6 or 7 daies after I ordered some blood to be drawn out of the Hemorrhoidal Veines then Vesicatories to be applyed to his Neck and afterwards behind his Eares I was careful also that Cauteries should be applyed for making two large Issues between the Shoulder-blades and that he dayly took inwardly Cephalick Medicines of every kind at Physical hours 4. In the space of a Month he began to recover and to walk abroad and to attend his domestick and other affairs 5. But having contracted a Cold by going abroad in the beginning of Winter he fell into a Feaver attended with a greater Perturbation of the Spirits and towards the evening he doted every day in so much that he knew not what he spoke and acted 6. Howbeit within 7 or 8 daies after by letting Blood and a thin Diet his Feaver vanished and the affection and disposition of the Brain was altered from its former state For the Vertigo being ceased he became forgetful and Paralytick in the whole right Side 7. Being often asked concerning the Condition of his Head as whether it was clear and lightsom or whether it was free from a Scotomie and confused Phantasms He answered It was never better with him as to these things for he knew his own Infirmity his
Arms and Hands were wonderfully turnd about that no Jugler or Tumbler could imitate their bendings and rollings about she was necessitated to spread abroad her Legs and Feet here and there to strike them against one another and to transpose and Crosse them by turns 5. After this manner either sitting or lying she was afflicted perpetually with these Convulsive motions unless taken with Sleep and when she did a little restrain her members from the great labour of the Muscles she was taken presently with a difficult and short Breathing with a sence of Choaking but in the Interim her Eys Jaws Mouth and inferiour Bowels remain'd free from any Convulsion neither was she troubled with a Vomiting Belching nor any Inflation of the Belly or Hypocondria 6. Besides she had still the use of her Reason Memory and Phantasy she spoke nothing foolishly but in these admirable Evils she shew'd wonderful Examples of Christian Fortitude and Patience with pious and godly Speeches 7. Her Appetite was soon lost for she took meat very unwillingly she thirsted still and her strength was grown so feeble that she could neither stand or walk her Urine was of a Citron Colour full of saltness on whose superficies grew little Tartarous Skins 8. When on the sixth day of her sickness I was sent for to this Gentlewoman I framed the Aetiology of this kind of admirable distemper For the Consideration of her Fathers being Sick of most grievous Convulsive passions kept me that I did not with many others Refer all things to the delusions of Witches 9. Wherefore that I might find out the natural Causes of these Symptoms it was in the first place to be suspected that this Gentlewoman had hereditarily Contracted the seeds of Convulsive Distempers which about the Flower of her Age broke forth in this kind of Fruit. 10. For when her Blood was much Imbibed with heterogeneous and explosive Particles they at length as is want in such a disposition began to be poured into the Head and there to be fixed 11. Being therefore first deposited in the Meningae they induced the great Periodical Headach then afterwards the same matter having accidentally shifted its place falling down into the sinks of the Throat and Mouth changed the Cephalalgia or Headach into a Catarrh or Rhume 12. And lastly when by an untimely use of the remedy the defluxion stop'd the morbifick matter flowing back into the Brain brought the Vertigo and then being thrust forth on the Nervous stock it excited the aforesaid Convulsive Affections 13. As to the formal Reason or the means of Generation whereby the Convulsive Matter falling down into the nervous stock did produce these admirable Symptoms we may lawfully suppose that the same being thrust forth from the Confines of the Head being yet more firm into the Spinal Marrow and its Appendix and being like a Malignant ferment it first Infected with heterogeneous and Explosive Particles these parts of the juyce watering the whole Mass which cleaving to the Spirits every where disposed thorow their whole series and agitating them as it were with a certain fury did stir them up with continual Explosions 14. When in truth the nervous juice as is said was so fermented by the flowing in of the Convulsive Matter that which did otherways water the containing parts with a gentle falling on them and through the same did pass over the Animal spirits with an equal Expansion now the same did torment the Nervous Fibres with various Contractions and Corrugations or shrinking up 15. And both the spirits flowing in being too much Burthened with an Heterogeneous Copula from their due Irradiation and also variously moving those Implanted in every part did Incite them as it were with a Diabolical Inspiration so that no more obeying the Empire of the Will they ran into inordinate Motions and did renew them translated rapidly here and there with a perpetual Reciprocation 16. But although the Heterogeneous particles being poured forth with the Blood into the Brain thence thrust forth into the nervous Stock did not enter rightly the beginings of all the Nerves but chiefly and almost only the spinal Marrow and its nervous shoots so that the internal Vicera also the parts of the Eyes Mouth and Face remained free from any Convulsion whereby it entred less in the outward members presently like wild-fire a way being found it was wont to run into the Precordia and Bowels of the lower Belly viz. because the inflowing Spirits being struck with a certain fury requiring a larger place in which they might exercise their Madness being excluded from one place presently entred another some where open 17. Wherefore if that fury had been repulsed both from the Members and the Viscera no doubt it would have flown back on the Brain and brought thither Madness or as it were an Epileptical Insensibleness which Symptoms happen'd to be wanting for that the Brain of this most Ingenious Gentlewoman being indued with a more firm Constitution did take from the nervous Liquor freshly Instill'd whatsoever was Cengruous and Spiritous for its proper Food and enjoy'd it 18. In the mean time it did depress all the Morbisick Particles into the Spinal marrow by which the Involuntary motions of the members were Excited after that manner as we said but now 19. Being Requested to undertake the Cure of this worthy Virgin first a light preparation of Body being made I gave her a solutive potion of the Infusion of Sena and Rhubarb with yellow Sanders and salt of Wormwood added to it by which she was purged 12 times with great ease 20. The next day I took eight ounces of Blood from her left Arm and every evening I gave her an Opiate of the Water and Syrup of the flowers of Lungwort with the Pouder of Pearls besides once within six hours I prescribed her to take a Dose of the Spirits of Harts horn in a draught of the following Julep Take of the waters of black Cherries of Walnuts and of the flowers of Peony each three ounces of the Antipeleptick of Langius two ounces of the syrup of the flowers of male Peony two ounces of the pouder of Pearls one scruple mix and make a Julap 21. Because she could not endure much Purging Clysters with sugard Milk were made use of frequently besides an Antipasmodick Oyntment being applied to the hinder part of the Neck and the Back bone 22. We ordered rubbing of the distemperd members with warm wollen cloaths wetted in proper Oyl By the use of these the sick person within six days seem'd to be very much helped for the Convulsive Motions almost wholy ceased and she could contain her Members quietly in their due position only her Head sometimes by a lighter contraction was Compelled to bend gently this and that way she was able to stand a little and rise out of her Chair but when she went to step forward she went not rightly but obliquely 23. At this time going away I left her much better
the same 6. In the first year of his sickness being beat to the ground upon the Belly by a horse he was for some time astonish'd eight days kept his Bed the Prints of the bruise yet a long while after appeared 7. Neither from that time was he seen to have a free passage of Urine but thrice or four times every year to be tormented with the stoppage of his Water as often as he had first drunk what was cold or when he had taken exceeding cold upon his Feet 8. Wherefore in the following years he accustom'd to use warm drink after long bathing he went a little stooping and by moderate riding pist pure blood without Pain 9. But it fell out when he had compleated the sixty first year of his age that he was grieviously tormented with a suffocative Catarrh accompany'd as usually with sweat and most cold Spittle but what never happen'd before the Catarrh terminated and the Strangury with a vehement Pain was excited 10. This we gave present ease to by opening a Vein in the Arm and three times exhibiting the Spirit of Sal Armoniack in Broth the Dose twenty drops about evening tide he made his water freely 11. This done he rested quietly all Night but early the next Morning a little before day I caused to be administred a dose of my pouder Algaroth or Mercurius Vitae by which he was plentifully and happily Purg'd after which we left him in perfect health Benningerus Cent 1. Observ 67. CXXVIII A salt Catarrh Cough c. 1. A noble Matron about the age of sorty nine years of a hot and dry Constitution after dayly pain of the Gout was taken for some days with a salt Catarrh and begun to expectorate Blood mixt with congeal'd Flegm by Coughing being so weak that she was thought to dye all Night 2. Upon the second day of her sickness by taking a Clyster and a Carduus-posset and by applying Remedyes to the Heart and Arms she was somewhat better upon the third day she used the Clyster again 3. The fourth day having an Inclination to Vomit she vomited up some bitter matter 4. The fifth day she complain'd of the bitterness of her Mouth and by an emollient and Purgative Clyster her Belly was loosen'd 5. The sixth day she arose making use every hour of the Sugar of Roses and the Syrup of Violets for the loosening of her belly but seeing she could not Sleep she anointed her Crown and Temples with the Oyntment of Poplar and Roses her Brest was anointed as from the beginning with an emollient Oyntment which was most Commodious 6. The seventh day she was at rest frequently Cough'd in the Night time Vomited much her belly being freely loosen'd 7. The eighth day by the taking of the extract of Pilulae Cochiae one scruple and a half made up into five Pills she had seven Stools 8. But when the Cough continu'd to molest her and being Sick refusing to use inward Remedyes she was without Sleep having Orders to wash the Soles of her Feet at the hour of sleep they procur'd her pleasant rest 9. But she was twice taken with a Suffocative Catarrh in her Sleep at which very moment the term of her Life seemed ready to expire bidding a farewell to her Physicians yet they were against those that apply Cupping-Glasses with Flame to the Back 10. The aforementioned extract given to twenty two grains which gave five Stools without any Griping or Pain gave present relief after which the Patient dayly mended and was freed from her Catarrh Binningerus Cent. 1. Observ 74. CXXIX A suffocative Catarrh 1. A Widdow of 70 years strong and full of Blood Complaining for some time of the Head-ach was taken in her Jaws and Lungs with a salt sharp and thin running Catarrh by which she became Hoarse and seemed to be Suffocated with a most dry Cough which was not broken she enjoy'd no rest was continually afflicted but without a Feaver 2. Many things were applyed inwardly and outwardly to mitigate the fierceness of the Humours and to incrassate the thinness 3. But she said that she could conceive manifest ease by nothing but by the Oyl of sweet Almonds mixt with the tabulated Sugar of Roses by using of which the Catarrh was stopt the Cough Hoarsness and the sharpness of the Artery's were taken away 4. About a year after she was taken with such a like Catarrh and by opening a Vein according to my direction she grew well her attendants watched least she should be taken the third time with the same Distemper but she remain'd still safe and sound Binningerus Cent. 3. Obs 42. CXXX A sharp Catarrh c. 1. I was afflicted with a Catarrh falling upon my Throat and Jaws by which my Lungs and Wind-Pipes puffed up by little and little drew Breath with so great a Noise that people at a distance might hear me painfully Breathing 2. After that I was forced to walk a broad in a most thick mist and up high Mountains where I was surrounded with so great a Fog that notwithstanding I had a quick sighted Horse and Guide expert of the ways who accompanied me lead me by reason of the darkness through many by-ways for the space of six hours so that being forced to go on Foot Cloaked and Booted I fell into an exceeding great Sweat 3. From that day the Cough encreased by which pure Blood was expectorated the effect of a salt sharp and most lasting Catarrh with a rattling of the Breast 4. The Cough still encreas'd with the ratling afterwards I Vomited up some thick matter congealed and mixed with a little yellowish Blood which at last appear'd full of little Specks somtimes I was troubled with fuliginous Vapours which afflicted me with so great a violence that my Breast would seem to be rent and torn in pieces 5. I abstain'd from Wine three Weeks and was content to live upon Ptisan made of Barley and Liquorice prepared with the Seed of Annise and Coriander 6. I purg'd my inward parts with Emollient and Purgative Clysters hence by dissolving and mixing Manna in Broth I most conveniently cleansed my Body three times 7. Having opened a Vein upon the right Arm it bled at the first time like Hogs-lard and the second much like but more natural then I applyed a Cautery to the left Arm to the nape of the Neck Vesicatories of Cantharides incorporated with Leaven and mixt with sharp Vinegar 8. After Supper that same day till about the hour of Sleep they moved me with great desire to make Water in so much that it can scarce be said with what grief and pain of the Yard I without Intermission drop by drop made Water 9. But from that Symptom I was delivered by an Emulsion of the Seeds of Gourds Cucumers and Melons made with fair Water taking some few spoonfuls of it at a time 't is wonderful what present and miraculous relief it gave me taking away all my grief 10. Besides from the
made of Burgundy Pitch Venice Turpentine and a fit quantity of the Oyl of Nutmegs spread upon soft Leather or Cloath is to be applyed 72. The parts afflicted ought to be Fumed with a Suffiment made of Amber and Mastich and if the Catarrh be from the Head the Fume ought to be received up by the Mouth through a Funnel 73. So also in all cold Diseases of the Head for that they are stubborn and rebellious And an unwearied Care is to be taken till we are certain they are perfectly rooted out and therefore all those Medicaments which we have ennumerated in the Cure of a Cephalaea coming from a cold and moist Distemper of the Head may be used here 74. And besides the Diet we have prescribed to be made of Guajacum and other Woods and Spiced Wines would be good to be drunk now and then to strengthen the Stomach comfort the Heart and refresh the Animal and Vital Spirits 75. In this Case some commend the Vinum Sanctum which is indeed a good thing especially where a Palsy Cachexy Dropsy or the Relicts of the French Disease are to be feared 76. The Wine of Pope Adrian is of singular use being taken after a small quantity of Our Electuarium ad Tabidos in the Morning fasting 77. Others commend Vinum Claretum Stomachicum to be drunk from two ounces to four ounces also the Vinum Claretum Praestantissimum the Vinum Absinthiacum Laxativum of which four ounces may be taken in the Morning fasting 78. The Vinum Stomachicum Mylij is of approved use taken to three or four spoonfuls upon any illness of the Stomach but the Vinum Moschatum Mynsichti exceeds them all 79. It is a Medicament of wonderful force in reviving and recreating of the Heart and Spirits it fortifies the Brain and comforts all its Internal Faculties it strengthens the Nerves and their Original it drys up cold and moist humors in what part of the Body soever chiefly in the Head Stomach Bowels and Womb resisting Fainting and Swooning fits palpitation of the Heart and such-like it Cures a stinking Breath to a Miracle although it proceeds from an old and rotten Catarrh and powerfully strengthens and fortifies all the Internal Viscera a spoonful or two of it may be drunk at a time viz. in the Morning fasting and an hour before Dinner 80. If the Body be at any time bound it ought to be loosened with the Vinum Absinthiacum Laxativum before mentioned or with the Vinum Sacrum ex Hiera which see in Our Doron lib. 2. cap. 12. sect 2. 81. The famous Gregorius Horstius commends this following Pouder for strengthning of the Stomach Take Coriander one dram Mastich biting Cinnamon white Sanders of each three drams Sugar the weight of all make a Pouder Dose after eating half a dram with a Toast in generous Wine 82. His Morsels against the Catarrh Take Nutmegs choice Olibanum of each one dram Mastich Pouder of Liquorice of each two scruples Hartshorn prepared one dram Coriander-seed one dram and half old Conserve of Roses six drams Sugar eight ounces dissolve in Rose-water and make a Confect in Morsels At night going to Bed he orders Crato's Pills de succino to half a dram the preparation of which you have in Our Pharmacopoeia lib. 4. cap. 23. sect 29. you may encrease the Dose if you please to one dram or more 83. In the decrease of the Moon he advises The Head to be Bathed with this Lixivium Take roots of Assarum leaves of Betony Thyme Sage Rosemary Lavender-flowers of each one handful Cloves Nutmegs Frankincence Orrice-roots of each two drams Sena half an ounce Agarick two scruples Ginger Anniseeds of each an ounce Bay-leaves one pugil boyl all in a Lixivium made of Vine Ashes with which Bath as aforesaid 84. For a thin Catarrh and hot he advises to Lohoch de papavere Syrupus papaveris erratici of which the quantity of half a spoonful may be taken These Trochisci sublinguales may also be held in the Mouth Take white Poppy-seeds one dram Gum Tragacanth Arabick white Starch red Coral prepared juyce of Liquorice of each one dram and half Melon seeds husked Purslane-seed of each two drams sugar Penids sugar of Roses tabulated of each one ounce make Troches with syrup of Poppies 85. At length the following restorative Morsels may be taken Take sweet Almonds blanched two ounces Pine nuts Pistich nuts of each half an ounce species Diatragacanthon frigidum Diapenids of each one dram juyce of Liquorice half a dram Sugar one pound dissolve in Colts-foot water and make a Confect in Morsels 86. Take Hogs Blood four pound Colts-foot Scabious of each two handfuls Conserve of Roses and Borrage of each one ounce and half Colts-foot water fifteen ounces mix and distil in Balneo sweeten the Water with Lozenges of Sugar tabulated Dose one or two ounces fasting in the Morning 87. Another Water thus to be made Take the Lungs and Liver of a Calf of each number one Crabs number ten Capons flesh one pound Crums of Wheat-bred hot eight ounces roots of Succory of Asparagus and Fennel of each two drams Turmerick half an ounce Rhubarb six drams Indian spicknard Cinnamon Camels hay of each two scruples species Diarrhodon Abbatis Troches de Rhabarbaro de Eupatorio of each three ounces Agrimony Dodder Harts-tongue Wormwood Carduus benedictus Centory the less of each one handful Liver-wort Dandelion Endive of each half a handful the four greater cold seeds one ounce and half Anniseed two drams flowers of Borrage and Bugloss of each half a handful red Roses one handful and half Waters of Agrimony Carduus benedictus Carduus Mariae Colts-foot Succory Endive of each half a pound distil and cohobate for the space of two days Dose Morning and Evening three or four ounces See more of this Disease in the second Edition of Our Synopsis Medicinae lib. 3. cap. 29. sect 24. CHAP. V. Of the FALLING-SICKNESS The AUTHORS Observations I. THe Falling-sickness in a Child of a Week Old 1. This Child was brought into the World with Convulsions but they seemed not to last long but were overcome by the Power of Nature from these fits it was free six or seven days after which it fell into a fit of the Epilepsy which although we could not distinguish from any other Convulsive Motion by the falling of the Child yet it was sufficiently apparent by the foaming of the Mouth 2. There was immediately given this following Composition Take choice Canary three ounces Musk six grains mix them and digest for a day This was given to the Child about a quarter of a spoonful at a time three or four times a day 3. A second fit siezed it observing which we found the right side a little Contracted I advised that the Vertebrae of the Neck and hinder part of the Skull should be Bathed with the Powers of Amber which was accordingly done very gently 4. I ordered also the Continuation of the former Wine by the use
a kind of superstitious Physicians who will not permit any Air to come into the Room where the Sick is nor suffer the Windows at any time to be opened by which means the Air within being shut up and the sick person's breath being mixt therewith is infected with a putrid quality and so the sick breathing therein is extreamly prejudiced 26. I endeavoured to renew and strengthen the Members which were solid with solid Nutriment and of an easy Concoction such as Broths made of Partridges and Capons also the extracted juyce of Flesh especially such as are roasted at the fire the juyce being taken out by pricking it with a sharp pointed Knife and afterwards the remaining juyce is to be pressed out and then swallowed 27. I cannot indeed mention any juyce that is better and more effectual than that of a Weathers Heart for repairing these weakned Powers the Heart above all parts of the living Creature consists of more solid Flesh how much more firm and solid the part is from whence the juyce comes so much the more force and vertue it has to recover weakned Powers and decayed strength 28. Moreover experience teaches seeing every Member has somewhat that bears a resemblance of it self by a certain kind of Sympathy and tacit consent of Nature it follows that the juyce extracted from the Heart does by an undiscernable property greatly help and strengthen the Heart of Man 29. The method to be used in extracting this juyce is thus take either the Heart of a Weather or Kid cut it in the middle and wash it well in water that none of the blood and the filth may remain then while its warm put it into Rose-water and being cut in pretty long bits put it without Liquor in a Earthen Vessel glazed with some Gloves and the Vessel being well covered with Paste or Clay put it into a hot Oven when it is dissolved into a juyce take it out and give it to the Sick 30. A broth made also of the Yolks of Eggs Wine Sugar and Cinnamon is good for recovering the Powers 31. I ordered these to be given to the Sick when the Spirits were exhausted and the person ready to dye and she found great help for thereby the Spirits native heat and blood were increased and restored 32. The Yolks of Eggs are soon converted into Blood much more Wine which according to Galen is the best and swiftest of Nutritives 33. And as for Sugar Nature soon embraces it because of its sweetness and is most grateful to it as also Cinnamon which by its Aromaticity strengthens the Heart and all the Members according to Avicenna 34. Now if the Patient be much the better by this above-mentioned drink I shall restore her exhausted humidity by generous red Wine somewhat tempered with Water 35. By these aforesaid helps I strengthned the Patient and the great Flux of Blood was stopt now lest there might happen any more fits I purged her with gentle repeated Purgations which could not do her any harm 36. The Syrups were as follows Take Oxymel simple then of Squils with the syrup of Betony in a Decoction of Hyssop Betony Sage Germander and Ground-pine roots of Acorus Elecampane and Peony with its seeds Misletoe of the Oak the flowers of Frankincense and Staechas with Nutmegs and Cinnamon 37. I purged her with Agarick and Rhubarb Ginger being added salt Gem Schoenanthus and Cinnamon all infused in the Waters of Hyssop and Bugloss with a little Honey of Roses they being strained I put thereto two drams of Diaphenicon 38. From the Decoction of the precedent Apozem I prepared a Potion which did work happily and carried away much watery flegm 39. I used also the pil Cochiae with Agarick and pouder of Sena prepared and the following Confection which she found good of 40. Take Conserve of Acorus one ounce Conserve of the flowers of Sage Rosemary and Staechas of each half an ounce Emblick Myrobalans candied number two the bark of Citron-peels six drams the pouder of Mans skull one dram and half the pouder of Doronicum one dram the pouder of Diamoschi Dulcis two scruples pouder of Diamargaritum frigidum half a dram the grains of Peony two scruples the syrup of the Conserves of Emblicks a sufficient quantity make an Opiate and every o her day take three drams with a fasting Stomach 41. After Purgation I ordered Errhines of the Decoction of sweet Marjoram and Agarick with a little Ginger the juyce of Pimpernel bearing a purple flower and the juyce of black beet being added 42. By the help of these Remedies she was cured and had no fits for the space of three years which at last were occasioned though then very moderate by some Irregularity in her Diet according to that of Hippocrates whoever have the Falling-sickness before ripeness of Age meet with a Change but those that have it about 25 years old die Franciscus Valeriola lib. 4. Observ 6. LXXVI An Epilepsy beginning with a Vertigo 1. A comely Maid descended from Parents indifferently Healthful being her self very well till the time she had arrived at ripeness of Age about which time she complained of her Head as if she felt near the forepart thereof such a Vertigo or Giddiness that all things seem'd to run round whilst this Symptom continued she was wont to talk impertinently and to forget whatever she had formerly spoken or done 2. At first these Fits were but of a short Duration not continuing above a quarter of an hour and siezed her again only once or twice in a Month being pretty well in the Interval 3. Afterwards the Fits returned oftener by assaults gradually more greivous and within half a year her Brain being daily more weakened this giddiness was undeniably changed into the Epilepsy insomuch that every fit struck the person down to the Ground being affected at the same time with horrid Convulsions foaming at the Mouth and great insensibility 4. The servants observ'd that she still fell on the same side and if at any time she was near the fire and did sit in the right Corner she was flung in the midst of the Fire but if in the left Corner she fell against the wall of the Chimney 5. Once being left alone she fell into the Fire and so lamentably burn'd her Face and fore part of her Head that the skull was made bare of the skin and flesh and a deep and large Scar was burnt into it and afterwards the out shell of it fell off a hands breath 6. But so long as the Ulcer in this Maid contracted by the burning ran with filthy matter she was eased from the fits afterwards they being healed up the Malady return'd again 7. The first appearance of this Disease was about the time of Puberty For presently after the begining of it she had her Courses which constantly kept their set times though the Distemper grew daily worse and worse 8. None of all the various kinds of Medidicines which were
a dram mix them with the Civet and then with the Musk and Ambergrise in fine pouder if you please you may add Pouder of Cloves half a dram Peacocks dung two scruples the Dose from half a scruple to a scruple or more 79. If this prevails not we must be necessitated to come to the use of Opiats of which our Gutta Vitae is inferiour but to few being given from fifteen drops to twenty five or thirty in a glass of Sack 80. Or if the Sick likes not this they may take our Laudanum beginning first with a small Pill of two grains and so encreasing it by degrees to six or eight grains or more 81. To these you may add all the Opiats we have ennumerated in cap. 4. sect 142. § 55 ad 63. aforegoing where you have a large Catalogue of them and to which we refer you 82. There are multitudes of other things which are specificks against this Disease which we have gathered together in the last Edition of Our Synopsis Medicinae lib. 3. cap. 29. sect 94. § 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16. 83. Outwardly for Topicks we advise that the Head and Coronal Sutures as also the Forehead Temples Nostrils Back-bone Hands and Arms Feet and Legs being extreamly well bathed Morning and Night with the Powers of Rosmary Sassafras Oranges Limons sweet Marjoram Sage Lavender Amber or any of them or a Compound mixture of them together or with the Apoplectick Balsam of Horstius or Mynsicht or the Balsamus Catholicus Steinbergij Balsamus Polychrestus Mynsichti the Balsamus Mnemonicus Sennerti Balsamum Nervinum Schroderi Balsamum vitae Balsamum Paralyticum Horstij Balsamum Paralyticum Clossaei or the Balsamus Cephalicus all which you may see in Our Pharmacopoeia in their proper places Applying over the Coronal Sutures the Epileptick Emplaster of Valesius at sect 73. § 4. above 84. If at last these things being used nothing prevails we must come to the last and only remedy which is the Trepaning and opening of the Skull to let out those malign Humors or Vapours 85. The following superstitious Observation Joel saith Has been proved by experience That the day before John Baptists day at the bottom of the root of Mugwort others say at the root of Plantane certain Coals like burnt or dead Coals will be found which being reduced into pouder and given a dram at a time in water of Tile-flowers or of flowers of Lilly-Convally will quickly and infallibly Cure 86. I fear this is a Monkish Cheat and that the Coals were designedly before hand put there because they are not to be found at the same time at the roots of all the Plants of the same Species but only at the roots of some which the promoter of the Miracle can before hand directly go to I once saw those Coals at the bottom of two or three Plantane-roots which my Director after the digging up of two or three in vain did find out but we dug up above twenty more at the roots of which we could find no such thing which made me to mistrust the deceit 87. Yet Deckers saith That they are almost always to be found under Mugwort being very old acid roots consisting of much Volatile salt it may be as he says I will not much contend 88. The usual Amulets which are born and worn by hanging about the Neck are Vervain Peony Misletoe of the Oak Elks-hoofs Hypericon c. Take Peony-roots Misletoe of the Oak of each one ounce Elks-hoofs Nutmegs Cloves Mace of each two drams Rue Hysop of each a dram and half pouder them grossly and put them into red Sarsnet to be hung about the Neck CLI Of an Epilepsy caused by Distemper of the Womb. 1. Although from what we have already said the signs causes judgments and method of Cure of an Epilepsy may be known proceeding from what cause soever yet by reason that which arises from distempers of the Womb is more eminent and remarkable we shall here say somthing to it in particular 2. This distemper is much more grievious than that which preceeds simply from a Distemper of the Brain because the Symptoms concomitant are more numerous and vehement It is to be known as before is said from a preceeding Distemper of the Womb wherewith the Sick has been for some time afflicted as Tumors Wounds Ulcer Wind Filthiness c. from whence comes pain stink putrefaction fits of the Mother so called c. 3. If the cause be from the Womb affected the Sick seldom or never foams at Mouth but there are present also all or most of the Symptoms of Hysterick fits for there is not only a Convulsion as in a simple Epilepsy but there are also present other Symptoms proper to the part afflicted 4. Some Authors take the cause from foetid vapors arising from the Womb proceeding from a malign and putrified matter not always of one kind but somtimes proceeding from the seed somtimes from the Blood sometimes from vitious humours which infest sometimes one part somtimes another somtimes the Heart and then it causes Fainting and Swooning fits and somtimes the Brain whence comes a Vertigo Apoplexy or an Epilepsy 5. If those vapours or that matter be much and plentiful the Disease will be of longer continuance If little it will be the more easily discussed if it be malign many evil Symptoms will remain after the Fit is over if not the sick will be pleasant and merry 6. An Epilepsy arising from distemper of the Womb will be as perdurable as that Distemper nor will there be any hopes of curing the one till a way be found out to remove the other 7. Yet it is not so rebellious as a true and simple Epilepsy though the accidents or symptoms be much more heavy and grievious and somtimes it is cured by the bare application of fit Hysterick Medicaments and so perfectly as that it returns no more Indicationes Curativae 8. The Indications of Cure are two-fold as in a pure Epilepsy to wit either in the Paroxysm or out of it The Cure in the fit is to be directed to take away the strength and malignity of the Convulsive affection which how that is to be performed we shall remit you to what we have already spoken hereof save that in composition with those things you will do well always to mix Hystericks especially such as may affect the Womb by their proper Odour as well as by their specifick qualities 9. Out of the fit the Cure is to be instituted as in that of fits of the Mother adding thereto such things as are specificks in the Cure of the Epilepsy but this is to be chiefly noted that whereas the Head is the principal part afflicted so also such things as strengthen the Head and Brain are principally to be made use of 10. Sennertus commends this following as an excellent thing Take Roots of Peony Scorzonera of Bryony Misletoe of the Oak of each half an ounce Polypody of the Oak one ounce Rue
strain it out for use Dose six ounces to provoke sweat the wood or ingredients may be boyled again in fresh Water for the common drink of the Sick 22. Among Chymical Sudorificks we commend the Spiritus ex tribus Tinctura diaphoretica Paracelsi spirit of Carduus Benedictus spirit of Elder the two latter of which may be drunk one ounce at a time with two scruples of the spirit of Guajacum in any convenient Vehicle to these add spirit of Tartar compound two scruples for a dose in some proper liquor Volatile salts of Harts-horn of Amber of Mans skull and of Vipers Bezoar minerale simple and solar fixed Antimony or Antimony Diaphoretick given in a little Venice Treacle Or Treacle water with Mithridate There are many more of excellent use which you may find out by a little pains in searching 23. The third part of the first Intention is performed by particular evacuations of the Brain by Errhins Sternutatories Apophlegmatisms or Masticatories Gargarisms and suchlike 24. Errhins Take juyces of Rue and Beets of each half an ounce Elder and sweet Marjoram water of each one ounce seeds of Peony and of Nigella of each a scruple mix them and let it be drawn up the Nostrills Take white or Rhenish wine three ounces Euphorbium two grains mix and dissolve for an Errhine it is a powerful one Take juyces of Peony and sow Bread of each half an ounce juyces of sweet Marjoram and Rue of each two drams syrup of buck-thorn one dram and half spirit of Juniper half an ounce mix them 25. Sternutatories Take Nutmegs Peony roots of each one dram white Pepper Pyrethrum of each one scruple white Hellebor half a scruple mix and make a pouder But the most excellent of all is that of Deckers which in his Exercitation he gives directions to make thus Taken Turbith minerale one dram pouder of Liquorice three drams pouder of Rosemary flowers one dram and half mix them well 't is of Miraculous operation 26. Apophlegmatisms Take Nutmegs roots of Pyrithrum roots of Peony and of the true Acorus of each one dram Rocket seed two drams with Mastick a sufficient quantity make pastills or troches weighing each two scruples to be held in the Mouth and chewed Take Galangal two drams Cinnamon Cloves of each half a dram Cubebs Gentian Peony roots of each a scruple Anicardiums roots of Pyrethrum of each half a dram sugar two drams distilled Oyl of Cloves and of Cinnamon of each two drops with syrup of Staechas and the whites of Eggs make Troches for Masticatories 27. Gargarisms Trallianus commends a Gargarism made of Hyssop Penny-royall and dry Figs being boyled in a sufficient quantity of spring water and strained for use Or you may gargarize with this Take Pyrethrum an ounce and half Rosemary Sage Hyssop Rue of each two pugills make a decoction in water strain and mix with a quart thereof Vinegar of Roses Honey of Roses of each two ounces for a Gargle Or Take Rue Betony Sage Hyssop of each half a handful roots of Peony and Orrice of each half an ounce Acorus Pyrethrum Peony seeds of each two drams Nutmegs a dram and half make a decoction in water to a pint of which add Oxymel of squills two ounces Honey of Resemary-flowers one ounce mix and make a Gargarism more of these you may see in Vntzerus de Epilepisa pag. 194. 28. For this purpose also where the Seat of the Distemper is in the Brain or Head you may use actual Cauteries which have a mighty power of attenuating and discussing of humors though firmly impacted in the part and this more especially if they be applyed to the Coronal Sutures for thereby the matter causing the Epilepsy is dissipated But in the doing hereof Caution ought to be used lest you hurt the Membranes which lye adjacent to the Brain or have a near vicinity thereto whereby great mischief succeeds You may also in the same case apply the Seton or make Fontanels or Issues in proper parts and the latter may be done either by Incision or with an actual or potential Cautery for thereby the Morbifick cause is at were drained forth 29. These things being done which are for removing of the near Cause the next thing which we are to consider of which is the Third Intention is the Exhibition of Specificks or proper Antepileptick Medicaments the which we shall consider either as simple or compound 30. Among the Simple Medicaments these following are most famed the Roots Flowers and Seeds of Peony gathered when the Sun is in Leo at noon-time at the New Moon But Hercules Saxonia advises to gather them in April the Sun being in Aries and the Moon at the full which is the better Advice Misleto of the Oak Hazle or Tile Tree given from two scruples to a dram in pouder which has cured many Rice both Garden and Wild the latter of which is much commended by Trallianus Polly-montain Castoreum which may be given from a scruple to two in any fit Vehicle Elks hoof Mans Skull but chiefly the triangular bone Roots of Pyrethrum and Eryngo which are commended by many Roots of Bryony which has done many Cures of this kind by taking a dram of it in powder every morning in wine for a year together as Fontanus prescribes Vervain gathered the Sun being in Aries and taken with a few Peony seeds is approved by Mizaldus being taken in some Epileptick Wine Wild Valerian taken to a dram is mightly commended by Columna and therewith many have been cured To these things may be added Amber Coral Emerald Lillys-Convally Tile flowers Radix Dentariae The Bladder of a wild Boar dryed and poudred Harts-horn Rennet of a Hare Hazel wood Peacocks-Dung and various Preparations of all these things Hippomanes dryed and poudred is reported to be a certain and wonderful Experiment Plantain or its Juice is said to be of excellent use by Scribonius Largus and Paracelsus cured several therewith Livers of Frogs green and taken in watery places given to about forty in number is commended by Hartman as a thing almost infallible so also the Liver reasted of an Ass or of a Goat of a Thrush and of a Bear have equal Commendations More over the Blood and Flesh of a Weazel the Heart of a Wolf the Testicles of of a Wild Goat the Heart of a Hare of a Swallow of a Stork of a Vulture Mares Milk Storks Dung and the Worms found in the Bryar Balls are all commended by Florentinus 31 Among simple Chymical things these following are in most Estimation The Volatile Spirit of Vitriol Oleum Lunae and Oyls out of the most of the things before enumerated chiefly the Magistery Powers Oyl and Volatile Salt of Amber Oyl of Box-wood Oyl of the Hazel-wood so much commended by Rulandus Spirit Oyl and Volatile Salt of Mans Skul and of a Harts Head as also of the Hornes Tincture and Magistery of Coral Magistery Oyl Spirit Sal and Powers of Elks hoofs Water Spirit
Euphorbium two drams Pepper of both sorts seven drams choice Wine one pound and half make a Decoction to the Consumption of the Wine these things presently did her good and made her a sound and healthful Virgin Rulandus Cur. 54. Cent. 10. LIV. A Covulsion in a young noble Woman 1. A noble Woman about the age of thirty of tender Constitution and lean in Body was every Winter wont to be afflicted miserably with a Catarrh or Rheum flowing upon the Wind-pipe and Lung with a hoarse Cough and great Spitting but the last year great Care and Diligence being used she was quit of that Evil. 2. After the Winter-solstice having taken Cold she was troubled with a great pain of the Head a tingling of the Ears giddiness and a defluction also upon the Eyes by which it did easily appear that the Heap of Serum which was wont before this time to distil into the Breast was now wholly laid up within the Head and Brain 3. Besides an Effect of which was that as often as she began to sleep she was exceedingly infested with Passions which seem'd Hysterical to which she never had been obnoxious For when she was sleepy and closed her Eyes presently a Bulk ascending in her Belly a Choaking in her Throat Tremblings and Leapings about the Praecordia were stirred up which Affections notwithstanding quite ceased when she was throughly awakened so that the sick Party was necessitated to abstain almost altogether for many days and nights from Sleep 4. Being sent for to this Lady after she had been sick and weak for many days I was compelled at length to use gentle Medicines therefore I took care that Blood should forthwith be drawn from her Foot to four ounces and every day a Clyster of Milk and Sugar to be administred by which she was wont to have three or four stools 5. Besides I gave her every eighth hour a Dose of the Spirit of Harts horn in a spoonful of the following Julep Take of the Waters of Penny-royal of Walnuts and Black Cherries of each three ounces of Hysterical Water two ounces of the Syrup of Clove-gisly-flowers one ounce and half of Castor tyed in a little Knot and hang'd in the middle of the Glass half a dram of the Pouder of Pearls one scruple mingle it 6. I caused with Success a Vesicatory to be put behind the Ears and a Cataplasm of the Leaves of Rue and Cuckowpint with the roots of Briony Bay-Salt and black Soap to be laid to the Soals of her Feet 7. Somtimes I gave her in the Evening in a little draught of the praescribed Julep half an ounce of a Diacodium to which succeeded a moderate Sleep without the wonted following Convulsions which kind of Effects from Opiats exhibited in the like Case I have often experimented 8. For the quenching her thirst gave her a Ptisan with diuretick Ingredients boyled in it by the use of these she was very much eased in a short time but that which proved a great Benefit to her was that an Impostume in her Ear breaking of its own accord poured forth at first a yellow matter and afterwards for many days great plenty of thin Ichor or Excrement by which Evacuation the Convulsions of the Viscera and Praecordia wholly ceasing the Disease was pefectly cured 9. As to the reason of the aforesaid Sickness without doubt it seems that these Distempers were excited by the serous Colluvies laid up within the bounds of the head For the translâ—tion of that humor into the head brought at first both the Disease and the Secretion or Flowing of it out through the Emunctories of the Ear took away all the Symptoms Besides when the morbifick Matter had brought into the Spirits planted about the beginnings of the Nerves a Disposition somwhat explosive they though being struck as it were with a Madness were continually troubled yet so long as leaping back towards the Brain they obtained a space in which they might be more freely expanded or stretched forth they did indeed only more vehemently exercise the Phantasy and without farther trouble did only cause Watchings 10. But when by Sleep somtimes creeping upon her the Excursion of the unquiet Spirits were restrained towards the Brain which indeed necessarily happens when we sleep the nervous Liquor within the Pores of the Brain at that time being plentifully admitted they tumultuously rushing upon the heads of the wandring Pair and intercostal Nerves troubled the whole Series of Spirits flowing within the Passages of these Nerves and so caused the aforesaid Convuâ—sions about the Praecordia Viscera and Muscles of the Throat 11. I have known many both Men and Women sick after this manner who when they have been troubled with an Head-ach an Heaviness of the hinder part of the head or a Vertigo have while they slept felt forth-with in their Praecordia or Viscera or both together Perturbations as it were convulsive which indeed happens from the bending downward of the tumultuating Spirits being reflected from the Brain upon the beginnings of the Nerves 12. But that the use of Opiats brought a pleasing sleep to this sick person without the wonted Convulsions following the reason was because the Animal spirits as unquiet and furious as they were yet by the intanglement of the narcotick Particles they were bound as it were in chains that afterwards without any resistance they were overcome by sleep I have indeed very often happily cured most grievous fits of Convulsions both Asthmatical and as it were Hysterical by administring Opiats Willis on Convulsive diseases cap. 5. Observ 1. LV. A Convulsion in a young Maiden 1. A Maid about the sixteenth year of her age falling from her horse upon a stone grievously hurt her left Breast from whence a tumor arose with pain which symptoms notwithstanding by the use of Medicines at the beginning seem'd to be mitigated and to be indifferently well for a long time after 2. Three years after she having taken cold and having observed but a bad course of diet all things began to be exasperated the hurt part swelling into a bigger bulk troubled her with an acute and almost continual pain that the sick Virgin for the cruel torment could take no rest for many days and nights neither could she suffer the Glandula's of her Breast being then made more tumid to be either touched or handled nor any noise or shaking to be made in the chamber 3. When they had applyed fomentations to this tumor which was likely to degenerate into a Cancer and Cataplasms of Hemlock and Mandrakes and other stupifying and repercussing things this Gentlewoman began to suffer certain Convulsive affections which freqently infested her 4. At first as often as the pain in her Breast did cruelly torment her she felt in that place prickings Convulsions and contractions runing about here and there then presently her Ventricle and Hypochondria and often the whole Abdomen were wont to be inflated and very much distented with an endeavour of belching and
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
her strength being indifferent good and during the Interval of her Distemper she cheerfully performed the acustomed Offices of life except the languishing of her Stomach which appeared in her loathing of food almost all day but at Evening after her second Fit she supped moderately 16. This was the present State of the Disease in whose Fits the clear use and free Exercise of some Faculties seem'd in a manner to make Compensation for the Irregularity of others about the beginning of her Sickness it was somwhat otherwise 17. For the Convulsions of her Bowels were far more grievous and an insensibility was joined to them besides in their Interval talking idly an incongruous singing yea both Laughter and Weeping without any manifest Occasion breaking forth were wont to follow one another 18. But now the animal Spirits being forced into longer Explosions performed them so regularly that they seem'd after a manner to be done by the command of the Will and Reason 19. That we may therefore according to our Hypothesis frame an Aetiology or rational account of this Distemper in the first place it seems that a vehement fear did drive the Spirits inhabiting the Brain and Praecordia into great Disorders so that they being disturbed out of their Ranks both the kinds of her Madness or Foolishness and the frequent swooning succeeded 20. Further it may be suspected that from the same impression the hurt was carried to the Brain it self so that its conformation being somwhat vitiated the heterogeneous and morbifick particles were admitted together with the nervous juice 21. Then although the spirits at the begining being confused and troubled after their short Inordinations at last recovered themselves and performed the wonted offices both of the animal and vital function yet by reason of the taint impressed upon the Brain the heterogeneous particles being constantly admitted cleaving to those Spirits induced explosive endeavours as soon as the spirits were filled to a plenitude with the extraneous Copula they being irritated entred into convulsive explosions for the shaking or striking it off 22. About the begining of the Disease when both the disposition of the Brain and the spirits inhabiting it was more perverse and vitious from the fresh received hurt and a fullness of the heterogeneous Copula sooner happened and so its explosion following more often and more inordinately was dispatched with greater tumult 23. But afterwards when the hurt of the animal regiment abating the suppliments of that Copula even as the nervous liquor were daily brought in with an equal dimension the explosions of the Spirits being made more regular and mild observed their just periods or set times 24. So that upon the approach of the fit she felt a fullness and as it were an inflation in her Head with a heaviness and dullness of the Spirits the reason is because at this time the Spirits inhabiting the Brain being now prepared for explosions were wont first of all to be moved and as it were to swell up then that pulsation in her lefâ— Hypochondria succeeded 25. For that the Spirits inhabiting the nervous foldings and fibres thickly planted about the Spleen began to be explosed afterwards when the Spirits flowing both within the Mesenterick and Cardiack enfoldings were explosed together those elevations and as it were leapings up of the Abdomen and Thorax were induced 26. And when in this distemper the motions of the Blood and Heart were almost wholly stopped therefore there was a small and almost no Pulse and she became speechless and in a manner sensless 27. The Convulsion of the Viscera and Praecordia remitting a pratling and singing succeeded because a falling down or removal of the Spirits as yet explosed being made from the nervous stock into the Brain it changed the Convulsions into an exaltation of the fancy and more ready exercise of the phantasms or representation of the imagination 28. So long as the Spirits within the middle of the Brain are regularly and orderly explosed they bring forth the Acts of the habits and faculties so much more noble and as it were above the strength and tenour of nature as in this sick Gentlewoman 29. But on the contrary when the explosions of the Spirits in that region happen to be inordinate they cause for the most part foolishness or at least the exercise of their Powers are incongruous and absurd 30. The Convulsions of the Bowels and the phantastick actions relieved one another mutually and by turns because plenty of Spirits being disposed to be struck off made their tendency as it were with a direct or reflected waving or undulation now on this part now on that by turns 31. Then lastly when they were almost all explosed the more often Convulsions of the Viscera were stirred up and when a small handful only remained to be explosed that being at last excluded both from the Head and Bowels it ran forth into the spinal marrow and employed the last assault of the Disease in the Convulsions of the Arms and Leggs 32. There yet remains one great difficulty in this case why the fits of this Disease were always repeated exactly at set hours and yet had so unequal periods to wit that the coming of the first was only but six hours before the second and then the return of the next did not happen but in eighteen hours space 33. For the solving of this it is to be supposed that these fits did depend upon the nervous juice being stuffed to a plenitude with Heterogeneous particles which particles were altogether conveyed thither from the Bloody-mass and the Blood did drink up the same from the nourishing juice sent as a supply from the Bowels 34. These being thus supposed we must consider in what space of time the Bloody-mass is filled with those morbifick particles and then in what measure it pours them forth into the nervous liquor 35. As to these that it may the better apappear after what manner it was done in the câ—se of this sick person you must know that she took in the space of twenty four hours only at one time a full meal to wit after the second fit was ended she supped moderately about seven of the Clock the rest of the day being without an Appetite she hardly took any food 36. Therefore it is probable that the morbifick matter was poured forth with the nutrious provision into the Bloody mass chiefly in the night and that more plentifully than that all could presently be derived into the nervous Liquor 37. The Heterogeneous particles which are first conveyed from the Blood into the nervous liquor newly satisfyed being heaped up to a fullness did excite the first fit the coming of which therefore was longer delayed because both one space is required wherein the Blood and then another wherein the Brain and Nerves are to be filled 38. After this fit was over because the Blood yet full containing in it self more particles of the same kind pours them suddenly on the nervous juice
that ever I met with yea where the fits have been so exorbitant as to return above sixteen or eighteen times in the space of twenty four hours and therefore commend the same to the world from so great and large experience CXIV Of Convulsions arising by consent from other parts 1. Many ways are these Convulsions caused according to the part or parts affected or hurt in the Head they may arise from a puncture of the Menings of the Brain in the extream parts from a puncture of a Nerve or Tendon In the Stomach from poison received or from a wound or Ulcer in the Tunicles or Coats of the Stomach or from Worms in the Womb from faetid Vapours or sharp humors contained in the part in a part bitten by a Serpent or other Venomous beast from the poyson contaminating the Animal Spirits by reason of which though the Medium of the Nervous system the Brain it self becomes also affected by consent or compassion rather 2. These Convulsions are all dangerous if of any long continuance before the application of proper Medicaments for if once the Animal powers be over-come farewel Life the further the affect is from the Head and Brain the less is the danger and so much the less as the application is immediate after the Cause Wounds in the Menings of the Brain are very dangerous And though some Authors have reported that several have escaped with Life and perfectly recovered who have had the Menings of the Brain hurt yet ten have died to one so recovered In a puncture of a Nerve or Tendon in any extream part there is great danger and if there is once a mortification and Sphacelous begun there is no way to save the life of the sick but by cutting off the part 3. If poyson be long received it is for the most part Mortal because there is commonly a speedy mortification of the Viscera If there be speedy remedy exhibited there is for the most part hopes let the poyson be what it will if there be an Ulcer of the Stomach and Convulsions thereupon the Convulsions will not cease till the Ulcer is consolidated Convulsions from the Womb if caused of faetid Vapours or humors are commonly cured by cleansing the Womb but if once Ulcers be created in the part the success of the Cure will be doubtful Convulsions arising from Worms in the Bowels are curable while the parts are whole and not gnawn asunder but if the Worms be in great numbers and any of the parts eaten through Death must come and be the Physician 4. Convulsions arising from Cholick pains are curable by taking away the matter causing the Cholick but if the Disease has been of long standing so as that from the sharpness of the humor Ulcers are created or the sick receives no benefit by proper Medicines the case then is very dangerous and so much the more dangerous if it be attended with vomiting a bloody flux bloody urine or spitting of blood or frequent swooning fits and faintings away sickness at Heart and such like 5. The Indications of the cure of these kinds of Convulsions must be taken from their Causes if there be a hurt of the Menings of the Brain there will be a necessity of opening the Cranium with a Trepan after which it is to be cured as in wounds of the Head and Brain mixing with the Neuroticks and Antispasmaticks in the former section proper Cephalicks and such as have respect to the Brain as the Powers of Gentian Nutmegs Sage Lavender Rosemary Spicknard Ditany of Creet c. whether they be considered as relating to their Internal or External use 6. If a Convulsion arise from the puncture of a Nerve oâ— Tendon as often times happens in letting of blood c. in this Case the common way has been to cut the Nerve asunder but by this means the sick has been oblidged to the loss to his Limb or Part for ever to avoid this Inconveniency and the Corruption of the Nerve which must otherwise unavoidably follow you ought immediately to apply to the place Oyl of Turpentine or Oyl of Aniseeds and lay a Pledget dipt in the same over the Wound by this so great Ease has been procured as that the Convulsion has been prevented or suddenly taken way and the Wound soon after cured Some mix with the Oyl of Turpentine or Oyl of Aniseeds Oyl of Roses or Mithridate or Turpentine or Natural Balsum cheifly that of Peru and some Oyl of Earth-worms but if any addition be made to the Chymical Oyls the Balsam of Peru or Opabalsamum are truly the best In punctura Nervi Dixit Sennertus si foramen sit angustius ferre id dilatetur ut medicamenta penetrare sanies exstillare queat but you ought to beware that you increase or exasperate not the Convulsion by increasing the Pain The common Balsam of Sulphur or rather the anisated Balsam of Sulphur are without equal in this Case Lastly over the Wound you may apply this Emplaster Take Wax one ounce Pitch Turpentine of each half an ounce Euphorbium one dram mix and make an Emplaster But in delicate and soft bodies you ought to diminish the quantity of the Euphorbium For it is so vehement hot and sharp that it is not to be applied to a naked Nerve but where the Wound is deep for in punctures of the Nerves Medicaments ought to be applied which have a Power to resist Corruption to dry and are also without sharpness Inwardly you may give the Pouder Spirit Tincture Powers or Elixir of Castoreum either alone or mixed with our Guttae Vitae 7. If the Convulsion arises by reason of Worms you ought to give with the Neuroticks and Antispasmaticks mentioned in the 113 Section such things as have a certain specifick Quality to kill Worms Such are Worm-seed Aloes and most extream bitteâ— things to which add Pouder of Coralline Mercurius dulcis white Precipitate white Vitriol Salt of Vitriol Ens-Veneris volatile Sal Armoniack and Salt of Harts-horn Harts-horn calcined the Dose of any of which having made your choice is to be regulated according to the strength and age of the Patient to whom it is given the which we here leave to the Discretion of the Physician 8. If a Convulsion arises from an Ulcer in the Stomach all will be done in vain unless you apply those things which have Power to absorb the acid and by their softness sweetness and agglutinative properties have Power to cleanse and consolidate the Ulcer among which things are Pearl and Coral levigated and their Magisteries Magistery of Oyster shells Crabs-Claws and Crabs-Eyes prepared but above all things Terra sigillata has the preheminence for immediately upon the taking thereof in any convenient soft and almost insipid Vehiculum as Rose-water or Syrup of Poppies c. the pain of the Stomach has been abated the Convulsions taken off and the Ulcer consolidated to a wonder these things we speak by Experience An ingenious Gentleman a Friend
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 â—y 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
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 pituiâ—â— 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 Pâ—llitory 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
with a little Water which being cold and coagulated turned almost as black as Soot and being tasted by a Chyrurgion which was there was founâ— to be of a bitterish salt Tast 4. His Relations caused him to be opened in the lower Abdomen they found nothing amiss save that the lumbar chylous Receptacles were more than twice their ordinary or common bigness but very free from any kind of Obstruction either in themselves or Parts adjacent 5. The Thorax being opened the Gall Bladder and Liver were in their due and natural Proportion and Condition but the Spleen was grown to an excessive Magnitude being nerely three times the common bigness but without any Tumor Scirrhous Kernel Hardness or any other perceivable Distemper the Heart and Lungs seemed well save the Heart was empty of Blood and the Septum transversum in the Heart was found as it were slit 6. The upper Ventricle being opened the Brain seemed to be firm and intire but the Blood-vessels were very eminent and apparent large and as it were overcharged and swelled and all the Cavities of the Brain notwithstanding the great quantity which after Death came away were filled with clotted Blood whilst the Heart as before said was found empty These things being thus discovered and known it is very doubtful to me whether it might have been in the Power of any Medicine to have retrieved this Gentleman out of his Distemper or if all Things had been before hand known whether it had been possible to have prevented it 7. One Reason which I offer for these doubts is the largeness of the chylous Receptacles which gave a demonstration of breeding more Blood than might either serve the Intentions of Nature or is common to supply the Uses and Necessities of a Man of his Bulk and Magnitude and by reason the Spleen was of an extraordinary bigness it shew'd that it provided a sufficient quantity of a Ferment for the assimulation of the extraordinary Production of Chyle and alteration and changing it into Blood with which the Vessels seemed at this time to be overcharged VII An Apoplexy in another Person which proved mortal 1. A Man about fifty years of age in a Journey was seised with an Apoplexy in which he seemed to be deprived of all manner of Sense and Motion in which Condition he lay for about six hours but at length by the Industry of some about him more especially of an antient Gentlewoman he was brought to some kind of Sensibility but not to the use of his Limbs or his Tongue for he could stir neither Hand nor Foot but as they were moved for him nor could he speak so as to be understood 2. Physicians and Chyrurgions were sent for who bleed him raised Vesicatories applyed Cups used apoplectick Waters Oyls Oyntments and Balsams and gave him several inward Medicaments but all in vain for by no Artifice cold they retreive his Speeh and though he had in some measure his Senses and Understanding yet it was but dull and he very inclinable to Sleep 3. The next day after a Purge was given him a sharp Clyster having been given over Night this Purge although it was strong and brisk and might have given him several Stools considering that his Body had been before hand opened with a Clyster yet wrought not at all nor made him sick at Stomach which shewed that the Faculties and Functions of the Body were in a manner obliterated or abolished so that there scarcely was found any tract or footsteps of Natures vivacity 4. The Physick not working a second Clyster was given him but that did as little good for that came no more away from this time forth he grew worse and worse and more stupid and â—nsensible every hour than other in so much that the third day a new Fit seised him in which he expired 5. Being dead a kind of foeâ—id Matter to the quantity of half a pint came out of his Nostrils and as it were mixed with a pretty quantity of putrified Blood His Head was opened and the Cavities of the Brain were found abounding with such like Matter the substance of the Brain it self was much alter'd being extream lax or loose and in some places watery in others as it were corrupted and which was more remarkable the Original of the Nerves was pressed with a Bladder of Water not very large but so admirably was the Vesicle located that it was firmly tyed by four cross Ligaments viz. at each end and on either Side the uppermost of which was hollow and had a Passage into the said little Bladder and out of which when the Bladder was cut off the Water issued VIII An Apoplexy in a Man coming after the sudden stopping of a violent Catarrh 1. This Man about seven and forty years of age having been for more than three years troubled with a vehement Catarrh had it all of a sudden stopt without any previous evacuation either upwards or downwards with the Fumes of Amber which he recieved into his Mouth by a Funnel and by the indiscreet taking of Opiates 2. At the first stopping of it the Man feared he should have his Breath stopt so great an Obstruction he found in the Thorax but the second day following he was of a sudden taken with an Apoplexy whereupon I was immediately sent for having heard the former Relation I presently conceived that the morbifick Matter was translated to the Brain and therefore that there ought to be a speedy evacuation of that Part and that by strâ—ng and powerful Remedies 3. In order to this Purpose I first ordered a sharp Clyster to be prepared after this manner Take Milk or Mutton Broth ten ounces Infusion of Colocynthis an ounce fine Aloes two drams dissâ—lved in Rose Water Infusion of Crocus Metallorum two ounces sweet Oyl three spoonfuls mix them to be exhibited warm 4 Whilst this was doing I caused liquid Errhines to be injected up his Nostrils thus made Take White-Wine half a pint Euphorbium ten grains Cambogia half a dram dissolve them in the Wine this was gently syringed up his Nostrils but it did no good nor in the least move his Head 5. Wherefore seeing that I was forced to make use of a stronger Medicine which was that formerly mentioned of Deckers composed of Turpethum minerale c. This in a short time caused his Head to purge vehemently in about two hours above three quarters of a pint of filthy Matter came out of his Head by the Mouth and Nose and by the gentle use thereof two or three times once a day a kind of Flux was produced at the Nose in which it was thought that more than two quarts of Filth and watery humors were evacuated by this evacuation he was in a very little time restored out of the Paroxysm 6. Being thus freed from the Fit I caused his Temples Fore-head Nostrils Nape of the Neck Stomach and Pulses to be anointed with this following apoplectick Balsam Take Oyl of Nutmegs by
taken with a malignant Feaver of which being a very little recovered suddenly fell into an Apoplexy by reason whereof he lay in his Bed as one dead speaking not a Word being deprived both of Sense and Motion 3. While Cupping-Glasses were preparing for so great a Malady there appeared between his Teeth certain Bodies moving one against another a piece of Wood being put between his Teeth and his Mouth opened three live Worms appear which I took out of his Mouth with my Fingers 2. They being taken forth the Patient came a little to himself out of whose Nostrils a little after two live Worms more came 4. This Person drinking Juyce of Worm-wood with Meal of Lupines he voided by stool four dead Worms and so opening his Eyes he began to know his Acquaintance that stood by and being refreshed with proper nourishing Sustenance he grew well Zacutus Lusitanus Cent. 2. Observ 35. XLI Of the Apoplexy in one going to be buried 1. Avicen relates how apoplectick Persons have been reckoned for dead and carried to the Grave and afterwards revived Avicen 3. 1. Tract 5. Cap. 12. which is most strongly debated by the renowned Gregorius Horstius Lib. 7 de Med. Histor mirabil Cap. 9 Conciliator Diff. 182. Fabritius Hildanus illustrates the same with inexpugnable Exambles Cent. 2. Observ Chyrurg 95. and 96. 2. I can also testify with a good Conscience a strange thing which I saw in a Fisherman who being apoplectick twenty hours cold all over his Body wrapt in his Winding-Sheet for burial and laid sewed up on the ground when the Bearers as the manner is were carrying the Body to the Grave hearing a hoarse and strange Cry they set the Bier down from their Shoulders upon the ground and uncovering the Body saw the Cloth about his Mouth wet and full of Foam 3. Whereupon they came with a Cry to me and two Physicians who were then very accidentally passing by and desired us to give our Opinion whether the Man was alive or not 4. We came and first felt the Pulfes of his Wrists and found them beating and so using revulsive Remedies with dry Cupping-Glasses and sharp Clysters he by littie and little came to himself and after a few days became a lusty Man again Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Obs 161. XLII Of the Apoplexy continuing three days 2. The most antient Hippocrates in the 4th Aporism of his second Book hath this divine Oracle Persons strangled and dying but not quite dead recover not if Froath is seen about their Mouths c. 2. His most faithful Expositor Galen in his Comment thus said Coming forth of Blood in Persons strangled is a deadly sign for it argues mighty Heat of the Heart a violent Agitation of the Lungs a squeasing of the substance of the Lungs which being mixed with Air and sooty steams raises a bloody Foam or Froth c. 3. All which sayings are for the most part true if the contrary happen it is exceeding rare and monstrous Galen Lib. de Foet Form Cap. 1. and Lib. 6. Aphorism 58. 4. A certain sick Man eight and fifty years of age lay in his Bed unmovable like a dead Carkass who having been taken with the Apoplexy fell to the Ground as if he had been Planet-strucken 5. This Man laying three days unburied and being given over by the Physicians much bloody Froath appearing about his Mouth his Friends being without hope of his recovery did not endeavour any thing further towards his Cure 6. His Wife much against their Wills sent for me and another Physician we came seeking for his Pulse and found none But because he was a strong Man well set full-bodied of a ruddy Countenance with red Eyes and had been accustomed to drink much Wine we conceived he was fallen into this Disease by reason of Blood flowing in and at once obstructing the Ventricles of the Brain and intercepting the Passages of the Spirits 7. Wherefore having foretold the danger of Death which the Patient was in we took Blood sparingly from both his Cephalick Veins after this Evacvation was made the Pulse appeared though very obscurely 8. We growing a little more confident let him blood again the next day in the same Vein still making use of nourishing Plasters and Clysters to renew his Strength These thing being done he began both to open his Eyes and know the By-standers 9. The Patient growing stronger by these Remedies we began to take Courage and to let him blood again in the wrist in the branch of the Cepalick Vein All which Evacuations being performed his Speech was restored his Health recovered he betook himself to his wonted occupation of Writing yet his Feet did somtimes totter with weakness as he walked out we easily cured it by a strengthning oyntment and a Bath of new Wine Zacutus Lusitanus Lib. 1. Observ 17. XLIII An Apoplexy in an old Woman 1. An old Woman sixty five years of age after a Vertigo became apoplectick the By-standers would have had the expert Chyrurgion Augustus Megerus to have opened a Vein which I being called with him denied 2. She used the Mixture and the purging Medicines following and by them was restored to her Health within few days 3. The Mixture Take antiparalytick and prophylactick Water of each an ounce and half Betony-Water two ounces and half Syrup of Stoechas ten drams mix them For the sick to take by spoonfuls for this Purpose also our Elixir Vitae is excellent six or eight drops taken three or four times a day in Wine or Ale Or Salt of Mans-skull given to one scruple in Wine twice a day So also the sweet Spirit of Salt given to half a dram in Sage-Wine 4. The purging Medicines Take Rosin of Agrick of the Catholick Extract of each eight grains Salt of Tartar vitriolated three grains Oyl of Rosemary two drops mix and make four Pills 5. The Potion Take blew Fower-de-luce-roots choice Sena of each two drams lightest Agarick half a dram Peony-seeds one scruple Betony-Water a sufficient quantity boyl and strain to two ounces and half of the straining add Diacarthamum two drams and half Oyl of Rosemary one drop mix and mak a draught 6. The Pouder Take Salt of Tartar vitriolated six grains Salt of Scordium one scruple Resin of Agarick eight grains Sugar-Candy half a dram mix and make a fine Pouder Let it be done in French or Rhenish-wine Prax. Barbetti Lib. 1 Cap. 2. sub Calce 7. F. Deckers in his Notes upon this place prefers the Spirit of Sal Armoniack to be taken in Mother of Tyme or Lavender-Water He saith also let Castor be added to all Purges in all sleepy Diseases as the Apoplexy or Lethargy in its substance to one scruple yea Trallius gave two scruples thereof with one scruple of Scammony 8. Deckers further saith Being assured by Experience I commend to all People the Resin of Colocynthis as also the Extract of black Hellebor with Castoreum in Pouder mixt with Sage Lavender or Rosemary-Water
of the Members and that the serous humours which the Nerves had imbibed might trouble him no more we applyed a dry Stupha every Morning for a whole month 16. Our Sudorifick Antimony was given him to cause him to Sweat at length by the foregoing Medicines we delivered our Patient both from the Apoplexy and Palsy and a thin and light Diet being oâ—served still by him he yet lives in perfect health Petrus Johannes Faber Cur. 40. L. An Apoplexy in a young Girl 1. A Girl ten years of Age after bathing of her self fell into an Apoplexy which proceeded from a flux of gross humors into the Vessels and parts of the Head wherein consisteth the feeling and moving of the whole Body 2. She snorted much in her Sleep and trembled all over her Body I cured her with Oleum Cranij humani giving it with Spirit of Vitriol in Lavender-water Paracelsus LI. An Apoplexy in an elderly Man 1. One Caspar Mayr a Carpenter in the City of Lauginga being about fifty years of Age was taken with a strong Apoplexy of which through the help of God I cured him 2. Being called to him I exhibited the following Sternutatory Take Meal of Darnel pouder of Nigella-seeds pouder of white Hellebor of each a scruple Marjoram Rosemary Sage of each half a dram Musk two grains make all into a subtile Pouder 3. Of this Pouder about the quantity of three pease was blown up into his Nostrils with a Quill by which he sneezed strongly 4. After the Sneezing I gave Oleum Heraclinum to about half a spoonful to be swallowed by little and little by virtue of which almost miraculously he presently came to himself began to speak and know the By-standers 5. Being asked concerning his Disease how he was taken he answered he knew not how he was affected nor that he was deprived of all Sense and Motion however being now fully come to himself he called to mind that before he was taken with this Disease he was afflicted with a pain of the Head and a streightness of the Brest 6. And indeed through the mercy of God he recovered his perfect Health beyond the opinion of all men Martinus Rulandus Cent. 7. Cur. 44. SCHOLIA The THEORY of the APOPLEXY By the Author W. Salmon LII The Pathology of the Apoplexy and first of the Notation thereof 1. The Names It is called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 à percutiendo in Latin Apoplexia and in English the Apoplexy a word denoting percussion wherein after a wonderful and admirable manner the sick is struck dumb and sensless 2. The Definition Est omnium corporis partium motus ac sensus repentina privatio omniumque animalium functionum interceptio Joel It is defined by Riolanus to be an abolition of Sense and Motion with Respiration hurt which at last brings snorting and suffocation by reason of thick flegm flowing out of the Funnel and obstructing the Larynx or Wind-pipe which does oftentimes and unexpectedly invade a Man or follow some other sleepy Disease all the Ventricles of the Brain but especially the fourth being obstructed wherein unless the matter be discussed in the Spinal Marrow Death unavoidably follows Anot. lib. 4. cap. 2. Fernelius saith That an Apoplexy is a Disease bred by an obstruction of the Rete Mirabile the afflux of arterial Blood out of the Heart into the Brain being thereby intercepted Willis saith Apoplexia vi vocis percussionem denotat propter stupendam affectûs naturam quasi aliquid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 continentem Sideratio appellatur namque ea correpti tanquam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 aut numine invisibili perculsi subitò ad terram concidunt atque sensu motu privati totâque functione animali nisi quod respirant cessante quasi exanimes aliquandiu jacent quandoque mortem obeunt sin reviviscunt saepenumero paralysi universali aut hemiplegiâ afficiuntur The Sense of the word Apoplexy denotes percussion and by reason of the stupendious quality of the Distemper containing as it were somthing super-natural it is called a Sideration or Blasting for those struck therewith being as it were Planet-struck or struck with an invisible power fall suddenly on the ground and being deprived both of Sense and Motion and the whole Animal Function ceasing save that they breath they lye for a long season as if Dead and somtimes dye indeed but if they revive they are many times taken either with an universal Palsy or else with a Palsy of one side Riverius saith It is a most deep sleep and a total privation of Sense and Motion breathing excepted wherein the Sick neither opens his Eyes answers nor feels when he is hurt breathing also with difficulty Apoplexia morbus est gravissimus qui primò caput obsidet protinus ac subitò sensu motu universum corpus privat ita ut exitus spiritus animalis a cerebro prohibeatur vitalis aditus à corde ad cerebrum praepediatur à percutiendo nomen habet quôd qui ea laborent veluti de coelo percussi videantur Avicenna apoplexiam definit quod sit otiositas sensus motus per interceptionem spiritus sensitivi motivi ab oppilatione ventriculorum cerebri The Apoplexy is a Disease suddenly depriving the whole Body of Sense and Motion and causing all the Animal Functions to cease breathing only excepted wherein the Sick lies for a season as if Dead 3. The Kinds or Diferences 1. The Apoplexy is either accidental coming of a sudden and falling indifferently upon any Man though not at all predisposed thereto for which no preventive method can be instituted Or it is habitual from a constant disposition in some Men because of which they are at first only exercised with light approaches thereof or rather Symptoms afterwards the Paroxysms are evident but gentle but at length they become more grievous and of which at last they for the most part dye 2. The Apoplexy is distinguished according to its degrees as Sennertus teacheth Lib. 1. Par. 2. Cap. 23. into gentle strong and strongest The gentle is that in which the Sick breaths freely and easily becomes sensible again The strong Apoplexy is that wherein the Sick breaths with very great difficulty and as it were with violence snorting and foaming at Mouth The strongest and most dangerous is that in which all Sense and Motion immediately cease through the whole Body the breath also being stopt in these there is neither snorting nor foaming but the Sick lyes as if perfectly Dead and they ought not to be buried before three days be over for it has been found that in that space of time some so seized have revived again 3. The Apoplexy is also two-fold according to the place the one is seated in the middle of the Brain the other in the Cerebellum 4. It is either from causes conjunct and procatartick or from causes evident as some external violence LIII The signs of an Apoplexy 1. The person before
stupifying Medicines causing Sleep as also from the too immoderate drinking of strong Waters by the too liberal taking of the last of which we have known three several persons suddenly taken with apoplectick Fits who dyed in the height of the Paroxysm 17. But how Opiates affect in this Case Webferus tells us That they do only too much open and dilate the Pores and passages of the Brain and as it were open the doors of it before fast shut whereby every extraneous or forreign and incongruous thing is admitted into the Repository or sleeping place of the Spirits together with the subtil liquor poured forth from the blood and so by a violent incursion dissipates their ranks and orders This opinion of Webferus may have somthing of truth in it if it be considred in respect to the first Dose being too large for Opiates always hurt most at the first time of taking but not to the subsequent Doses for if so it would follow that being often given they would still bring a greater evil by dilating more and more the Pores of the Brain and thereby make a much easier enterance for all manner of Impurities which experience daily convinces us of the contrary for afterwards being often taken they do little hurt and the Sick having been a while accustomed to the use of them will take in large quantities without the least Detriment 18. By this it appears that Opiates do not so much alter the conformation of the Brain as immediately to profligate the Animal Spirits unless given at first in too large a proportion for then by reason of their present incongruity to them and sudden falling foul upon them the Particles of the Opiate extinguishes the said Spirit as with a mear Blast Whereas had it been given at first in a smaller Dose and gradually increased till a familiarity had been begotten between them the Opiate would have been so far from hurting or disturbing the Spirits that on the contrary it would become infinitely grateful and friendly to the same 19. The cause of an habitual Apoplexy now comes to be considered The Proeguminine conjunct or proximate cause is a malignant matter heaped up and dispersed in the compass of the Brain which at length descending into its middle or marrowy part does assault and suppress all the Spirits in the very fountain of their production and emanation Now this possibly may be done either by filling the medullary Pores or by obstructing and driving away the Spirits themselves or by contaminating them with a Stupor or Numbness as it were by a blast not much unlike lightning from the malignant contact of the matter rushing upon them or by all these ways together 20. For without doubt the Particles descending on every side from the compass of the Brain into its middle part or Callous Body and entering it from every part do presently fill the passages how straight soever they be and puting to flight the Spirits force them into a narrow place where being then beset and not able either long to resist or find out other passages they are profligated thereby obliterating every Function of the intelligent Soul 21. Being thus profligated or struck down they do not suddenly rise up again for that they are not able to rid themselves from the chains or umbrage of the malignant matter but they lye long suppressed till at length somtimes that matter is dissipated or drawn up into the blood or issuing forth through the little Pores of the Marrow slides forwards into the Ventricles of the brain Or at length falling down yet lower it is impacted on the Corpora striata either one or both of them and so causes either a Hemiplogia or an universal Palsy 22. In the interâ—m as the Animal Spirits within the Corpus Callâ—sum begins to free themselves so they resume their accustomed offices which they manage again till new matter springs up in the compass of the Brain and by degrees is increased so as to descend into the Callous Body as aforesaid thereby exciting another Paroxâ—sm from the embraces of which if the Spirit cannot free it self by either of the aforesaid ways in some reasonable time being by degrees wholly overcome they are at length perfectly extinguished 23. As to the Procatartick Causes of an habitual Apoplexy they are to be explicated not in a much differing Method from the like in most other Cephalick Diseases for seeing that the Blood must necessarily be in fault for that it sends to the Head forreign and very hetrogeneous Particles obnoxious to the constitution and texture of the Animal Spirits and that the Brain also is in fault for that it has been by degrees weakned and indisposed by the means of the sanguinous disaffection whereby its Pores and passages are altered made dissolute and too lax it then follows that it may at length easily admit without any difficulty the morbifick and malign matter sent forth from the blood 24. How the Blood comes to be thus affected seems not here necessary to be declared seeing we have already done it in many other places and that it is obnoxious to and follows all the irregularities of humane life as profound Drunkenness with Wine and strong Waters a long suppression of the Serum from its usual and long accustomed Evacuations a translation of the morbick matter of another Disease to the Head excessive drinking of cold and small Liquors when one is extream hot and dry Gluttony and Gormandizing with many other like Enormities too tedious here to be related 25. For the blood indeed transfers to the Head and Brain more especially in Apoplectick persons a great quantity of saline and noxious juice or of a malign serous and excrementitious humor extream prejudicial and for the most part deadly to the animal Powers taken somtimes from one place and somtimes from another which by degrees instils them with the Lymphatick and Nervous juice out of the Arteries on the compass or outer borders of the Brain where by little and little insinuatng the said malign and morbid matter it overflows at once all the said outward parts of the Brain and like a Sea breaking in or a Sulphurous or arsenical blast either drives away the inhabiting Spirits or totally extinguishes them 26. Hitherto we have discoursed of the causes of an Apoplexy in the Brain it now remains that we shew the causes of that proper to the Cerebellum In this case the motion of the Heart is often suppressed or proscribed whereby presently the blood being retained without the Brain the Animal Spirits destinated to the vital function fall down even as the light vanishes when the flame is put out and are suppressed somtimes extinguished in the fountain it self to wit within the Cerebellum whence comes besides a failing of the Spirits a sudden privation of all the Animal Functions the Sick becoming sensless and immoveable with a Pulse and Breathing very much diminished and almost imperceptible and growing cold lye as for Dead many